Woman Accuses Nazarene Pastor and Professor of Coercing Her Into Hundreds of Sexual Encounters to Heal PTSD

Amy McClanahan, a 23-year-old woman, alleges that John Wright, a theology professor at Point Loma Nazarene University and pastor of the Mid City Church of the Nazarene in San Diego, California, coerced her into engaging in sexual activity hundreds of times. She claims Wright manipulated her under the guise of counseling and healing, following her disclosure of past sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder.

McClanahan said she met Wright in 2014 while he was her professor. She confided in him about her trauma and was invited to his church. By 2016, while working as a camp counselor there, she began a relationship with Wright, which she described as starting with affectionate gestures and progressing to sexual encounters. She alleges these interactions occurred in various locations, including inside the church, and were framed as therapeutic.

Wright has responded to the allegations with a counter-suit, accusing McClanahan of harassment, illegal photography, and unauthorized recording of private conversations. He claims these actions caused him emotional, professional, and financial harm, leading to the need for therapy. He is seeking damages for these alleged wrongs.

McClanahan’s lawsuit asserts that Wright exploited his position of authority to manipulate her for personal gratification. She contends that the sexual relationship was not consensual and that she was pressured into the encounters. The case highlights the complexities of power dynamics in religious and academic settings.

The Church of the Nazarene, which includes Wright’s congregation and the university where he taught, has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations. The matter remains under legal review, with both parties pursuing their respective claims in court.

The case raises questions about accountability and the ethical responsibilities of those in positions of influence within religious institutions. It underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals from exploitation and ensuring transparency in leadership. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility in service, principles that should guide the pursuit of truth and fairness in such matters.

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