Deborah Layton | Religious Cults Info ~ Resources, Answers and Hope

Possible WOFF Defenses- Part 4- The Children

We continue our list of possible Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) defenses for their practices and lifestyles. One spring evening in 2008, in a parking lot of the Wal-Mart in Shelby, NC; I was talking on my cell phone to a WOFF member who was in “leadership”. She was doing her best to answer my growing list of objections by attempting to point out the good points of life at WOFF. I had not yet voiced my true concerns, just my sadness and dismay at how I was being treated in my household. The shunning was taking its toll on me.

This person said many things, one of which; what about the children. See how well behaved and mannerly they are? Everyone does so well in school. They “take hold” for the most part. Honestly, I cannot remember the exact words. But, it was one of the often repeated excuses used by Jane Whaley and WOFF members. There seemed to be some desire to overlook certain things, if only outsiders would see how the children behaved, obeyed and could carry on a good conversation. After all, remember the DSS case which was settled on appeal. WOFF “won” that case- right? So, how could there be anything wrong at WOFF? (I have already mentioned my take on the DSS case and its outcome here.. https://religiouscultsinfo.com/?p=2267 )

First, over the years there have been several meetings and conferences showcasing the school projects of the students at WOFF. There was a routine before every such meeting. Scrubbed clean and repainted- every area that would be open to the public. From the top, cleaning the light fixtures and also return vents in the ceiling, all the way down to scrubbing the grout in the bathroom floors. (I know; I had that job at least twice.) The clothes to be worn were reviewed and everything approved before these meetings. Sometimes several folks would work late into the night, finishing projects and setting up the displays. Making sure everything was just right. Why mention this? Because what visitors saw at these meetings was a well orchestrated veneer.

Continue reading What Are the Possible WOFF Defenses? Part 4 →

In the years following the massacre on November 18, 1978, at Jonestown; several survivor books were published. “In My Father’s House” (copyright 1981, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 361 pages) is the first thorough account of a family of survivors who were affected by this tragedy, that I have read. The authors are Min S. Yee and Thomas N. Layton, with contributions from Deborah Layton, Laurence L. Layton and Annalisa Layton Valentine. The Layton family and their generational history were covered extensively in the first part of the book. Though it does provide some foundational background, the details of that history were difficult to follow. The historical information was a hard connection to make at first, when in my thinking; the book was to focus on the events surrounding the Layton’s family involvement in People’s Temple and with Jim Jones. The authors use family records, letters, baby books, taped interviews and other sources to provide the timeline and content for the book.

In the “Author’s Notes”, it is admitted that the Layton family was not happy with the book. After reading it, I could see places where too much detail on subjects not related to main story, could bring some family regrets. Deborah Layton went on to publish her own book, “Seductive Poison” (copyright 1998, Anchor Books) which will be covered in another post.

Once the authors cover the history of each parent in the Layton family, the story moves quickly into family life and the steps taken to join the People’s Temple. Mr. Layton came from an academic background. He was a professor and well respected in many academic circles. Lisa Philip Layton, the wife and mother, was of German origin and had worked as a physical therapist when she met her husband, Laurence. The author details the courtship, marriage and family struggles.

Continue reading In My Father’s House →