Methodist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse by a Methodist clergy member or church leader, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse seek justice. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Methodist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Overview

Latest Methodist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates

• August 11, 2024 – The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is actively accepting new cases involving Methodist minister and clergy sexual abuse throughout all 50 states.
• October 2023 – A lawsuit was filed against the United Methodist Church of Woodbury in Woodbury, Connecticut, alleging that 3 brothers were abused by Russell Hullstrung, the son of former pastor Robert Hullstrung. The youngest brother initially filed a complaint in 2021 after the passing of the Child Victim’s Act, which extended the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse.
• 2017 – Two brothers, Scott and Gregory Chestnut, each signed $60,000 settlements with the United Methodist Church related to abuse allegations, according to Newsday. Their brother Kristian Chestnut later filed a separate lawsuit after statute of limitations reforms.

“It’s very stressful to go through and recount the horrible things that were done to me at the United Methodist Church as a child. But at the same time, I believe by being able to bring a case, I have also been able to benefit a lot in terms of recovery from gaining a far better understanding of what happened to me as a child.”- Gregory Chestnut, Plaintiff.

Reports and Statistics on Methodist Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse within religious institutions, including the Methodist Church, has been a significant concern. While comprehensive data specific to the Methodist Church is limited, existing reports and studies provide insight into the prevalence and nature of such misconduct.

United Methodist Church (UMC) Findings:

• Incidents of Misconduct: Between 1990 and 2005, reports of sexual misconduct within the UMC increased, possibly due to heightened awareness and educational programs. Post-2005, there was a decline in reports, except among seminary students. Women, white individuals, and younger respondents reported higher instances of misconduct [1].

• Nature of Misconduct: The UMC acknowledges that sexual abuse occurs when individuals in ministerial roles engage in sexual contact or behavior with congregants, clients, employees, students, staff members, coworkers, or volunteers [2].

Broader Protestant Context:

• Prevalence: A 2002 report by Christian Ministry Resources indicated that allegations of child sexual abuse were more frequent in Protestant congregations than in Catholic ones, with sexual violence often perpetrated by volunteers rather than clergy.

• Offender Characteristics: Research indicates that the majority of known offenders in Protestant congregations are male [3]

Challenges in Reporting and Data Collection:

Accurately assessing the full extent of sexual abuse within the Methodist Church and other Protestant denominations is challenging due to underreporting and decentralized record-keeping.

Cultural factors, fear of ostracism, and institutional barriers often deter victims from coming forward [4].

International Perspective:

• Germany: A study revealed that over 9,000 children and young people were sexually abused within German Protestant churches, prompting apologies from church officials and commitments to preventive measures [5].

These findings underscore the critical need for ongoing vigilance, robust safeguarding policies, and support systems to protect congregants and address instances of abuse within religious institutions.​

Methodist Church Sexual Abuse Allegations

The Methodist Church has faced numerous serious allegations related to sexual abuse:

• Sexual abuse of minors: Reports of clergy members abusing children and adolescents within church settings, including the case of Kristian Chestnut who was allegedly abused between the ages of 3 and 7 years old.
• Institutional cover-ups: Documentation of church officials failing to report known abusers to authorities and allowing them to continue in positions with access to vulnerable individuals.
• Negligent supervision: Cases where the church failed to properly vet, monitor, or remove clergy members despite indications of inappropriate behavior.
• Failure to implement safeguards: Allegations that the church did not establish adequate policies to prevent abuse or protect potential victims despite awareness of the problem.

Do You Qualify for a Methodist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Methodist sexual abuse lawsuit if:

• You or a loved one experienced sexual abuse of any kind at the hands of a Methodist minister or other clergy member.
• The abuse occurred at a Methodist church, school, or affiliated organization.
• You can provide details about when and where the abuse occurred, even if it happened many years ago.
• You are within the legal time limits for filing a lawsuit in your state (many states have recently extended these deadlines for abuse survivors).

Evidence Required for a Methodist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

• Personal testimony: Your account of the abuse, including details about the perpetrator, locations, approximate dates, and nature of the abuse.
• Medical or psychological records: Documentation of treatment for trauma, PTSD, or other conditions resulting from the abuse.
• Witness statements: Testimonies from others who may have witnessed inappropriate behavior or were aware of the situation.
• Church records: Documentation showing the accused was employed or volunteered at the church during the relevant time period.
• Prior complaints: Evidence that church officials were aware of previous misconduct by the same individual.

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical expenses: Costs for psychological therapy, counseling, and other treatment related to trauma from the abuse.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other psychological impacts.
• Lost income: Reimbursement for lost wages or diminished earning capacity resulting from the abuse trauma.
• Punitive damages: Additional compensation in cases where the church’s negligence or cover-up was particularly egregious.

Investigations and Actions Against the Methodist Church

Several key investigations and actions have addressed abuse within religious organizations including the Methodist Church:

• The Child Victim’s Act has extended statutes of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse in criminal and civil cases, allowing more victims to come forward and seek justice.
• Legal settlements have been reached in some cases, such as the $60,000 settlements signed by two brothers with the United Methodist Church in 2017.
• Some Methodist conferences have implemented stronger background check requirements and abuse prevention training for clergy and volunteers.
• Victims’ advocacy groups continue to press for greater transparency and accountability from church leadership.

Statute of Limitations for Methodist Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

The time limits for filing Methodist sexual abuse lawsuits vary significantly by state, with recent reforms expanding options for survivors:

• Many states have enacted “look-back windows” that temporarily suspend statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, allowing survivors to file lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred.
• The Child Victim’s Act and similar legislation in different states have extended the statute of limitations (SOL) for survivors of child sexual abuse in both criminal and civil cases.
• In some states, the discovery rule may apply, meaning the time limit begins when a person discovers or reasonably should have discovered the connection between their injuries and the abuse.
• Consulting with an attorney promptly is crucial to understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case in your state.

Related Articles:

• Southern Baptist Church Ministers Accused of Sexual Misconduct
• New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Sexual Abuse Litigation

FAQs

1. What steps should a victim of sexual abuse in the Methodist Church take?

Victims should report the abuse to law enforcement immediately, seek medical attention if necessary, and contact a lawyer experienced in handling church-related abuse cases. It’s also important to reach out to support services for emotional and psychological help.

2. Can I file a lawsuit against the Methodist Church for sexual abuse?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit against the Methodist church for sexual abuse, the abuser, and potentially other church officials who were aware of the abuse but failed to act. Lawsuits typically seek compensation for damages, including emotional distress.

3. What are the potential outcomes of a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Methodist Church?

Potential outcomes can include financial compensation for the victim, legal accountability for the abuser, and institutional changes within the church to prevent future abuse. Settlements or verdicts may vary depending on the case’s specifics.

4. How long do I have to file a sexual abuse claim against a Methodist church?

The amount of time you have to file a sexual abuse claim against a Methodist church varies by state, but many have recently extended deadlines for childhood sexual abuse claims. Some states have created “look-back windows” allowing victims to file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred, while others have extended the age by which survivors must file.

5. Can I remain anonymous when filing a sexual abuse lawsuit?

In many cases, you can file as a John or Jane Doe to protect your privacy. Your attorney can advise on the specific options available in your jurisdiction to maintain confidentiality while pursuing justice.

6. What if the abuse happened decades ago?

Many states have reformed their laws to allow claims for abuse that occurred decades ago, recognizing that survivors often need time to process trauma. An attorney can help determine if your claim falls within current legal parameters despite the passage of time.

7. How much compensation can I expect from a Methodist Church sexual abuse lawsuit?

Compensation that you can expect from a Methodist Church sexual abuse lawsuit widely depends on factors such as the nature and duration of abuse, its impact on your life, evidence available, and whether the church knew about the abuser’s conduct. Some cases settle for tens of thousands, while others may result in larger awards.

8. Will my case go to trial or settle out of court?

Many church abuse cases settle out of court to avoid publicity, but some do proceed to trial. Your attorney will advise on the best approach based on the strength of your case and the church’s response to the allegations.

9. Has the Methodist Church acknowledged past abuse cases?

The Methodist Church’s response to abuse allegations has varied by region and conference. While some church leaders have acknowledged past failures and implemented reforms, others have been criticized for insufficient action in addressing historical abuse.

See all related sexual abuse lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Methodist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit From Our Lawyers

Time is limited to file a claim—legal deadlines apply based on state laws. Free consultations available—no upfront costs, and we only get paid if you win.

The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Methodist minister & clergy sexual abuse & molestation lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Free Methodist Church Sexual Abuse Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been abused or molested by any member of the Methodist clergy, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

Reference:

1. https://www.resourceumc.org/en/partners/gcsrw/home/content/sexual-misconduct-in-the-united-methodist-church-us-update-general-commission-on-the-status-and-role
2. https://www.resourceumc.org/en/partners/gcsrw/home/content/sexual-misconduct-in-the-united-methodist-church-us-update-general-commission-on-the-status-and-role
3. https://www.resourceumc.org/en/partners/gcsrw/home/content/sexual-misconduct-in-the-united-methodist-church-us-update-general-commission-on-the-status-and-role
4. https://bravehearts.org.au/research-lobbying/stats-facts/child-sexual-abuse-religous-organisations/
5. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/over-9-000-children-young-people-sexually-abused-in-german-protestant-churches-study/3118678