The Servants of the Word

Stateside

Stateside: Wednesday, Aug. 09, 2023

Stateside Staff

Sexual assault survivors file lawsuits against Servants of the Word, a rock-hunting rehab center, and how Alisa Alousi's Iraqi heritage shaped new poem book.

Couple sits side by side at a wooden table.

Criminal Justice & Legal System

More sexual assault survivors connected to Michigan-based religious groups surface

Lindsey Smith

The survivors outlined a handful of civil lawsuits against the Michigan-based ecumenical society The Servants of the Word and its umbrella organization, The Sword of the Spirit.

News

New allegations surface against man investigated by Michigan Radio, judge sets $1 million bond

Lindsey Smith

Back in January, Michigan Radio shared the story of how a man escaped prosecution after multiple families accused him of sexually abusing their kids.…

A drawing done by one of the young girls during a police examination.

Criminal Justice & Legal System

Multiple families accused man "living single for the Lord" of child sexual assault. He's still free.

Lindsey Smith

About 60 celibate men make up a Christian brotherhood called The Servants of the Word — “living single for the Lord,” as they put it. They live communally, sharing money and possessions. The home base is near Chelsea, Michigan but the group has houses all over the world.