Lawsuit: Assemblies of God Accused of Ignoring Warnings About Children’s Pastor’s Abuse for Years

In a recent lawsuit, it has been alleged that for over a decade, warnings about the misconduct of children’s pastor Tony Waller were ignored, allowing him to sexually abuse girls at the Refuge Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The lawsuit, filed by six women in Craighead County Circuit Court, claims that both the church and the Assemblies of God leaders dismissed reports of Waller’s abuses, which included grooming, molesting, and secretly filming girls over a span of 15 years.

The women, now adults, recounted their experiences of reporting the hidden cameras in a church bathroom and Waller’s inappropriate behavior, including making them strip and touch them inappropriately, to pastors as children. Despite these reports dating back to 2000, the lawsuit alleges that church leaders took minimal action. A brief suspension of Waller around 2004 did not prevent him from continuing his predatory behavior.

The abuse came to a halt in 2015 when Waller’s wife discovered images of naked children on his computer and alerted the police. Subsequently, Waller pleaded guilty to raping two girls and received a life sentence in 2016. Stephanie Davis, one of the plaintiffs, emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for the Assemblies of God to implement stricter child protection policies.

This case highlights significant concerns regarding accountability, governance, and the protection of vulnerable individuals within religious organizations. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in safeguarding public trust. As Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God, this situation underscores the need for institutions to prioritize the well-being of their communities and uphold ethical standards.

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