York County Church Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse
York County, SC – The MorningStar Fellowship church is facing lawsuits filed by three victims who allege they were sexually abused by a church volunteer. During a court hearing on Monday, the victims’ lawyer argued that the church should not be dismissed from the lawsuits despite claims of religious protections. This hearing was the first public court action following the church’s request to drop the cases based on what they called ecclesiastical doctrine.
Who is Involved?
The lawsuits involve three children who were members of a youth group led by Erickson Lee, a former police officer in North Carolina. Lee has already pleaded guilty to multiple sex crimes against children and is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence. Legal representatives for the MorningStar church, including its CEO and founder, Rick Joyner, claim the church has not engaged in any negligent actions.
What Happened?
The allegations against Lee include providing minors with vapes, cigarettes, and alcohol, as well as displaying pornography. He reportedly engaged in sexual acts with boys as young as 12, even after the church had conducted a background check on him. These actions have led to claims of negligence and conspiracy against the church in the lawsuits.
When Did This Occur?
The criminal actions took place while Lee was a volunteer for the church youth group. After being arrested in 2023, he pled guilty to the charges in September. The lawsuits were subsequently filed by the victims and their families in August and September of the same year.
Where is the Church Located?
MorningStar Fellowship is situated in York County, near the North Carolina state line. It has a significant congregation, known for operating MorningStar University and a K-12 school, as highlighted on its website.
Why Does This Matter?
The legal battle spotlights critical issues regarding church accountability and child protection. During the hearing, lawyer Randy Hood emphasized the serious nature of the allegations, arguing that there is no justification for the church to claim constitutional privileges while neglecting the safety of vulnerable children. “In this case we have a grown man in a situation where he is over a bunch of kids… I have no idea how that falls under ecclesiastical privilege,” Hood stated.
The Court’s Response
The presiding judge, Martha Rivers, did not make an immediate ruling on whether MorningStar and its leaders would remain defendants in the lawsuits. Judge Rivers refrained from providing a timeline for when she would decide on this matter. During the proceedings, lawyers for the church claimed that some allegations might cross into areas protected under religious freedom, although they did not elaborate on these points.
Next Steps
The victims are seeking compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress resulting from the alleged abuse and mismanagement by church leadership. As the court proceedings continue, the community remains attentive to the developments of this serious case.
This ongoing legal situation raises vital questions about the responsibilities of religious organizations regarding the safety and well-being of children in their care. The outcome of this case could set important precedents for how religious institutions are held accountable in matters of abuse.
