To What Extent is the Denomination Responsible?

[Gregory Matthews]

The school was an independent school operated by SDA members, but not under the control of the denomination.  In 2014 seccular authorities closed it and criminal charges were filed against its staff. 

Now a lawsuit has been filed against the local Conference.  See:

http://atoday.org/adventist-denomination-responds-to-miracle-meadows-lawsuit/

 Frankly, I want to know more.

Here is more, but I would still like to know what the legal basis is for litigation against the denomination.

http://wvmetronews.com/2014/08/14/miracle-meadows-school-employee-arrested-on-charges-of-child-abuse/

http://wvmetronews.com/2014/08/22/founder-of-miracle-meadows-school-arrested-on-charges-involving-child-neglect-and-abuse/

http://www.wdtv.com/content/news/Miracle-Meadows-School-students-sue-over-alleged-abuse-412921383.html

http://www.wvalways.com/story/34437564/lawsuit-filed-against-former-harrison-county-boarding-school

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/02/07/a-christian-school-said-it-helped-troubled-kids-it-covered-up-sex-abuse-instead-lawsuit-says/?utm_term=.ebfb0b9e95e9

 

 

 

[Gregory Matthews]

I would really like to know how it is that the denomination can be held responsible for this situation.

I am going to assume that it is due to the fact that the school may have allowed the school to use the trademarked name of the denomination.  But, as I am not an attorney, I do not know.

I also, and going to assume that most of the SDA denominational defendants will be dismissed early on.  Perhaps that will not be a total dismissal?

 

 

[JoeMo]

My oldest son was molested about 25 years ago by a teacher at a school that was run by SDA's and "sanctioned" by the Conference; but was too ashamed to report it until 6 months later.  He was disfellowshipped for daring to bring such a heinous charge against a worker for the church.  The local sheriff's dept. poo-pooed the charge; and nothing ever done.  We did not bring suit against the school or the teacher based on the Bible principle that Christians should not bring suit against other brothers and sisters.  The church just transferred him to teach at an SDA school in another state.  My oldest son walked away from God; and has now been dead for 12 years.  Thanks partially to that teacher, my son may not be with us in the Kingdom.  It sucks.  At least nowdays, people realize that it's not just Catholic priests that molest young boys.

But you're right Gregory; it doesn't seem fair that the denomination staff should be held responsible for this tragedy - unless it is documented somewhere they DID give permission to the school to use the SDA moniker.  IMHO, that would be tacit sanctioning.

[Gregory Matthews]

The organized SDA denomination has come a long ways in the last 10 - 20 years and it shameful past and failure to understand the issues.  Now society and consequently the denomination, has advanced in knowledge.

 

[debbym]

Your son's case if fully in the hand of God and every force that has come on his life is measured and understood, your son may well be there in the Kingdom on that day.  I am sorry for the new victims that likely have come as a result of the actions of merely moving this person to a new place.  it is true that we have changed in how serious we take these situations, but unfortunately it has only come when lawsuits have come... the almighty dollar spoke.

[debbym]

5 hours ago, Gregory Matthews said:

I would really like to know how it is that the denomination can be held responsible for this situation.

I am going to assume that it is due to the fact that the school may have allowed the school to use the trademarked name of the denomination.  But, as I am not an attorney, I do not know.

I also, and going to assume that most of the SDA denominational defendants will be dismissed early on.  Perhaps that will not be a total dismissal?

 

 

i am sure this is being attempted because otherwise there is no money.  they are going for money and the denomination has insurance.  this does not mean the suit will be successful. independents are not legally connected to the denomination.

[Gary K]

4 hours ago, JoeMo said:

My oldest son was molested about 25 years ago by a teacher at a school that was run by SDA's and "sanctioned" by the Conference; but was too ashamed to report it until 6 months later.  He was disfellowshipped for daring to bring such a heinous charge against a worker for the church.  The local sheriff's dept. poo-pooed the charge; and nothing ever done.  We did not bring suit against the school or the teacher based on the Bible principle that Christians should not bring suit against other brothers and sisters.  The church just transferred him to teach at an SDA school in another state.  My oldest son walked away from God; and has now been dead for 12 years.  Thanks partially to that teacher, my son may not be with us in the Kingdom.  It sucks.  At least nowdays, people realize that it's not just Catholic priests that molest young boys.

But you're right Gregory; it doesn't seem fair that the denomination staff should be held responsible for this tragedy - unless it is documented somewhere they DID give permission to the school to use the SDA moniker.  IMHO, that would be tacit sanctioning.

Hi JoeMo,

I am really sorry to hear this.  I hope your son is doing OK. 

When I was in academy the Bible teacher got caught with a freshman girl, she worked for him grading papers, sitting on his lap and making out with him.  They transferred him immediately to another academy which I thought then, and still do, was atrocious.  He was around 40, she was 16.  There was a lot of undercurrent going on with the students who were pretty angry about this as the girl was a pretty innocent kid.  I have often hoped that guy got his comeuppance.

[Gregory Matthews]

Yes, it is the denomination that has the deep pockets.

I consider it to be an uphill battle for the plaintiff.

But, surprises and the unexpected can happen, and I can cite you actual cases where the unexpected has happened.

Discovery will have to take place.

Various defendants will move to be severed from the case and the Judge will have to rule.  Personally, I do expect that certain SDA defendants will be severed from the case.

There will be other motions and  rulings.

They have a ways to go to get trial.  But, within our legal system 100% certainty often does not exist.

 

 

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

they could possibly have a case against the SDA church if the child was referred to Miracle Meadows by an SDA pastor or SDA church school representative...

[Jeannieb43]

The plaintiffs' attorneys always include as many defendants as possible, looking for the deep pockets.  It may or may not go anywhere.