As I’ve been reading the comments on the article, “A Trojan Horse at GYC,” I thought it might be helpful to provide some clarification:
1. I wish I could have used my name on this article. However, it is clear from some of the comments that had my name appeared on the article, even though the report is accurate, some would have tried to discredit and cancel me, because what is my word, as just a GYC attendee, vs. Dr. Rahel Wells, a professor at Andrews University? I decided to write the report, however, because I believed GYC attendees, their parents, and others needed to be aware of the material that was being presented by this professor at this seminar.
2. I do not know Rahel Wells personally, and I have never heard her speak until this “Biblical Womanhood” seminar at GYC. I do not have anything personal against Dr. Wells. And, as mentioned in the article, she did say some helpful things.
3. During Rahel’s seminar presentations, I took careful notes, including verbatim quotes of what she was saying. It was from these detailed notes from which I wrote the article. I stand by their accuracy. Furthermore, Rahel said at the beginning of the seminar that the presentations would be not recorded in order to provide a “safe space.”
4. The seminar was advertised as one on “Biblical Womanhood.” It was not advertised as a seminar on abuse.
GYC has had seminars on abuse/trauma in the past, including this year by K’Dee Crews, a counselor who specializes in trauma. Interestingly, I believe K’Dee’s seminar presentations were recorded, while the “Biblical Womanhood” presentations were not.
There is nothing to hide or be ashamed of regarding Biblical Womanhood when it is based on the inspired writings of the Bible and Ellen White. I can understand why it might be a good idea to have this as a “women-only” live presentation, however, I see no reason why such a seminar could not have been recorded for others to be blessed by later (and to dispel any doubt about what was actually said).
5. I have attended GYC several times and have always been blessed—by the plenary speakers, testimonies, music, outreach, and seminars. This is the first time that I have attended a seminar at GYC that did not deliver what it promised to deliver. I would like to encourage GYC to ensure that each seminar will be what it is advertised to be, will be solidly biblically grounded, and will be recorded.
May you all have a blessed 2024 and I will look forward to attending GYC 2024 in December.
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