Religious Institutions Across U.S. Facing Child Sex Abuse Allegations

Across the United States, religious institutions are facing mounting scrutiny over sexual abuse—often involving minors and often concealed for decades. These deeply disturbing cases reveal systemic failures within churches and faith-based organizations, where institutions too frequently shield abusers instead of protecting victims.

An Epidemic of Betrayal in Religious Communities
Sexual abuse by clergy, religious leaders and church staff has shattered lives and betrayed trust across denominations.

In March 2025, prominent Dallas-area megachurch pastor Robert Morris — a onetime faith adviser to President Donald Trump’s administration — was indicted on charges of child sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s. He had previously stepped down from his position as senior pastor at Gateway Church, one of the largest churches in the Dallas area.

Morris’ indictment is the latest in a string of scandals that have rocked religious communities in Dallas and beyond, running from extramarital affairs to criminal charges of abuse to minors.

Did you or a loved one suffer sex abuse as a child? Know your rights.

Contact our Sexual Assault Legal Team.

Recent High-Profile Abuse Cases Nationwide
Abuse survivors have come forward with allegations of abuse and institutional neglect, leveling accusations that religious institutions have failed in their duties to protect vulnerable minors. Some of the most notable cases include:

• Daniel Butler, a program director at Fullness of Joy Ministries Church in Queens, New York, was charged with first-degree rape and abuse of a 10-year-old girl who attended both the church’s after-school program and his home daycare.
• Garrett Biggerstaff, a pastor in Fairfield, Illinois, was arrested for allegedly grooming and exploiting two minors.
• Brandon Froning, a kindergarten teacher at Parish Episcopal School in Dallas, was arrested in 2023 for possession of child pornography. He has since been barred from campus.
• Todd Napolitano, a 7th-grade teacher at Saint Charles Borromeo School in Pennsylvania, was arrested for possessing and distributing child pornography.
• Nathan Chasing Horse, a self-proclaimed spiritual healer and former actor, was arrested in 2023 after being accused of sexually assaulting young girls over a two-decade period. Authorities say he used his influence to exploit victims and even coerced underage girls into marriage.

What to Do If You or Someone You Love Has Been Abused

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse—especially by someone in a position of religious or spiritual authority—it’s critical to know that you are not alone, and you have legal rights.

Here are 10 steps to take, based on guidance from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN):

1. Ensure immediate safety.
   Get yourself or the victim away from the abuser. Call 911 if there’s any immediate danger.
2. Seek medical attention.
   Treat physical injuries and consider a sexual assault forensic exam to preserve evidence.
3. Call a support hotline.
   Reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) for free, confidential support.
4. Report the abuse to law enforcement.
   Filing a police report starts a legal record and may help preserve your ability to seek justice later.
5. Consult an attorney experienced in sexual abuse cases.
   A lawyer can guide you through your options and help protect your rights from the very beginning.
6. Be cautious when reporting to the religious organization.
   While it may feel like the right step, institutions often prioritize their reputation. Speak to an attorney first.
7. Report to state authorities, if applicable.
   Some states allow you to report clergy abuse directly to the Attorney General or other public agencies.
8. Consider filing a civil lawsuit.
   Legal action can help you recover damages for therapy, medical costs, and emotional distress.
9. Get emotional and psychological support.
   Therapy, support groups, or organizations like SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) can be invaluable in your healing process.
10. If the victim is a child, ensure they get immediate care and protection.
    Parents or guardians should also be aware of mandatory reporting laws in their state.

How We Help Sex Abuse Victims

Our national sexual abuse lawyers work one-on-one with survivors, offering a direct, personal level of care and discretion. We use our decades of experience battling big organizations to fight on behalf of survivors, aggressively taking on those responsible for causing pain and suffering. If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, we can help.