This lawsuit will put an end to that, said attorney Matthew Ingles of Greenberg Gross. Denise Dial, another plaintiff in the lawsuit, recalls having a nave crush similar to Lusks. The suit was made possible by legislation passed in 2019 that temporarily pauses the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. According to a recent report in the Press Enterprise, the victim was first assaulted in 1987, after she joined the church. Five years later, that camaraderie was shattered. SeaCoast Grace Church. It was re-traumatizing to read that, Lusk said. There is some relief in just speaking my truth and having it heard, said Lusk, a family and marriage counselor in Huntington Beach. 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. During this time, Mauneys employment and retention as senior pastor of Newsound Church was approved and authorized by ARC, the suit claims. It was the social gathering spot.. Compare pay for popular roles and read about the team's work-life balance. I guess I felt special. The lawsuit is being brought by a woman identified as "Jane Doe," and alleges that ARC knew that Joshua Mauney, ARC's . . 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. Now, SeaCoast is paying for Brethren's previous youth pastor's sexual activities. 44 reviews of Seacoast Grace Church "We first came to Seacoast Grace during a Thanksgiving service. I couldnt handle it.. www.scgchurch.org. What started as cuddles expanded to stolen kisses, oral copulation and sexual acts without intercourse. In each case, McCall exploited his position of trust and as a result, disregarded his spiritual obligations to these young girls. She taught English and journalism in Compton for four years, and at Loyola Marymount University and El Camino College for a year. (Courtesy of Denise Dial)], 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. The Leadership Team may appoint Regional Directors on a unanimous basis, with no opposing votes. I felt like nothing had changed and the church was still sticking its head in the sand.. Home page Explore Also accused are three other pastors of ARC member megachurchesJustin Dailey, pastor of Action Church, in Orlando, Florida; Dave Sumrall, pastor of ITown Church, in Fishers, Indiana; and Shaun Nepstad pastor of Fellowship Church, in Antioch, California. Victims were able to seek recompense in cases dating back decades. 363 7th Ave, 12th Floor New York, NY 10001 646-759-2551, 366 Jackson Street Suite 100 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101, Sexual Abuse in the Music, Fashion, Film and Theater Industries, Complaint: Lusk v Seacoast Grace Church et al 102220. At age 16, Lusk accused the churchs charming youth pastor, Kenneth McCall, then 27, of engaging in a long-time sexual relationship with her. He/she doses it again. Seacoast Grace Church is a Religious Organization based out of 5100 Cerritos Ave, Cypress, California, United States. As your worship begins, be sure to set aside time during the service for people to welcome those sitting around them. More. . 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. In February, the church settled a lawsuit with Lusk and two other women for a total of $2,250,000. 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. . Lusk counts more than 100 times that McCall assaulted or fondled her. I could talk to him about my personal problems, she said. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. Dial when they were each 12 years old. ", "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. He was handsome and seemed younger than he was.. 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. ARC has a history of whisking problematic pastors into and out of churches it plants. As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, Archbp. M: 714-742-6593, ATTORNEY ADVERTISING The window created by AB 218 is a remarkable tool for survivors of childhood sexual assault. He wasted no time in sharing that information with higher ups at the church. Rehab helped her recover. The suit claims Newsound and ARC also gifted or paid Mauney $70,000 after he resigned. My children and I have been members for 22+ years and we LOVE our. "We would like to take whatever he has as a punishment. 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. 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April 29, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. EDT. Five years later, that camaraderie was shattered. 312 likes, 10 comments - Seacoast Grace Church (@scgchurch) on Instagram: " ." Seacoast Grace Church on Instagram: " ! He was handsome and seemed younger than he was.. I went home with the intention of taking pills and killing myself, Lusk said. Set Aside Time During Worship to Welcome Church Visitors. Cafe. One day, Lusk told Dial she had discovered that McCall was working with children. Reached by phone, McCalls attorney said that neither he nor his client would comment on this story. For Christian families, there are some simple yet fun activities for kids during the Lenten season. When a powerful person like a pastor is harassing someone much lower on the totem pole, like an assistant, they experience powerlessness and shame. 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. . 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. The church was charged for enabling repeated sexual abuse against three underage girls. McCall currently is the Program Director at Mustard Seed Ranch (San Juan . Is she lying? The Roys Report reached out to Jason Doran and Motion Church for clarity about what happened with Mauney at TurningPoint, but no one responded. The law was a broad expansion of the original statute of limitations for victims to sue. I want accountability for what I and others endured. Lusk and her husband chaperoned just about every activity their kids participated in. ?Well, BUCKLE UP as we learn what it means to follow Jesus and:DO what Jesus. 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. 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. Church was kind of the thing to do. But Surratt added that Mauneys transition was not something I was involved in.. Privacy Policy. Lusk contacted law enforcement, but at that time the statute of limitations prevented an investigation of an alleged 30-year-old crime. He was a master manipulator, Lusk added. I said, Oops, and closed the door and left, he said. I went to my campus pastor LAST December with this information and he went to main campus leadership, nothing was done. I am so sad and so very sorry for the victims that did nothing to deserve this, and I am so very thankful for those willing to stand up for truth in spite of the agony. But the common sense of culture doesnt seem to make sense any more. or have they been manipulated/forced into a situation? Before an opportunity emerged for long-delayed legal action, Dial assumed justice had passed her by. I made mistakes.. Then he sat on top of me. Youth Ministry. 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. Gavin Newsom signed AB 218 into law. According to the church's website, they are a group that is centered on experiencing Jesus in a fun and exciting way through pertinent preaching, crazy activities, tons of sweets, and high-energy worship. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. To donate, click here. If I told him no, he would act like his feelings were hurt and stop talking to me, Lusk said. This doesn't have to be an awkward encounter. Authored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, the law allowed victims of childhood sexual assault to file civil claims for damages within 22 years of reaching adulthood or within 3 years of discovering that childhood abuse caused psychological trauma into adulthood. The complaints explain how McCall began his pattern of grooming and assaulting both Ms. Lusk and Ms. Andrew Thomas, an adult woman claims she was raped 12 times over a period of months and you do not think to ask why she didnt report it nor why she kept returning to work? There are some big questions that we all want answers to: What is the best way to maintain a healthy relationship? expanded the definition of childhood sexual abuse to"sexual assault.". Was there a coverup? M: 201-705-2194, Jeff Anderson & Associates 12011 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90049 310-357-2425 While the LDS Church, commonly called Mormon, denied any wrongdoing, it settled out of court for $1 million. The sexual assaults continued until she was 14, in 1994. All five men served as overseers of Newsound Church and were appointed by ARC, the suit says. One day, Lusk told Dial she had discovered that McCall was working with children. scgchurch.org. In 2017, Joshua Mauney, his wife Kimberly Mauney, and Stephen Mauney (possibly Mauneys father) were removed as directors from TurningPoint, official documents show. Seacoast Graces filing, which responds to Ms. Lusks allegations of repeated sexual assault at the hands of Kenneth McCall, who was in charge of the churchs Youth Group, accuses Ms. Lusk of fail[ing] to exercise ordinary care for her own safety as a child, and claims that, as a 12-year-old girl attending youth programs at the church, she knew of the dangers and risks . If I was raped I would not go back for more.Sounds more like a affair.Please they are both to blame.This women was not a child. 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! In 2010, Lusk became addicted to the pain medication she took for a broken wrist. One Saturday, she said, she walked by McCalls office to witness a girl on her knees in front of him.. When McCall exited North Long Beach Brethren, his accusers say, he left behind a sea of pain that still reverberates through their lives. LAKE ELSINORE, CA The stepdaughter of a former Lake Elsinore Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) elder was awarded over $2.28 billion in damages this week in a civil lawsuit,. 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. The feud between Gov. Despite disliking his physical advances, Lusk still craved McCalls presence. At age 16, Lusk accused the churchs charming youth pastor, Kenneth McCall, then 27, of engaging in a long-time sexual relationship with her. https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://www.arcchurches.com/about/constitution-bylaws, Oops. In Cypress, California, Seacoast megachurch and the former youth pastor settled a $2.5 million lawsuit brought by sexual assault victims from the '70s and '80s. In a deposition taken last year, McCall, now 66, admitted to inappropriate sexual contact with at least half a dozen girls in his care. Most people do not have the fight response and if so, people arent screaming and ecstatic to share their experience of rape and/or sexual harassment, thrilled to relive their horrific trauma. 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. She doesnt mention being threatened. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. I want accountability for what I and others endured. Lusk taught art in public school before earning her counseling degree. The complaints detail how McCall sexually groomed adolescent girls, including both plaintiffs, in an effort to establish trust so that he could isolate and assault them. 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. The jaw-dropping award, reached after three days of jury deliberations, included $836 million in general damages and $1.44 billion in punitive damages. They asked McCall to vacate his post, but told puzzled parishioners that he had done nothing wrong. In February, the church paid $2,250,000 to Lusk and two other women. During that time, he oversaw a number of the Churchs youth programs and initiated mentoring relationships with young girls, including both plaintiffs. North Long Beach Brethren, now known as Seacoast Grace Church, is a tax-exempt religious institution that conducted youth and educational activities during the time of the abuse. About four days later, Dailey sent a letter to Newsounds congregation, telling them Mauney had resigned but not mentioning why, the suit says. Survivors now have the right to seek full accountability and justice against those who assault children and those who act to cover up abuse.. 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. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON SCG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OPENING FALL 2023. The new California law gave these women the chance to finally be heard and achieve some measure of justice. Smith, whos a Southern Baptist, said he expects more victims of Delgados to come forward and said hes passionate about arguing the victims case in court. Regarding the ARC constitution, it appears Surrat is mistaken, and it did in fact say: 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.". 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. Fill out the form below and well get back to you shortly. The lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court today. According to the Orange County Register, Lusk, now 55, vividly remembers a woman telling her, "You are the Devil.". When I figured out I wasnt the special one, I felt rejected. No cops no nothing. McCall owes another $250,000. The response from Seacoast Grace Church harks back to a time when women and children were forced into shame and silence by those in power, said attorney Mike Reck of Jeff Anderson & Associates. The lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court today. "The bishop talked about forgiveness," according to court documents, but the assaults continued even with her mother's knowledge, according to the report. Instead, they let church elders handle the situation. 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. This lawsuit will put an end to that, said attorney Matthew Ingles of Greenberg Gross. But nobody did.. He/she moved to another school. Create event. Nobody stood up for me when I was a kid, Dial said. Now, SeaCoast is paying for Brethren's previous youth pastor's sexual activities. Click here OR text SCGCHURCH to 77977 on your mobile device! Churchs and school districts have one thing in common. Court records show that she was a mere five years old the first time she was sexually assaulted. North Long Beach Brethren, like any church, was supposed to be a safe place, said survivor Carrie Denise Dial. 363 7th Ave, 12th Floor New York, NY 10001 646-759-2551, 366 Jackson Street Suite 100 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101, Sexual Abuse in the Music, Fashion, Film and Theater Industries. During her junior year at Lakewood High, Lusk was outcast by old friends who sat in the bleachers with the 20-something man they believed she had mistreated. 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? Several other women say they were also the victims of Kenneth McCall. There is some relief in just speaking my truth and having it heard, said Lusk, a family and marriage counselor in Huntington Beach. Parents can teach their kids how to be creative in observing the season. Kenneth McCall used his position of power as a youth pastor to harass, molest, and assault young girls. Lusk counts more than 100 times that McCall assaulted or fondled her. M: 201-705-2194, Jeff Anderson & Associates Its time justice is served, said attorney Mike Reck of Jeff Anderson & Associates. This is the last thing that should ever happen at a church. They asked McCall to vacate his post, but told puzzled parishioners that he had done nothing wrong. Please click here to learn how. an adult woman claims she was raped 12 times over a period of months and you do not think to ask why she didnt report it nor why she kept returning to work?. She was not yet a teenager when the abuse began. North Long Beach Brethren, now known as Seacoast Grace Church, is a tax-exempt religious institution that conducted youth and educational activities during the time of the abuse. Public records and court searches did not turn up any lawsuits alleging sexual abuse against Mustard Seed Ranch. You know, everybody loved him. The abuse took place at the hands of then-Youth Pastor, Kenneth McCall. California Assembly Bill 218opened a three-year window for victims of all ages to sue their abusers. Her older brother, then in college, asked what was wrong. Obviously, Mauney should be dismissed and disqualified from ministry, but how is ARC responsible? Now SeaCoast is paying for the actions of Brethrens former youth pastor. 2 EVENTS; 0 FOLLOWING 76 FOLLOWERS All Events (2) All Events (2) Live & Upcoming (1) Archived (1) RESET FILTERS Live & Upcoming Events. 306,255 1. The victim's mother also settled out of court for $200,000. Sanctuary. ], By 16, Lusk understood that she was not the sole focus of McCalls flirtations. But, in fact, they did. The law in California no longer protects those in powerful positions. What do we all know that we all know? There were no cases of sexual abuse against Mustard Seed Ranch for public records and court searches. We wanted him to be held accountable, Dial said. The suit was made possible by legislation passed in 2019 that temporarily pauses the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. In depositions, witnesses expressed regret that they didnt go to authorities when the abuse occurred. Seacoast offers Junior High Ministry, which exists to raise the next generation in a God-honoring manner. . Dial and two other women recently settled a lawsuit against SeaCoast alleging sexual abuse by a youth pastor. 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 In 1987, North Long Beach Brethren consolidated with a Los Alamitos congregation, which soon became SeaCoast Grace in Cypress. Yet what about the ministry of the victims? 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. The lawsuit against ARC and Newsound was filed March 17, 2021, in Floridas 15th Judicial Court. I couldnt handle it.. Now SeaCoast is paying for the actions of Brethren's former youth pastor. The abuse began when they were only 12 years old. First care for the victims whose lives they have destroyed. Dial worked as a registered nurse. I could not agree more. | Facebook/Seacoast Church Days after an autopsy report confirmed Pastor Darrin Patrick died by suicide, the South Carolina-based Seacoast Church's founding pastor, Greg Surratt, and Pastors Josh Surratt and Chip Judd had a live conversation about thoughts based on lie, sustained stress and survivor . We also asked Surratt about what happened at TurningPoint. We wanted him to be held accountable, Dial said. McCall began this pattern with both Ms. The church then countersued state, county. Later, the church merged with SeaCoast Grace in Cypress. If she didnt report this until now, how is ARC to blame for not knowing? After leaving the church on short notice, McCall found work in commercial real estate. McCall currently is the Program Director at Mustard Seed Ranch (San Juan Capistrano, CA) which claims to provide faith-based, equine therapy to traumatized youth in a safe environment. Id go for a week and then give in. I was flabbergasted that the staff members couldnt see what was going on, Lusk said. Orange County Register also stated that multiple requests to SeaCoast's attorney went unanswered. The abuse took place at the hands of then-Youth Pastor, Kenneth McCall. He added that Mauney was removed from NewSound as soon as Surratt learned of the allegations. Event Started. But my teenage brain couldnt., [PHOTO: Julie Poole Lusk as a teen in the early 1980s, participates in the youth group at North Long Beach Brethren Church. McCall began his pattern of grooming and assaulting both Ms. It was re-traumatizing to read that, Lusk said. Was she being threatened or coerced in someway? Eventually, he became director of Mustard Seed Ranch, a faith-based equestrian program for children in foster care. I was flabbergasted that the staff members couldnt see what was going on, Lusk said. Yes, it was wrong, McCall testified. ", Nearly A Decade Of Assault At The Hands Of Her Stepfather, Former LDS Church Elder. Text updates, photos, video uploads and saved broadcasts will appear here after you've added them. One man, who worked at the church while attending college, dubbed McCall the Pied Piper.. Were her family/friends being threatened if she did not submit? (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. Both plaintiffs filed their lawsuits under Californias Child Victims Act, which provides a three-year window for survivors of sexual abuse to bring previously time-barred claims. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. Mike Reck Knowing that Ken hurt other girls besides me, and knowing that he is working with at-risk youth now, makes me sick. It provides survivors with the power to be heard, and an opportunity to seek justice. In February, the church paid $2,250,000 to Lusk and two other women. The Roys Report reached out to Vibrant for comment, but no one responded. She never told her parents, who were juggling two older children with disabilities. Both plaintiffs filed their lawsuits under Californias Child Victims Act, which provides a three-year window for survivors of sexual abuse to bring previously time-barred claims. GET NOTIFIED WATCH AGAIN Donate. God will build His church, and He is not confined by a church planting organization that hides sin in its heart. The leadership that has encouraged this, is not leadership at all, and these perpetrators are the antithesis of pastors. 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 addition to what happened with Mauney, Delgado, and Rizzo, an ARC member churchChurch of the Highlands (COTH)has also been embroiled in a scandal involving Micahn Carter.