Man accused in alleged sex abuse at bible college speaks out
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“A long time ago she distanced herself from the family, about the same time she met her husband, who was in prison,” said Kathy Teeter, sister to the woman claiming sexual abuse at the Three Hills school.
“It’s absolutely because of him.”
On February 25, 1976, Gary Bruce Fossen walked through his parent’s Minnesota home with a shotgun, killing his sister, mother and finally his father, who died from a blast to the throat.
Convicted after his fabricated story of armed intruders fell apart, Fossen ended up serving 20 years for the slaughter — and he left prison a married man.
His wife is Linda Fossen, the alleged victim in a brewing sexual abuse scandal surrounding the Prairie Bible Institute, 130 km northeast of Calgary.
In a book published three years ago, Out of the Miry Clay, Fossen claims her father brutally molested and abused her over four decades ago, stopping when she turned 12.
RCMP are looking into the claims, which allegedly took place while Fossen attended a grade school linked with the Prairie Bible Institute, and her father, Chuck Phelps, was a student at the religious college.
“He would take me out of my bedroom to his office where he was studying for his Bible school classes,” Fossen told the Sun on Saturday.
“He had his Bible open, he always had it open, and he would regularly remind me that it was my duty to do what he asked me to do because the Bible said it was a commandment from God.”
It was Phelps who introduced his daughter to her killer husband after he finished his courses and the family returned home to the U.S.
Ask him now, and the 82-year-old will likely tell you it was the biggest mistake of his life. Fossen’s sister certainly says so.
“My dad used to do jail ministry, and he met Gary,” said Teeter.
“Gary started calling the house and Linda was the one who was always answering the phone.”
Teeter says her family, including her mom Fran and three other siblings, stand behind Phelps as the innocent victim of an outrageous lie concocted by a manipulative murderer.
She says her sister, who also claims to have contacts with dozens of other Prairie Bible Institute victims, is under the spell of the convict who wooed her by phone.
If true, she says the emotional devastation described by Fossen would have been obvious.
“My sister and I were very, very close growing up — as close as twins — and I never saw any of that, not a sign,” said Teeter.
“She’s told me now I’m no longer her sister.”
Teeter was at her parents’ home when reached by the Sun, and she says having the allegations brought up again as front-page news in Canada will devastate them.
“For my dad, it’s excruciating,” said Teeter.
“He’s had open heart surgery and he said, ‘I thought that was the most painful thing in my life, but it was nothing compared to this.’”
Since Fossen published her book, Teeter says her parents have never been the same.
“I hate to have it all come again. My parents have been through so much already,” she said.
“They’re both extremely hurt. It’s aged them.”
The Prairie Bible Institute has acknowledged the controversy on its website, posting a letter stating there are “many” allegations stretching back several decades.
As the RCMP decide whether to open an investigation, Phelps himself says there’s no truth to any of it.
“I haven’t read the book, but I know what’s in it,” said Phelps.
“I can tell you there’s not one speck of truth in any part of that, whatsoever. Never.”
He, like Kathy, blames the murderer who charmed his daughter from a prison cell.
“It’s because of the guy she married, and I think they wanted me to help him get out of prison for what he did and I wouldn’t,” said Phelps.
“I think she’s been brainwashed and listened to him, and come up with all this stuff.”
michael.platt@sunmedia.ca
Reader's comments »
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×Sure an interesting
twist. Unfortunately now, their will be questions regarding her
credibility when her judgment seems to be lacking marrying a convicted
murderer, who is to remain locked up for another 18years. And just a
day ago, so many were so quick to condemn all of religion and demanding
that all religions be abolished before they knew the whole story. Odd,
you don't hear a peep from them today! Just goes to show you who are
being narrow minded, intolerant and judgmental! And as mentioned
before, there is more sexual abuse going on in almost any organization
where children are involved, like sports and schools, then in churches.
Are they suggesting we shut all those down as well?? To not demand
the same, would be hypocritical. Put the blame where it's due, on
those that are committing these evil acts, and don't blame entire
organizations. It just demonstrates your own narrow minded thinking.
And I wish they would stop publishing peoples names until they are
convicted, as many are getting tried and convicted, and having their
lives destroyed in public opinion, before they are even found guilty in
court. Hopefully the truth will come out, and those that are guilty,
whether it be her or the accused, will be held accountable for their
actions!
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Guest Donna Kaiyala Carlaw • a year ago
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Guest ryley1 • a year ago
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Guest JCVincentPhotography • a year ago
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Guest Fresno • a year ago
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How come he never says "I did not molest my daughter"? He makes accusations against her and blames her for being brainwashed but his comment about "never" sounds like what Bill Gothard said... and we all know how that is turning out.
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