Archived Site: Cult Education Institute

Information Concerning this Archived Site

Source: https://www.culteducation.com/group/1005-jonestown.html

This is an archive of a number of online articles from newspapers and other sources pertaining to Peoples Temple and Jonestown collected by the Cult Education Institute. Beginning with a couple of entries from the immediate aftermath of the deaths in Jonestown, the archive includes more than 100 articles, mainly from the 21st century, and most focusing on the Temple's final days of existence.

The Cult Education Institute describes itself as "a nonprofit library with archived information about cults, destructive cults, controversial groups and movements," with a database of "thousands of files including news reports, peer reviewed papers, court documents, book excerpts and personal testimonies."

In the interest of preserving these important resources for future generations of Jonestown scholars and researchers, the managers of this site downloaded this page in its entirety in 2023.

Letter from Tim Stoen

Press Democrat (CA)/March 2, 2005

Dear Les,

I have wanted for a long time to write a letter of apology to you, and reading (on the Free Republic weblog) of the sad event of your recent heart attack, am prompted to do so now.

You were right about Jim Jones and Peoples Temple. I was totally wrong. If I had not been ideologically blinded by a utopian worldview, I should have been open to the truth you were trying to tell.

You were willing to confrontally take on the Machiavellian Jones when other critics were too faint-hearted to do so. You were able to see beneath the surface of the glitter. You deserve an award for both insight and courage.

From my heart I apologize for my mistreatment of you, including organizing the picketing, filing the lawsuit, and castigating your motives.

I have asked God to forgive me for my wrongdoing in being a part of Peoples Temple. He has mercifully given me a second chance. But the natural consequences of my wrongdoing - especially the death of John Victor and those temple members who joined because they trusted me - cannot be erased.

I am still a prosecutor but understand, far more than ever before, the reality of original sin.

In conclusion, I pray God's blessing on you for a speedy and total recovery. I also pray you can forgive me.

Sincerely,

Timothy

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