Media Response Protocol

Author: James Hughes
Project: The 20s
Status: Public Testimony & Memoir (May 2025)

My Position

The 20s is a first-person, Spirit-led memoir. It reflects my lived experience over a decade of church involvement, spiritual trauma, recovery, and redemption. It has been legally reviewed and published in line with NSW defamation law.

This is not a legal accusation. It is not a public vendetta.
It is testimony.

“This story is mine. I share it not to destroy, but to illuminate what the Church often silences. It was written with prayer, counsel, and Scripture. It is not about blame. It is about truth.”

For Pastors or Church Leadership Who Reach Out

If your response is defensive or adversarial:

“Thank you for reaching out. At this time, I am not engaging in private discussions without spiritual and legal covering. My heart remains open to reconciliation, but it must be safe, accountable, and Spirit-led.”

If your response is humble and open:

“I’m grateful for your response. I would be willing to speak in a structured setting with independent facilitation, if reconciliation is genuinely sought. I believe in restoration, but not at the expense of silence or safety.”

For Journalists or Media Outlets

“Thank you for your interest. The 20s is a Spirit-led memoir grounded in my personal journey. I am not seeking media exposure, but I welcome thoughtful and accurate reporting on matters of faith, spiritual trauma, and healing. Every statement in the book is true to my memory, reviewed for legal clarity, and shared with care.”

For all formal media enquiries, please use the contact information and include your name, outlet, and intended focus of coverage.

For Survivors and Those Who Feel Seen

“Thank you for trusting me. I am praying for you. Please know, you are not alone. If you are ready to speak, I encourage you to begin writing your story. If you need prayer, I have intercessors standing by. This is sacred ground.”

If you ask for help directly:

“I am not able to offer formal counselling, but I can help connect you to pastoral and trauma-informed care networks I trust.”

For Legal or Internal Church Queries

“Please send any concerns in writing. I have both legal counsel and spiritual oversight reviewing correspondence. For the safety of all involved, I will not be engaging in informal conversations about the book.”

Final Note

This testimony was not released lightly. It exists because silence became too heavy to carry. It is written not to incite conflict, but to invite clarity.

If you are reading this and feel confronted, I encourage you to pause.
To pray.
And to listen.

There is still time to respond with dignity.

The Spirit is still speaking.
Let the Church listen.