Coptic Orthodox Church Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Cover-Up of Priest’s Sexual Assaults

A priest from the St. Mary and St. John Coptic Orthodox Church in Pleasanton is set to be deposed next week in a lawsuit filed by a former parishioner who alleges he sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions. The case, first filed in Alameda County Superior Court in August 2021, names the priest, the Pleasanton church, and the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of Northern California and the Western United States of America as defendants. The plaintiff, Samah Sabri Awadalla, and her husband are seeking a jury trial and financial damages, citing multiple claims including sexual battery and negligent hiring.

While there have been police investigations, no criminal charges have been filed against Father Antonious Baky, a Dublin resident and ordained priest with the Coptic Orthodox Church. The plaintiff and her lawyer argue that the church and archdiocese have allowed a pattern of abuse to persist, despite knowledge of Baky’s alleged misconduct. Awadalla, who agreed to be fully identified for this interview, described her decision to speak out as a divine calling. “God chose me to do the right thing,” she said.

The priest and the church deny the allegations and are actively defending against the lawsuit. Their law firm, Tyson & Mendes LLP, stated that Baky and the church “vehemently deny” the claims and believe the accusations will be found “meritless.” The firm also noted that Baky has filed a defamation complaint against Awadalla, which she attempted to dismiss but was denied by the court. Local law enforcement has not pursued criminal charges against Baky, citing their own internal investigation.

The civil complaint alleges that the archdiocese and the Pleasanton church allowed Baky to remain in a leadership role despite being aware of his alleged predatory behavior. It claims they actively worked to conceal his wrongdoing. The lawsuit seeks to hold the church accountable for its failure to protect victims and for its role in enabling a culture of secrecy and silence around abuse.

The case highlights the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence within religious communities, particularly in cultures where such issues are often stigmatized. Awadalla’s decision to come forward reflects a broader struggle for justice and transparency, even in the face of institutional resistance. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for how religious organizations address allegations of abuse and protect their congregations.

The situation raises questions about accountability and the responsibility of religious leaders to safeguard their communities. As the case moves forward, it underscores the importance of confronting wrongdoing and ensuring that victims are not left in isolation. The pursuit of justice, as seen in Awadalla’s actions, aligns with the biblical call to protect the vulnerable and seek truth. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

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