Three Christian boarding schools in southern Missouri have closed since 2020 due to extensive abuse allegations from current and former students. Multiple individuals connected to these schools are now facing criminal charges. Concerned advocates, fearing that more abuse cases remain unaddressed, gathered Monday outside Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s St. Louis office to demand action.

“This is a structural problem,” said David Clohessy, a long-time advocate for abused children and former leader of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. “These are facilities that are remote, independent, private, sometimes for-profit, largely under the radar with little or no scrutiny, state oversight, monitoring, or supervision. It’s a recipe for disaster.”

A spokeswoman for Bailey stated in an email that the attorney general’s office does not have jurisdiction to prosecute criminal cases, except when appointed as special prosecutor by the governor or a court.

“As a former prosecutor, Attorney General Bailey takes crime very seriously,” spokeswoman Madeline Sieren said, adding that Bailey “has taken substantive action to combat human trafficking where the law allows.”

Amanda Householder, now 33, is among the former students who claimed she was abused. Her story was unique: Her parents, Boyd and Stephanie Householder, owned Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in remote southern Missouri until it closed in 2020 after investigators removed about two dozen girls.

Boyd and Stephanie Householder are scheduled to go to trial in November on a combined 100 charges accusing them of abusing girls at Circle of Hope. Boyd Householder, 74, was charged with 22 counts of having sexual contact, including sexual intercourse, with one girl who was younger than 17 at the time.

Sieren noted that the Attorney General’s office is handling the prosecution of the Householders, demonstrating that Bailey and his office are taking the issue seriously. Three prosecutors are working on the case, she said.

Additionally, 16 former residents reported that the Householders frequently restrained them with handcuffs, whipped them with belts, taped their mouths shut, and struck or punched them for minor offenses such as singing.

Messages were left with attorneys for the Householders. Phones listed as those of the couple have been disconnected.

Amanda Householder sued her parents, accusing them of beating her and forcing her to impose harsh punishments on other girls at Circle of Hope. She announced Monday that the lawsuit was settled but declined to discuss details.

Amanda Householder said she is forming a new nonprofit aimed at helping those victimized at boarding and reform schools.

“We have to be the voices for kids that are going through what we went through years ago,” Householder said.

Other Missouri facilities operating as Christian boarding schools have also come under intense scrutiny in recent years.

Agape Boarding School in Stockton closed in 2023 after abuse allegations. In 2021, Agape’s longtime doctor was charged with child sex crimes and five employees were charged with low-level abuse counts.

In March, ABM Ministries’ Lighthouse Christian Academy in Piedmont shut down after kidnapping charges were filed against the husband-and-wife owners, who were accused of locking a student in a room. A teacher also was charged with abuse for allegedly injuring a 15-year-old boy while boxing.

For decades, Missouri had among the most lax boarding school regulations of any state in the nation. A 1982 state law gave religious boarding schools free rein and the state no way to monitor how kids were educated. Even the state Health Department had no oversight, including for schools that claimed to address mental health, behavioral, and addiction issues.

A new law was adopted in 2021 after extensive reporting from The Kansas City Star found that several faith-based boarding schools, including Agape, relocated to Missouri after being investigated or shut down for abuse or neglect elsewhere.

The new law sets minimum health and safety requirements for boarding schools, which still don’t have to be licensed. It mandates background checks for employees; requires adequate food, clothing, and medical care for students; and says parents must be allowed access to their children at any time without prior notice.

Several students have run away from southern Missouri boarding schools in recent years, often claiming abuse. Two 15-year-olds went missing Saturday at a boarding school near Ava but were found safe Monday at a nearby cabin. Messages were left with the sheriff. A school official said it isn’t yet clear what prompted the boy and girl to leave.

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This story first published on May 13, 2024, has been updated to correct that the teens who went missing from a school near Ava are a boy and a girl.

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In a timeless dance of duty and devotion, women and girls trekked to the river, drawing life-giving water to mix with clay, crafting the sacred mud. Meanwhile, men and boys ascended the mosque’s grand facade, their hands working fervently to apply the new layer that would shield this magnificent structure from the ravages of time and nature.

Since 2016, the Great Mosque of Djenne has stood as a sentinel on UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list, its existence threatened by the turmoil that grips the land. A historical beacon of Islamic scholarship, Djenne and its iconic mosque face peril from the ceaseless conflict between Islamist rebels, government forces, and myriad factions.

Each year, before the rains of June descend, the mosque demands a fresh coat of mud. This ritual is more than mere maintenance; it is a lifeline. Without it, the mosque would crumble, succumbing to disrepair. Once a magnet for tens of thousands of tourists, Djenne’s allure has dimmed, its tourism industry a shadow of its former self.

Yet, amid this stark reality, the resolve to preserve the mosque remains unyielding. “The maintenance of the mosque must continue at any cost,” declared Moussa Moriba Diakité, head of Djenne’s cultural mission. The specter of insecurity looms large, casting doubt over the event’s future. “A lot of people talk about insecurity, and we hear that we can’t come to Djenne because there is insecurity,” he lamented.

However, the replastering of the mosque stands as a potent symbol of peace and solidarity. “The poor, the rich, everyone is here for this activity,” proclaimed Amadou Ampate Cisse, a devoted resident. “We will continue this tradition from generation to generation. We will pass it on to our children and they in turn will do the same.”

In the shadow of a relentless insurgency spanning Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where armed groups aligned with al-Qaida and the Islamic State sow chaos, the cultural heartbeat of Djenne endures. Recent military coups have reshaped the region’s power dynamics, expelling French forces and ushering in Russian mercenaries for security.

Amidst this turbulence, the Great Mosque of Djenne stands resilient, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who refuse to let their heritage fade into the annals of history. This annual ritual, a convergence of faith, culture, and community, ensures that the legacy of Djenne will endure, a beacon of hope and unity in a land torn asunder.

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Self Imprisonment

In the absence of God in one’s life, there exists a profound and often unnoticed imprisonment – a captivity of the spirit and the soul. One does not need physical bars to be in prison; the absence of divine presence can confine the mind and heart, creating a void that cannot easily be filled by the material world alone.

Without the guiding light of faith, individuals may find themselves locked within the confines of their own limitations, fears, and uncertainties. They may be imprisoned by the relentless pursuit of material wealth, societal approval, or fleeting pleasures, unaware that these pursuits are but illusory chains that bind them to a life devoid of true fulfillment and purpose.

Furthermore, the absence of a spiritual anchor can lead to a sense of isolation and alienation, as individuals struggle to find meaning in a world that seems increasingly devoid of compassion, empathy, and transcendence. This spiritual vacuum can breed despair, anxiety, and a profound sense of disconnection from oneself, others, and the universe at large.

In the absence of a divine presence, individuals may also find themselves imprisoned by their own ego, consumed by selfish desires, and driven by a relentless quest for power and control. This relentless pursuit can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction and disillusionment, as the ephemeral nature of worldly success fails to provide lasting satisfaction or genuine contentment.

The imprisonment of a godless existence is not merely a metaphorical concept; it is a profound and tangible reality that impacts the way individuals perceive and experience the world. It is a state of being that stifles the growth of the soul and hinders the realization of one’s true potential, leaving individuals confined within the narrow confines of their own limited perspective.

Therefore, the absence of God in one’s life can indeed be viewed as a form of imprisonment – a confinement that extends far beyond the physical realm and touches the very core of one’s being. It is a state of spiritual impoverishment that robs individuals of the freedom to soar beyond the constraints of the material world and discover the boundless depths of their own humanity.

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WHAT IS INTERFAITH LIBRARY?

Interfaith Library is unique and necessary in today’s time for several reasons. Firstly, in a world marked by increasing globalization and interconnectivity, the need for understanding and cooperation among people of different faiths has become more crucial than ever. Unfortunately, the availability of comprehensive and unbiased resources that accurately represent various religious traditions can be limited, and this gap in accessible knowledge can hinder efforts to foster interfaith understanding and harmony.

Secondly, Interfaith Library’s initiative addresses this gap by providing a centralized repository of resources on multiple faiths, thereby promoting greater understanding, dialogue, and respect among individuals of different religious backgrounds. By making these resources available in a single location, the Interfaith Library facilitates learning, research, and education about diverse religious beliefs, practices, and perspectives. This not only contributes to greater mutual understanding but also helps combat misconceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices that can arise from ignorance or misinformation about different faith traditions.

WHAT DOES INTERFAITH LIBRARY PROVIDE?

• The Faith Book
• Library Blog
• Religious Dialogue
• World Travel
• Religious TV & Movie Programs
• Religious Studies (InterfaithLibrary.com)
  • Judaism
  • Christianity
  • Islam
  • Buddhism
  • Baha’i

* More Coming Soon

LET’S SHOW THE WORLD THAT INTERFAITH COOPERATION IS REAL!

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The religious diversity in America can be attributed to a combination of historical, social, and legal factors. Here are some key reasons for the religious diversity in America:

1. America has been a melting pot of peoples from all over the world, with waves of immigration bringing diverse religious traditions to its shores. From the early European settlers to more recent immigrants from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, each group has brought its own religious beliefs and practices.
2. The United States was founded on the principle of religious freedom, enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution. This has allowed individuals and communities to practice their faith without fear of persecution, leading to a wide array of religious traditions coexisting within the country.
3. The American ethos of pluralism and secularism has created a space for diverse religious groups to thrive alongside one another. This has fostered an environment where people of different faiths can interact, learn from one another, and coexist peacefully.
4. In the modern era, globalization has facilitated the movement of people, ideas, and cultures across borders. This has further contributed to the religious diversity in America, as individuals from around the world bring their beliefs and practices with them.
5. In America, there is a strong emphasis on individualism and personal choice, including in matters of religion. This has led to a wide spectrum of religious beliefs and practices, as individuals are free to explore and adopt the faith that resonates with them personally.

As a result of these factors, America has become a vibrant illustration of religious diversity, with adherents of various faiths contributing to the nation’s cultural, social, and intellectual life.

What Makes Interfaith Library Special?

• Interfaith Library showcases diverse religious traditions brought by waves of immigration to America, celebrating the country’s rich multicultural heritage through its collection.

• Interfaith Library promotes religious tolerance, offering diverse resources for various faiths, reflecting America’s commitment to religious freedom and cultural diversity.

•.Interfaith Library embraces American pluralism and secularism to provide a space for diverse religious groups to interact, learn, and coexist peacefully.

• Interfaith Library embraces globalization to collect diverse religious resources, reflecting America’s multicultural landscape shaped by the influx of people, ideas, and cultures.

• Interfaith Library embraces individualism by offering a diverse collection of religious resources, respecting personal choice and facilitating exploration of various faiths.

Interfaith Library’s initiatives and mission is distinct from those of other religious conglomerates in several ways:

1. Unlike many religious conglomerates that focus primarily on promoting their own faith traditions, Interfaith Library places an emphasis on showcasing a wide range of religious traditions. This approach promotes understanding and appreciation of diverse belief systems rather than seeking to promote only one specific faith.
2. By actively promoting religious tolerance, Interfaith Library’s initiatives seek to create an environment where people of different faiths can coexist harmoniously. This stands in contrast to some religious conglomerates that are more focused on promoting their own beliefs and agendas at the expense of tolerance for others.
3. Interfaith Library’s mission focuses on aligning with the principles of American pluralism and secularism, which emphasize the coexistence of diverse religious and non-religious perspectives within society. This stance contrasts with many religious conglomerates that only seeks to assert a dominant position for their own faith within the public sphere.
4. Interfaith Library’s embrace of globalization and individualism demonstrates a commitment to engaging with diverse global perspectives and recognizing the importance of individual autonomy in matters of faith. This contrasts with some other religious conglomerates that prioritizes a more insular or homogenous approach to religious practice and belief.

In short, Interfaith Library’s initiatives and mission is to prioritize inclusivity, diversity, and mutual respect among different religious traditions, setting it apart from the more exclusive or singularly focused approaches of many religious conglomerates.

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You’re invited to join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking episode of Wade Fransson’s “Created In The Image Of God” show, featuring a special guest, Mekye Abdus Salaam, the founder of Interfaith Library.

In this episode, Mekye Abdus Salaam will dive into the captivating topic of “Qur’an For Beginners,” exploring the uniqueness and beauty of the Qur’an for both non-Muslims and young Muslims alike. This promises to be an insightful discussion that sheds light on the profound wisdom and universal teachings found within the Qur’an.

Whether you’re seeking to expand your understanding of different faith traditions or are simply curious about the Qur’an, this episode is not to be missed. Join us for an engaging exploration of a timeless scripture that has inspired and influenced millions around the world.

Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Time: 8:30pm(EST)
Location: Streaming “Live on Facebook” and “YouTube”, or hit the link below:

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We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching conversation with Mekye Abdus Salaam, as we celebrate the beauty of interfaith dialogue and understanding.

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Imam Mekye Abdus Salaam is the creator and C.E.O. of Interfaith Library. He has over 25 years of theological teaching experience as an Imam and spiritual advisor, as well as over 24 years of scholastic secular educational experience as a mathematician and English language teacher. He has studied classical and contemporary Arabic Lexicology & Grammar for numerous years and is proficient in classic Biblical Hebrew. Imam Mekye Abdus Salaam’s desire for interfaith unity comes from his teachings and understanding of the universal and inclusive message of love written in the holy books (i.e., The Torah, Bible & Qur’an). He has been a motivational speaker, mentor, spiritual advisor, and collaborative interfaith leader.

In addition, Imam Mekye Abdus Salaam has been commissioned, by the U.S. government and the City of Philadelphia to create and manage a point-of-entry location at the Philadelphia International Airport for people evacuating from Afghanistan. His focus was to create an Interfaith Prayer space, provide spiritual counsel, and create a welcoming reflection space for all evacuees and returning American citizens coming through Philadelphia into the United States.

Imam Mekye Abdus Salaam shares knowledge on various topics, including the connections between different faiths, and has given sermons about “Jesus In Islam” during a church service. He is also the creator and C.E.O. of Interfaith Library, which suggests his commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration across different faith communities.

Imam Mekye is a champion of interfaith dialogue and cooperation because of the following reasons:

1. Islam promotes the values of peace, tolerance, and understanding towards people of other faiths. Many Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of engaging with people of different beliefs in a respectful and cooperative manner.
2. Imam Mekye recognizes the importance of building bridges between different religious communities to create social harmony, understanding, and mutual respect. By promoting interfaith dialogue, he can work towards creating a more inclusive and cohesive society.
3. In many cases, people of different faiths share common values and goals, such as promoting social justice, alleviating poverty, and working towards environmental sustainability. Imam Mekye sees the benefit of collaborating with individuals and communities of diverse faith backgrounds to address these shared concerns.
4. Imam Mekye seeks to counter misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam by engaging in open and constructive dialogue with people of other faiths. By promoting understanding and cooperation, he helps dispel prejudice and promote a more accurate understanding of Islam and Muslims.
5. Imam Mekye has had positive experiences with people of other faiths that have inspired him to become an advocate for interfaith dialogue. These experiences have demonstrated the benefits of cooperation and understanding across religious boundaries.

Because of his vision to create religious and traditional understanding amongst people of different faiths, Imam Mekye’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation stem from a combination of religious teachings, social values, common goals, and personal experiences that have led him to recognize the importance of building bridges between different religious communities for the betterment of society.

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The Interfaith Books & Travel Pass

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