Leaders of a Tacoma, Washington megachurch announced that they fired their lead pastor this summer for violating sexual harassment policies. The pastor had been with the church for nearly 15 years. However, many women have courageously come forward to speak out against him.
About Sexual Harassment
It is important that when unwelcome conduct crosses the line and becomes severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment to seek the advice from a qualified employment lawyer experienced in sexual harassment cases for advice and help. Men and women both are guilty of sexual harassment. A harasser can be anyone. He or she can be a supervisor, coworker or even a non-employee of the company. Anyone affected by offensive conduct could be eligible for a claim, even if he or she is not a direct victim of sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment at Church
Life Center, an Assemblies of God church, has more than 4,500 members. A closed meeting leaked to the press said the church board commissioned an independent investigation to look into allegations of sexual misconduct. Results of the investigation found the pastor used foul language with regularity along with making inappropriate sexual comments. Plus, he continued to commit “boundary crossings” and generally violated church policies forbidding sexual harassment.
Three women filed a formal complaint with state and federal agencies against the pastor. One included an ongoing relationship with a married church member that turned physical. Also, another married church member said the pastor would visit her at home late at night. Then, a former female admin described the pastor’s inappropriate comments about her appearance. Plus, the pastor would discuss intimate relations he had with his wife.
This isn’t the first time the former paster faced sexual misconduct allegations. In 2016, the church investigated him, however, there wasn’t enough evidence to dismiss him. Instead, they put him on notice, but it didn’t change his behavior.
Free Legal Consultation
If you have experienced sexual harassment in any form in the workplace or at school, you should contact a qualified employment attorney as soon as possible. If the harassment has not stopped after making a formal complaint, consulting a complex litigation attorney is your best option. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm will be able to provide further guidance, help you file a claim, and help you build a case that will end the harassment. We have over 20 years of helping victims. Our consultations are free. Contact us today.