Assemblies of God Leaders Confront Chi Alpha Abuse Scandal NOW
UPDATE: Assemblies of God leaders are urgently addressing a devastating sex abuse scandal impacting the Chi Alpha college ministry during a major gathering in Orlando, Florida. At a meeting attended by thousands of pastors on October 25, 2023, denomination head Doug Clay acknowledged the scandal has “put a stain on the church and a scar on people’s lives.”
A shocking report from NBC News revealed that Chi Alpha pastors directed students to Daniel Savala, a convicted sex offender, who has been accused by at least 10 men and boys of sexual abuse occurring at his Houston residence, including in a sauna. Despite multiple warnings to Assemblies of God officials, Savala maintained his position and influence within the ministry, leading to further victimization of young men.
In the wake of these revelations, Clay and other leaders pledged to implement systemic changes to prevent future abuses. “We’re committed to identifying within our system, within our structures, what’s broken, what can be fixed,” he stated, emphasizing the denomination’s resolve to address past failures. However, many victims and activists remain unconvinced, demanding transparency and accountability from church leaders.
Former Chi Alpha member Joseph Cleveland, who alleges he was abused by Savala starting at age 15, expressed disappointment over the lack of a comprehensive investigation. “It’s common knowledge that pedophiles escalate in their crimes over time,” he said, criticizing the Assemblies of God for ignoring warnings dating back to 2013.
In response to the scandal, the Assemblies of God has implemented new training programs focused on sex abuse prevention within Chi Alpha, which operates on college campuses nationwide. Leaders spoke for over 30 minutes about these changes, but the somber tone of the discussion contrasted sharply with the celebratory nature of the gathering, which typically focuses on the denomination’s mission and growth.
Savala was arrested in 2023 on multiple charges of sexual abuse involving four boys, with accusations dating back to 2005. He has yet to enter a plea, and his legal team has not responded to requests for comment. The revelations have sparked a wave of concern within the church community, prompting leaders to reassess their oversight of ministries.
Donna L. Barrett, the denomination’s general secretary, acknowledged receiving reports about Savala as early as 2018, yet insisted that no misconduct was confirmed until 2023. “Even if misrepresented in public forums, we are deeply committed to follow this principle: What did you know? When did you know it? And what did you do with the information you knew?” she stated.
Activist Ron Bloomingkemper Jr., a former member of Chi Alpha, has been vocal about the need for greater transparency, arguing that the church’s leadership failed to act decisively until public scrutiny increased. His advocacy, which includes launching an online forum to expose abuse allegations, has led to numerous testimonies and legal actions against Savala and associated ministers.
The Assemblies of God has since dismissed six ministers linked to Savala and suspended four others, but critics argue these actions are insufficient. “Nothing happened of any significance until the forum was launched, the news media picked it up, and the lawsuits started,” Bloomingkemper remarked, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift within church leadership.
As this scandal unfolds, the Assemblies of God faces pressure to provide a full accounting of their response to Savala’s abuses. The church community and victims alike are watching closely, demanding accountability and meaningful reforms to ensure the safety of all members.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and its implications for the Assemblies of God and its ministries.
