But Kenneth McCall took advantage of young girls like me, and the Church didnt do anything to prevent it from happening. When asked about Mauneys severance, Surratt claimed he didnt know about the severance because he resigned as an overseer of Newsound shortly after Mauney resigned. McCall currently is the Program Director at Mustard Seed Ranch (San Juan . When that happens, the nervous system experiences a variety of responses but the term most frequently understood is fight, flight or freeze. You dont get to choose how you respond, its a biochemical response. Its more like picking and choosing what you think sounds good, crossing your fingers, and hoping it all works out. Did she go along with it because that is what she wanted?, did she feel she had no other choice?, is she prone to victim narrative?, does she want money or justice?, or was she that naive not to see what he was doing? I would classify it as abuse I was young. Even though it was Easter, we had to go home.. Victims of all ages in California can now sue their abusers for up to three years under California Assembly Bill 218. Brian Williams:949.383.2780 Jemma Dunn: 949.383.2785. M: 201-705-2194, Jeff Anderson & Associates Amazing how quickly these randy rogues are restored to leadership. And so were just hopefulif anything comes out of this, its that (abuse) has no place in the church. It also prompted anger among some parishioners at Lusk. I do not know, but a civil case is easier to win than a criminal one. Later, the church merged with SeaCoast Grace in Cypress. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of "Jesus v. Evangelicals: A Biblical Critique of a Wayward Movement" by Constantine Campbell. I felt like a doll., [PHOTO; As a teen in the late 1970s, Denise Dial participated in the youth group at North Long Beach Brethren Church. McCall owes another $250,000. It was the most elaborate church service I ever attended. . This past July, when allegations that Carter had sexually assaulted a woman at Together Church became public, COTH cut ties with him. Dial when they were each 12 years old. Dial and Ms. Lusk when they were each 12 years old. He taught me to be coy; if you like someone, dont show it, she said. ", "Justice in Riverside yesterday for our courageous client in my first jury trial with my two daughters, Michelle and Taylor," Dordick said on his Facebook page. Seacoast offers Junior High Ministry, which exists to raise the next generation in a God-honoring manner. 312 likes, 10 comments - Seacoast Grace Church (@scgchurch) on Instagram: " ." Seacoast Grace Church on Instagram: " ! I was flabbergasted that the staff members couldnt see what was going on, Lusk said. For Seacoast Grace to point the finger at Ms. Lusk and say that she, as an adolescent, was somehow responsible for the reprehensible acts that are detailed in this lawsuit is telling., Greenberg Gross LLP Decades after they were sexually abused, new law helps three women But nobody did.. The church was charged for enabling repeated sexual abuse against three underage girls. What to Expect at SeaCoast Grace Church SeaCoast Grace Church offers 3 weekend worship services, including services on Saturday evening and additional services at one of our alternative locations. Dial worked as a registered nurse. ARC continued to allow Mauney to be in a position where he could sexually prey on female parishioners and employees of Newsound Church, including Doe.. Recent Hillsong whistleblower documents show that Hillsongs alleged celebrity preachers scam didnt just enrich Brian Houston, founder of the global megachurch, with, Jimn Kyles of Anchor Bend Churchan Association of Related Churches (ARC) megachurch in Texasrecently urged his congregation to give more money because, Disgraced megachurch pastor Jeremy Foster this weekend posted a video on Instagram apologizing for the adulterous affair that led to his resignation, He is on staff at Church By The Glades, being harbored by a friend (Pastor David Hughes.). Copyright 2020 Jeff Anderson & Associates | Disclaimer|Privacy Statement | Accessibility Statement, 366 Jackson Street, Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-227-9990 She was not alone. Mike Reck One Saturday, she said, she walked by McCalls office to witness a girl on her knees in front of him.. I've been attending for over 4 years now and they never let up. Easy problem to solve. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. The function of the Leadership Team is for governing the ARC, assisting its member churches, and mentoring of its pastoral membership., Thats per a Sep 2019 snapshot on the Internet Archive. After graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in journalism, Susan Christian Goulding worked at newspapers throughout Southern California, including the Herald Examiner, the Daily Breeze the Los Angeles Times and now the Orange County Register. The case is one of many that was filed at the end of 2022 during the 'look-back' window, where adults were able to file civil suits against child sexual abusers years after the fact. It was re-traumatizing to read that, Lusk said. It was responsible., As a result of my abuse by Ken McCall and the complicit actions of North Long Beach Brethren Church, I spent years questioning everything in my lifeGod, love, church, friends, trust, loyalty, and myself, said survivor Julie Poole Lusk. Lets get real about protecting the ministry and put PR in its place. Schools and churches. I felt like nothing had changed and the church was still sticking its head in the sand.. In 2019, Carter left Together Churcha now-shuttered ARC member megachurch in Yakima, Washingtonfor undisclosed reasons. She calls what Mauney did, grooming . Seacoast Grace Church | 102 followers on LinkedIn. The suit is the second lawsuit naming either ARC or its executives to recently come to light. Her older brother, then in college, asked what was wrong. The attorney for SeaCoast did not return multiple requests for comment. Seacoast Grace Church is a Religious Organization based out of 5100 Cerritos Ave, Cypress, California, United States. How To Sign Up. Both plaintiffs allege the abuse happened with the full knowledge of the leadership of the Church, and that the environment fostered a pervasive and reckless environment for young girls. Cleansing only comes after true repentance and confession. Now, the new California Assembly Bill 218 is open for victims of all ages to sue their abusers. This is the last thing that should ever happen at a church. If she didnt report this until now, how is ARC to blame for not knowing? When a powerful person like a pastor is harassing someone much lower on the totem pole, like an assistant, they experience powerlessness and shame. Lusk and two other women settled a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by a youth pastor. Kenneth McCall used his position of power as a youth pastor to harass, molest, and assault young girls. I could talk to him about my personal problems, she said. Restrooms. Copyright 2023 Fight for Survivors | Greenberg Gross LLP. Seacoast Grace Church | LinkedIn Find out what works well at SeaCoast Grace Church from the people who know best. In depositions taken last year, several former North Long Beach Brethren employees testified that rumors of McCalls inappropriate relationships with girls and first-hand sightings ran rampant. Yeah. ARC churches are all taught the same tactics of psychological abuse/brainwashing so even if she was raped multiple times and didnt file a police report DOES NOT mean it wasnt rape. North Long Beach Brethren, like any church, was supposed to be a safe place, said survivor Carrie Denise Dial. After his abrupt departure from the church, McCall switched gears to a job in commercial real estate. Past Events. When Church administrators interviewed Ms. Lusk about the abuse she suffered at the hands of McCall, Dean Smith, a counselor, and employee at the time, confirmed the Church was aware of McCalls assault of minor parishioners and pointed to a stack of complaints against McCall on his desk. SCG Church Livestream. Now SeaCoast is paying for the actions of Brethren's former youth pastor. Both women were distraught. SERVICE TIMES: SATURDAY 8TH @ 5:00PM Legislation passed in 2019 temporarily suspends the statute of limitations for claims of childhood sexual abuse, allowing for the filing of a lawsuit. Seacoast Grace Church makes a difference in the lives of individuals by introducing them to Jesus Christ and His teachings at whatever stage of their spiritual journey they are at when they come to church. In a deposition taken last year, McCall, now 66, admitted to inappropriate sexual contact with at least half a dozen girls in his care. Eventually, he became the director of Mustard Seed Ranch, a faith-based equestrian program for foster children. Off Air. Plaintiff knew of dangers and risks incident to her activity, but nevertheless freely and voluntarily exposed herself to all risks of harm, attorneys for SeaCoast wrote, referencing Lusk, in a response filed August of 2020 with Orange County Superior Court. Many church members are mortified and wondering why the victims are being ignored, while morally bankrupt pastors are being given a red carpet restoration facility. I never matured much beyond that. If she didnt report this until now, how is ARC to blame for not knowing?, When Doe reported that Mauney had been inappropriate with her, the church told Doe to contact Rizzo, the suit alleges., And isnt her suit a civil suit, not a criminal one?. According to the Orange County Register, Lusk, now 55, vividly remembers a woman telling her, "You are the Devil.". Only a handful of North Long Beach Brethren employees are still associated with SeaCoast. I went home with the intention of taking pills and killing myself, Lusk said. M: 714-742-6593, ATTORNEY ADVERTISING (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)]. Instead, they let church elders handle the situation. Its almost like this is a script on how they operate.. The lawsuit is being brought by a woman identified as Jane Doe, andalleges that ARC knew that Joshua Mauney, ARCs former national director of church planting, had a history of sexual misconduct. Lake Elsinore Woman Awarded $2.2B In Child Sexual Assault Lawsuit This lawsuit will put an end to that, said attorney Matthew Ingles of Greenberg Gross. is amazing and Pastor Doyle constantly challenges me with the Word and makes me want to know Jesus more. Our church is Non-Denominational / Independent. In each case, McCall exploited his position of trust and as a result, disregarded his spiritual obligations to these young girls. Now 55, Lusk can still remember a woman telling her You are the Devil. And at a Lakewood High homecoming football game, during Lusks junior year, she was shunned by former friends who hung out in the bleachers with the 20-something man they felt she had wronged. PUSHPAY is a very simple and user friendly way to give online. We have to look at the totality of circumstances to determine whether a crime was committed, or if she is bearing false witness for monetary gain. Reflecting on how ARC has allegedly protected, and in some cases redeployed abusive pastors, Smith said: It looks like this is the pattern and practice that ARC and Dino (Rizzo) are engaged in . Yes, it was wrong, McCall testified. SeaCoast Grace Church WELCOME TO SCG CHURCH 01D 12H 09M Join us for our Weekend Services Saturday @ 5:00pm | Sunday @ 9 & 10:45am Stream with us Live Online Saturday @ 5:00pm | Sunday @ 9 & 10:45am Watch a Service This Week's Message Sermon Archive Current Series JOIN US FOR OUR EASTER CELEBRATIONS! The abuse took place at the hands of then-Youth Pastor, Kenneth McCall. The complaints detail how McCall groomed adolescent girls in an effort to establish trust so that he could isolate and assault them. Orange County, California Greenberg Gross Partner Brian Williams announced a $2.5 million settlement with Seacoast Grace Church in Cypress, California. Now SeaCoast is paying for the actions of Brethrens former youth pastor. McCall resigned from the church after the complaint was made. I felt like a doll., Dial said McCall repeatedly warned her not to tell others about their relationship because they wouldnt understand., To me, that meant he was going to marry me when I turned 18, Dial said. Rehab helped her recover. Only a handful of North Long Beach Brethren employees are still associated with SeaCoast. This settlement is the poster child for why AB 218 was created, said Costa Mesa attorney Brian Williams, whose firm represented Lusk and the other women. In 2017, we updated our bylaws with the IRS and with that the directors of the organization were updated. We call that a clue, that shows what type of moral character is allowed in the organization and should give us some guidance on who to believe. Now SeaCoast is paying for the actions of Brethrens former youth pastor. Similarly, Surratt claimed that neither Rizzo nor pastors Dailey, Sumrall, and Nepstad were not acting in any official capacity with ARC while overseeing NewSound. The suit was made possible by legislation passed in 2019 that temporarily pauses the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Lusk, the SeaCoast attorneys added, failed to use that degree of care and caution which a reasonably prudent person would have used under the same or similar circumstances.. Home page Explore Nevertheless, SeaCoasts recent defense rekindled feelings of guilt and abandonment for Lusk, echoing the blame-the-victim response shed endured as a teenager. Reached by phone, McCalls attorney said that neither he nor his client would comment on this story. Was there a coverup? Then he sat on top of me. Surratt also denied having any knowledge of misconduct by Mauney, prior to the allegations by Doe. She is now 41. Grace Christian School The victims say the assaults took place not only in McCalls office and car, but also in the chapel, on a church bus, at a swim party, in hallways, on a park swing, in restrooms and, when one girls parents were away, in her bedroom. In the small world of youth sports, the two moms occasionally ran into each other at softball games. Lawsuit Accuses Church Planting Group of Allowing Florida Pastor to I found myself verbalizing to younger girls, Dont wear that around him. Dont be alone with him, she said. For many of her teen years in the late 70s and early 80s, Huntington Beach resident endured sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of a youth pastor at North Long Beach Brethren, which later merged into Seacoast Grace megachurch in Cypress. Their next service will be on Wednesday at New Philadelphia AME Church in Long Beach. SeaCoast Grace Church. In the small world of youth sports, the two moms occasionally ran into each other at softball games. He oversaw the nonprofits San Juan Capistrano site for more than a decade, leaving in 2020 in the wake of the lawsuit filed by Lusk and others. 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All three victims suffered life-long trauma, including PTSD. At one point, they purchased a boat as an excuse to attend church camp. After leaving the church on short notice, McCall found work in commercial real estate. In 2012, while pastoring The Healing Placean ARC member church in Baton Rouge, LouisianaRizzo admitted an inappropriate affair and stepped down. DeSantis stirs up opposition in Florida town built by Disney Before an opportunity emerged for long-delayed legal action, Dial assumed justice had passed her by. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Jesus v. Evangelicals: A Biblical Critique of a Wayward Movement by Constantine Campbell. The 11-year-old Julie Lusk was able to find a group of friends at the former North Long Beach Brethren Church (Now Seacoast Church) after her family's mess, which she described as a "disaster.". What days are Seacoast Grace Church open? Three women, Julie Lusk, Denise Dial, and Jane Doe, had bravely filed lawsuits for systemic sexual abuse they each suffered between 1976 and 1983. When I figured out I wasnt the special one, I felt rejected. Just last week, media reported that a lawsuit filed in Mississippi named ARC Executive Director and Church of the Highlands pastor, Dino Rizzo, as a defendant. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. All Rights Reserved. Seacoast exists to help people discover life in Christ and to learn to walk in His ways. Church leaders, do you really believe ministry is to be shared (like you have preached) and equally protected or will you still be slaves to PR and favoritism? To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Victims were able to seek recompense in cases dating back decades. Yet, your sole comment is BUT she never reported being raped to the police? You clearly know nothing about abuse and have never been a victim. I could talk to him about my personal problems, she said. The California Law allows victims of childhood sexual assault to take legal action against their perpetrator, or a person or entity who owed them a duty of care, regardless of when the actual assault occurred. SeaCoast Grace Church at 5100 W Cerritos Ave, Cypress, CA 90630 - hours, address, map, directions, phone number, customer ratings and reviews. That suit claimed Rizzo failed to protect an intern after learning she was sexually harassed by a pastor at Vibrant Church, an ARC member church in Columbus, Mississippi. I thought I was the special one, that I would be a pastors wife., But, like Lusk, Dial would come to deduce that other girls, too, considered McCall their boyfriend.. SCG Church Livestream. Fill out the form below and well get back to you shortly. In depositions, witnesses expressed regret that they didnt go to authorities when the abuse occurred. McCall owes $250,000 more. It is so disturbing. Privacy Policy. Lusk and her husband chaperoned just about every activity their kids participated in. Seacoast Church is a nondenominational church located in Cypress, California. Im certain the abuse has harmful impacts on their ministry. Jane Doe alleges that Mauney raped her 12 times over a period of months but she never reported being raped to the police? Although not as despicable as the actual behaviors and lack of accountability, this also reveals an attitude that might be more prevalent than we want, that church leadership believes they are The ministry. 306,255 1. What increase in ministry is missed out on because PR is more important? But he continued to be employed and given more and more access and responsibilities. The lawsuit is being brought by a woman identified as "Jane Doe," and alleges that ARC knew that Joshua Mauney, ARC's . Instead, they let church elders handle the situation. The window created by AB 218 is a remarkable tool for survivors of childhood sexual assault. They asked McCall to vacate his post, but told puzzled parishioners that he had done nothing wrong. One Saturday, she said, she walked by McCalls office to witness a girl on her knees in front of him.. The victims say the assaults took place not only in McCalls office and car, but also in the chapel, on a church bus, at a swim party, in hallways, on a park swing, in restrooms and, when one girls parents were away, in her bedroom. Lawsuits Filed Against Kenneth McCall and Seacoast Grace Church (Los Angeles, CA) - Attorneys from Greenberg Gross LLP and Jeff Anderson & Associates filed two lawsuits today on behalf of plaintiffs Carrie Denise Dial and Julie Poole Lusk against Kenneth McCall and Seacoast Grace Church, formerly known as North Long Beach Brethren. He taught me to be coy; if you like someone, dont show it, she said. What do we all know that we all know? Then she recognized some faces. Yet, ARC allowed Mauney to plant and lead Newsound Church (now Sound Church), a former ARC member church in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. He was handsome and seemed younger than he was.. If you look to culture, everyone has their own answers to these questions. . LOS ANGELES (July 13, 2020) Attorneys from Greenberg Gross LLP and Jeff Anderson & Associates filed two lawsuits today on behalf of plaintiffs Carrie Denise Dial and Julie Poole Lusk against Kenneth McCall and Seacoast Grace Church, formerly known as North Long Beach Brethren. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that ARC had knowledge of other instances where Mauney had engaged in inappropriate sexual contact and/or attempted to do so. It adds, ARC failed to report this information to the church community or to the proper authorities . He wasted no time in sharing that information with higher ups at the church. All five men served as overseers of Newsound Church and were appointed by ARC, the suit says. PDF Two Sexual Assault Lawsuits filed Against Kenneth McCall and Seacoast The lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court today. Heres the direct link to the latest available snapshot, from 9/19 In 2010, Lusk became addicted to the pain medication she took for a broken wrist. Cypress megachurch SeaCoast and former pastor pay $2.5 million to settle lawsuit. A lot of us down here in Birmingham, Alabama would like for you to look into and report on the fact that Chris Hodges and Church of the Highlands have decided to spend millions of tithe money to build The Lodge, a facility to rehabilitate pastors who have had moral failings. His father remained on the board for several months after I took over before moving to FL. The church was charged for enabling repeated sexual abuse against three underage girls. "North Long Beach Brethren, like any church, was supposed to be a safe place, said survivor . Home News $2.5 Million Settlement Reached with Seacoast Grace Church for Enabling Sexual Abuse by Youth Pastor. Is she lying? . Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. In 2017, Joshua Mauney, his wife Kimberly Mauney, and Stephen Mauney (possibly Mauneys father) were removed as directors from TurningPoint, official documents show. McCall owes $250,000 more. McCall owes another $250,000. Church leaders ignored, forgave and allowed McCalls abuse to continue due to concern for the reputation of the church and worries that the accusations would divide the congregations. I flipped out, Lusk said. They asked McCall to vacate his post, but told puzzled parishioners that he had done nothing wrong. Brian L. Williams | Greenberg Gross LLP 11 0. And you dont want to start throwing rocks.. The failure of North Long Beach Brethren to protect young parishioners and their failure to report the abuse of McCall exposed countless other young girls to possible abuse. Sanctuary. She taught English and journalism in Compton for four years, and at Loyola Marymount University and El Camino College for a year. One man, who worked at the church while attending college, dubbed McCall the Pied Piper.. Copyright 2023 Fight for Survivors | Greenberg Gross LLP. A survivor of sexual assault is not culpable for the abuse theyve suffered, particularly when that abuse was inflicted on them as a child, said attorney Matthew Ingles of Greenberg Gross. McCall was employed as a pastor, teacher, and spiritual counselor, with access to parish minors in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court today. (I) couldnt leave my children in the nursery. The lawsuit also provides a link to ARCs constitution, but that page apparently has been removed. Cafe. When McCall exited North Long Beach Brethren, his accusers say, he left behind a sea of pain that still reverberates through their lives. When McCall exited North Long Beach Brethren, his accusers say, he left behind a sea of pain that still reverberates through their lives. Surratt said he knows of no reports of abuse by Mauney from TurningPoint staff. SeaCoast Grace Church - 5100 W Cerritos Ave, Cypress, CA 90630 I went home with the intention of taking pills and killing myself, Lusk said. Public records and court searches did not turn up any lawsuits alleging sexual abuse against Mustard Seed Ranch. Now SeaCoast is paying for the actions of Brethren's former youth pastor. Knowing that Ken hurt other girls besides me, and knowing that he is working with at-risk youth now, makes me sick. I dont understand how a religious institution can place guilt on a child. Rizzo has a history of sexual misconduct himself. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? This led to an internal investigation, which concluded by February 2021, Smith said. These men are criminals and should be incarcerated. While the LDS Church, commonly called Mormon, denied any wrongdoing, it settled out of court for $1 million. https://web.archive.org/web/20160409151639/http://www.arcchurches.com/about/constitution-bylaws/. Ill bet most of the rehabilitation is via prayer (oh yeah that works) vs criminal prosecution. Gavin Newsom signed AB 218 into law. More. the first time she was sexually assaulted. If I told him no, he would act like his feelings were hurt and stop talking to me, Lusk said. Jos Gomez of the Archdiocese of Long Angeles is set to lead a six-mile procession on Saturday, March 25, to rekindle Catholics' adoration for the Eucharist. SeaCoast Grace Church - Cypress, CA - USA Churches Each member church shall have self-governing privileges in harmony with the authority and vision of the Leadership of ARC.. I was 13., We were alone in his office and he took my clothes off and took his own clothes off, Dial said. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Victims were able to seek recompense in cases dating back decades.
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