Welcome!
Welcome to our guest book and to the preview of our novel, Innocence Betrayed - A Dad's Story of Clergy Misconduct. The
book was written over a seven-year period of time through very
tumultuous times in the life of my co-author, Curt Szajnecki. The
story was intertwined with the lives of many different characters in
difficult situations. I never thought it'd be possible to put it
all together, but we succeeded and will soon be published.
There were many emotional breakdowns by Curt throughout the processes of writing his story, but he has courageously maintained his sense of humor and always got back on track as I pushed him for more and more details for the story. Yes, I was relentless, but we've put together a book that will hopefully aid those abused by clergy with our detailed reporting of what worked and what didn't work in our pursuit of making church administrators responsible for their non-action regarding a minister out of control and how a person can survive the battle.
We hope you find our first novel, not only informative, but also one that is difficult to put down.
There were many emotional breakdowns by Curt throughout the processes of writing his story, but he has courageously maintained his sense of humor and always got back on track as I pushed him for more and more details for the story. Yes, I was relentless, but we've put together a book that will hopefully aid those abused by clergy with our detailed reporting of what worked and what didn't work in our pursuit of making church administrators responsible for their non-action regarding a minister out of control and how a person can survive the battle.
We hope you find our first novel, not only informative, but also one that is difficult to put down.
The site looks great! Can't wait to read the book! Sounds enticing!
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I feel that what I have read so far is very interesting and cant wait to read the book.By just reading this first chapter i feel as though i already know this family and what they are about to go through.
I also believe that this book will be very informative to those of us who have no idea what goes on in some Churches.
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An unusual website - haven't seen one like it previously. Best of luck with your book, which sounds interesting. Sorry you had to endure the problems that went into making it possible.
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Congratulations on the publication of your book! I wish you much success!
Vickie
The Tears to Treasure: Amy's Journey
ISBN# 1-4241-4307-1
www.vickiesuchy.com
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Curt you will alway have my support and while I have only met Helen a few times. I am glad you found her and she has joined your quest to have your story heard. It is truly a tradegy what occurred and unfortunately a story that has been allowed to occur in our Society too often. Count me as someone who will help promote your book.
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Curt, my heart goes out to you for what you and your family have had to endure. When we look at our clergy, we need to realize they are humans, not gods. Yes, they should be supported by our prayers and works for the sacrifices they make, but also taken to task by church authorities when they break the precious trust of those that look to them for spiritual guidance. Thank you for writing this book to make us realize that the church isn't perfect and we need to make sure those in "power" walk the walk if they are to continue leading us.
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My name is Curt Szajnecki and I want to thank you for taking time out of your day to visit our web site. Please after viewing our site, kindly leave your comments in the guest book section of the site. The reason I ask you to make a comment is on behalf of my four wonderful daughters. They all have lost their faith and trust in all churches because of the abuse that they been exposed to. They have all suffered through 10 plus years of unwanted abuse and pain because no religious person came to their aid as promised.
I was told by one of my daughters last week that she is still haunted by issues regarding a word called "trust. " Issues of trust in all areas of her life, she tells me, that were caused first by her family minister, then the no contact by church administrators, at least doubled the abuse levels.
I'm asking all of you to be the voice of the church that never came to talk to them. I have been telling them all this time that many church policies were ignored, all the while they have been abused. Please be that voice and let them know that there are people out there that do care about children harmed at church. If you prefer just let us know what you learned on the site. I believe that raising awareness of this hidden religious danger, will help make the world a more heavenly place to exist.
I want to thank Helen and Tara for their work on this web site. Without them, this site would not exist. Again thank you both from my family and me. Helen, my writer, what can I say? Thank you, for endless hours spent sorting out my story. Thank you for caring about and loving my children through all the trauma.
Please let others know about this site and the book. We hope that it may serve as a resource guide for all victims that are out there. Please do not ever, ever give up hope. Sometimes hope is all we can focus on while praying to our Lord. The book for me is like a sweet and sour sauce. On one hand, finally the world will know what took place and why the church never talked directly to the children. The other part of me never wanted to publish a book, or have my family's abuse story told publicly. The sour part for my children is that if we taught them to go to church to confess their sins to church leaders, but where do we go to when the church will not admit their sins against the little lambs. We are hoping that the book will provide my children insight to the old phrase "you can be part of the problem, or part of the solution". Thank you from the Curt Szajnecki Family.
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Keep it up Buba.
Love
Don
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Most people seem to want to look at the perpetrator and think therein likes the problem. It's a horror they can wrap their heads around. But the far more incomprehensible horror lies in the silence of the many, and that's what most people don't want to see. Clergy abuse victims are not only betrayed by the physical and spiritual savagery of the clergy-perpetrators, but so often they are even more betrayed by the utter abandonment of the faith group in which they grew up.
Curt, you and your family have my profound sympathy for ALL that you've been through. I applaud you for your persistence and for your efforts to shine light on the problem.
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Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to look at our website and comment on our blog. We’ve taken the journey of writing a heartbreaking story, and I have the feeling that the roller coaster ride is just beginning. Once the book is released for publication, Curt and I will be out promoting it and talking of the tragedy again and again, bringing awareness to those unsuspecting and possibly future abuse victims.
Christa Brown, recently on 20/20, has a compelling story on her website and blogs that make for very interesting reading and awareness regarding the fact that the Southern Baptists don’t even have policies in place to deal with clergy abuse on her website http://www.stopbaptistpredators.org.
The United Methodists have the policies, but it’s been Curt’s experience that they don’t follow their own policies. The problem of clergy abuse is so widespread that the stories must be told and people who attend churches now or in the past must be made aware of this growing problem. While predators lurk inside churches, many administrators cover for them to hold onto the good thing they have going and don’t want to lose their inflated salaries to aid the victims of this horrendous crime. The public needs to know that their hard-earned dollars support these people and say enough is enough and will no longer be tolerated. An outside party must come in to monitor the churches and close down the ones that don’t comply. Innocent children and adults are falling prey to the evil ones hiding out in churches, and people must react and demand that something be done.
When a person is abused by clergy, the tentacles of pain reach out to everyone that victim knows. We hope our book will awaken the public to be watchful of the signs of clergy abuse inside their churches and to stand up and stop the deceit and manipulation before it destroys another family. We were taught as young children to respect our clergy members, now we must demand that the clergy members earn our respect.
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Knowing and working with Curt for over the last twenty years I am proud that this tragic story is finally being told. I witnessed first hand the pain and suffering Curt and his family went through. Curt always stayed the course and even when things looked darkest he keep his head up. He stayed the course to insure that this demon in God’s clothes evil actions did not go unnoticed. This book is a tremendous accomplishment and your commitment is wonderful Keep it up Helen and Curt.
Love
Don
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The site looks compelling and my interest has been piqued -- can't wait to read the finished book. Congratulations and keep up the good work.
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i read the story.i am so proud of you to get this out in the open i love you .hope to get a copy of the book when it is finished love marlene
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It is heartwrenching to hear about the pain and devastation caused by clergy who betray their sacred trust. May this book be a blessing to others who have struggled for years with pain and confusion, not knowing how to forgive and how to move on. May the Lord heal each victim and every family affected by clergy sexual abuse.
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Thank you, Samantha, for your individualized support in speaking with all the victims in Curt's family. When he found you at your website at www.hopeofsurvivors.com he felt he found an angel. You're truly a wonderful instrument of the Lord.
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I listened to and watched Curt for a couple of years at Bally's as this sad story took place. Then suddenly during the late summer or early fall I saw Curt smile for the first time in a long time and he told me how he had become re-acquainted with a friend he hadn't seen since high school. Helen, you turned out to a far greater gift from God than anyone could have possibly expected. Your beauty and graciousness is exceeded only by your humility. Without you there to assist Curt in learning to love and share again, I am not sure where our friend would be, mentally or spiritually. So on behalf of the crew at Bally's I want to thank you for making the gym an enjoyable experience once again (smile).
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Thank you, George, for the kind words. You made me blush. I very much appreciate your taking the time to write. Hi to everyone at Bally's!
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Thank you for having the courage to tell a part of your life that will help others to know they are not alone and seek help. Christ, Himself challenged the religious leaders of His day, now He does it through you. God bless you and your family.
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Being friends with both Helen and Curt I have had the privilege to read this book while in the editing phase.
I was pulled into this family's chaos and the whole time wanting this story to be fiction, but sadly it's not. The injustices that the girls suffered at the hands of the church is heart breaking and the effect on their lives will more than likely affect their children. How can the church be allowed to stray so far from Christ's teachings? Where was the compassion for these little ones?
The act of putting this event on paper is a true testament of Curt's love for his daughters. He wasn't willing to let the church cover this impropriety up. His daughters needed to learn to trust again and he wanted to give them that gift.
It was and still is a long hard road for this family but I am so proud of Helen and Curt for having the courage and stamina to put this story out there. This book is part of the healing process for Curt and his family but I feel that it will also help others who are in similar situations.
Thank you for giving a voice to those of us who abhor injustice.
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I am so happy for your cause to unfold Curt. Your battle for truth is nothing but truth and if my reply as a friend, God parent of your daughter, adopted uncle & brother for 29 years can help remind others to challenge wrong (SIGN ME UP): Your web site innocencebetrayedbyclergy.com is impressive and God Speed.
Curt you were schooled in pain and school is never out for being mentally tough and you will find balance.
Your Friend Always
Kevin Brettnacher
BTW, Helen the great ones don't give back...they just give....(that is my view of you and Curt)
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Hooray to both of you! After 7 years of reliving the heartache, bitterness, and pain that the memories cannot erase, the light is just around the corner. It is my hope and prayer that the girls, Curt, and his ex-wife can find the strength to finally heal and move on positively throughout their lifetime. It is said that we are never given more pain than we can handle. I am not sure if that is true, but in your cases, I think God is adding an extra dose of strength and courage. Please hang on and don't give up hope. The world is here to add a helping hand and comfort to your family. This book should hopefully be the catalyst to the healing process. Good luck!
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Curt, I am very proud of you, both as a dedicated, protective and loving father, and my friend from Bally's. I know from what you've shared with me how devastating this all has been for you and your daughters. They say, stand in truth, and justice WILL prevail! God Bless you on this personal quest to find the justice you and your family deserve. We miss you around the pool area! Take care ~ Dina
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What a compelling story! The excerpt makes me want more. You have such an important message to share. I sincerely hope that you have found the writing process to be therapeutic and that God will use this story to touch and heal many victims and families, including your own daughters.
www.freewebs.com/wandastrange
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Curt's experience is all too familiar to AdvocateWeb. Curt focused on every aspect of the harm done to his family and more importantly, himself, so that he could aid and assist his family through the struggles of healing from this egregious form of abuse. He refused to let it destroy his family or him and he fought back. This book is a testament to the walls that must be broken down in order for healing to effectively occur. AdvocateWeb is extremely proud of Curt and his family for their commitment to bring awareness and healing.
Cindy Boling
President
AdvocateWeb
www.advocateweb
HOPE = Helping Overcome Professional Exploitation
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Hi,
Great website and your book sounds great. In today's world where this topic is seen more and more on the news, your book should do very well. Best wishes on the success of your book and all future endeavors!!
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Things are really looking great. This blog site adds even more dimension to your offering. Keep up the tremendous work it will be worth it. Steve of Redford
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Wow, Helen and Curt. This site is amazing. I can't wait to read the book. I know you are so excited. You know I wish you much luck. Your cover is wonderful.
Yall have a great night.
Patricia
www.freewebs.com/blessedbeps
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Hi, I commend your courageous stand.
I haven't yet had the chance to read
your book. I run a ministry helping
people who have been spiritually
abused. God bless you in your
endeavors.
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Thank you so much! May our book help you in your ministry when you do get a chance to read it. Thanks for all that you do and for writing to us.
Helen
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I can see that you are an expert in this field! I am launching a website soon, and this information is very useful for me. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.
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Thank you for visiting our site and your good wishes! We're so glad that you find the information useful for your new website. Best of luck in your new endeavor!
Blessings,
Helen and Curt
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