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Carlisle Brethren in Christ Investigation 

Firefly is conducting an independent third-party investigation focused primarily on the Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church while also seeking information about related experiences or patterns, past or present, within other Brethren in Christ settings that may help inform this assessment.

 

Firefly will investigate whether clergy members, staff, or volunteers of the Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church failed to protect children by committing or overlooking abuse, and whether individuals in positions of authority responded in ways that silenced survivors, concealed reports, or allowed harm to continue. This investigation is rooted in compassion for those who were hurt and in the belief that every child deserves safety, protection, and to be heard when they speak. Firefly does not cast blame on a child or other survivors of abuse who did not report the offenses of others.

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Firefly will also examine whether the church took appropriate steps to safeguard children and whether any failures to report abuse contributed to further harm. This includes acknowledging the deep impact that delayed action, disbelief, or inaction can have on a survivor’s healing and sense of worth.

 

We also know that many factors silence children from disclosing abuse. Research tells us that many children who experience maltreatment do not report abuse at all and, if they do, the report is often delayed. For this reason, we are also seeking information on factors that may have impaired your ability to report abuse and what, if anything, can be done differently in the future to increase a child’s comfort level in disclosing maltreatment.

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​Although the primary focus begins with the first known allegations in 1975 and continues to the present, Firefly is authorized to review any credible reports of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse outside this timeframe. This ensures that every survivor who chooses to come forward is treated with respect and that their experience is included in a full and honest accounting.

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This assessment will be carried out with independence, care, and sensitivity to survivor testimony. Firefly is committed to listening with humility, honoring the courage it takes to speak, and ensuring that the findings reflect both the factual record and the broader patterns that have shaped survivors' experiences within the Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​If you believe you are a survivor or have information that may help, we invite you to complete the confidential online questionnaire below. Your voice matters, and your story will be received with care.

Firefly Investigation

Brethren In Christ Church

1) I have read the purpose of this survey, the scope of the investigation, and the survey instructions, and I wish to proceed with this survey:
Yes, I agree to proceed
No, I do not agree
2) I am:
3) Please tell us about your interactions with the Carlisle BIC's Leadership or Staff by selecting from the list below. You can select more than one category.
6) During your time at the Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church or any other Brethren in Christ (BIC) church or ministry setting, did you experience any of the following?
7) : If you answered “Yes” to Question 6, was the abuse or maltreatment reported to anyone connected to Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church (for example, leadership, staff, administration, or a mission agency)?
8) If you answered “Yes” to Question 6, did you share or disclose the abuse or maltreatment with a peer (for example, a friend or someone of a similar age at the time)?
9) To your knowledge, has anyone you know (or have known) experienced abuse or maltreatment by someone in leadership, staff, or a mission-related role connected to either the Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church or another Brethren in Christ (BIC) church?
10) If you answered “Yes” to Question 9, to your knowledge, was the abuse or maltreatment reported to anyone connected to Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church (for example, leadership, staff, administration, board members, or a mission agency)?
13) May FIREFLY contact you should we need to follow up with the information you have provided in this survey?
14) If you stated in the previous question that you would like to communicate further with FIREFLY regarding the issues in this survey, would you prefer?
15) Should FIREFLY need to contact you, please indicate how you would prefer to be contacted:

Final message: Your survey is now complete.

Thank you for your willingness to participate in this survey. We recognize that sharing these experiences can be difficult, and we appreciate your willingness to participate.

An investigator will respond to your survey within 48 hours. Upon reviewing your responses, FIREFLY may contact you to schedule an interview or request follow-up information. In the meantime, please feel free to contact jimholler@hollertraining.com should you have any questions or concerns. Again, thank you for your participation and assistance.

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