Liberty Lost: Episode 5 – "All the King's Men"
Introduction In the fifth episode of Liberty Lost, titled "All the King's Men," Wondery’s host and reporter T. J. Raphael delves deeper into the intricate web of coercion, faith, and personal struggle surrounding Liberty University’s Liberty Godparent Home. This episode weaves together the poignant stories of Abby, Nathan, Sarah P., and Evan Cater, highlighting the profound impact of the maternity home on their lives and the broader community.
Abby’s Turmoil and Family Conflict The episode opens during Christmas at Abby’s home, a time she once cherished but now finds overwhelming due to the absence of her son. [00:06] T. J. Raphael sets the scene with Abby’s poignant reflection:
Abby ([00:09]): "Garland everywhere, candles in every window, little jingle bells on every doorknob here and there."
However, this year is different. Abby returns from her first semester at Liberty University, grappling with loneliness and longing for her son. Her only solace lies with her ex, Nathan, who shares his own sense of disconnection from his peers:
Nathan ([00:29]): "I used to drive by the hospital where I gave birth to him all the time. It was where all my memories with him were. It felt like he was still there somehow."
The tension escalates when Abby confronts her parents about their strained relationship. In a heated exchange, Abby’s father blames her for the family’s downfall, leading Abby to flee and seek refuge with Nathan. This pivotal moment marks her rebellion against her parents' strict adherence to religious doctrines.
Journey to Independence Abby’s decision to stay with Nathan signifies her break from the oppressive environment of the Liberty Godparent Home. [04:13] Nathan’s father expresses hope for a “second opportunity” for Abby, yet Abby and Nathan soon discover that the influence of the Godparent Home lingers beyond its gates. Abby’s newfound independence is shadowed by the realization that escaping the home does not erase its impact.
Sarah P.’s Transformation and Advocacy Introducing Sarah P., a former resident who transitions into a staff member at the Godparent Home, the episode explores the evolving dynamics within the facility. Initially a staunch advocate for adoption, Sarah’s experiences lead her to question the home’s true intentions. [11:26] Sarah shares:
Sarah P. ([13:29]): "I felt like the whole point of the parenting plan was to show you that you couldn't do it, not to actually come up with a plan that you could do or that you would be successful with."
Sarah’s journey from a believer in the home’s mission to a critical insider illustrates the systemic pressure exerted on young women to relinquish their children. Her efforts to help residents keep their babies highlight the internal conflicts faced by those within the organization.
Evan Cater’s Investigation Evan Cater, a Child Protective Services investigator and Liberty University alumnus, becomes a pivotal figure in uncovering the coercive practices of the Godparent Home. Initially skeptical, Evan’s encounters with distressed teens reveal a pattern of pressure to choose adoption over parenting. [24:12] Evan recounts:
Evan Cater ([28:06]): "They have these families over at Thomas Road Baptist Church. They would use high pressure sales techniques to try to get them to adopt children."
Evan’s determination leads him to confront the Godparent Home, only to face resistance and complicity from local authorities deeply intertwined with the university’s network. His findings suggest that the home operates with motives that extend beyond compassionate support, hinting at exploitation under the guise of religious duty.
Legal and Institutional Barriers Despite mounting evidence, Evan encounters significant obstacles in holding the Godparent Home accountable. The Department of Education’s minimal response and the expiration of the home’s license in 2022 underscore the challenges in addressing institutional misconduct. [29:10] Raphael notes:
TJ Raphael: "When you look at what happened to Abby and Nathan and Tony and Zoe and it doesn't seem fair. It's not fair."
The intertwining of Liberty University with local governance and law enforcement further complicates efforts to investigate and rectify the unethical practices uncovered.
Aftermath and Continuing Struggle As Abby and Nathan navigate their marriage and the complexities of an open adoption, the emotional scars of their experiences linger. Their attempts to maintain contact with their son, Jay, are fraught with unspoken rules and emotional turbulence. Abby’s perseverance to seek answers and foster a genuine relationship with Jay reflects the enduring impact of the Godparent Home’s influence.
Conclusion "All the King's Men" paints a compelling narrative of resilience and the quest for truth amidst a backdrop of coercion and institutional pressure. Through the intertwined stories of Abby, Nathan, Sarah P., and Evan Cater, T. J. Raphael exposes the darker facets of the Liberty Godparent Home, questioning the ethical boundaries of faith-based interventions. The episode underscores the need for accountability and support systems that prioritize the well-being of young mothers over ideological agendas.
Notable Quotes
- Nathan ([00:55]): "I couldn't care less about any of this."
- Abby ([08:36]): "I looked down the stairs because I'm up above in this house, looking down over where the ceremony was."
- Sarah P. ([17:58]): "When you're opening a maternity home to lower abortions and your mindset is that adoption is an alternative, it just naturally snowballs into pressure."
- Evan Cater ([28:31]): "They said that they were there to protect life. And it was apparent to me that unless they were able to monetize that life, they had no interest in it."
Final Thoughts "All the King's Men" serves as a critical examination of the Liberty Godparent Home’s role in the lives of pregnant teens, highlighting the struggle between personal autonomy and institutional control. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the ethical implications of faith-driven support systems and the importance of safeguarding the rights and desires of young mothers.