Sons of Patriarchy The Moscow Mold: Abuse in the CREC, Part 6
Dec 5, 2024
Holly Rench, a former member with strong ties to the CREC, shares her harrowing journey of control and abuse within Christ Church. She recounts her initial attraction to the Moscow community, counseling experiences with Doug Wilson, and the chilling reality of intrusive church practices. Jake Reynolds, father and advocate, talks about his family's conflict with Trinity Covenant Church, detailing the fallout from speaking out against alleged weaponized discipline and threats of excommunication. Both guests offer stark warnings for those considering joining similar communities.
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From Seminary To Moscow Counseling
- Holly Rench described being raised in Reconstructionist circles and being drawn into Doug Wilson's network through seminary materials.
- Her family moved their 17-year-old daughter to Moscow for Doug Wilson's counseling, which led to long-term entanglement with CREC communities.
Church Files And Control Over Intimate Life
- Holly shared that Christ Church kept detailed ecclesiastical files on members, including sexual calendars and food logs for her daughter.
- The elders coerced her daughter to sign a document relinquishing custody rights if she divorced.
Gendered Access Signals Power
- Holly observed institutional gender control: men alone distributed communion and decided family access.
- Women were excluded from key meetings and relegated to domestic topics, exposing patriarchal powerplay.
