Conference approves settlement in second camp abuse case April 4, 2005 NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (UMNS)—The Tennessee Annual Conference has approved a settlement
of nearly $1 million for the family of a girl who said she was sexually
assaulted five years ago at a church-run camp. The
settlement of $952,027 was approved April 2 in a special called session
of the conference at Calvary United Methodist Church. The figure
includes $119,000 that will be paid out over a seven-year period for
counseling and medical care for the girl. The
girl was 12 years old when the alleged assault occurred at Camp Cedar
Crest, south of Nashville, in summer 2000. The girl’s family contacted
the Tennessee Conference office in 2002, and church officials had been
working with the family since then. The
called session followed a similar settlement in 2003 to resolve another
case of abuse that occurred at the camp in 2001. Both assaults were
allegedly committed by the same camp counselor, Carl Steven Bentrup, 21,
who was arrested after the 2001 incident. He later was found hanged in
his cell in the Hickman County jail; the sheriff said the death was a
suicide. The
2001 assault—also against a 12-year-old girl—led to a lawsuit against
the conference, which settled out of court for $1 million. The
conference screens all camp counselors, but Bentrup had a juvenile
record that was sealed and unavailable during his screenings. He worked
at the camp for nearly three summers. During
the April 2 session, the delegates—clergy and lay representatives from
churches around the conference—adopted a resolution expressing concern
for the girl, her family and “all who have been affected by this
experience.” The conference and its churches “continue to pray for
healing and wholeness for the victim of the abuse and her family,” the
resolution stated. Bishop
Richard Wills, leader of the Tennessee Conference, commended the
delegates, noting that it’s easy to go to court but harder to discern
what Jesus would do. “Jesus
was very concerned about people and their welfare, particularly people
who suffer,” he said afterward. Jesus emphasized reconciliation and
bringing people together, he said. “We want to reconcile the world to
Jesus Christ, and this is a good way to practice that.” Attorney
Thomas Wiseman of Nashville told delegates the girl’s charge had been
investigated and the conference had gone through mediation with the
family. Unlike the 2001 assault, no lawsuit was filed in this case, the
attorney said. The
money for the new settlement will come from the conference council on
ministries budget, the conference’s contingency fund, camp funds and
insurance coverage. The payment will be effective as soon as the
necessary legal document is drawn up and approved, said the Rev. Randall
Ganues, director of the council on ministries. At
their called session, delegates also approved a motion to give
individuals and congregations the opportunity to contribute to the
conference funds that will be affected. Delegates expressed concern about other possible lawsuits, but conference officials said no other complaint had been received. Immediately
after the 2001 assault, the conference responded by providing
counseling to the campers, their families and camp counselors, as well
as anyone who had attended the camp in the previous two years. A
task force reviewed the camp’s procedures and reported that they were
“comprehensive and well done.” The group also made 20 recommendations
for improving camp security and hiring, all of which have been
implemented, Ganues said. In addition, the conference developed a new
manual for protecting campers. The
conference reviews and revises its camp policies every year, Wills said
in a press release. “The conference has strict screening policies for
both new and returning counselors, including criminal background checks,
and has instituted closer on-site supervision of camp staff.” In
a statement released by the conference, the girl’s family affirmed the
church’s action. “We are pleased that our church has responded to this
situation with compassion and understanding,” the family said. “The
changes the camp is making will improve the safety of the camp for all
children.” Ganues
said the conference plans to consult with a staff person at the United
Methodist Board of Discipleship, as well as with a camping organization
outside the denomination, about further improving the safety and
effectiveness of the camp. An
updated report of changes at the camp will be made when the annual
conference holds its yearly business meeting in June, he said. Enrollment
at the camp’s elementary and youth programs was at 367 last summer—near
65 percent of its capacity, Ganues said. While down from 2001’s 560,
the 2004 enrollment represented an increase from 230 in 2003.
News media contact: Tim Tanton, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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