Spiritual Journey

My family is in the LC. (Not my immediate family, but my aunt and her family)

I have read this letter recently and have been trying to do extensive research into the history of the Local Church Movement and Witness Lee's doctrine and teachings.

I have read those that have gone against the church and about their experiences with the LC, and then have also read those that LOVE the LC.

I am completely in the middle of all of this controversy, and I have attended some meetings and conferences in my past to better understand what the LC is all about.

After doing more research, it is really making me question whether or not the LC is for me. As I am on a spiritual journey right now.

My aunt hasn't helped any in providing me solid answers, but more so biased opinions. Especially when it came to Joanna Casteele's Facebook post. She was so quick to say that it was because she left the church that her husband Greg had committed suicide. And my aunt actually KNEW Joanna Casteele and her husband. She took them out to lunch on several occasions on Sundays, whenever they were in Anaheim for the training.

I am not sure who I am inclined to believe, as I do not know Joanna. But at the same time, I also believe that her reasonings and points in her letter are completely valid. And my aunt saying what she said kind of only makes me believe more and more that maybe the LC does say those sort of things to their church members.

"If you leave the church, then God will no longer cover you or protect you. Bad things will happen to you." Which comes off as manipulation, isolating, and condemning.

I really want more answers and personal experiences with current and former people of the LC please!

Thanks