Church Elders Accused of Failing to Report Youth Pastor’s Sexual Abuse Despite Evidence, Lawsuit Claims

In a recent lawsuit filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court, Refuge Church of the Assemblies of God is accused of failing to report known instances of sexual abuse by its former youth pastor, Anthony Waller. The lawsuit, brought by the attorney of the two sisters who were allegedly abused, names former senior pastor Charles Michael “Mike” Glover and the church’s governing bodies as defendants. The church, located at 1404 Stone St. in Jonesboro, is alleged to have been aware of the abuse for years before Waller’s 2016 guilty plea to two counts of rape, resulting in a life sentence.

The plaintiffs claim that church leaders were informed of the abuse long before the criminal proceedings but failed to report the allegations to law enforcement or the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline, as mandated by state law. Josh Gillispie, the attorney representing the sisters, emphasized the legal obligation to act upon such reports, highlighting the church’s failure to uphold this duty. This neglect, he argues, not only impacted the victims but also reflects a broader issue of accountability within the church’s leadership.

Despite receiving statements from the victims and their mother, along with physical evidence, the lawsuit alleges that church elders chose not to involve authorities. Instead, they opted for an internal suspension of Waller, who was later allowed to resume his role in overseeing a homeschool program on the church campus. The complaint further claims that hidden cameras Waller had installed in the church’s bathrooms to record young girls were neither removed nor confiscated, allowing the abuse to persist.

Gillispie pointed out that survivors often come forward with the expectation that their reports will lead to action and protection. When these reports are ignored or handled internally, the harm is not only perpetuated but also compounded. The lawsuit also implicates the Arkansas District Council of the Assemblies of God and the General Council of the Assemblies of God, alleging systemic failures in oversight and accountability within the denomination’s leadership.

In the pursuit of justice and accountability, this case underscores the importance of transparency and the protection of the vulnerable, as reflected in Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility. It serves as a reminder of the moral and legal responsibilities that leaders bear, echoing Proverbs 31:8-9, to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

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