I'd just like to say - thanks for all these comments.
It's been so great sharing this journey with you - and your support means SO MUCH. None of this would happen without subscribers.
I'd also like to thank the victims for speaking out. Without them none of this would have happened. They were the ones that had skin in the game and stuff to lose.
They are the heroes here. I know that sounds cheesy but it's true.
Today, John Cameron took to the stage (he has a 3 month handover), and sobbed over manipulative music. It was a "woe is me" story - and ring-fencing the issue as being pre-2016.
Thanks to all of you for being here. Webworm has turned into something I started as a vague idea as the pandemic started, and I am just so proud of what it's become - ALL because of its readers. I feel that support always - largely in this comments section - and it means heaps.
The 'breaking news' on Friday was just top notch reporting, it was such an adrenaline rush having a front row seat to the downfall that i barely slept that night. I can't watch the resignation video, not yet anyway
Actually I think I just answered my own question… the end time on your you tube link is 7 mins longer than the current video… I can’t post a screenshot but the video time reads 37:53 / 30:28 - they’ve cut out the 7 or so mins of John.
Thanks Leila. It feels like some sense of closure. Some real change.
I mean - long term will this church change? Who knows. But for the leader of this shitshow to go - (well, in 3 months after the handover) - feels significant.
Thanks for reading along.
And the support.
None of this would have happened or been possible without supporters.
David. Wonderful, compassionate, fair and thorough work. You listened to people tell heart wrenching stories and took great care with them. I’m so sad for all involved but so very grateful you took the risk and led all of journalism and NZ and the church in this. Thank you.
Thanks Beck. You fucking rule for being here since the beginning. I never had any idea what this newsletter could be, but you and others here have let me realise it. God I sound pretentious. Sorry.
Thats anything but pretentious. Its actually an amazing nod to the fact you consider yourself part of team, even though you designed, built and drove the thing we just buy tickets to ride on ❤
What an outcome. Well done David on bringing this sleeze into the light. It was pretty clear that they knew they were cooked when they did a complete no show once the story broke. I hope the Pathfinding report is published so that we see the Cameron's for what they are. You will (hopefully) sleep well tonight.
This is excellent news, and the best outcome. Well done David for going into the weeds and keeping on keeping on with the story in a way that honours the victims of this.
My view, is, however, the devil will very much be in the detail. In the sense that while those that set the machine up are gone, those that were part of that machine know how to operate in and with it in a very similar way. My hope would be those practices can be unlearnt and a healthier, safer church environment can be created for those still in the community. That can't necessarily come from within.
While there are bad actors (the Camerons in this instance), there is an entire eco-system that played a part in them being left unaccountable for so long - it's that megachurch eco-system and the mutual admiration societies that are part of it that need to also take responsibility.
Way to go David, what a result! You have been almost solely instrumental in removing two seriously farked up and evil human beings who have used their authority and position to scam and manipulate and abuse and threaten and assault the people they are scamming. Truly heinous pieces of shite. Lily Allen's song F*** You springs to mind when I think of these snotrags. Rock on, Mr F. Rock on.
I'd just like to say - thanks for all these comments.
It's been so great sharing this journey with you - and your support means SO MUCH. None of this would happen without subscribers.
I'd also like to thank the victims for speaking out. Without them none of this would have happened. They were the ones that had skin in the game and stuff to lose.
They are the heroes here. I know that sounds cheesy but it's true.
Today, John Cameron took to the stage (he has a 3 month handover), and sobbed over manipulative music. It was a "woe is me" story - and ring-fencing the issue as being pre-2016.
He doesn't get it and never will. If you want to vomit: https://youtu.be/csU7VYcMcAM?t=2273
Thanks to all of you for being here. Webworm has turned into something I started as a vague idea as the pandemic started, and I am just so proud of what it's become - ALL because of its readers. I feel that support always - largely in this comments section - and it means heaps.
David.
The 'breaking news' on Friday was just top notch reporting, it was such an adrenaline rush having a front row seat to the downfall that i barely slept that night. I can't watch the resignation video, not yet anyway
Have they cut the bit where John Cameron was on stage? I went to watch this morning and it wasn’t there… unsurprisingly.
Actually I think I just answered my own question… the end time on your you tube link is 7 mins longer than the current video… I can’t post a screenshot but the video time reads 37:53 / 30:28 - they’ve cut out the 7 or so mins of John.
This is a great relief and wonderful news to hear!
This is a testament to your excellent reporting, David, and your care of, and service to, some of those who suffered at the hands of the Camerons.
Thanks Leila. It feels like some sense of closure. Some real change.
I mean - long term will this church change? Who knows. But for the leader of this shitshow to go - (well, in 3 months after the handover) - feels significant.
Thanks for reading along.
And the support.
None of this would have happened or been possible without supporters.
*Actually* resigned? No weasel-wording away from it like the previous version, "stepping aside"?
Well done all those who came forward, and David for amplifying them.
Good riddance, indeed.
Gone. Well, a three month handover.
But yeah - fuckin' gone.
Loving your honest opinion "Good riddance" Mine would be "Good riddance and fuck right off."
Too many young people came under the power of these money hungry and completely underwhelming men.
Good riddance alright. I had a few more words, but censored myself
"completely underwhelming men" is so fucking accurate
David. Wonderful, compassionate, fair and thorough work. You listened to people tell heart wrenching stories and took great care with them. I’m so sad for all involved but so very grateful you took the risk and led all of journalism and NZ and the church in this. Thank you.
Thanks Dana.
YES
YES
YES
The pain of speaking up and reliving the traumas has meant something, they have been heard
David, you fucking rule
Thanks Beck. You fucking rule for being here since the beginning. I never had any idea what this newsletter could be, but you and others here have let me realise it. God I sound pretentious. Sorry.
What I mean to say is - THANKS.
Thats anything but pretentious. Its actually an amazing nod to the fact you consider yourself part of team, even though you designed, built and drove the thing we just buy tickets to ride on ❤
What an outcome. Well done David on bringing this sleeze into the light. It was pretty clear that they knew they were cooked when they did a complete no show once the story broke. I hope the Pathfinding report is published so that we see the Cameron's for what they are. You will (hopefully) sleep well tonight.
I did. I have. Two nights now. Really happy.
Great work David. Hope other queerphobic and cultist megachurches will be exposed and reap what they sow next!
Same. I have ideas. Taking a short breather.
Wow! Journalism that causes change for the better. Well done David, it's been a long time.
Fuckin' A. Thanks Paul.
I'd also like to make the following statement:
Good riddance.
Amen.
This is excellent news, and the best outcome. Well done David for going into the weeds and keeping on keeping on with the story in a way that honours the victims of this.
My view, is, however, the devil will very much be in the detail. In the sense that while those that set the machine up are gone, those that were part of that machine know how to operate in and with it in a very similar way. My hope would be those practices can be unlearnt and a healthier, safer church environment can be created for those still in the community. That can't necessarily come from within.
While there are bad actors (the Camerons in this instance), there is an entire eco-system that played a part in them being left unaccountable for so long - it's that megachurch eco-system and the mutual admiration societies that are part of it that need to also take responsibility.
This, is a good start!!!
I am with you - there is so much work.
Watching them appear in front of the congregation today shows they personally have not learnt a goddamn thing.
The swelling music behind them - man. These manipulative systems.
And the line about this being a 2016 thing.
They are trapped in their own machine.
Good riddance.
https://youtu.be/csU7VYcMcAM?t=2273
(watching this may make you vom in your mouth a little bit)
Epic work David Farrier, I hope you take in the good that you're doing <3
Great work David! In the style of another David you’ve slayed Goliath
Eh, I'll take it. A multi-million dollar megachurch.
But it's the victims speaking out. Really - they have done the heavy work. Nothing without them.
Way to go David, what a result! You have been almost solely instrumental in removing two seriously farked up and evil human beings who have used their authority and position to scam and manipulate and abuse and threaten and assault the people they are scamming. Truly heinous pieces of shite. Lily Allen's song F*** You springs to mind when I think of these snotrags. Rock on, Mr F. Rock on.
Thanks Linda. Not to be a cheesy a-hole but I could not have done it without support from readers like you.
Picturing Brent with his head in his hands
With or without farts?
Picturing Brent with his head up his arse, still believing he’ll get tanned.
There were tears at the service this morning.
They really don't get it.
3 months for this "handover" and then they can fuck right off.
https://youtu.be/csU7VYcMcAM?t=2273
I laughed so hard at this, I can picture it, I truly can 😂
Great work David.