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SUMMARIES REQUESTED

FOR

THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS



A MATTER OF TRUTH

is always accepting one to two page summaries of any and all aspects of abuse of children and vulnerable adults in religious organizations and cults. These summaries may cover, but are not limited to, legal opinions, professional summations, personal testimonies, and essays.

If we had our way, every willing person ever abused by religious would have the opportunity to sit in front of Congress and testify — and that may happen! — yet, we know we must be prepared in the event that personal testimony is time constrained.

Therefore, it is important to prepare in advance your written testimony so it can be delivered to whichever committee(s) hold hearings: We need as many survivors, states, house districts, forms of religious abuse, and kinds of religions/cults included when the time comes.

Our own representative, Steven Lynch (MA-09), already has a 162-page/two video summary report about abuse in religions/cults in the United States and its Territories, submitted September 15, 2005. The report includes a variety of testimony from survivors, supporters, and professionals.

Please take some time and prepare a testimony for us. If you feel more comfortable holding onto it, just let us know you're ready with one. You may also send it to us, and we will include it in our testimony package for the hearings.

Guidelines:

* Suggestion: Use highlighted/bold topics with supporting points in bullet form beneath each topic.

* Hard facts are good. Supporting documentation is not necessary at this point, though feel free to reference your material. You may include photographs from time of abuse.

* Keep language clear, crisp, and on topic. Essay form will be accepted and may include bulleted points.

* Send your summary in .txt or .pdf format attached to the
CONTACT form.

Summaries may also be sent by mail to:

Robert Costello, A Matter Of Truth 401 Engamore Ln, Apt. 103, Norwood, MA 02062-2556 (USA).

* Select a topic you feel strongly and/or passionately to share. If you need an idea or focus for a summary,
contact us for suggestions.

* Remember, your summary is for delivery to Congress: write it with this in mind.


Thank you!