HBO Documentary Remnant Fellowship

1. Press Release: Official Response to HBO Max Documentary Remnant Fellowship HBO Documentary categorically denies the absurd, defamatory statements and accusations made in this documentary - yet another Hollywood attack on religion. Over the last 20 years, countless celebrities and public figures have had to endure allegations of child abuse, eating disorders, sexual abuse and more. While many of these situations might be accurate, there are definitely situations where people are falsely accused. In today's society, everyone should be highly discerning regarding anything

2. they see on any media. We insist that the allegations made against our church are completely false and defamatory. Our Christian beliefs are Bible-based. Our church is a place based on love, care, mercy, and kindness shown to people from all walks of life. We have helped thousands to find a relationship with God. The church has also encouraged members to find their own personal relationship with God and has proven to restore numerous broken marriages and other relationships. Our teachings have helped thousands to overcome strongholds, vices, and addictions. Remnant Fellowship vehemently denies any accusation of child abuse in any form. Children here are happy and healthy, being raised with the most love, care, support, and protection imaginable. The church’s stance is that parents should determine how they set boundaries and guide their children based on their own family decisions, as long as it is founded on love and protection. There is no harshness in God nor Jesus Christ – there is only gentleness. Countless parents have shared that

3. they are more loving and kind to their children after they started attending Remnant than they were before. Our membership includes a high number of professional “mandatory reporters” who would be required by law to report any signs of abuse or concern, including over 90 medical professionals (including doctors, nurses, and psychologists), 7 legal professionals, 4 law enforcement professionals, and over 20 educators. These mandatory reporters have never reported any concern regarding the health or safety of any children at the church. Young Joseph Smith died in 2003 of a staph infection and high fever; the presence of this infection was verified by hospital technicians in court. However, his parents, church members Joseph and Sonya Smith, were accused of outrageous acts of child abuse that led to his death. From 2003-2007, Remnant Fellowship, Gwen Lara, and several church leaders were thoroughly investigated by a variety of State and Local officials. Despite years of focused investigation, zero evidence was ever found linking the church to child abuse, and no charges were filed against any church leaders in any way. During the Smiths’ trial in 2007, police testified under oath there was no link found between

4. the child’s death and the church’s teachings. The Leadership of Remnant Fellowship felt this was a false accusation towards an inner city African American family that was in part due to racism, so they felt the need to defend the innocent who were not able to defend themselves at their income level. The Bible states that we are to defend the innocent and those who cannot defend themselves (Prov. 31:8) - and this is precisely what the church was trying to do. Remnant Fellowship maintains that the Smiths are innocent of this horrible accusation. Regarding HBO’s "expert" testimony, their "expert" never visited the church, never spoke with Gwen, and never talked with any current members. HBO originally interviewed cult-expert Dr. Gordon Melton, who cleared Remnant Fellowship’s name of having anything to do with being a cult. Dr. Melton is a nationally-known, well-published, credentialed professor of American religious movements. He visited the church multiple times over the past ten years, spent hours interviewing Gwen and countless church members, and is very familiar with the church’s materials. Based on this extensive research, Dr. Melton states Remnant is not a “cult” by any means, stating, “The church presents itself as just another suburban Protestant congregation, not unlike the Baptist, Adventist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.” The fact that HBO features an “expert” who has never interviewed Gwen, never visited church, and never

5. interviewed current church members is very telling as to HBO’s true agenda. Please read Dr. Melton’s statement in full on this page. We do not body shame or bully anyone, as we know that God created all of us uniquely with different sizes, shapes and weights. We also do not approach anyone about weight, but we help those who approach us wanting help. Otis Rickman, a Pulmonary and Critical care physician who attends Remnant, sums this up well: “Everybody’s different. God made us all different. We have big, sturdy, muscular people; we have thin, wispy people. We have all kinds of people.” While Remnant Fellowship has always honored the Godly sanctity of marriage, our church has never supported abusive or oppressive situations. Unlike some legalistic religions that do not approve divorce even in situations of sin or adultery, we believe those situations can lead to the abuse and oppression of both men and women. There have been instances of divorce in our church dating back to when the church was established in 1999. These were personal choices and always handled with gentleness and respect. If someone seeks out the church’s

6. guidance regarding difficulties in their marriage, we encourage counseling to help the marriage stay together, upholding the sanctity of the union. However, when issues involve unfaithfulness or abuse (which comes in many forms), it can be devastating to the marriage. While the decision of divorce should never be made quickly, if abuse or unfaithfulness continues and there is no peace, then this is grounds for divorce. Remnant Fellowship has always upheld privacy and dignity for everyone; thus, we do not share individual situations.” Thousands have said that their lives have benefited from the mere-Christianity message of Remnant Fellowship and the Weigh Down Ministries, but we know that there is no one message that can ever please everyone. Over 40% of our resources are given away to members at zero cost, including free scholarships for classes or summer camp activities. Regarding tithing or donating, in our 20+ year history, tithing has been spoken about very few times. We have never passed a collection plate in any service; in fact, we address this aspect so infrequently, new members often have to

7. inquire HOW to donate or tithe. Remnant Fellowship has never required any member to purchase any resource, book, or class. Money tithed to Remnant, like any other church, is used to help the needy, hurting, and poor, and to keep the basic church ministry operations going. As any other church, Remnant Fellowship operates under all U.S. guidelines and laws. Our Church’s services and assemblies are webcast each week and viewed by people all around the world at no cost. Anyone seeking to learn more are always welcome to visit anytime online or in person. This is a place full of love and mercy with welcome, open arms to everyone around the world!