Man claims sex abuse by former Eugene pastor
EUGENE, Ore. -- A Portland man filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the United Methodist Church, claiming that he was raped by a Eugene pastor in the 1980s.
A Portland firm filed the case against the First United Methodist Church of Eugene on Wednesday, issuing a press release on behalf of the man.
The firm alleges that nearly 28 years ago the now-deceased Pastor William Walker sexually abused the plaintiff, who was 11 years old at the time.
Walker passed away in 1992 from complications related to AIDS. At the time of his death several other men in their late teens and 20s came forward saying that they had sex with the pastor.
One of the man's lawyers, Gilion Dumas, told KVAL News that her client was even younger than the other men when the alleged abuse took place.
"He was 11 years old when he was a member of the First Methodist Church … and he was involved in church activities with his pastor. Pastor Walker molested him at the church and also Camp Magruder," said Dumas.
Dumas is one of two lawyers from O'Donnell Clark & Crew LLP that will be representing the man in the lawsuit that seeks $4.5 million dollars. The Portland-based firm often represents adult victims of childhood sexual abuse that is brought against institutions.
The plaintiff said that it wasn't until recently that he could find the courage to break his silence and come forward.
“As a result of the trauma caused by childhood sexual abuse, very few sexual abuse survivors ever report what happened to them. It can be years and even decades before those who do report come forward. Simple telling their story is a huge step towards healing," said Dumas.
Dumas said that her client did not contract AIDS from Pastor Walker.
I've been a member of this particular church since 1989 and knew pastor Walker and never for an instant suspected him of the deeds he is accused of doing. I'm not saying he did not do this as the evidence certainly says otherwise. It was devastating to the church when the news was released shortly after his death. The church lost many members over it and has been decades in healing. We've had two wonderful Senior pastors since then who have worked hard to regain the trust of current and future members. A "Safe Sanctuary Policy" has been put in place a few years ago to prevent anything like this ever happening again. While I'm truly sorry that this happened to "Jack Doe" I'm not sure who he is trying to punish by his law suit? Anyone who would have any knowledge of Rev. Walkers actions is either passed away or no longer associated with this particular church. While I'm not condoning his actions as it hurt hundreds of people and families that trusted, and respected him suing for $4.5M will only further hurt the church.
One of the issues with this type of case is the level of proof required. In civil cases the preponderance of evidence can be cause for award. In criminal cases it is beyond a reasonable doubt. If the plaintiff's lawyers can create a preponderance of evidence, and possibly find some cooberation supporting the plainiff's accusations, they will win, irregardless of the best evidence being lost over time. With cases this old I think there should be some sort of limit regarding liability, because there may be no one left in that particular setting that had anything to do with this at all.
John Wojnowski
 http://mnsnap.wordpress.com/john-wojnowski/
 Wichasha, Winyan - Chincá are in harm's way!
  (Mother, Father - your children are in harmâs way!)
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A video look at how the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Mpls keeps Native American children in harmâs way: Â Â
  --- http://youtu.be/r5glYmmLPzY
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   Accused: Deacon Joe Damiani   http://mnsnap.wordpress.com/child-protection-alert-damiani
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Bob Schwiderski, Minnesota SNAP Director. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. 952-471-3422 or skibrs@q.com. http://mnsnap.wordpress.com/
Does anyone know if the statute of limitations varies for criminal vs. civil? Because the criminal statute of limitations on this expired a long time ago. =/
There once was a requirement in sex crime cases that the complaint be fresh, i.e., the "victim" was supposed to report the crime while the evidence was still available. Â The current practice of permitting decades old sex crime complaints makes a true rendition of the facts almost impossible.
 @Reis Kash Statute of limitations have been around for a long time. Sex cases didn't used to be taken very seriously anyway, and it seems like any excuse to blow them off was used. All that aside, this is a case with a child. Our laws don't expect children to report sexual abuse in a timely manner, and for good reason.
Next to the last paragraph the article spells out the reason why.Â
"As a result of trauma caused by childhood sexual abuse"
It has become apparant that the churches have been harboring predators for years without addressing the issue. Creepy pedophiles hiding behind the cross.