New abuse allegations target co-founder, others at Sovereign Grace Ministries

New abuse allegations target co-founder, others at Sovereign Grace Ministries

Written by Peter Smith
Januayr 14, 2013
courier-journal.com

A lawsuit against a Louisville-based denomination has added new allegations that ministers not only covered up the physical and sexual abuse of members but in some cases were abusers themselves.

The lawsuit accuses a co-founder of Sovereign Grace Ministries, who left in a bitter split with the current president in 1997, of physically abusing a female over a 25-year period.

The lawsuit was originally filed in October in Montgomery County, Md., where the denomination was based from its 1982 founding until 2012.

The original lawsuit alleged that church pressured victims and their families not to report sexual abuse by other members.

But the amended lawsuit, filed on Friday, add

Click to read more ...

Class Action Lawsuit Naming Sovereign Grace Ministries Is Expanded

The original complaint against Sovereign Grace Ministries and eight defendants was filed on October 17, 2011.  It has now been amended and expanded.  It was re-filed on January 11, 2012. 

When I posted the original complaint, I included the following introduction.  I think it is still relevant though additional evidence has obvious come forth. 

“Just a few introductory remarks before you read the lawsuit.  No one should presume the guilt or innocence of any of these men.  Each one will need to defend himself.  Guilt or innocence will vary from man to man.    

“Furthermore, no one should presume these charges are true or false.  Each one must be tried.  Plaintiffs will prosecute - defendants will defend.  Both will be cross examined under sworn testimony.   

“I pray all false charges are tossed out and all true charges upheld.  I hope that pastors are vindicated per the evidence and victims are justified per the evidence.  This is all very serious when you consider C.J. Mahaney, who is President of SGM, and John Loftness, who is Chairman of the Board, are both cited in the lawsuit.” (Brent Detwiler, “Copy of Lawsuit Brought Against Sovereign Grace Ministries and Eight Defendants,” October 18, 2012)

Here are some important takeaways from the amended and expanded complaint.

Click to read more ...