Christina Bryant is about to go face-to-face with the real Jane Whaley.

In my previous episode, I got to see the political side of Jane—the Jane she wanted the world to meet. Christina, on the other hand, is about to talk with the real Jane Whaley—the one everyone fears. And she got it all on tape.

Christina Bryant went undercover inside the Word of Faith Fellowship. She's wearing a hidden microphone. It's been 6 years since she last step foot in the church. You see, Christina is a former member who has been excommunicated and is forbidden to contact her family. If she ever wants to ever speak with them again, she has to go through Jane Whaley first.

This 3-hour recording is completely engrossing. However, there are certain parts of this tape that brings up interesting legal questions regarding child abuse. Jane flat out says she’s not required by law to report sexual abuse because of pastor confidentiality. Is this true? How can this be true? Jane also claims if a child has bruising, the NC Department of Social Services doesn’t consider that abuse.

I reached out to my friend Rabia Chaudry from the Undisclosed Podcast for help. She put me in touch with her co-host Colin Miller, to walk me through what Jane says and how it applies to North Carolina law. I have to say, I’m shocked.

I also spoke with NC licensed attorney Paul Ditz. He’s one of the few attorney’s to have ever questioned Jane Whaley on the stand. He tells me that just because DSS allows minor bruising and Jane is protected by penitent privilege, doesn’t mean that she’s not responsible.

Take a deep breath because you’re about to go inside the mind of Jane Whaley.  

Sources:

1. NC Article 7 - Competency of Witnesses
2. Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in North Carolina
3. Parental Discipline: When Is It Abuse and/or a Crime?
4. A&E Documentary on the Word of Faith Fellowship titled "The Devil Next Door" postponed

Disclaimer: I should mention that we’re going to talk about sexual and child abuse and if this is too close to home, you may want to skip this one.

This episode was edited by Logan Castrodale. Our theme music is by Joe Basile with thechicken.net. Other music provided by Blue Dot Sessions.