A bunch of greater than 100 former members and other people affiliated with MorningStar Ministries in South Carolina have signed a petition calling for an investigation of allegations that leaders within the ministry based by Rick Joyner enabled the sexual abuse of a number of minors.
“We the undersigned publicly and emphatically stand in solidarity and support for the victims of sexual abuse at MorningStar. Each of us had some level of experience with the many facets of MorningStar ministries, whether their K-12 school, the ministry school MSU, or the Sunday morning congregation. We were students, church attendees, MorningStar staff, CSCL teachers, and volunteers,” the petition printed on Monday mentioned.
“Many of us live in different places now, and we approach this statement with a spectrum of beliefs about God, religion, and our time at MorningStar. One thing we share is a firm belief that corruption, negligence, and abuse of power has gone on at MorningStar and its affiliated organizations for decades. We believe it is this corrupt and toxic leadership culture that enabled various forms of abuse to take place, including a child predator being able to abuse children for years,” it continued.
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The petition comes lower than per week after officers at MorningStar Ministries prompt they should not be blamed for the sexual abuse former volunteer and ex-police officer Erickson Douglas Lee, 25, allegedly dedicated in opposition to a number of younger boys who participated in certainly one of its youth packages. Two extra alleged victims filed lawsuits in opposition to the ministry.
Within the preliminary lawsuit filed in August, one of many victims and his mother and father accuse founder Joyner, together with a number of prime officers of the group and a number of different employees members, of gross negligence for allegedly participating within the cover-up of a number of incidences of sexual abuse within the ministry.
Joyner and his group argued earlier this month that they shouldn’t be blamed for what Lee did to the boys who have been left underneath his care.
“We are aware that several young men have filed lawsuits against the ministry. While we don’t know at this point what more we could have done to have vetted Officer Lee in advance to ensure that he would not have taken advantage of these young men, we hold no malice or anger towards the young men or their parents who have chosen to file suit,” a press release the ministry supplied to The Christian Publish reads. “Some of these families remained active in our church even for months after Officer Lee’s arrest, and they are always welcome at MorningStar.”
The previous ministry staff and associates say Joyner’s and his board’s response to the allegations is “inadequate.” They need reforms and an investigation.
“We strongly condemn the MorningStar Board, its leader Rick Joyner, and other executive church leaders for their inadequate response to grave allegations. Their attempts to ignore, downplay, and discredit victims and the severity of their claims are not only morally reprehensible but also betray the trust placed in them,” the petition mentioned.
The group referred to as for Joyner’s speedy resignation from the ministry and prompt that he “hold no further positions of authority in the future.”
“His comments on the allegations demonstrate a lack of empathy, conviction, and commitment to protect the most vulnerable among us,” the petition says.
The Christian Publish reached out to MorningStar Ministries for touch upon the petition. A response is pending.
The group additionally referred to as for an impartial audit of the MorningStar Ministries Board in addition to their youngster safety practices whereas urging those that proceed to assist the ministry to rethink their dedication to take action.
“We encourage current members, supporters, students, staff, and volunteers to review all available information regarding the allegations made against MorningStar’s leadership and to carefully reconsider your continued support (financial or otherwise) to MorningStar,” the petition notes. “Absent significant MorningStar actions toward ensuring transparency, accountability, and prevention of abuse in the future, continuing to support this organization may contribute to continued abuse.”
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