Sovereign Grace Churches (SGM; previously Sovereign Grace Ministries and People of Destiny International, PDI) is a group of Reformed,[2] neocharismatic,[3] Evangelical, restorationist,[4] Christian churches primarily located in North America. 6) People withdrew from us, or fell silent. The Christianity Today article publicly mischaracterizes Sovereign Grace and C. J. based on accusations of which Rachael had no involvement and which are not true and have never been true. Speaking up after the hard work has been done is easy, said Denhollander, who is an attorney known for being the first of more than 400 women to publicly accuse USA gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. Ennis testified only about the Maryland plaintiffs. On March 8, 2016, two individuals testified before the Maryland State Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee regarding the Sovereign Grace Ministries lawsuit. (Covenant Life is no longer a part of the Sovereign Grace network.). In Maryland, unlike some states, there is no statute of limitations for bringing criminal charges in felony sexual abuse cases, which is why Nate Morales went to jail decades after he abused boys at Covenant Life Church. Her investigation, The Sex Scandal that Devastated a Suburban Megachurch, chronicles the inside story of crimes against children in D.C.-area Sovereign Grace churches, explores how church leaders including founder C.J. The two churches formed an informal church-planting partnership. A team arrived in April of 1981 of 11 people, including Tomczak and family. But we also see this as an opportunity for SGC to become a positive example for the rest of the evangelical community. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. Of the many matters of concern, Denhollander says that Liebeler did not contact most of those raising allegations, nor witnesses on behalf of those making allegations. The first church adoption was in Cleveland Ohio. [5] It has variously been described as a family of churches,[6] a denomination,[7] and an apostolic network. The investigations findings, which were published Feb. 9, revealed that the initial allegations, shocking as they were, pale in comparison to Zacharias actual proficiency as a sexual predator. WebIn 2014, a civil lawsuit against Covenant Life Church and Sovereign Grace Ministries alleging a cover-up of child sexual abuse was dismissed in Maryland. 2023 ChurchLeaders.com, All rights reserved. She also imagined that 18 people witnessed the abuse, and she listed them by name. SGC has also posted its full statement regarding this editorial.]. Maryland's Court of Special Appeals has dismissed a case which alleged that leaders of Sovereign Grace Ministries had attempted to cover up a sex abuse scandal at the Bethesda-Covenant Life Church. So many of the leaders applauding the step RZIM took today, were silent in urging that this step be taken, and remain silent regarding an organization still co-laboring alongside them or in their communities, wrote Denhollander in a Facebook post on Feb. 12. For six years nowand more intensely in the last few weekscharges and counter-charges (see links below), accusations and defenses have been conducted in public forums and in the courts, without a satisfactory conclusion. Some of the leaders at Sovereign Grace Ministries had outsized influence in evangelicalism at largeJoshua Harris, one of their former pastors, wrote a book I Kissed Dating Goodbye, which as you point out is an evangelical cult classic and shaped how evangelical millennials grew up understanding sex. Perhaps SGMs reporting process was indeed followed more times than not. The church network pushed back against renewed scrutiny around SGC and former president C. J. Mahaneys response to abuse claims. [50], In late 2012, a lawsuit in Montgomery County, Maryland was brought against Sovereign Grace Ministries, making accusations of a conspiracy to cover-up child sex abuse. Montgomery County police investigated and filed no charges. She went on: When you support an organization that has been embroiled in a horrific 30-year cover-up of sexual assault, you know what that communicates to the world and what it communicates to other enablers and abusers within your own church. In 2018, Harris disavowed I Kissed Dating Goodbye and discontinued its publication. Our interaction with civil authorities has been instrumental in shaping our policies and procedures for the protection and care of children. This has left many, many observers bewildered, angry, and deeply suspicious of SGC and these accused churches. That being said, we call upon SGC to welcome an independent audit of how it has, in fact, processed charges when they have been brought to its attentionthis is precisely one of the points of contention. WebSovereign Grace Churches says no to outside investigation of abuse allegations News Bob Allen | April 17, 2019 An evangelical church-planting network accused of covering up She testified that the defense had refused to settle out of court requiring that the case be heard in court on its merits. Mahaney did and did not respond, and recounts how victims mothers joined forces to seek justice. Modesty is important. Every institution that desires to pursue truth and accountability must sift through these questions, and numerous Christian experts are available to help properly exegete Biblical standards of justice and accountability, she wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday. Yes, we have been the target of misinformed critique in both the secular and Christian media, and more will likely come, he stated. WebSovereign Grace Ministries is no longer the force it used to be. 2. Worshipers fill the Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Md. He was in the hospital because his back was so bad he couldn't walk. WebControversy has surrounded SGCpreviously Sovereign Grace Ministries, or SGMand its founder C. J. Mahaney since at least 2012, when SGMs flagship congregation faced a Speaking up after the hard work has been done is easy, said Denhollander, who is an attorney known for being the, to publicly accuse USA gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. We would do well in all our churches to conduct open and frank investigations on any matter (especially sexual abuse) that (a) brings into question the integrity of the ministry and (b) contains substantial charges and witnesses that strongly suggest were not dealing with frivolous accusations. June 26, 2014: The Maryland Court of Special Appeals dismissed the appeal of the civil lawsuit, saying the appeal was filed prematurely before there was a final judgment by the lower court. That suit wouldnt involve all the original plaintiffs because some are too old to file suits. They were also friendly with Maranatha Campus Ministries for a period.[17]. In the media, were hearing more about these stories. A subsequent examination of the case, conducted by an independent investigator, found that the allegations of child sex abuse detailed in the lawsuit "likely never happened at all" (except for the two which had been promptly reported and prosecuted several decades earlier). 41 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. As Denhollander and other experts have noted. Addressing this issue is not damaging the Gospel, it is instead seeking to restore the Gospel and Christ to their rightful authority and priority over institutions and mishandled theology. [46] Sovereign Grace Music is directed by worship leader Bob Kauflin, former member of Christian band Glad, and is known for lyrics that are founded in biblical doctrine. The Washingtonian/February 14, 2016. I think there are real problems with these exemptions. WebThe Sex-Abuse Scandal That Devastated a Suburban Megachurch. Mahaney announced "that he would step down as president of SGM's beleaguered network of churches. Perhaps the number of abuse victims isnt as high as it seems. Judge Burrell found that any conspiracy to cover-up should have been brought within the time frame of the alleged abuse. The statistics I saw were one-in-four girls and one-in-six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. As a result, the case was dismissed. [We encourage readers to read both SGCs latest defense and Denhollanders Facebook rejoinder in full, from which the quotes above and below have been taken. Ravi Zacharias Hid Hundreds of Pictures of Women, Abuse During Massages, and a Rape Allegation, Complete access to articles on ChristianityToday.com, Over 120 years of magazine archives plus full access to all of CTs online archives. indicate that the churchs culture discourages people from reporting it. Third, we are asking SGC to strongly encourage any churches and leaders in its orbit who remain under suspicion to seek an independent investigation, and for accused former SGM churches to agree to one as well. Or who earnestly felt, as a matter of religious freedom, that secular authorities and courts shouldnt second-guess pastoral counseling decisions. "[27] "[25] Other notable charismatic figures, such as Lou Engle, founder of The Call prayer concerts, and Ch Ahn, pastor of Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena, CA, also ceased to be formally associated with PDI during this period. WebHer investigation, The Sex Scandal that Devastated a Suburban Megachurch , chronicles the inside story of crimes against children in D.C.-area Sovereign Grace churches, [58], All charges brought by the Maryland plaintiffs were dismissed by Maryland Circuit Judge Sharon Burrell, permanently barring plaintiffs from ever bringing those or related charges in Maryland civil court again at any time in the future. But their influence is widespreadas Stanley points out, Wayne Grudem, an evangelical theologian at Phoenix Seminary, once described Sovereign Grace Ministries as an example of the way churches ought to work., In response to the Washingtonian investigation, executive director of Sovereign Grace Churches Mark Prater pointed TIME to a lengthy statement he made in 2014 denying that Sovereign Grace leaders conspired to cover up sexual abuse. We have no authority over those churches, no right to their pastoral records, and no access to their internal reports or investigations, the leaders write. Denhollanders fourth and final point was that expert investigations should not be feared, but welcomed. She said. To clarify the context: The focus on SGC and these accused churches and leaders is not because the charges and counter-charges are especially grievous, but only because the controversy is so public. "[2] Larry Tomczak withdrew from the Charismatic Catholic scene shortly before the creation of Covenant Life Church. That child was abused at age 2 by a babysitter whose case was criminally prosecuted in 1993. [49] In 2011, Sovereign Grace Music's album Risen charted at No. Magazines, Digital May 29, 2013: Plaintiffs file a motion for reconsideration, arguing that the statute of limitations shouldnt apply because the claims of conspiracy did not surface until August 2011. This echoed one of the highest-profile past defenses of Mahaney and SGM, when Reformed leaders Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, and Albert Mohler wrote in 2013: If the filing of civil litigation against a Christian ministry or leader is in itself reason for separation and a rush to judgment, no ministry or minister is safe from destruction at any time. Fourth, we recognize and applaud the steps Sovereign Grace and its churches have taken since this controversy first erupted. Mahaney, one of the churchs founders, was one of the church leaders cited in a 2012 lawsuit as allegedly covering up sexual abuse for years. SGC has turned to MinistrySafe, a group favored by Southern Baptists and Dallas Theological Seminary. One of them, Kings Cross Church, has left SGC since sending its letter. "[71] Regarding the accuracy of the plaintiffs' claims, SGM released a statement saying that "SGM is not in a position to comment on the specific allegations at this time, but upon review it appears the complaint contains a number of misleading allegations, as well as considerable mischaracterizations of intent."[72]. Im sure they wish it could all just go away too. The truth of sin that leads to repentance is one of the most glorious moments in our life in Christ. Controversy has surrounded SGCpreviously Sovereign Grace Ministries, or SGMand its founder C. J. Mahaney since at least 2012, when SGMs flagship congregation faced a lawsuit alleging a sexual abuse cover-up, which was later dismissed on procedural grounds. All the perpetrators from my story were maleseveral were teenage boysand they were members of a ministry that advocated strict sexual mores. The following month RC Jr announced that Sovereign Grace Fellowship was a 501 (c) (3) church and donations are tax-deductible.2 Later he announced Sunday church services would begin in his Fort There is an institutional effort to protect against child abuse, the Child Safety Protection Network, but it does not do investigations. Picking the right investigator matters. These remarks prompted defenses from SGC Louisville and the SGC network earlier this year, who said they unreservedly commend his character and support him in his role as a pastor and were not aware of any outstanding, credible accusations against him.. The court also dismissed for lack of jurisdiction all of the claims against the remaining 2 defendants residing in Virginia. Documentation was found showing the family of one plaintiff was immediately advised to notify authorities. Four other congregations with female pastors were also determined to be not in friendly cooperation with the SBC, as well as one removed over its abuse response. and who has since renounced his faith, implied in an. Lets set an example for all churches to follow, bringing healing to victims and churches alike. The article quotes Plaintiff's attorney, Susan Burke, saying that she "plans to file a new suit in Virginia against the Fairfax church on behalf of at least two plaintiffs." The apologists version of events was that Thompson and her husband were trying to extort money from him. WebSovereign Grace Ministries is an evangelical, Reformed, and charismatic network founded in 1982 that has about 80 member churches, located mostly in the U.S. SGM also But it doesnt. Later in 2012, the movement's former flagship, Covenant Life Church, departed from SGM, a decision supported by an overwhelming 93%[34] of voting members. January 2013: A First Amended Complaint is filed, adding five more plaintiffs alleging abuse and adding CLC and other defendants. That was a first for me. The feedback from the victims and their families has been overwhelming positive, and Im thankful for that. The apologists version of events was that Thompson and her husband were trying to extort money from him. So many of the leaders applauding the step RZIM took today, were silent in urging that this step be taken, and remain silent regarding an organization still co-laboring alongside them or in their communities, wrote Denhollander in a, Denhollander was referring to the independent investigation Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (, ) commissioned in September of last year. Allegations of child sexual abuse and staff cover-up continue to swirl. It was not a cursory or flippant statement by any means, but one of nearly 8,000 words and, from our point of view, devastating in its detailed comments on the many aspects of the case. Center in Louisville, Kentucky, became the focus of controversy when it invited Mahaney, the senior pastor at Sovereign Grace The plaintiffs claimed that And very few leaders are willing to take that step even today., In her statement, Rachael Denhollander listed four lessons from the Ravi Zacharias scandal that ought to be abundantly clear. First, it ought to be clear that, and ministry leaders are not equipped to conduct investigations into allegations of sexual abuse within their ministries. [13] Mahaney describes himself as a "former pothead. On February 13, SGC followed up with a 2,800-word defense/explanation of many of the charges swirling around this case, and noted: The decisions of Rachael and others to publicly pronounce SGC and its pastors guilty of sexual abuse and conspiracy, on the basis of false allegations and with no direct knowledge of SGCs history or the facts, have profoundly damaged the reputations and gospel ministries of innocent pastors and churches. 1. It has its roots in a charismatic prayer meeting in Silver Spring, Maryland, then Washington, DC called Take and Give (TAG), which grew into Covenant Life Church, the former flagship of Sovereign Grace. Emphasizing that Christians must grieve with and comfort victims of sexual abuse, he also emphasized that we denyin the strongest terms possiblethat any Sovereign Grace leaders conspired to cover up abuse as alleged in this lawsuit.. Mayo also testified that her "husband had contemporaneous records from the 1980s that refuted the allegations. Since 2014, we have provided the MinistrySafe child safety system to SGC churches free of cost, including training, screening forms, policies, and proactive reporting practices. Its galling to them that Sovereign Grace leaders like C.J. SB 69 died in committee following the hearing. Given the prominence of Sovereign Grace, especially in Reformed evangelical circles, this puts the gospel we preach under a cloud. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital At his sentencing, she made a compelling speech calling for his just punishment while also extending her forgiveness. The churches, for the most part, declined to cooperate. In her Feb.12 statement, Denhollander listed three SGC churches that have sent letters calling on SGC leaders to conduct an investigation. I can understand that pastoral confidentiality is important, and so are religious freedom considerations. Moreover, there is not a single instance of a Sovereign Grace pastor or staff member ever being charged withmuch less convicted ofsexual abuse or covering up abuse in our 35+ year history.. The original apostolic team comprised Mahaney, Tomczak, Detweiler and Bill Galbraith. that concerns over SGC leaders handling of sexual abuse allegations contributed to him stepping away from the church. Furthermore, the effort to try such a case in the court of public opinion prior to any decision rendered by an authorized court is likewise irresponsible. We remain persuaded that an investigation of the sort weve been challenged to authorizeboth in good faith and otherwiseis inappropriate, impractical, unjust, and finally would be unsatisfactory to all interested parties, the 2,300-word statement concluded. In reality, victims often dont realize the long-term damage they have suffered from sexual abuse until they are much older. [39], Sovereign Grace Churches was known as "People of Destiny International" until 1998. 2) Anonymous calls were made to business clients, threatening them for doing business with us. They were tired of rehashing it. Did Pharaoh Have Free Will? The Whats worse, these unseemly events reverberate outward, mixing with the #ChurchToo discussion and lingering anger over the Roman Catholic Church abuse scandal. This is a serious problem that damages the gospel and pushes the most vulnerable away from hope and refuge. Because many churches are ideologically committed to the theories that lead them to handle abuse so poorly, many church leaders are very sincere, yet sincerely wrong. In the Palmer case, brought by Renee Palmer Gamby, Ennis testified that. What happens next for the victims? HB 642, the first bill of its kind to be supported by the Catholic Church in Maryland, extended the statute of limitations to 20 years after the age of majority, but makes it much more difficult to implicate a church or civic organization in a child sex abuse civil suit after the plaintiff turns 25. At the same Senate hearing another individual, Terry Mayo, also testified. She is among the evangelical voices calling for an independent investigationrecommending GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment)and criticized SGCs recent announcement. Statutes of limitationswhich put time limits on when you can file charges or suecan be an issue for victims. The day after the magazine hit newsstands, I got a card from Covenant Life Church, signed by some of the elders, saying the pastors prayed for me that morning. All of the others who were named in the lawsuit, including Covenant Life Church pastors in Maryland, Sovereign Grace employees, and Fairfax Church in Virginia, were also investigated by law enforcement and no charges were brought. When this issue resurfaced a year ago, I was made painfully aware of my serious mistakes. [43], Church planter Fred Herron described the PDI/SGM church planting method of founding new churches: a pastor leads a group of members to relocate to a different city and form, or plant, a new church. I immediately urged that an independent investigation be conducted and agreed that CJ needed to step down from public ministry until that took place, he stated. Susan Burke, the lawyer for the victims, has said she wants to file another lawsuit in Virginia. Sadly, these leaders and institutions also remain resistant to outside accountability or input. STANLEY: More than one church leader assumed the victims and lawyer Susan Burke brought this story to me, as a kind of trial-by-media stunt. The allegations against CLC co-founder Larry Tomczak bring to mind his bizarrely titled 1982 book God , . What has the reaction from the church community been to you, and to your story? And this was a complicated story to unravel and tell. No One Knows. [63], 3. They are a tool to see if there was a cover-up. None notified the police. WebThe April 12-14 gathering held at the KFC Yum! [9][10] Besides the North American congregations, there are also congregations in Australia, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Great Britain, Germany and Mexico. Grace Community Church Ashburn, VA Website. The actual teacher was the accuser's own mother. RZIM issued a public apology following the report, but has yet to announce any changes in leadership. RZIM UK has broken with the ministry as a result. You wrote that Susan Burke, a leading abuse litigator who is defending the Sovereign Grace victims, has called this case the toughest shes ever worked on. Child sex abuse in the Catholic Church is now widely knownSpotlight, a film about the Boston Globe journalists who documented the massive child molestation scandal and cover-up in the Catholic Church, is up for Best Picture at this years Oscarsbut similar abuses in evangelical communities have not received the same public scrutiny. "I believe so," he replied. Five plaintiffs are now using their real names, and the rest are pseudonyms. As SGC put it in a statement to CT: SGC is a denomination consisting of 72 churches, each of which is individually constituted and governed by its own board of elders. 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