News Archives

Conference approves settlement in second camp abuse case

 


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.

Ask Now

This will not reach a local church, district or conference office. InfoServ* staff will answer your question, or direct it to someone who can provide information and/or resources.

First Name:*
Last Name:*
Email:*
ZIP/Postal Code:*
Question:*

*InfoServ ( about ) is a service of United Methodist Communications located in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 1-800-251-8140

Not receiving a reply?
Your Spam Blocker might not recognize our email address. Add this address to your list of approved senders.

Would you like to ask any questions about this story?ASK US NOW


Contact Us

This will not reach a local church, district or conference office. InfoServ* staff will answer your question, or direct it to someone who can provide information and/or resources.

Phone
(optional)

*InfoServ ( about ) is a ministry of United Methodist Communications located in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 1-800-251-8140

Not receiving a reply?
Your Spam Blocker might not recognize our email address. Add InfoServ@umcom.org to your list of approved senders.