Atlanta, Georgia, Church Allegedly Trafficked Ministry Students in Forced Labor, Lawsuit Claims

A lawsuit has been filed against Atlanta Dream Center Church and the Assemblies of God, alleging that they trafficked ministry students and profited from their forced labor. The plaintiff, referred to as K.D., claims she was lured into the Atlanta School of Ministry program and subjected to deplorable living and working conditions. She alleges that she was tricked into participating in the program and forced to live and work in filthy and dangerous environments with other students.

K.D. said she escaped the church in 2015, severely malnourished after months of working long, unpaid shifts in kitchens and catered events. The lawsuit details the alleged exploitation of vulnerable Pentecostal youth, who were housed in conditions that raised serious concerns about their safety and well-being.

The allegations highlight a pattern of abuse and neglect, with the church allegedly profiting from the labor of students who were not paid for their work. The lawsuit claims that the students were kept in conditions that were not only unsanitary but also dangerous, raising questions about the church’s responsibility to protect those under its care.

The case has sparked concerns about the oversight of religious institutions that serve minors. It underscores the need for accountability and transparency in organizations that operate within the faith community, particularly those that provide programs for youth. The legal battle is expected to bring attention to the broader issue of child safety and the ethical responsibilities of religious groups.

The lawsuit also raises questions about the legal and moral obligations of religious organizations to ensure the welfare of those they serve. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the vulnerable, as emphasized in Proverbs 31:8-9, which calls for advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. The case highlights the urgent need for greater scrutiny and oversight in religious institutions that work with minors.

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