In a report published by Christianity Today, Matt Chandler gladly announced the church's victory against sexual abuse complaints. The allegation against The Village Church and the children's pastor, Matthew Tonne, was in 2018.

Pastor Matt Chandler stated the church did not hurt children with sexual assault. Also, he said the complainant did not recognize the abuser, which led the justices to dismiss the criminal charges against Tonne in 2020.

However, the victim's family wrote a complaint against the statement of Pastor Matt Chandler.

In the letter, Christi Bragg, the victim's mother, said the church did not help her daughter to recover. Also, she stated that the statement of the pastor of the church was untruthful.

Sexual Abuse Case Against Village Church, Matthew Tonne

In 2018, the daughter of Christi Bragg told her about a shocking event in 2012 when former pastor Matthew Tonne led the children's camp. The daughter claimed the pastor sexually assaulted her when she was in the bedroom after a proceeding.

Christi Bragg asked for the assistance of the authorities to investigate what happened to her daughter. Also, the family provided the details of the alleged abuse to the church at that time. The Village Church assisted the family and the authorities. In 2018, the church ministers ousted Matthew Tonne from his post in the parish.

However, the Village Church did not announce the issue against the pastor in why the parish terminated his contract. The church released a piece of information to the congregation. It stated Matthew Tonne had issues over alcohol abuse.

Indictment of Matthew Tonne in 2019

Prosecutor charged Matthew Tonne with his misconduct. It was when the Village Church disclosed the issue of the former pastor. The church helped Tonne pay for his alcohol abuse treatment. However, the Bragg family did not receive assistance from the parish.

Boz Tchividjian, among the family lawyers, talked about the statement of the Village Church and its pastor Matt Chandler. He said the allegation against the unidentified leader of the church was true.

Tchividjian praised his client for her bravery in stepping up against her abuser. He said the church did not aid the victim in her recovery.

The Bragg family left the church along with many other victims and their families. Tchividjian is a grandson of the late Billy Graham, according to TwinCities Pioneer Press.

Pastor Matt Chandler stated his church provided the support needed by the victim.

About the Village Church

The Village Church is a parish in Flower Mound, Texas, which shares the love and teachings of God with people of all ages. It creates a path to Him through the ministries it operates. Care and the Kids were among these ministries.

Acts 29

Acts 29 is a union of churches that aims to unite the community with God through His love and teachings. The group has headquarters across the globe to reach its evangelical mission.