by Nate Hansen
Sedona Red Rock News
April 11, 2007
NOTICE: THIS WORK MAY BE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO READ THE COPYRIGHT NOTICE AT THIS LINK BEFORE YOU READ THE FOLLOWING WORK, THAT IS AVAILABLE SOLELY FOR PRIVATE STUDY, SCHOLARSHIP OR RESEARCH PURSUANT TO 17 U.S.C. SECTION 107 AND 108. IN THE EVENT THAT THE LIBRARY DETERMINES THAT UNLAWFUL COPYING OF THIS WORK HAS OCCURRED, THE LIBRARY HAS THE RIGHT TO BLOCK THE I.P. ADDRESS AT WHICH THE UNLAWFUL COPYING APPEARED TO HAVE OCCURRED. THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING THE RIGHTS OF COPYRIGHT OWNERS.
For a number of years, a group of people who experienced the ideology of Global Community Communications Alliance, formerly known as Aquarian Concepts Community, kept silent in fear of being persecuted by present GCCA members.
Their silence is broken.
This article leads a series of firsthand accounts from former members and families who struggled with the alleged mistreatment of their sons, daughters and grandchildren inside the community.
The following are questions asked to two former ACC members, John Thurstin and Laura Medina.
Medina was drawn to the alternative community and stayed for four years.
Thurstin, an instructor of The Urantia Book for nearly 50 years, was asked to come to the community in 1991 by Tony Delevin, who refers to himself as "Gabriel of Sedona" or "Gabriel of Urantia."
Thurstin stayed for over 13 years until leaving two years ago out of moral and ethical frustrations.
Delevin, Candace Ruth and Catherine Lolly, GCCA spokespersons, were not available for comment by press time.
• Does/did Gabriel influence the decision for separation or divorce?
Thurstin: "Yes. It is a common practice for couples and families to be separated by Gabriel. He makes it clear that, in his opinion, their relationship is inappropriate, although they may have been together for years and have one or more offspring."
Medina: "If Gabriel declares a couple, even married, in an inappropriate union, pressure would be brought for them to separate."
Thurstin: "They are sometimes re-matched to someone else which usually doesn't work very well, with one or both leaving the community.
"Sometimes the child leaves with a parent, or they stay in the community with a parent, which may result in bitter relationships and legal intervention that may drag on for years."
• Does/did Gabriel remove children from families to be raised by others within the community?
Thurstin: "Yes. If he feels that a child should be removed from their parents and placed elsewhere in the community, the parents are expected to cooperate with his wishes, otherwise they should expect to be asked to leave.
“There have been ongoing legal battles involving parents and grandparents over concern for a child, to either get their children out of the community or prevent them from returning.
"In one case, a child remains in the community although the single mother has left."
Editor's Note:
• This is the first of a series following firsthand accounts and experiences in Global Community Communications Alliance, formerly known as Aquarian Concepts Community, headquartered at a complex off Upper Red Rock Loop Road, southwest of Sedona.
In this two part series, former members of the group answer 12 questions.
This part includes the first five questions and answers.
The final seven questions and their answers will be published Friday, April 13.
Medina: "Gabriel will remove children from families to other places where community members would be given discretion, declaring it is best that they are raised by others for the child's spiritual education and advancement."
• Does/did Gabriel have multiple partners and use sex as power?
Thurstin: "Yes. He believes in polygamy because of genetics, but only on the condition that he personally approves the relationships, although he has made it clear to his followers that so far none of them are qualified for this arrangement.
"He also believes that he should be able to have a sexual relationship with someone if he thinks it is appropriate, but if they don't agree, they are out of God's will."
Medina: "Gabriel declares whom and if your present relationship will be granted as appropriate if you wanted to stay in it or not. It all depends on your ability to conform to the community or party line, It's called [being] 'aligned.'"
• Does/did he force people to contribute by pooling their resources?
Thurstin: '''Force' may not be an accurate word, but 'required' or 'coercion' would be appropriate.
"For example, when anyone becomes a member, they are required to give everything they own to the community and Gabriel, and he controls it all.
"This would include all of their money, bank and savings accounts, credit cards, vehicles, businesses, land and property of any kind."
Medina: "I saw the idea formulating to give up everything of value to the community prior to leaving it.
"If a prospective new member has money, he will only be shown the good side of the community. If after being disillusioned with the community, he will leave with none of his money.'"
Thurstin: "You are also required to change your will, or make out a new one via the ACC attorney, so that the beneficiaries are Tony Delevin [Gabriel] and Nancy Chase [Niann].
"In 1997, a document called The Freedom Form was distributed to all community members demanding that they give everything they owned to the Aquarian Concepts Community.
"Each existing member had to sign this or get out. In other words, you would be free from everything you own, including your own personal freedom, which does not exist."
• Did/does anyone at the community receive compensation for their work?
Thurstin: "After having already given Gabriel everything they own, any compensation for the enormous number of hours of service they are required to continually give as community members is basically a place to sleep and food.
"If anyone needs money, no matter how small the amount, there is the usual form which you have to fill it out, including all the details of how much, why you need it.
"You may or may not be granted your request. And don't forget the receipt, or you will somehow be punished."
To reach Nate Hansen call 282-7795, Ext. 132, or e-mail to nhansen@larsonnewspapers.com