Statement From Family International

Jan. 18, 2005 -- -- The Family International is sad to announce the recent death of Ricky Rodriguez, (son of Maria David, who with her husband is the administrative and spiritual overseer of The Family International), and Angela Smith, Family member of over 30 years. Ricky (1975-2005) committed suicide after taking Angela's life. The tragic circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths have brought much grief and heartbreak to Angela's family and Ricky's mother and relatives.

In these moments of tragedy, we draw comfort from the timeless promises of the Bible, knowing that Ricky and Angela have passed into the realm of eternal justice and peace. As our Lord promised, "I am the Resurrection, and the Life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die." (John 11:25). We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of both Angela and Ricky.

As Christians, we deplore and are diametrically opposed to acts of violence and the suffering these inflict on innocent people. We believe that human life is sacred, and each person should be respected as an individual created in the image of God. It is our belief that God's love is the solution to all of man's problems, even in such a complex, confused, and highly complicated society as that of today. As Christians, our duty is to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), and to share the news of God's love and salvation for humanity and care for the needy. (For more information on our charitable activities in over a hundred countries, please see http://www.thefamily.org/)

Ricky Rodriguez withdrew from the Family fellowship in 2000 in order to pursue his education and other interests. Although he departed on good terms, he later became estranged from his mother and sister. After contacting some of our more vitriolic apostates, he began to manifest violent tendencies. Those who were aware of his violent intents failed to report it to authorities or seek assistance.

Contrary to statements currently being made, Ricky made no effort to contact his mother, and was in fact very categorical about not wanting her to attempt to contact him. Had he wished to contact her, he had numerous avenues available to do so: her e-mail, The Family's 800 number, her relatives who were in regular contact with her, and current Family members whom he was in regular contact with. His mother, via his relatives, sent him regular Christmas and birthday greetings and gifts.

Children of Family members raised in missionary communities are taught their parents' religious beliefs and participate in their parents' mission work and lifestyle. As these children began to come of age, some manifested a desire to experiment with other lifestyles or opt for secular careers rather than that of a missionary.

This desire was somewhat unexpected for many of their parents, as their hopes and expectations were that their children would follow in their footsteps in a life devoted to serving God and their fellow man. However, over the past ten years it has become increasingly evident that a number of the Family International's second generation is inclined to pursue other careers. The Family's Charter (first published in 1995), as well as several internal publications, advise parents to assume responsibility for assisting their children through what can be a difficult transition from a close, nurturing, faith-based support system to an independent secular lifestyle.