Just because you can physically and sexually assault your step-sons doesn't mean you should.
Subsequently, when one step-son has grown up and decides he wants people to know about the abuse he suffered from the hands of his step-father, doesn't mean you should sue your step-son.
That's what one Calvary Chapel pastor (yes, a pastor) is doing. Bob Greneier, pastor of Calvary Chapel in Visalia, California, is suing his step-son, Alex Grenier and former church member, Tim Taylor for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and conspiracy to defame because Alex started a blog detailing his abuse as a child and his concerns about Bob's misuse of his role as pastor at Calvary Chapel. Tim has stood beside Alex and has corroborated his story.
Originally (2004-05), Alex went before Bob and the Calvary Chapel elders to express his concern about Bob being a pastor at Calvary given the abuse that he and his brother Paul received by the hands of Bob. The elders and the higher-ups at Calvary Chapel did nothing to address the grievances Alex expressed. Meanwhile, Bob maintained his role as pastor at Calvary Chapel and volunteer chaplain at the Visalia Police Department.
Alex's brother Paul has corroborated his story and has given full detailed accounts of the horrific abuse that he experienced as a child.
There's so much more to this story. Others have documented it very well. Take a start by looking here and here.
Alex has filed an anti-SLAPP motion. A tentative ruling will be made today, with the court hearing scheduled for February 26th.
I have more thoughts regarding how some churches have chosen to handle cases of domestic violence (spousal abuse or child abuse) which I will share at another time. Given what happened not too long ago at Penn State, I believe that many people are done with institutions covering up cases of abuse.
3 comments:
Thank you for posting this story, Kathi. It really needs to get out and exposed. It's a part of a much bigger problem in churches where pastors do not have accountability.
Hi Kathi,
Appreciate the help in getting word out. Alex tried for many years from trying to meet with Bob Grenier, who refused, to talking with the elders and board members, who told him to be silent.
Alex kept silent for years, till he found an online group was exploding with people from Bob Grenier's church talking about the spiritual abuse they experienced, as well as the financial improprieties reported by former bookkeepers.
Alex tried contacting the CCOF, which used to be touted as the accountability arm of Calvary Chapel. They did nothing.
The realization that silence empowers the abuser and doesn't protect the abused motivated Alex to start his own blog and call for help, for reforms, and to warn others.
Through the life of the blog, called CalvaryChapelAbuse.com, Alex, and one brother, were able to get a face to face meeting with Chuck Smith, who said he believed them. But Chuck not only did nothing to help them, to investigate, nor to deal with the issue, rather Chuck then visited Bob Grenier and the smiled for cameras with arms around one another presumably to show his public support for Bob.
The blog continued. Bob then sued his step-son Alex who alleges physical abuse, but not his blood son who alleges sexual abuse. He also sued Tim, a man from the church who attested to many of the abuses.
Due diligence done by Alex. None by Bob Grenier. If Bob wins in court, then what's to become of the rest of us with our own abuse stories of a pastor with all the control and no accountability?
This story turns my stomach and makes me angry on many different levels. When it comes to child abuse justice must be swift and STRONG! I'd throw away the key on these perpetrators!
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