I just got back from a meeting at Holiday Inn Burlington. Many people involved in various ways with Dominion Christian Center were there, as was W5, which has been doing an extensive investigation into this so-called church. My sister Linda attends there and it has been a year since she cut all ties with our family after my parents signed a petition asking for dialogue with her pastor. I actually talked to her recently, because with my new phone number, she was not able to screen my call out. All I could do was stupidly keep on asking, "How are you?" and babble about my new apartment ect., but when I told her Christina was here and asked her if she would like to talk with her, Linda said it was not a good time. "Is it ever a good time?" I asked. "I'll tell you later," she said and hung up. I called back and left a message telling her I loved her and miss her and that I would send her my new contact information. I wrote her a letter which I didn't send, as arguments and reasoning will not go as far as love and actually wouldn't help at all.
At the meeting there was a lot of hurt. People who had attended Dominion and left (or been pushed out) and were then shunned. People who had had to rebuild their lives, since they had cut all ties to the outside. People who had family there that they could no longer get in contact with at worst or had strained relations with at best. Parents and siblings who missed their child or sister or brother as much as my parents and siblings miss Linda. But there was also a lot of love and faith there as well. Someone came to the wise conclusion that what we could do is pray for one thing, and for another display and have no bitterness, but only love. To show we will welcome these people with open arms and that we love them no matter what. Near the end of the meeting, Cole, who had been Peter Rigo's right hand man, addressed everyone with the repeated words "love never fails." He said it is just a matter of time. I want it to end, but in a way that everyone there is in no doubt of the truth, that their eyes would be opened. It would take a miracle, but then the members of Dominion Christian Centre truly desire to follow Christ and give their all to God, they are just misled by a manipulator who believes that his church is the only true church in Hamilton. I think that God is mighty enough to bring them through it, because they are his children. Peter Rigo, a self-styled pastor without any current credentials and without any covering or anyone to answer to, takes the truth and twists it until instead of faith there is fear, instead of freedom there is bondage and control. Broken lives and broken relationships follow in his wake, but many people have come out from this abusive church stronger and more aware of the truth. Actually I should be praying for this "pastor", because I think he is a very hurt individual who did not start out intending to create a cult, but wanted to reach the city of Hamilton. It may be he is so deceived himself that he still believes that is what he is doing and that any opposition he is currently experiencing is the persecution a true church would expect to face, were they true to their Lord.
There is a legal process going on with some parents charged with kidnapping their daughter who attends Dominion Christian Center. Other people are also charged. These parents, in desparation and fear for their daughter's life and mental health, had kidnapped her in an attempt to have her deprogrammed. What they did was illegal, but what Peter Rigo is doing is not. There are no laws covering mind-control, and every one who is there is an adult there of their own free will, and actually they look quite together and happy.
The program will be running in October, I think on the 23rd. I will be curious how they will edit the tape of the lengthy meeting. At one point, someone compared Peter Rigo to Hitler in the way he manipulates and gets people behind him to build his kingdom. I cringe at such comparisions, but though Peter Rigo has much less power than Hitler wielded and is less evil in his words, actions, and motivations, he too is doing damage and being used by the enemy just in exercising the limited power he has. I hope that this program will do some good, although I can imagine the spin Peter Rigo would put on it. But I truly believe that Cole is right, "Love never fails," and perfect love casts out fear. In the end, the truth will win over lies.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
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31 comments:
The show is actually on Saturday, October 21st at the regular W5 time (whenever that is).
7 pm. I wonder if Linda will watch it, and if Mom and Dad will be in it.
I don't think Mom and Dad will be in it, because Mom only spoke briefly and there was another family there that spoke extensively about their daughter. What I think will be in there for sure is the story about some people there who were forbidden to date and now are married. I think Linda will probably watch it, but probably in a group setting with Peter Rigo commentary.
Thanks for this post, Suzanne.
You're welcome John. I appreciated your links to articles and what you said in your update. I think it is everyone's prayers and love that will make a difference.
A little update: I just had a ten-minute phone conversation with my sister Linda, and I may see her sometime soon, when her schedule allows. I am so glad to talk again and to be able to, as she put it, start fresh. She had read my blog and had some questions, but I was encouraged that she accepted my apology for past attitudes and words spoken from over a year ago.
Suzanne, I am really glad to hear that you were able to speak with your sister. I am praying for your relationship with her, and I am praying for your family. I am very interested in how W5 will spin the story.
Thanks Mary-Ann. I hope to talk to you soon.
Suzanne,
Peggy Rigo is my cousin. I had no idea that all this was going on until today. I know that when she and Peter first started their hearts were in the right place but now, after all I have read today, I pray the Lord will open their eyes to what they are doing.
Please know my prayers are with your family.
Jamie Dodge
Thank you Jamie for your prayers for my family and for your comment. I think you are right that Peggy and Peter Rigo's hearts were in the right place to begin with, but they took a wrong turn somewhere and without a covering for their church there was no corrective influence. I know God is able to open their eyes and I hope and pray that they will turn and return to the right path.
W-5 confirmed that the show is actually on October 28th. They have a lot of information and will need the total hour.
The is also a notice posted by the Ontario Government (Queen's Park) the both Peter and Marguerite Rigo are listed as persons no longer authorized to solemnize marriages in Ontario. It appears that they had their licsnces revoked as of July 20, 2006. The website can be reached through Google, Canada only, search under Peter Rigo, 5th column down, page 9. Rumour has it that David Barhouma and Jessica Mueller are engaged to married soon.
I've known Peter and Peggy Rigo for 10 years now, my hubby has known them since their Bible School days back at Zion Bible Institute in Rhode Island a couple of decades ago - where all 3 of them attended.
I know that Peter and Peggy love God with all their hearts and they have a huge passion to see people and their city of Hamilton restored.
They have helped many of their young adults learn a new profession, skill and/or talent. They have helped some of their people buy up old, derelict houses and renovate them, giving many of them ownership for the first time in their lives. What an incredible start to life!
Each year they produce the most magnificant musicals that could rival any off broadway show in New York City. Such incredible talent on stage and in the kitchen!
They took a large group from the church to Europe, seeing places like Rome. What a wonderful experience!
From what we have experienced of the Rigo's and of their church, DCC, they are incredibly giving people. They have a huge heart to see the more "seedy" area of town (that's how it was described by a reporter when talking about this issue) - flurish. They spend a lot of time together in both serious prayer (they are prayer warriors) and having fun together, just hanging out.
I totally believe that things have been blown way out of proportion through people who have left hurt and the media, etc. I have met many of the church members, in and outside of the church setting and they are not "brainwashed" or in any "danger". This is not a cult - that word is being thrown around way too quick these days. It makes light of actual cults like what happened with Jim Jones or Waco, Texas. For DCC to be called one puts all of us in litigimate churches across the globe in jeopardy for public ridicule and persecution.
I agree with you that no matter what - the most important thing we can do above all - is to pray! For those who have hurt feelings (on both sides of the fence), for wisdom, grace, mercy and love to have its way. For God to be the center of all of this and that He may be glorified in the end. For the kingdom of God to be advanced. For the lost (for those searching for God and truth) to find the way to their Father (God) and for those who believe but are wandering to come home again, not just in DCC but in all churches across this nation.
Shash, You may indeed know Peter and Peggy as wonderful people, but you'd be suprised - and horrified - to find out how many wonderful people turn into abusive spiritual leaders. Read some of these articles on spiritual abuse and on abusive churches, and you understand how easy it is for Christian leaders to turn into abusive shepherds.
Also, Religion News Blog has a news archive on the Dominion Christian Fellowship.
I saw the newscast tonight. I think that this pastor may have started out with good intentions and a true calling from the Lord but it appears he may have gone a little over the top. I was particulary offended by his street-talk style of preaching. I know Paul said that he became all things for all people but that is taking it a little overboard.
Summer 2006 I attended a "gospel tent" meeting where speakers urged attendees to 'come to christ, recognize they are sinners, and take the ONLY way to ever lasting life'. The methods were nowhere near those used by pastor peter rigo in the W5 tv show. They did give me cause to think of the countless religious and quasi-religious organizations all trying to build a member base.
I'm still not able to conclude which is the "true" belief. At least I've given many of the alternatives their day, and the W5 show pointed out just how extreme some of them can be. Thank you
It's important to realize that it is not just one church which represents the true way to Christ, or to eternal life. The truth is that Christianity can be represented by a variety of churches, with common beliefs that unite them. It is easy to become confused in studying the differences present in varied denominations, but by focusing on those beliefs that unite the Body of Christ, and seeing that certain differences in traditions and ways of worshipping only colour the entire Church, it is evident that God does hold his people together and that there is no single "true" church.
However, it is right (in noting all the religious groups that so easily go to extremes) that differing beliefs must be kept in perspective. Religious leaders, or pastors, who exercise authority based on their own beliefs and interpretations are always heading their churches in the wrong direction. Pastors should be held accountable by a balance of other church leaders, and also have a foundational, solid view of the Bible.
In contrast to this simplified ideal, Pastor Rigo does run the Dominion Christian Centre based on his own interpretations of scripture and he professes to be capable of leadership based on God's "calling" in his life. (By using obscure verses, which are taken out of the context of the Bible as whole, he is abusing his position of power.) He is not supported by another respected figure in the church, excepting his own wife, and so, he is held accountable to no one. Any member of his church who disagrees with (or questions the truth of) his Christian views is booted out of the fellowship.
This outsiders' evidence, if not enough to signify that Dominion Christian Centre is a cult, is at least enough to reveal the church as an unhealthy and misled group.
Hello Suzanne:
I didn't catch all the W5 segment, just the last 5 minutes or so. I don't regularly watch and didn't know the story about Dominion was coming on. My brother saw it all though, and sent me the link to your blog, and I've hopped around here, reading the whole story from your brothers link, etc. I think you and I have alot in common, according to our bios! (...kinda freaky, actually)
At first, I was completely shocked when I stopped at the show and the title window said what it was about. A cult?! Right here in Hamilton! I'd never heard of this 'church'.
Now I feel alot of the same things your brother listed. It's just incredibly sad to hear about such young impressionable people being misled. It IS possible to live a vibrant, real christian life, and not go to the extent that Rigo teaches.
I wish I knew what the answer was, but one thing is clear--the Lord is stirring something up by making that broadcast possible. Rigo can't go on forever like this. Let's just pray it doesn't take a tragedy to bring them (Rigo and followers) back.
Peter Rigo grew up initially in Hagersville, Ontario. His parents were good people (father drove a truck). They moved to Hamilton mountain when Peter was about ten. They attended People's Church on Mohawk Road West. Peter was always pre-occupied with sex, and was known to take advantage of some of the young girls at the church where they used to park the buses in the back of the building. I knew Peter at that time, and can attest that sex was on his mind a lot. I read the W-FIVE article -- Peter Rigo hardly "came to Hamilton" by call of God ... he was always there. When I read it, and got the sense of the presence of impressionable girls in the congregation, it got me wondering if any "old habits" were re-emerging. True, I only knew Peter as a boy, and I guess people can change, but I have a hard time believing that he can be "saintly". If there is a sex-aspect to his "church", I won't be surprised.
Thanks Les, for your comment. I too think God is at work, and pray that no more damage will be done.
Anoymous, I sincerely hope nothing of that nature is going on. I don't think it is. I had heard rumours of this in his past, but I hope Rigo's perverted comments is the extent of what is going on. I know that for quite a period of time no young people in the church dated, a decision made by the young people according to Rigo, and enforced by removing any young people who expressed an interest in dating, or in a particular girl or guy, from the church. I have heard they are now permitted to date.
If he's making perverted comments in his sermons, then he's thinking about it. I can't see this leopard changing his spots that much. If he's talking about it to everyone as a whole, then it's reasonable to assume he's talking about it one-on-one as well. If he's pressuring people into THINKING in ways that are not their norm, he could be preying on them to ACT in different ways as well. If I was a betting man, I'd bet it's well in the realm of possibility. Jim Jones did it under similar conditions.
When Rigo said, "Called to Hamilton" he meant he returned. The family was living / preaching in the US for many years after Bible School. His wife is American. She graduated from Bible School while Peter didn't and I think it was because she was graduating and he was a year behind and they left after she graduated to get married. They have 2 wonderful and beautiful daughters. I was surprised not to see his wife or his girls in the show but he probably wants to protect them from unnecessary scrutiny, I think his daughters are minors.
I know it's not good that they are not under a biblical covering. I will pray that something radical (for good) happens and I agree that families shouldn't be against each other - especially christian families.
Love unconditionally (Agape love) goes both ways though, I think if we slander the church, pastor or flock - we'll never see reconciliation and the biggest and hardest thing is to walk in forgiveness - true God like forgiveness. While He was hanging on the cross in emense pain He looked to His father and said, "Forgive them Lord for they know not what they do." Don't worry about the church - God is bigger than this situation and He does say that Pride goes before a fall.
What does your sister have to come home to in the end? Prepare a place...
I'll be praying!
There seems to be one common mistake allot of belivers make and are often quite aware of when they do it. We are all commanded to Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength. To put is simply put God first. Somewhere along the line quite often leaders take this position. Either demanding it or having it bestowed upon them by their admiring followers. At some point to question them is akin to questioning God. Jesus had this problem with the relgious leaders of his day. The very ones who were meant to lead people to God were more interested in potecting thier own establishment. People need to be aware that God doesn't demand blind following, and he isn't angered by sincere questions. Truth isn't injured by honest enquiry. It is easy for people to develope etional attachments to leaders especially if they have a likeable personality or other good qualities. But it needs to be stressed these leaders are never to replace God. When they do it can become dangerous. Not only will they cover up the violations of their leaders but will even obey their commands to commit crimes in extreme cases. And if they ever do come to their senses they often will have a had time trusting again. I am curious about one thing about this curch which is how they support themselves?
I am concerned when I hear of people having so much faith in their leaders as to who they should marry or date. Any rational person would demand proof of their leader that they actually can hear from God. I would say to any family member of these groups keep loving them and keep your door open. There may come a day they come to their senses and it will be important that they feel welcome, as they will probably feel totally defeated and dissilusioned. I have to add if I had a family member involved in some spurious group I would try to infiltrate and subtily try and divide them.
I met Peter while I was at Bible College in 1998. He was not attending College at this time, but he lived a couple blocks away from the school. I was asked by a friend of mine (who was good friends with Pete) to sing at some of the hotel meetings that Pete was preaching at. I went to several of these meetings and never felt that Pete was out of line while he was preaching. He was certainly not the man who I saw on W5 program. He never used the coarse language that he used on the program and never acted the way he acted. If he had, I would have never been involved in his ministry after that.
I spent some time with Peter and his family. Peter always encouraged me to pursue my voice and the call that God has on my life. I knew that Pete was extreme in some of the things that he did, but never to the extent that I saw on W5. I saw another man on that program. I was shocked when I watched it because I didn't feel that it was the same man that I knew before.
I am really sad to see him go astray and to be leading a church astray. I really believe that Peter thinks he is in the right. I am praying that he will be convicted and repent of his ways. The way that he is acting is not godly and is not the way that Jesus would want his church to be.
I personally know Peter Rigo from when he lived in Hagersville and can safely say he is perverted and has sexually violated girls and boys.If anyone wants info email nomoharper@hotmail.com
Suzanne,
I haven't been on your blog in a very long time. I see that I've missed out on quite a discussion. The issues are complex and can't be solved overnight. I have seen you struggle through many of your emotions and pray through many of your struggles. I am truly impressed with the way that you have responded to this complex situation.
Mary-Ann
It amazes me how many impressionable young folks are so eager to put their lives into the hands of another, let alone some failed rock drummer.
on another note, what about the Jews? Muslims, Bhuddists? Sikhs? are these people all going to Hell because they dont convert to Christianity? Please...how insane.
I just wanted to thank everyone for their comments. I'm reconnecting with an old friend whom I haven't seen in the years since she joined the DCC. I missed the W5 episode so your postings have helped bring me up to speed on the issues.
Does anyone know how to get in touch with Anonymous and the e-mail of nomoharper@hotmail.com?
My name is Tiffany Collin and I have been reading the recent news about this group called the DCC and their leader Peter Rigo.
I attempted to e-mail anonymous today but the account is closed or something.
I really am looking for some solid information about these people.
Thank you so much for posting this blog.
I have lost several friends to this 'Church'. I had also attended a number of times, until something in my gut told me to get the heck out of there.
I grew up with the family involved in the kidnapping case, and Mirella is a childhood friend of mine.
I have been cut off from anyone I knew at that Church because I stopped attending. I personally witnessed people being thrown out because they were not in the same spiritual vibe as the others, and were accused of bringing demonic spirits into the building.
This 'pastor' encouraged all the youth at that church to drop out of school... and one by one they did. When I was there, I was the only young adult who had not dropped out of university to give my time and money to the Church. The pastor somehow got it into everyones head that being in school was not what God wanted for them.... everything was about what God told the pastor, and never about what God spoke to the hearts of the individual. If you didn't listen to what the pastor told you to do, you were disobedient and wrong.
After they accused my family of being controlled by Satan because they were not 'true' christ followers, I left. It has taken me nearly five years to stop thinking about it.
I do indeed miss my childhood friends who are still involved with the Church. I think of the Del Re family often and pray that the courts leave them be, because they are good people who made a bad decision out of an honest love for their daughter.
I pray that this place is one day disbanded. I was thrilled to learn that they had lost their charitable status, it is one step in the right direction.
I could go on forever about this place. So Suzanne, even though I don't know you, you will be in my prayers today. I pray you have strength to get through all this.
i'm just curious as to why people think that peter is so wrong. Sure he's a little crass but I think that sometimes that's the way some people hear. I have fallen a sleep during mass and yet stomped my foot and HEARD the word of OUR LORD when the sound of a strumming guitar got my attention.As long as we are comforted and knowing God not to mention living in His light why should it bother people
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