A long-awaited investigation has shown no evidence of abuse at a megachurch in San Francisco, but it did criticize leaders for their lack of honesty.

Investigation Results

According to reports from Religious News, the third-party investigation concluded no proof that the pastor's adult child carried on his confessed desire to youngsters. The investigation was into one of Northern California's most well-known megachurches, which engulfed its flock and former pastor's turbulent family,

The report also stated that Zero Abuse, the agency commissioned by Menlo Church outside San Francisco to investigate its management of the confession, found no disclosure or other solid evidence that the volunteer had sexually molested a child. This result came after questioning 104 witnesses and studying or analyzing over 500,000 documents.

Abuse Allegations

As per related reports from Christianity Today, it can be recalled that a member of the Menlo Church community approached John Ortberg, a well-known author, and megachurch pastor, in July 2018 and confided in him about an uncomfortable mental pattern of interest towards minors.

In addition, the post revealed that the person guaranteed John that he had not carried on the attraction and requested John's support, which he did. John had faith in the individual and offered prayers and counseling referrals.

Moreover, the post said that according to the church elders, Ortberg took no precautions to prevent the person from interacting with minors. He also avoided discussing the incident with other members of staff or church members.

Ortberg's estranged son, Daniel Lavery, eventually denounced the church member, claiming he had admitted to having compulsive sexual impulses for young children for years., as per the same post. Furthermore, he had purposefully picked out unsupervised situations where they could volunteer with youngsters, including overnight volunteer activities.

The choice of the Senior Pastor not to reveal the conversation he had with the volunteer to church authorities or others, as well as the church Elders' judgment not to be completely upfront about the incident, did enormous damage to the Menlo community according to Zero Abuse.

Furthermore, the post also said that according to the Zero Abuse investigation, church officials injured the church by hiding critical facts from members. A church volunteer who admitted to being drawn to children was linked to Menlo pastor John Ortberg.

In addition, the post said that the investigation also highlighted faults in the church's child protection protocols and proposed several adjustments, including a restorative justice approach to help rebuild trust.

However, the post continued to say that a separate incident of sexual misbehavior by a Menlo staff member was discovered during the Zero Abuse investigation. During the inquiry, the church discovered that while serving as staff at another church, a staff member had reportedly sought nude images from a teenage boy.

As per the same post, according to Zero Abuse, they counseled and aided Menlo in reporting this matter to the authorities and advising Menlo to end this individual's employment. Menlo ended this individual's employment and informed the community and the public about the situation.

Finally, the post said that Menlo Church should hire a full-time child protection director, intensify its child protection policy, and increase compulsory reporting training, among other things, according to Zero Abuse. On Oct. 17, church leaders intend to have an open house to address the report. They also expressed regret for the actions of church leaders.

 

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