Historic NYC Church Pays Off Sexual Abuse Victims: Justice or Silence Money?
Riverside Church New York Settles Multiple Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Riverside Church in New York City has reached settlements in multiple sexual abuse lawsuits filed under New York's Child Victims Act, bringing an end to years of legal battles over decades old allegations.
The interdenominational Manhattan megachurch, known for its progressive theology and social justice activism, faced claims from multiple victims who alleged abuse by former staff members and volunteers dating back several decades. The church did not disclose settlement amounts, citing confidentiality agreements.
Court documents reveal the allegations involved multiple perpetrators who exploited positions of trust within the church's youth programs. Victims came forward after New York's Child Victims Act temporarily lifted the statute of limitations, allowing survivors to seek justice for abuse that occurred years or even decades ago.
Manhattan Megachurch Resolves Decades of Sexual Abuse Claims
Church leadership issued a statement expressing remorse and emphasizing their commitment to child safety protocols.
They highlighted recent implementations of background checks, mandatory reporting training, and enhanced supervision policies for all youth activities.
However, survivors and advocates question why these basic protections were not in place decades ago when the abuse occurred. Critics note that Riverside Church, with its massive endowment and influential platform, should have been leading the way in child protection rather than responding only after lawsuits forced action.
The settlements come as churches nationwide grapple with the legacy of abuse cover ups and institutional failures to protect children.
Riverside Church joins hundreds of congregations that have paid millions to survivors while facing difficult questions about accountability and prevention.
The church continues its regular programming and maintains its prominent role in New York religious and social justice circles.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
Every church that preaches justice from the pulpit better practice it in the pews first. Riverside Church spent decades championing social causes while children were being abused under their watch.
Settlements are not justice. They are the price tag for institutional failure.
Where was the righteous anger when these crimes were happening? Where were the leaders willing to call police instead of lawyers? The same progressives who demand accountability from everyone else suddenly go silent when the evil is in their own house.
This is why the Church universal is hemorrhaging credibility. We will march for every cause except protecting our own children. Shameful.
Zero tolerance means zero tolerance. Abusers belong in prison, not settlements. And leaders who covered it up belong right beside them.
TAKE ACTION
Report Church Abuse: GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment): https://www.netgrace.org Phone: (254) 224-3947 Email: info@netgrace.org
Support Abuse Survivors: SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests): https://www.snapnetwork.org Email: info@snapnetwork.org
Demand Church Accountability: Ministry Safe (Church child protection training): https://ministrysafe.com Email: info@ministrysafe.com
Suggested Action: Contact your church elders today and ask what specific child protection policies are in place. If they cannot immediately produce written protocols, background check requirements, and mandatory reporting procedures, demand they implement them immediately. Our children's safety is not negotiable.
