Group Of Women Sue International Churches Of Christ Alleging Child Sex Abuse Cover-Up

Five women in California have filed a lawsuit against the International Churches of Christ (ICOC), alleging a “systemic scheme of abuse” that included the sexual abuse of children and financial exploitation of members. The plaintiffs—Darleen Diaz, Bernice Perez, Ashley Ruiz, Salud Gonzalez, and Elena Peltola—claim the organization engaged in a pattern of conduct that “shocks the conscience” and created a “ruthless den of sexual predators.”

The lawsuit, filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on December 30. It names ICOC and its affiliated organizations, including The International Christian Church Inc., Hope Worldwide Ltd., Mercyworldwide, and City of Angels International Christian Church, as defendants. Thomas “Kip” McKean, the founder of ICOC, and the estate of Charles “Chuck” Lucas, who the plaintiffs say co-led the church, are also named in the suit.

According to the complaint, ICOC has more than 120,000 members across 144 countries. The plaintiffs allege that the organization used physical force and psychological manipulation to sexually abuse children as young as 3 years old and pressured members to remain silent through financial incentives and nondisclosure agreements. Diaz and Perez identify David Saracino, a convicted pedophile, as their abuser and claim the church failed to protect them from him.

The lawsuit also accuses the church of coercing members to tithe 10% of their income, contribute funds for mission trips twice a year, and meet quotas for recruiting new members. The plaintiffs say this pressure led some members to depression and suicide. The church operated as a “discipleship pyramid,” where each member had an elder disciple overseeing them, acting “as a sort of mentor and jailor.”

The complaint outlines 10 claims for relief, including sexual assault of a minor, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent hiring and supervision, negligence, failure to report suspected child abuse, violation of RICO, and sexual battery. The plaintiffs seek justice for the harm they and others endured, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency.

The case highlights the complex relationship between religious organizations and the legal system, raising questions about the protection of vulnerable individuals and the responsibilities of church leadership. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the allegations and the evidence presented by the plaintiffs.

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