South Carolina Church Closes Academy Amid Sex Offender Investigation and Lawsuits

Pawleys Island Community Church has closed its Christian academy following a series of controversies that have drawn public scrutiny and legal attention. The decision came after the church was implicated in allowing a registered sex offender to volunteer at the academy, violating the terms of his probation. The closure was announced in a statement from the church’s leadership, which acknowledged the loss of trust and the need for accountability. The church emphasized that the decision was made to prioritize the safety of children and to address the ongoing investigation into the matter.
The controversy began when Warren Spence Perry, a 70-year-old registered sex offender, was arrested in July 2026 for violating the conditions of his probation. Perry had been volunteering as a custodian at the academy, a role that placed him in proximity to children. He was originally convicted in 2023 for sexual exploitation of a minor and had been placed on probation with strict conditions, including no contact with minors. The church leadership had claimed Perry had disclosed his criminal history and was permitted to work under the condition that he would not be alone with children. However, this arrangement has now come under intense scrutiny.
The church faced significant backlash from the community and legal authorities for its role in the incident. Senior Pastor Donald James Williams, along with his wife, Virginia Lee Williams, and Academy Director Jennifer Howard, all resigned from their positions. The resignations followed public criticism and legal pressure, as the church was accused of failing to uphold its responsibility to protect children. The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services had previously approved Perry’s volunteer work, based on character references and assurances that he would avoid contact with minors. However, the incident has raised questions about the adequacy of those safeguards.
The church’s leadership has since stated that they are reviewing all ministry policies and procedures to ensure the safety of children in their care. They have also expressed a commitment to restoring trust within the community. In a statement, the church acknowledged the pain and confusion caused by the situation, and emphasized that their priority is the well-being of children. They have also mentioned considering alternative uses for the academy’s building to continue serving the community in a different capacity.
The case has sparked broader conversations about the responsibilities of religious institutions in safeguarding children and the legal obligations of those in positions of authority. The incident highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and the need for rigorous oversight in environments where children are present. As the investigation continues, the church faces the challenge of rebuilding its reputation and ensuring that such a situation does not occur again.
In the wake of the scandal, the community has called for greater vigilance and ethical integrity in the operation of religious and educational institutions. The situation serves as a reminder of the biblical call to love our neighbors, protect the vulnerable, and uphold justice. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” The church’s response to this crisis will be a test of its commitment to these principles.

Source: Read the original report