Tennessee Pastor Accused of Abuse in Lawsuit
A lawsuit recently filed by 8 alleged victims of abuse name a Davidson County pastor as the abuser. The lawsuit alleges that the pastor of Bethel World Outreach Church, Rev. Larry Tomczak, abused the victims as early as the 1980s.
Rev. Tomczak is known for being a believer in corporal punishment. A book Tomczak sells on his website entitled “The Little Handbook on Loving Correction,” advises parents to use an object, such as a stick, to discipline their children. In the lawsuit, Tomczak is alleged to have beaten one victim with various objects for over two decades.
In addition to the allegations of physical abuse, Tomczak and other church leaders are alleged to have covered up sexual abuse in the church and at a Christian school as far back as the 1980s.
The Defendants in the suit were alleged to have told victims not to go to authorities regarding the abuse. David Clohessy, executive director of the St. Louis-based Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, stated, “Instead of saying, ‘Get some therapy and call the police,'[victims] are told [by the church leaders] to forgive their abusers.”
Tomczak denies all allegations stating, “I had no involvement in any of this.”
If you have been the victim of intentional abuse or personal injury, contact the experienced Memphis personal injury attorneys at Bailey & Greer, in Memphis, today. Call us toll free at 877-819-4414 or in Memphis at 901-680-9777.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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