In a significant legal development, two sisters from Virginia have taken a bold stand against the Southern Baptist-affiliated Bethany Place Church, now known as Coastal Church – Bethany Campus, by filing separate lawsuits totaling $300 million. The sisters, aged 25 and 29, allege that they suffered childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a former youth group assistant, Gerald R. Thomas, beginning when they were just 6 and 10 years old.
The sisters, identified as R.T. and S.T., have brought their claims forward against both the church and Thomas, who has a troubling history of abuse. Thomas pled guilty to aggravated sexual battery not only against the sisters but also against another victim in a separate case in 2020. He is currently under supervised probation and mandated to undergo treatment as a sex offender.
According to the lawsuits, the abuse occurred between 2006 and 2009 at the church, which has since changed its name and leadership. The sisters allege that the church failed to take appropriate action despite being aware of the abuse. Their attorney, Kevin Biniazan, emphasized the long-lasting effects of such trauma, stating, "The impacts of these actions often become clearer as victims grow older, leading to a painful recognition of their experiences."
The lawsuits assert multiple claims against the church and Thomas, including assault and battery, gross negligence, and vicarious liability. The sisters are seeking $50 million in compensatory damages and $100 million in punitive damages, arguing that the church’s inaction allowed the abuse to continue unchecked.
In a statement, Coastal Church expressed its commitment to child safety, asserting that the incidents in question occurred long before their leadership took over. The church emphasized their dedication to protecting their congregation and addressing any matters of abuse seriously. They noted, "Bethany Place Church entered into a relationship with Coastal Church two years ago. This lawsuit concerns tragic events from 16 years ago, and the individual responsible was identified, convicted, and incarcerated."
The legal battle raises critical questions about the responsibilities of religious institutions in safeguarding their congregants, particularly children, from abuse. Biniazan highlighted the importance of holding both the perpetrator and the institutions accountable, stating, "It was time to say something and not just hold this man responsible for what he did to them, but to hold these institutions responsible for permitting it to take place."
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance within church communities to protect the vulnerable. The sisters’ courageous decision to come forward not only seeks justice for their own suffering but also aims to shine a light on the systemic issues that can enable such abuse to occur unnoticed.
For more information on the importance of safeguarding children in religious settings, you can visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). These organizations provide resources and support for victims of abuse and advocate for stronger protections within communities.
This ongoing legal situation highlights the critical necessity for churches to maintain a culture of transparency and accountability to ensure the safety of all members, particularly children. As the sisters pursue their claims, many will be watching closely to see how this case unfolds and what it means for the future of church safety protocols.