Allegations and Lawsuit Filing
A Texas woman has filed a Rodney Loy sexual abuse lawsuit against a prominent Arkansas church. Suzanne Lander, a Georgetown resident, sued North Little Rock First Assembly of God and lead pastor Rodney Loy on Jan. 26. She alleges years of sexual abuse that began when she was a teenager. Lander says the abuse started in 1996, shortly after she joined the church, and continued for decades.
Grooming and Abuse Claims
Lander claims Loy groomed her while serving as executive pastor. She was 16, vulnerable, and new to faith, so she trusted him. The lawsuit says Loy bought her dresses, watched her model them, and attended her basketball games. He also invited her to his home to play video games, but positioned himself as a father figure. Lander alleges the abuse escalated from inappropriate touching to rape at Loy’s home and church.
Spiritual Manipulation and Control
The suit says Loy used religion to justify abuse because he framed assaults as God’s will. Lander claims he told her spiritual followers must submit to leaders. That manipulation left her confused and silent. The lawsuit states Loy continued abusing and controlling her adulthood, marriage, and children. She says she escaped his influence in 2016 by moving away with her family.
Claims Against the Church
Lander accuses First Assembly of God of failing to protect her. She alleges church leaders ignored warning signs and allowed an authoritarian culture. According to the suit, Loy called young girls his “projects” and violated church interaction rules. Supporters say the church enabled harm through silence, but detractors argue leaders lacked evidence at the time.
Legal Stakes and Damages Sought
The Rodney Loy sexual abuse lawsuit seeks damages for physical pain and emotional distress. Lander also seeks compensation for medical costs and lost earning capacity. She filed before a temporary Arkansas deadline on childhood abuse claims. An appeals court struck down the law, but the state Supreme Court is reviewing it.
Responses and Ongoing Debate
Attorney Boz Tchividjian praised Lander’s courage and urged accountability. However, church leaders deny all allegations. A Feb. 3 statement says an external investigation found no substantiation. The board says it will defend Loy, and asks for prayers, so the case now moves toward a jury trial.
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Lawsuit accuses Assemblies of God pastor of grooming, sexually abusing teen
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