Podcaster Defies Legal Threat from Prominent Christian Camp
Shawn Ryan, a top-ranked podcaster and former Navy SEAL, is refusing to back down after receiving a legal threat from Kanakuk Ministries. The ministry, which operates one of the nation’s largest Christian summer camps, sent a demand letter accusing Ryan of defamation and demanding an apology. The dispute stems from Ryan’s recent four-hour podcast interview with Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, an abuse prevention advocate whose late brother was a known victim of convicted predator and former Kanakuk counselor Pete Newman.
Abuse Claims Spark Legal and Public Tensions
During the interview, Phillips said she believes Kanakuk is connected to “definitely thousands” of sexual abuse victims. Ryan repeated this figure in a later conversation with Congressman Ro Khanna, prompting Kanakuk’s legal team to demand he remove the statement. Ryan rejected the demand, posting a video response: “I don’t negotiate with pedophiles or the people who defend them.” He also shared a letter from his attorney calling the ministry’s claims “legally and factually baseless.”
Kanakuk Responds but Faces Renewed Scrutiny
On its website, Kanakuk accused Ryan and Phillips of spreading “fabricated facts” and misrepresenting the truth. However, critics argue that the camp has long avoided full transparency. Kanakuk admits in its own letter that “20 to 30 lawsuits” have been filed against it. Phillips said she has faced legal threats from the ministry since 2021 but remains undeterred. She also disputes Kanakuk’s claim that victims or their families often requested confidentiality agreements.
Survivors and Advocates Push for Legal Reform
Phillips is working to expand Trey’s Law, which bans non-disclosure agreements in child sex abuse cases. The law has already been enacted in four states, with more states considering similar bills. She insists that survivors must be able to speak freely. Ryan echoed this in his video, stating, “Kids have a right to be protected. And survivors have a right to speak.”
Ministry’s Legacy Tarnished by Long History of Allegations
Founded in 1926, Kanakuk Ministries claims over 500,000 children have attended its camps. But years of lawsuits, media investigations, and survivor accounts have damaged its reputation. Critics like Phillips and Ryan say the organization must answer for its history. Kanakuk has not commented further on the recent dispute.
Source:
Shawn Ryan defies Kanakuk lawsuit threat over interview on child sex abuse
Photo by Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash
About Post Author
