9/17/2023
In early May, Scott Sauls was placed on leave due to a toxic work culture then indefinitely suspended. In the past week, there was an article regarding PCA denomination accountability describing how “groups of former and current staff at Christ Presbyterian wrote letters to the church’s elders requesting a third-party evaluation”. This request has been dismissed, and the presbytery or church haven’t disclosed findings from their inquiry to church members or staff.
Shortly after learning that Scott Sauls was placed on leave and indefinitely suspended, I contacted CPC elders and Neil Spence of The Nashville Presbytery on May 19, 2023, and received a response the same day. In the past, I had contacted Scott Sauls, Todd Teller, and Christ Presbyterian in 2017/2018 as referenced in a past blog post. The reason why I had contacted them in the past was to notify them of a convicted sexual offender in the boy scout troop CPC sponsors. I also emailed Scott Sauls a second time asking for advocacy related to the handling of child sexual abuse cases in our community due to his exposure and knowledge of a case.
My email to the CPC Elders and Neil Spence reads in part:
I am not sure what response, if any, Scott Sauls or Todd Teller made in light of my report.
Given the recent reports of Sauls’ conduct, I am requesting you follow up.
Over the last several years, there has been increased awareness regarding abuse in churches and other Christian contexts. In my family’s case, we have pursued care related to the abuse. And, I am grateful as we have experienced the faithful shepherding of Jesus who provides help while we are in need.
Not only has their been increased awareness regarding abuse in churches along with the hurtful responses many experience, but if you are paying attention, there has also been publication related to inadequate responses of law enforcement and DCS related to abuse in our own community – see articles below.
Knowing that CSA is often under investigated in our community is troubling. In the BSA troop’s case sponsored by CPC, there was a convicted offender participating without leaders being aware.
In our family’s case, a report was made, but parents of toddlers were not informed of exposure despite the most severe allegations. Considering other potential victims is part of DCS protocol. An organization can use law enforcement and DCS inaction to deflect legal responsibility and will likely be guided to do so.
However, I do not see anywhere in Scripture that says, “Well done, good and faithful servant, you successfully limited your church’s financial liability.”
Or, “The wounded sheep on the side of the road — the authorities passed them by. You are off the hook.”
My second contact referenced in my blog was regarding advocacy due to issues in our community. I understand pastors receive a lot of requests for advocacy particularly when high ranking Government officials attend. No one person or group can advocate for every issue someone presents. We live in a fractured world and community that feels like it is tearing apart at the seems with much in need of repair.
Scott Sauls was in a unique position in this case in that there are not that many people in the community that have the capacity to confirm to some degree the issues I presented.
Personally, I do not enjoy sharing this information. Given the recent news, I felt compelled to make contact with your church and Presbytery.
‘Systemic failures’ of police investigations imperiled child sex abuse cases, prosecutor says
Audit: Tennessee Department of Children’s Services failed to investigate sexual abuse
Tennessee child advocates raise alarm as GOP moves to dissolve child advocacy commission
Neil Spence replied as follows:
Thank you for your email concerning this urgent and serious subject. I have received your communication on behalf of Nashville Presbytery and will forward it to the appropriate individuals.
Grace to You,
R. Neil Spence
Stated Clerk
I do not know what concerns or complaints the current and former members of Christ Presbyterian Church shared with the elders or Nashville Presbytery. As the inquiry has not been as robust or transparent as current and former staff had hoped, I am sharing my letter so that church members, staff, and the community are made aware of these serious issues.
For additional background information, I have written three blog posts describing my family’s experience in a series titled “Cover-Up in Williamson County”. See Part 1 , Part 2, and Part 3.