Last year, Netflix came out with a documentary titled The Darkness Within La Luz Del Mundo (LLDM), highlighting the horrific atrocities and abuses committed by the leader of the megachurch, Nasson Joaquin Garcia. The documentary highlights the stories of 5 Jane Does, who filed a civil lawsuit upon the leader of the church. In June 2019, he was arrested for crimes against children along with his associate, a sister of the church, Alondra Ocampo, who helped procure children for him. He held a bond for 90 million dollars, greater than Epstein’s and Maxwell’s, for crimes that professionals stated were far more sinister. However, his case did not reach as great notoriety because Epstein preyed on middle-class/affluent young white american women, and Nasson targeted latino boys and girls from the impoverished families that worshiped at his feet. Though I refrain from detailing the disturbing facts here, they can be found in online court documents and the documentary for those interested. I created my piece today to highlight the fight for justice currently against Nasson, who is still the leader of the church. Supported by the generous donations of his followers, as well as their free physical labor and undying loyalty, he continues to battle his case and is set to be released in 11 years, potentially resuming his crimes with greater cunning, all while using the church (cult) as a shield. The current number of victims is unknown, but tragically, two have taken their own lives.
The full name in english of the group is Church of the Living God, Pillar and Ground of the Truth, The Light of the World and I was a fourth generation member. My family joined this group when they first started, and my mother and little sister are still a part of the religion today. The outfit I wear, including a shirt I designed specifically for this purpose, is curated as a deliberate departure from the church's Old Testament beliefs, which masquerading as a restoration of primitive Christianity. As a child, I faced arbitrary restrictions: only being allowed to wear skirts and long sleeves, mandatory head coverings, no haircuts, dancing, jewelry, makeup, or creative expression unless in service to the living apostle and his family, along with many other, and many worse rules. This piece intentionally contradicts these teachings, a daily conscious act of free will and gratitude for my departure—something denied to my female ancestors and living family members and friends. Our textbook states, “Artistic activism only works when it takes into account local talents, cultures, and context.” For my public protest and photograph, I chose to actually go to the location here in Jersey City, standing beside the plaque in front of the building idolizing Nasson. I took into account my experience growing up in the group, and dressed in a way opposing their rules. In the picture, I wear makeup, jewelry, with my hair trimmed and yet still covered with the headpiece, donning the shirt I created. I designed their logo with fake blood and black ink on the front. On the back, I pay homage to the 5 Jane Does and the way the members of the church turned our backs on them, allowing the bloodied handprints to dry.
The textbook had me questioning how exactly activists, and artists in this sphere, create traction for their movements or ideas. “How do they convince newcomers to step off the curb of indifference and join in our struggle for a new world?” (20). I feared my protest may be extreme. However, at the same time. It felt necessary. Nasson is the third generation leader of this group, and his forefathers committed similar crimes yet faced no consequences in their lifetimes. So, truly, the number of victims is unknown. Unfortunately, the church, with approximately 5 million members in almost 60 countries, is expanding. Hence, I speak out against their atrocities, the ongoing persecution of victims, and the continued support for convicted leaders and their predecessors who were never held accountable in their lifetimes.
I call for my brothers and sisters to denounce the leader and to change their ways. To understand their silence is violence against their own community. To make amends to the children of our community that we have turned our backs on and retract their support of him. I call on the United States to extend Garcia's sentence to life, acknowledging his crimes as worse than Epstein's, ignored due to the poverty and heritage of his victims. I call for Mexico to file more than simply money laundering charges against Nasson. Justice must extend beyond the five Jane Does. I demand Nasson step down as leader and face the full consequences for his crimes against children.
No comments:
Post a Comment