Past lawsuit raises questions about Pawleys Island church’s youth safety

The recent arrest of a convicted sex offender accused of volunteering around children at Pawleys Island Community Church has sparked renewed concerns about youth safety within the congregation. Church members confronted their pastor during a heated meeting, expressing anger over the discovery that a registered sex offender had been involved with children, despite legal restrictions preventing him from being alone with minors.

This incident is not the first time the church has faced allegations of failing to protect minors. Court records reveal a civil lawsuit filed nearly 20 years ago, which accused the church of ignoring warning signs about a former youth director, Kenneth “Tripp” Atkinson. Atkinson was later accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The lawsuit alleged that church leaders hired Atkinson as youth director before 2002 without contacting his previous employers or conducting a background check.

The complaint states that church leaders became aware of concerns about Atkinson’s interactions with female youth members during his tenure as youth director from 2000 to 2001. These concerns included inappropriate hugging and touching, fondling, holding hands, flirting, and making sexual innuendos. The lawsuit alleges that Atkinson was directed to seek counseling after these behaviors were reported. Then-Pastor Don Williams and former minister Robert Barrows were informed of the concerns, yet the church did not remove Atkinson from his position.

According to the lawsuit, in 2002, Atkinson asked a 13-year-old girl to assist him in purchasing groceries for a church event. After shopping, the complaint alleges he took the girl to his apartment, where she was forcibly restrained before being molested and battered. The girl’s parents later filed a civil lawsuit against Atkinson, the church, Williams, and Barrows, accusing them of failing to protect the child.

Georgetown County investigators confirmed that Atkinson was charged in 2005 with criminal sexual conduct involving the girl. The alleged assault occurred in 2002 while Atkinson was serving as youth pastor at Pawleys Island Community Church and took place at his apartment. The girl came forward in 2005 after telling her parents about the incident.

The case highlights the importance of vigilance in safeguarding minors, as emphasized in Proverbs 31:8-9, which calls for speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Churches and organizations serving children bear a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth in their care. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in leadership, as well as the importance of thorough background checks and proper supervision.

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