LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Kentucky girl is suing her father and the Southern Baptist Conference for sexual and bodily abuse.
Hannah Kate Williams and her attorneys filed a lawsuit Friday afternoon alleging her father, James Ray Williams, a former pastor, sexually and bodily abused her and her siblings.
A part of the grievance launched by way of a press release from Hannah Kate’s attorneys stated, “years of sexual and bodily abuse that began when Ms. Williams was simply 4 or 5 years outdated, starting with Defendant holding Ms. Williams underwater within the bathtub for prolonged durations of time to ‘baptize’ Plaintiff for her ‘sins.’”
It goes on to say, “when Ms. Williams was eight years outdated, James Ray Williams started sexually abusing her.”
The lawsuit can also be filed towards James’ former employer, Lifeway Christian Sources of The Southern Baptist Conference, in addition to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Inc. (SBTS), the place James is a former seminary scholar.
Additionally being sued is the Southern Baptist Conference, its affiliated non secular nonprofit entities, and the Govt Committee of The Southern Baptist Conference.
The assertion from Hannah Kate’s attorneys stated, “SBTS negligently did not act to guard Ms. Williams or different youngsters in Defendant’s care after SBTS discovered of the abuse from an worker.”
It goes on, “Ms. Williams reported the abuse to Defendant’s employer at an SBTS-run day camp; the report was spurred by Ms. Williams experiencing excessive concern of water whereas different youngsters had been taking part in within the camp pool. After Plaintiff’s report, based mostly on data and perception, SBTS was notified of Defendant’s conduct towards her and took no motion towards Defendant, regardless of Defendant’s proximity to different youngsters, together with Ms. Williams’ a lot youthful siblings.”
“We’re coping with evil that spans over time throughout our nation in these church buildings and within the denomination as a complete,” Hannah Kate stated when talking to the media Friday afternoon.
The assertion additionally stated SBTS relocated James to different amenities and allowed him to stay an worker in several roles and places.
Hannah Kate claims that when she tried to handle the abuse, Southern Baptist Conference and the Govt Committee, “engaged in a concerted effort to undermine Plaintiff’s credibility, malign her character, and threaten her via social media (YouTube, Fb, Twitter) and at a number of public church-sponsored occasions.”
A Kentucky regulation handed final 12 months extends the statue of limitations to 10 years for victims of childhood sexual abuse to pursue authorized motion.
Hannah Kate’s legal professional stated a piece of that regulation retains them from disclosing extra particulars of the grievance, as a result of it’s a sealed doc.
Some particulars of the grievance had been launched as a result of Hannah Kate’s legal professional stated it was “ethically allowed.”
A movement to unseal the grievance has been filed by Hannah Kate’s legal professionals.
“She’s preventing for accountability and transparency, and is unable to struggle for accountability and transparency in a manner that is public,” stated Hannah Kate’s legal professional, Vanessa Cantley of Bahe Cook dinner Cantlet and Nefzger Legislation Workplace.
An SBC Sexual Assault Process Pressure plans to launch a 300-page doc this weekend. It’s an impartial investigation into 20 years of mishandled sexual abuse claims.
Hannah Kate stated that is a part of the explanation she’s bringing the lawsuit to gentle now.
“There’s a reputable concern that the entire work that went into that investigation and making that investigation occur, that they will come again with ideas and prayers, however no motion,” stated Hannah Kate.
WDRB Information reached out to the SBC Govt Committee for remark, however they had been unavailable.
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