ILLINOIS
The Rockford River Times
By Melissa Wangall, staff writer
Editor’s note: This article contains sexually explicit material that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised.
All non-clergy members’ names have been changed due to the graphic nature of the alleged abuse and the age of the victim at the time of the alleged abuse.
Thomas White wishes religious affiliations had come forward with their knowledge of sexual abuse sooner. He feels things may have been different for him.
“I think the biggest part is that your whole childhood is stolen,” White said. “I went from preadolescence into adulthood. I think the biggest thing they stole was what could have been.”