I.  ISTI CREATION AND ORGANIZATION: 

1.     August 1993: Timothy Kelly OSB, Abbot, and Dietrich Reinhart OSB, University President, invited twenty-two people from across the country to Saint John's for a two-day consultation meeting in the aftermath of initial allegations of sexual misconduct against some members of the monastic community.  The consultants recommended that the Abbey develop a program of systematic education, written policies, and explicit procedures as a means of prevention and to deal with its internal issues; and create an independent interfaith initiative to address issues of systemic change and prevention across religious traditions. Roman Paur OSB was asked to be the point person to shape the latter initiative into a formal program. 

2.     May 1994: The advisory board, with membership mostly of the initial consultation group, was officially established; the executive director appointed, and the initiative was named (ISTI). 

3.     ISTI Advisory Board:  The full board meets twice annually, mandates ISTI priorities and programs, and reviews the operating budget. Through the executive committee and three standing committees (Planning, Program, and Finance) the Board monitors project development and oversees the performance review of the executive director.  Broad membership intentionally includes people from all aspects of the issues: both survivors and offenders as well as from across the professions of psychiatry and psychology, social workers and law, religion and education, researchers and writers.  A total of 50 people have served on the board from the beginning including 16 survivors, 5 offenders, 20 women, and members of the Jewish community and 18 Christian denominations.  All religious traditions are welcome.  ISTI board meetings and conferences are closed to the media. 

4.     ISTI Administration and Structure:  ISTI programs and initiatives are administered and organized by the executive director. Historically, ISTI was jointly founded with the Board by Saint John's Abbey and University, divisions of The Order of Saint Benedict, a tax exempt corporation.

5.     ISTI Budget:  The annual budget is about $125,000  ($110,000 for indirect support costs [space, fixed utilities, business office and technical services] and compensation, and $15,000 operating expenses).  ISTI's goal from the beginning is to be financially independent through its own fundraising initiatives.  ISTI has been unsuccessful, however, in attracting adequate funding to support itself through annual giving or endowment resources.  Although ISTI has raised to date a total of about $350,000 through speaker fees, cash gifts, foundation grants, conference income, and sales of ISTI products, Saint John's Abbey and University have contributed a cash subsidy as well as the indirect support costs and compensation annually of the Benedictine executive director, totally just under $950,000 between August 1993 and June 2002.  

II.   ISTI VISION, MISSION, GOALS:  

1.     Vision:  Facilitate the building of safe, healthy, and trustworthy communities of faith. 

2.     Mission:  ISTI promotes the prevention of sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment through research, education, and publication.  In areas of sexuality, ISTI offers leadership, gives voice, and facilitates healing to survivors, communities of faith, and offenders, as well as those who care for them.   

3.     Goals:  ISTI concerns itself with long term systemic change through the following specific goals:

1) encourage understanding of sexual misconduct through interdisciplinary seminars, conferences, and seminary instruction;

2) develop models of intervention, psychological and spiritual healing, restitution, and recovery of community trust in collaboration with such persons as survivors, offenders, religious leaders, and those in the helping professions;

3) support the systematic study of and theological reflection on healthy human sexuality and appropriate use of power;

4) publish materials regarding survivors and healing, offenders and rehabilitation, and spiritual communities and transformation;

5) advance research on sexual abuse, exploitation, harassment, and their prevention;

6) collect and disseminate accurate information about issues of sexual misconduct;

7) network with professional organizations and agencies that deal with issues of sexual misconduct.      

Through the speaker resource ISTI provides educational consultations but does not provide direct treatment for offenders or survivors.  ISTI does not investigate or comment on any allegations of abuse from any source nor does it monitor the integrity of any person or institution. 

III.  PAST ISTI CONFERENCES: 

1.    August 1994: ISTI hosted and sponsored with Saint John’s Abbey the second annual three-day national conference of Linkup, a national affiliation of victims of clergy sexual abuse; and a one-day Linkup workshop for training victim advocates and group leaders. This was the first and only time a religious institution sponsored a national gathering of victims. About fifty Benedictine monks from Saint John’s Abbey participated in the conference along with the victims. Abbot Timothy Kelly OSB gave the opening and closing addresses and the then Ordinary of the Saint Cloud Diocese, Bishop Jerome Hanus OSB, was an invited speaker who received a standing ovation. 

2.    1995: Three 1-day fact-finding conferences in Los Angeles , Philadelphia and Saint Louis .  The purpose was to get a first-hand sampling of the status of the question and learn directly from the participants what was being done around the country across denominations and what needs to be done to address the issues of clergy sexual abuse (Total of about 300 participants). Speakers: Patrick Carnes PhD, Mark Schwartz PhD 

3.    1997: Two 1-day conferences in Washington DC and Saint Paul entitled Power in Communities of Faith: Creative or Destructive? Total of about 200 participants). Speakers: James Gill MD, Rev Margo Maris 

4.    1998 ISTI 3-day national conference in Collegeville: Preventing Abuse by Creating Healthy Communities (130 participants). Keynote Speakers: Abbot Timothy Kelly, Phyllis Willerscheidt, Patrick Carnes PhD, Candace Benyei, Marvin Ellison.  Workshop Speakers:  Nancy Myer Hopkins, Elisabeth Horst PhD, Roman Paur PhD, Sr Sharon Howell, Nancy Biele, Kevin McDonough JCD, William Stayton ThD, Paul Duckro PhD, Sr Margretta Dwyer, Elisabeth Griffin, Karen Hilgers PhD, Rev Liam Hoare, Mic Hunter PsyD, Richard Irons MD, Mark Laaser PhD, Leslie Lothstein PhD, Marilyn Murray, Rev Robert Nugent, James & Nancy Poling, Dana Raphael PhD, David Richards DD, Jeri Rockett PhD, Marak Sundby PhD, Dale Ryan PhD, David Saude, William Seabloom PhD, Myrla Siebold PhD, Mary Stamp, Nicholas Tormey PhD, Jan Tuin, Rev Ken Wells, Tony Williams 

5.    1999 ISTI 3-day national conference in Collegeville: Sex and the Abuse of Power in Religious Systems (150 participants). Keynote Speakers: Flora Keshgegian PhD, William Cahoy PhD, Rev Ken Wells. Workshop Speakers:  Kevin McDonough JCD, Rev Thomas Krenik, Gary Schoener, Phyllis Willerscheidt, Mark Laaser PhD, Nancy Myer Hopkins, Roman Paur PhD, Patrick Carnes PhD, Elisabeth Horst PhD, Nicholas Tormey PhD, Nancy Biele, Richard Irons MD, Julia Moen 

6.    2000 ISTI 3-day national conference in Collegeville: Desire: Spirituality and Sexuality (160 participants). Keynote Speakers: Joan Timmerman PhD, Bishop Harold Hopkins, Mariah Burton Nelson.  Workshop Speakers: Nancy Myer Hopkins, Donna Scott, Jan and Lon Tuin, Phyllis Willerscheidt, Mark Laaser PhD, David Richards DD, Columba Stewart DPhil, Roman Paur PhD, Elisabeth Horst PhD, Patrick Carnes PhD, Richard Irons PhD, Christopher Ruf 

7.    2001 ISTI 3-day national conference in Collegeville: Bringing Light to the Underground: Living Faith in a Sexually Traumatized Culture (24,25,26 June) Keynote Speakers: Cordelia Anderson, David Richards DD, Mike Dubois.  Workshop Speakers:  Patrick Carnes PhD, David Delmonico PhD, Elisabeth Griffin, Jennifer Schneider Md, PhD, Mia Baumgartner, Nancy Myer Hopkins, Elisabeth Horst PhD, Richard Irons MD, Marcia Zimmerman, Nancy Biele, Lenora Brown PhD, Larraine Frampton, Sandra Scott 

IV.  ISTI INTERNET RESOURCES: 

1.     www.csbsju.edu/isti features free access to various educational and referral resources including a select bibliography of over 4,000 entries that can be downloaded without charge.  The ISTI website is linked to many other internet resources. 

2.     Web-based Distance Learning Program:  In conjunction with the Saint John's School of Theology, ISTI opened its web-based academic program in 2000.  Current information on course offerings is available from the ISTI homepage.

V.   ISTI PUBLICATIONS: 

      (all books and pamphlets available from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville MN 56321 USA.  (Liturgical Press Direct sales: 800.858.5450  - 

  sales@litpress.org   -  www.litpress.org)

1.     ISTI Bibliography and Resource CD (discontinued) This self-opening CD contains a 4,000+ entry select bibliography; and listings of survivor consulting and support resources across the country, offender treatment centers, all past ISTI newsletter articles and book reviews, ISTI advisory board, ISTI history and mission. All of the information on the CD is available without charge through the ISTI website.

2.     The ISTI Sun had been a quarterly subscription publication that started in September 1995 and ran through December 2001.  The hard copy is no longer published.  All articles are now available without charge on the ISTI website,

3.     1995: Mark Laaser & Nancy Hopkins, eds, Restoring the Soul of a Church: Healing Congregation, $19.95

4.     1996: Stephen Rossetti, A Tragic Grace: The Catholic Church and Child Sexual Abuse, $10.95

5.     1998: Nils Friberg & Mark Laaser, Before the Fall: Preventing Pastoral Sexual Abuse, $12.95

6.     1998: Elisabeth Horst, Recovering the Lost Self: Shame Healing for Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse, $4.95

7.     1998: Nancy Myer Hopkins, The Congregational Response to Clergy Betrayals of Trust, $4.95

8.     2000: Elisabeth Horst, Questions and Answers About Clergy Sexual Misconduct, $3.95 

VI.  ISTI SPEAKER AND CONSULTATIONS RESOURCES:   

1.     The executive director is invited to be a speaker on related topics for keynotes, workshops, and seminars at local, regional, national and international events.

2.     ISTI is contacted regularly as a resource for information about survivor support, policy development, intervention issues, training of advocates and pastoral response teams, intervention of offenders, offender treatment facilities, publications, etc. 

VII.  ISTI RECOMMENDATIONS: 

1.     June 2000:  ISTI Recommendations to the Leadership of Faith Communities for the Healing and Prevention of the Abuse of Leadership Trust

2.     June 2001:  ISTI Recommendations to the Leadership of Faith Communities for a developing a Code of Ethics in Pastoral Ministry        

VIII.  CURRENT INITIATIVES:

In July, 2002, ISTI was incorporated into the Saint John's School of Theology·Seminary where it is currently administered.  The ISTI website continues to be a resource of education and outreach.  From time to time ISTI offers invitational workshops in Collegeville on relevant topics.  

ISTI Advisory Forum

(Updated 9.25.02)

It was with excitement and anticipation that we read of the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute being established inMinnesota.

Anne d'Auray Tracy, CHAIN (Child Abuse Information Network), Bowie MD 301.262.9079

Thank you for the wonderful hospitality of the Benedictine community at Saint John’s during our second national conference of LINKUP (1994) that you hosted in Collegeville.  …I received many comments from victim participants who were surprised but appreciated the obviously sincere welcoming comments of Abbot Timothy Kelly and the moving talk of Bishop Jerome Hanus.  I know that this conference was a risk both for us (as an organization of victims of clergy sexual misconduct) and for you as a religious institution and I’m relieved that it went well.  …The participation of so many monks and your openness to hearing the pain of victims sets an encouraging precedent to church leadership….

Jean Miller, founder, LINKUP

I am a survivor of ritual abuse and rape.  I enjoy reading your newsletter.  Please keep sending it.  I have no money to pay for it because I can't work at this time.  I am writing to say thank you.

Victim, North Kingstown RI

I am an Anglican priest and social work manager.  I am the child protection advisor to the Anglican Bishop in this Province.  Restoring the Soul of a Church is a very helpful book, very moving, sensitive, and sensitizing as well as thought-provoking and stimulating.  The Anglican Church in England has yet to face a number of these issues.  We need you and the work of ISTI here in England very much, and value your leadership.  Woud you consider an invitation to speak here?

Rev Christopher Chestle, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England

I am writing as a survivor of clerical abuse.  Restoring the Soul of a Church is great.  I hope some of our bishops read it as they are still not really understanding our hurt.  I met another woman in our parish who had a similar experience to me and it was the first time we both felt really understood.  It was another step in our recovery and empowerment.  We hope to set up a support group for people like us and wondered if you had any guidelines that would help us.  Your book was great and as I said I hope our bishops read it.  Thank you for the real understanding that hopped off the pages.

Victim, Templeoque Heights, Dublin, Ireland

I was very excited to hear about ISTI.  I am a social worker with a private psychotherapy practice, specializing in recovery from childhood sexual abuse.  I am also a trained victim advocate for the United Methodist Church, and have been involved in interventions in several cases of clergy sexual misconduct in my Annual Conference.

Lorraine DeArmitt, Rocky Point NY 516.821.9665

I spoke to you sometime ago about how I was victimized by a Rabbi here in Boulder….  There is a lot of information in your (ISTI Sun) articles about the initial stages of hurt and damage….  Your articles have been very, very helpful to me.  I thank you.  Please put the other victim on your mailing list.

Shrra Reiss, Chairman & CEO, CareerTrack, Boulder CO

I am a Catholic priest and a victim of sexual abuse.  I have had a lot of pain over the years struggling with this.  It has disturbed me to the extent that two years ago I quite the priesthood particularly because I still continue to see priests abuse.  I'd really appreciate it if you could send me more information which could help me find the kind of help I desperately need.

Victim, Nakuru, Kenya, Africia 037.211394

I found Dr Mark Laaser very helpful for both consultations and as a referral source.  Whatever you decide, Roman, don't quit -- we need guys like you leading the charge.  To paraphrase what God said to Esther, "Who knows, maybe you were brought to the Kingdom for such a task as this."  Please count me as one of your encouragers.

Dave Carder, Counseling Ministries, First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton CA 914.529.5544

Thank you so much for your work in the area of sexual addiction.  My husband is a former minister with the BaptistState Convention and was arrested for soliciting a male undercover policeman for sexual favors.  I've been working on these issues ever since the news aired publicly.  The ISTI tape you sent (Pat Carnes, Sexual Abuse in the Church), was exactly right.  ISTI is doing the right thing the right way.  Thank you.

Nancy Langford, Raleigh NC

The chairman of our Foothills Presbytery Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Rev Dr B W Wilson, has sent me a copy of the article, "Discernment and Development of Religious Professions," in The ISTI Sun (David Richards et al, January 1997).  Dr Wilson's copy is heavily marked up.  I would like permission to make copies for those preparing for ministry for whom I serve as liaison.  I would like to subscribe to your newsletter and also be put on your mailing list for resource materials and conferences.

L C McArthur Jr, Greenville SC

I've read Restoring the Soul of a Church and I'm very interested in learning more about ISTI.  Would you please send information, bibliographies, and suggestions as to how contributions may be made to your organization.

Les Longden, Senior Pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church, Lansing MI (517.627.8388

I live in Colorado Springs.  I attend Cheyenne Mountain High School.  I'm in the ninth grade.  For my World History class, I am doing a social issues project on rape.  I chose this topic because I believe the more informed I become, the less chance I have of being sexually assaulted.  I got your name over the internet and have read about your work in some books.  Can you send me some information about abuse?

Holly Pratz, Colorado Springs CO

I have to tell you how impressed I am with the latest issue of The ISTI Sun.  The articles by Elisabeth Horst and Stephen Rossetti were both excellent.  I hope that church authorities begin to pay attention to the voices of healing in their own ranks.  Thank you again for the very important work you and your colleagues are doing.

Mike Lew, The Next Step, Newton Centre, MA 617.332.6601

Please keep up your wonderful work, Roman, and add my name to your mailing list.  I plan to continue contributing. God bless you and Saint John's for this project.

Peter Pichetti, President, State Bank, Tower MN 218.753.6100

Greenhaven Press is a small educational publisher of supplementary texts for high school and college students.  We are currently compiling information for our book Child Sexual Abuse: At Issue….We can make it better with input from ISTI.

Nuria Coe, Editoral Dept, Greenhaven Press, San Diego CA 619.485.7424

I serve as the Director of Clergy Development for Metropolitan Community Churches.  I am writing to request permission to copy the article from The ISTI Sun, "Discernment and Development of Religious Professionals," for the members of our Boards of Ordained Ministry (BOMs).  The BOMs are responsible for the credentialing of clergy in our denomination and, I believe, would benefit greatly from reading your article.

Rev Maggie Tanis (MMTanis@aol.com)

I've received the bibliography and was truly impressed with the quality and volume of the references!  Kudos to the ISTI staff who work on a topic that is so relevant to my work as a mental health professional who brushes from time to time with the power of the very political Church.  I look forward to The ISTI Sun and any forthcoming workshops that may be available. 

Yvonne Fallert, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis MO (yfallert@aol.com)

Please renew my subscription to The ISTI Sun for the next three years.  As a clergy person and a treatment provider for convicted sex offenders, I have found your newsletter well written and informative.

Rev Robert Gutleben Jr, Exec Clinical Dir, The Covenant Connection, Sebastopol CA (707.823.8444)

What a surprise for me!  You are keeping me from total despair.  Your talk was the first time I heard anyone, let along a Catholic priest, be open about the real issues, and understanding of real people who are victims of abuse by clergy.  Where did you come from?  If ISTI is about what you say it is, keep at it.  Victims need you.

Richard Dahlsen, Melbourne, Australia

The work of ISTI is so important today and we at Saint Luke's strongly support it.  We would like to offer this check of $250 as a token for our esteem for ISTI.

Rev Stephen Rossetti PhD, President, Saint Luke Institute, Washington DC 301.445.7970

Thank you for coming up to Brisbane and lending your support to the Esther Trust project in our community.  It meant a lot to us especially coming from ISTI as a model of courage and leadership that we desperately need.  I hope you realize how important Saint John's and the ISTI board are in paving the way.  And I will treasure your homily.  I hope to get to St John's and talk more with you and Gary (Schoener).              

Karyn Walsh, The Esther Trust, South Brisbane, Australia

I have just begun to read Restoring the Soul of a Church (ed Nancy Hopkins, Mark Laaser) and I already know it will be a good read!  I'm writing to inquire about being on your mailing list and becoming a member.  I am the director of Abuse Prevention for the Christian Reformed Church in North America….  Above all, thank you for your work and for being a blessing to those of us who continue to confront abuse issues in the local church context.  Your leadership is most appreciated and an inspiration to us all.

Beth Swagman, Pastoral Ministries, Burlington ON Canada 905.336.2920

Although I was glad to contribute to the work of the sexual trauma work group last summer in Collegeville and to suggest other resource people for your board, I regret I am unable to commit more time because of other pressing academic and publishing priorities….  The institute certainly will be a very important project and I wish you all success with it.

Rachel Adler, Los Angeles CA 213.653.8679

It was good seeing you in Manchester at the General Chapter.  Thanks much for the fine presentation on issues of sexual abuse; it gave me further reason to be proud of the great profession class of 1960!  I especially thought your remarks about an action policy and community spotters of alertness would be excellent for our community to hear, and welcome your retreat with us in November.

Abbot Patrick Moore OSB, Assumption Abbey, Richardton ND 701.974.3315

You are doing the Lord's work in taking a message of hope and change to the far corners.  You and ISTI have my highest respect.

Judge Diana Murphy, Minneapolis MN

I've been a therapist in Baltimore for nearly 30 years, and have worked with both clergy who have sexually abused, and also victims.  I discovered ISTI through the Net.  Your leadership work is incredible and I want to congratulate you on your courage and determination along with the quality of your materials.

Dr William Hug, Pastoral Counselor and Psychologist, Baltimore MD 301.747.5600

Please send me 70 brochures for your national conference, Desire: Spirituality and Sexuality.  I will see to it that they go out in the mailings to the Canadian Catholic Bishops, as I did last year.  You people are doing a great service to the Church and the CCCB needs to be kept informed of your conferences.  By the way, you have a great website! Thanks for your leadership.

Bede Hubbard, Assistant General Secretary, CCCB, Ottawa ON, Canada

This was the first ISTI national conference I participated in and really appreciated your hospitality, organization, and thoughtfulness throughout the 3 days.  The keynote speakers were right on target.  As a victim I found Ken Wellstalk especially moving and I was glad I was able to talk with you afterwards.  I want you also to know that I really felt safe on your campus, and would come back again.

            A Victim, '99 national conference participant at Saint John's

Thank God for ISTI…a tremendously great gift for the life of the Church.

Bishop John Kinney, Chair, National Catholic Bishop's Conference Committee on Clergy Sexual Abuse

As you know, Roman, I participated in your conference workshop and very much appreciated your perspective on institutional obstacles to change along with the opportunities for growing.  I will be talking with you later on using your ideas for a project of the AGOS Group, for which we would be willing to pay an intellectual property use fee. The (national) conference was terrific.  Thank you.

            Sharon Doty, The AGOS Group, Tulsa OK 800.205.5262

What a wonderful (national) conference.  The speakers were great, the hospitality was terrific, and the welcoming tone of your leadership comments throughout the 3 days set the stage for relaxing but serious discussions of difficult issues.  Thank you also for accommodating our special needs so graciously.

            Dr Liz Piasecki, Archdiocese of Milwaukee, WI (piasecki@archmil.org

I attended the conference on boundaries in Birmingham this summer and talked with you after your presentation on being vulnerable both to being victimized and a perpetrator.  I liked your common sense perspective and appreciated your openness in presenting the issues.  I think you're right on target and more people here need to hear you.

        Anonymous

I have nothing but respect for you guys.  You're doing tremendous work and meeting a real need especially when many church leaders and institutions are still very much on the defensive.  Your leadership example and openness is an inspiration to many, and I want to support you in every way I can.  I am also very impressed with your conference presentations, Roman, that I've  been a part of with you in Australia, England, Ireland, and Switzerland.  Keep at it!

Gary Schoener, Founder and Executive Director, Walk-In Clinic, Minneapolis MN 612.870.0565

I have subscribed to your newsletter.  I am not a Catholic.  I am a convicted pedophile who is now in treatment.  The negative attitudes, brutal legal processes, prevent any meaningful progress towards creating healthy communities. When I tried to change I was treated as a criminal and continue to be today….  In any case you and ISTI are courageous in taking a step to heal our community and world.  I don't know how it will happen, but I know nothing will happen if someone doesn't take a first step.

John Groves, Rochester NY

Just wanted to send a note to say thanks for your newsletter.  I look forward to every issue.  Even though I can't afford to pay for it yet, please be patient with me.  Your work is so needed and so little understood.  It is reassuring that you are committed to the healing process of sex abuse and the idea that environments can be designed proactively safe..  Your newsletter is a door, a window, a choice in the direction toward the light.

Rebecca Borth, Gagville SD

I've come to respect ISTI and I have found healing there both through many of the workshops we attended and the books and references I have purchased.  The articles available on the web are always helpful….  Victims, offenders and systemic change are a part of the whole picture as painful as it is, all issues must be addressed and help up in prayer and discernment.  Of course victims will be the most sensitive outwardly to any hinds of minimilization, rejection, abandonment, censorship or frustration.  Offenders can only improve their status by being involved in ISTI, a way to repent and show the world that they have worked hard to recover.  Inwardly it must be very painful for them.  As much as they need to be held accountable, and have been, they are victims of a sick world too.  They have needs and limitations and it is vital to the bigger picture to understand what makes a clergy or religious violate such a trusted position.  Integrity is not perfection.                                                                                      A victim,Michigan

Well, I'm back again.  This was a wonderful conference and I'm glad you were able to take care of our special group needs for housing.  It worked out very nicely.  ISTI is a terrific project and I hope you realize what an enormous service you are providing, even just knowing you exist!  Thanks.  I'll be back.

Sr Ethel-Marie Biri, SSND, Chancellor, Jefferson City MO 573.635,9127

I appreciate very much your willingness to shave a lot off the costs of the conference and room and meals so that I could come again.  That meant a lot to me.  As a victim still working out a lot of issues, these conferences are a God-send.  The talks and discussions are really good but just being at Saint John's and soaking up the place was therapy in itself.

Lyn Monnett, Wickenburg AZ lmonnett@futureone.com

What a fine conference you put on.  I really liked the keynoters, all three of them, and the workshops were great also.  Thanks again, and if I can help in any way in the future, definitely count me in!

Nancy Beile, Saint Paul MN neb@usfamily.net

We are very grateful for your help.  You seem to be the only one who has helped us and not pushed us away.  Here is my sister in law's address she said to feel free to send her anything that you think might help.

 Michael Millwood, Hoboken GA

After reviewing several programs working with this sensitive issue (of clergy sexual abuse), I felt The Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute best addressed the problem. 

Antonio Saldana, Editorial Board, The Press Gazette, Green Bay WI 920.496.1514

The comments about your keynote address in Bern at the first Swiss Congress Against Violence and the Abuse of Power were very positive and I look forward to your return next November for the second congress and also for your week-long workshop with our seminarians of the Evangelical Reformed Church.  I would like very much to continue our conversations about an Alpine partnership of ISTI and AGAVA.  Thank you very much!        

Rev Hans Strub, Director,Continuing Ministry Formation,

Evangelisch-reformierte Landes-Kirhe, Zurich, Switzerland

I wished I could be  with you, Abbot Timothy, for the presentation of the ISTI citation of gratitude for your leadership.  I still want to tell you how grateful I am for your tenure as abbot.  Your support has been priceless to ISTI.  Your humor has been timely and your wisdom has been uncanny.  Personally it was important to learn from your leadership and experience your friendship.

Dr Patrick Carnes, The Meadows, Wickenburg AZ 800.708.1796

The Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute Board acknowledges with the highest esteem and deepest appreciation Abbot Timothy Kelly OSB, as a founder and charter member of ISTI.  The Board is grateful for Abbot Timothy's thoughtful counsel in the Board's emerging understanding of itself and its mission.  Abbot Timothy demonstrated his priority commitment to ISTI and the work of systemic change by both his regular participation in Board meetings and the significant annual financial contribution of the Saint John's Benedictine community to this timely apostolate.  Abbot Timothy clearly feels the pain of victims and compassion for offenders, and appreciates the needs of healing in building healthy, safe, and trustworthy communities of faith.  He has publicly supported initiatives requiring institutions of religion to examine the implications of individual behavior that violate the integrity of others, and also the roots of clergy sexual misconduct in theology and structures of religion. The ISTI Board is especially grateful to Abbot Timothy for carrying the banner of leadership accountability by example in his spirituality, wisdom, and humanity.                                                         

ISTI Board Citation of Appreciation, 22 October 2000

Thank you very much for your very helpful phone consultations.  You obviously have a lot of experience to draw on and you are an especially gifted listener.  ISTI is a great pathfinder for me and I'm sure, many others.  Keep at it!  I am enclosing four gift subscriptions to your newsletter and will be in touch soon about you visiting the people we discussed to help them with their issues.

Pam Farris, Zachary LA 225.654.6192

I'm thinking of you these days, especially in light of the impending KSTP report on Friday.  Having worked with you and ISTI, I know the quality work you do, and I'm deeply disappointed in the sensational reporting that the station is indulging in.  Just wanted you to know that you have my support and undying devotion, and prayers as well.  

Maureen Otremba, Saint Cloud MN

As per the ISTI conference in June (2000),…quite frankly, I am hoping we can get a busload from Fergus Falls to attend (next year's)!  I can't tell you how helpful you folks at ISTI have been to us.  I remember sitting in our first workshop, yours, Donna Scott, and thinking, this is of the Lord.  We are exactly where God wants us to be.  When I heard you talk about your "perp,"  I knew we had found someone who understood.  Then, when you took us under your wing, introducing us to Phyllis Willerscheidt and several others, I was amazed at how gracious everyone was. I remember asking Phyllis if there was anyone there from the Baptist General Conference.  The next thing I knew, someone was introducing us to Dr Friberg, and Later, he gave us his card, and said he would be glad to assist.  (And he has, in numerous ways.)  I think it really affected us to learn that these important people--all professionals in their respective fields--cared about us, and the experiences we were going through.  I refer to ISTI in my written account--and how much I learned through its ministry.  I have been in telephone contact with Fr Roman Paur, Phyllis, and Dr Richard Irons and Donna at different times since the conference in June, and all have been so helpful.  I have purchased as much ISTI material as I could afford, and sent it along with my account.  We also gave copies of the publications to a friend at the "Winnipeg Free Press."  One last thing, I sent some ISTI material to Lynn Vincent, a reporter for "World Magazine" (It is a weekly Christian news magazine published in North Carolina, and edited by Marvin Olasky.)  I talked to her about the possibility of doing a story on the sexual exploitation of women in Protestant churches--also forwarded her clippings about the criminal case here.  I told her it is time for evangelicals to break the silence, and gave her several names of ISTI board members that I thought she could contact for resource people.

Gerri Stowman, Little Falls MN

Donna's letter (above) reminds us that ISTI is an important resource and does provide help and facilitate healing. Testimonials like hers give us the confidence and energy to overcome resistance to our organizational success and cause. Good teamwork on our part is reflected in her words of thanks and gratitude. I am thankful to be part of ISTI; I have learned much from my membership on the Board.

Richard Irons, MD, FASAM, Professional Renewal Center, Lawrence KS, 785 842 9772

Thanks, Roman, for the permission to duplicate the article in the April issue of The ISTI Sun by Dr Elisabeth Horst.  I really appreciate this!  Last year, you had sent me extra copies of the Forgiveness article by Ken Wells - and I shared those with the retreat participants - they were appreciative also.  And thank you, too, for Elisabeth Horst's email address - I will definitely contact her and let her know how much I (we) appreciate her books and articles -- Also, I have purchased about 10 of her books on Questions and Answers and plan to distribute them to key persons, with an additional 15 that the Sexual Boundaries Team of the United Methodist Minnesota Conference has purchased for leaders in the conference.  That is an excellent book, and I found myself nodding my head in agreement many times! Thanks for all you do!

Pat Horlocker

I have benefited from your organization, particularly from the book on Shame Healing (Elisabeth Horst).  I suffer from PTSD and Bipolar. The perpetrator of my sexual abuse was a female clergy…. I thought I would share this poem with you and thank you for all you are doing to help people like myself.

Victim, Canada

Dear Roman, Just a few lines to say a very sincere “go raibh maith agat” thank you for sending on The ISTI Sun.  I have just finished reading them all.  As we enter this phase of our life, as a Congregation, it is great to have somebody ahead of us holding up a torch.  Keep up the great work.

Rev P B Walsch CFC, Christian Brothers, Dublin Ireland 01.831.7833

… The time since last year’s ISTI meeting (national conference) which helped me so much has flown swiftly.  This time last year I was in Thunder Bay phoning you and having you encourage me to attend the conference; you gave me a break on the tuition and board which I really appreciated…. And thanks to The ISTI Sun and the Conference I am now in therapy and 12-step programs; and I’m slowly coming to a new birth.

Victim, Chaplain, Montreal, Canada

I attended ISTI’s 1999 annual conference in my capacity as a member of my judicatory’s CSM intervention team. There I received a copy of a handout Nancy Hopkins uses in church consultations entitled “Talking and Listening,” a small group discussion guide.  I have misplaced my copy and would like to provide it to my colleagues.  Could you please send me another?  The Institute’s materials have been invaluable to our work.  May God continue to bless your important ministry.

Ms Louise Rynd, Central PA Conference of the United Methodist Church, Harrisburg PA

We are an Orthodox monastic community.  We have seen the excellent material on your ISTI website.  We have been particularly inspired by the informative articles.  We are searching for professional assistance in establishing a pro-active policy for preventing and/or responding to allegations of abuse.  Would you able to help us, or to recommend some avenues we could peruse?

                         Superior

I have just finished reading the excellent book Restoring the Soul of a Church.  Reading this book was most encouraging for me personally and I’ve bought books for members of our group.  I will be writing a review of this book for a monthly Anglican paper sent to all the Anglican churches in the diocese of Sydney.  I belong to a small group of Anglican women in the Diocese of Sydney, Australia, who are very concerned about the issues of sexual abuse in the Church.  We have been meeting monthly for a few years now and have produced a video, “Behind Closed Doors”…. Many thanks, Roman, for sending the newsletter and putting me on the ISTI mailing list.  I appreciate also the gift of Dr Horst’s two booklets which are excellent and right on target.  Your excellent work is very important world-wide and you are so encouraging in your help and support.

Deacon Pattie Mutton, Sidney Australia

I had the opportunity to be on Sky Angel last week (June 7th) on the taped segment of "Friends and Neighbors."  It will be aired all over the nation on July 3rd and will continue to re-air.  I am so pleased with this interview.  I was able to talk about ISTI and where they are located and the mission of ISTI.  I defined the words for the acronym and expressed how much this organization brings education and insight to sexual issues in the Church, and I specifically stated clergy abuse….

Ms Patricia Harris interview on Sky Angel, evangelical national TV program for airing on 3 July 2001

I want to thank you again for your generosity and hospitality.  The (fourth annual ISTI national conference, “Living Faith in a Sexually Traumatized Culture,”) was a tremendous learning experience for me.  I hope to have a donation to ISTI on its way by next week… I've been reading the "Standards of Sexual Ethics in Ministry" that recommend each judicatory create its own ethics standard.  Would you have any samples of such standards that have been created that I could use as examples.  This is an area the diocese needs to look at and I want to have as much info available to enable the process.

Ms Bernadette Dunn, Director, Office of Christian Service, (Catholic) Chancery Office, Crookston MN

The national conference was just great!  It has been a wonderful experience for me in so many ways, education, networking with participants, and a sense of hope in my own personal recovery; a great feeling that I am not alone and that others really care, and there is help out there for both victim and perpetrator.  Thank you also for my big fee reduction.  A special note of gratitude for the ISTI staff; each of you was special in making me feel welcome and important.

Female Victim, 2001 ISTI national conference participant, Ireland

This was a wonderful conference.  It exceeded my expectations.  The combination of ISTI Conference and the Saint John’s community is marvelous and a winning formula!

Female, 2001 ISTI national conference participant, Canada

I attend many conferences and seminars in my professional work both as a participant and as a speaker and I must say Saint John’s does an exceptional job, at the top of my experience.  Your people and facilities are nearly flawless in making me feel welcome and relaxed.  The conference speakers were top drawer and the Forum idea and discussion were ingenious.  I also appreciated Roman’s skill at redrafting the document (Guidelines for Written Standards of Sexual Ethics in Ministry) to accurately reflect our comments.

Male, 2001 ISTI national conference participant, New York

Thank you for a powerful weekend (ISTI national conference). The speakers were outstanding; the setting, beautiful; and the staff, attentive to our needs. Well organized. Well done!  ….Thank you so much for the 2001 ISTI Resource CD. I will share that also with Bishop Kristenson…. I have been in touch with others already, soliciting information for our Canadian church for training response teams and personnel.  I still would like to see greater representation from the Canadian scene or a stronger presence of ISTI on this side of the border. Any ideas? Any suggestions for how I might help? I continue to make your information available to our synod and national bishops.  I will certainly forward the suggestions for policy development. There actually is a meeting September 6 reviewing and upgrading our policy for the Synod of Alberta and the Territories.  Blessings to you - especially for some rest now - and continued vision and energy for the future.

Rev Dave Saude, DMin, Pastoral Care, Messiah Lutheran Church, Camrose, Alberta Canada

Thanks, Roman, for all your great work in making the 2001 conference such a great success.  Last year's ISTI conference and networking with other persons meant I was able to identity the resources we shall use for this fall's training of all our 1200+ United Methodist clergy of the Virginia Annual Conference regarding sexual ethics in pastoral ministry.  This year's networking to say nothing of the great workshops and presentations was equally as valuable.  Thanks again for your very valuable and significant ministry.

Rev Rob Vaughn PhD, United Methodist Church, Herndon VA 703.620.1977

The ISTI conference and the setting of Saint John's have come to be for me a highlight of my year --- a type of retreat.

Wes Sharpe, Asheville NC

Roman, I just wanted to thank you for a great conference. The presenters and themes were exceptional, and, as always, the Spirit was so evident. Blessings on you and your good work, and if there is any way I can be helpful let me know.

Dr Mark Davies, Professor of Family Ministries, Carey/Regent College, Vancouver, BC Canada

I would like to order 12 reprints of the July 2001 ISTI SUN.  I just now investigated your website.  It is magnificent. I will explore it thoroughly ASAP and also share information about it with the religious/professional leaders I have been contacting.  Thank you for your great work.

Dr Marion M Horne, Philadelphia PA

 Finding your website, articles, and resources, has truly been a Godsend.  I am a psychotherapist and pastoral counselor in Massachusetts, in the diocese of Fall River.  A colleague shared two of your publications with me, and they have been manna-the-desert for one struggling to respond to the growing  crisis.  Thank you, thank you, from my courageous clients and I…. I am most grateful.

Christine Homen, MSW, LICSW,

Fall River MA