
Frisco, TX – Hope Fellowship Church, a multi-campus congregation in North Texas, has dismissed a student pastor following his admission of inappropriate behavior with a minor a decade ago.
Pastor’s Confession and Termination
Jerry Nickerson, who served at the church’s Frisco West location, voluntarily disclosed the information to church leadership on Monday. Lead Pastor John McKinzie informed church members via email that Nickerson had been “immediately terminated” from his position.
Past Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse Surface
The inappropriate contact reportedly occurred when Nickerson was a volunteer youth leader at a different church approximately ten years ago. McKinzie’s email stated that Nickerson came forward after being “unexpectedly confronted” about these past events over the weekend.
Church’s Response to Past Allegations of Abuse
Hope Fellowship expressed shock at the revelation, emphasizing their commitment to supporting abuse victims. McKinzie wrote, “We believe that this behavior is disqualifying to those in pastoral and leadership positions.”
The church noted that Nickerson’s background check during the hiring process did not reveal any prior allegations. Hope Fellowship maintains that they employ rigorous screening procedures for all staff members.
While the church has not had direct contact with the individual involved, McKinzie’s message conveyed support for their decision to come forward after a significant time lapse.
Hope Fellowship is reportedly working with the organization associated with the alleged abuse to ensure proper reporting to law enforcement. The church is also consulting with legal counsel to protect the victim’s interests.
Alarming Abuse Allegations Rock North Texas Churches
Recent allegations have surfaced against another North Texas pastor Johel LaFaurie, leading to his arrest for child abuse. Johel LaFaurie, 65, is the lead pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Verdad Viviente in Watauga, TX. Tarrant County court records reveal that he faces charges of continuous sexual abuse of a young child, with allegations involving incidents occurring multiple times within a 30-day period and involving a child under the age of 14. These troubling events underscore the urgent need for awareness and legal recourse for victims of abuse within faith-based organizations.
To learn more about the accusation against Pastor Lafaurie:
North Texas Pastor Johel LaFaurie Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse in Watauga
Legal Lifeline: Attorney Guides Victims of Pastoral Sexual Abuse
When trust is shattered and faith is betrayed, victims of sexual abuse by pastors often find themselves navigating a complex maze of emotions and legal questions. To help survivors and their families understand their rights and options, we sat down with Anjali Nigam, a seasoned Texas attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases. With years of experience in handling sensitive cases involving religious institutions, Nigam offers valuable information on how victims can seek accountability and compensation through the legal system. In this eye-opening interview, she breaks down the intricacies of civil lawsuits against abusive pastors and negligent churches, providing a roadmap for those looking to reclaim their power and find healing through legal action.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal recourse do victims of sexual abuse by pastors have in Texas?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: In Texas, victims of sexual abuse by pastors can pursue civil lawsuits against both the abuser and potentially the church or religious organization. Changes to the statute of limitations, enacted recently, give survivors more time to come forward.
Banville: How can victims hold churches or religious organizations accountable for a pastor’s actions?
Nigam: Churches can be held liable under the theory of negligent supervision. If church leadership knew or should have known about a pastor’s dangerous propensities and failed to take appropriate action, they may be found negligent. This could include failing to properly screen employees, ignoring reports of misconduct, or not implementing adequate safeguards to protect minors.
Banville: What elements must be proven in a negligence case against a church?
Nigam: To establish negligence, we must prove four key elements: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. For churches, this means showing they had a duty to protect congregants, especially minors; they breached that duty by failing to supervise or control the pastor adequately; this breach directly caused harm to the victim; and the victim suffered measurable damages as a result.
Banville: Are there any limitations on holding churches liable for a pastor’s actions outside of church activities?
Nigam: Yes, there are limitations. Courts have generally held that churches are not liable for a pastor’s actions when they occur outside of church premises or activities. However, if the pastor used their position to gain access to the victim, even if the abuse occurred off-site, the church might still be held responsible.
Banville: What types of damages can victims recover in these cases?
Nigam: Victims can seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Banville: What advice do you have for victims considering legal action?
Nigam: I urge victims to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The legal process can be complex, and it’s important to understand your rights and options. Additionally, gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time, so acting promptly is key. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are resources available to support you through this process.
Empowering Survivors: Your Path to Justice Starts Here
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a pastor or church leader, remember that you’re not alone, and you have legal options. Our experienced team of attorneys is here to guide you through the process with compassion and dedication. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and the courage it takes to come forward. Don’t let your voice go unheard – contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Together, we can work towards holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable, and help you reclaim your power on the journey to healing and justice.
Source:
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/collin-county-church-fires-youth-pastor-inappropriate-contact/

Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian