wfn.org | UMNS# 05193-Conference approves settlement in second camp abuse case

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Conference approves settlement in second camp abuse case

Apr. 4, 2005

By Tim Tanton

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)-The Tennessee Annual Conference has approved a
settlement of nearly $1 million for the family of a girl who said she
was sexually assaulted five years ago at a church-run camp.

The settlement of $952,027 was approved April 2 in a special called
session of the conference at Calvary United Methodist Church. The figure
includes $119,000 that will be paid out over a seven-year period for
counseling and medical care for the girl.

The girl was 12 years old when the alleged assault occurred at Camp
Cedar Crest, south of Nashville, in summer 2000. The girl's family
contacted the Tennessee Conference office in 2002, and church officials
had been working with the family since then.

The called session followed a similar settlement in 2003 to resolve
another case of abuse that occurred at the camp in 2001. Both assaults
were allegedly committed by the same camp counselor, Carl Steven
Bentrup, 21, who was arrested after the 2001 incident. He later was
found hanged in his cell in the Hickman County jail; the sheriff said
the death was a suicide.

The 2001 assault-also against a 12-year-old girl-led to a lawsuit
against the conference, which settled out of court for $1 million.

The conference screens all camp counselors, but Bentrup had a juvenile
record that was sealed and unavailable during his screenings. He worked
at the camp for nearly three summers.

During the April 2 session, the delegates-clergy and lay representatives
from churches around the conference-adopted a resolution expressing
concern for the girl, her family and "all who have been affected by this
experience." The conference and its churches "continue to pray for
healing and wholeness for the victim of the abuse and her family," the
resolution stated.

Bishop Richard Wills, leader of the Tennessee Conference, commended the
delegates, noting that it's easy to go to court but harder to discern
what Jesus would do.

"Jesus was very concerned about people and their welfare, particularly
people who suffer," he said afterward. Jesus emphasized reconciliation
and bringing people together, he said. "We want to reconcile the world
to Jesus Christ, and this is a good way to practice that."

Attorney Thomas Wiseman of Nashville told delegates the girl's charge
had been investigated and the conference had gone through mediation with
the family. Unlike the 2001 assault, no lawsuit was filed in this case,
the attorney said.

The money for the new settlement will come from the conference council
on ministries budget, the conference's contingency fund, camp funds and
insurance coverage. The payment will be effective as soon as the
necessary legal document is drawn up and approved, said the Rev. Randall
Ganues, director of the council on ministries.

At their called session, delegates also approved a motion to give
individuals and congregations the opportunity to contribute to the
conference funds that will be affected.

Delegates expressed concern about other possible lawsuits, but
conference officials said no other complaint had been received.

Immediately after the 2001 assault, the conference responded by
providing counseling to the campers, their families and camp counselors,
as well as anyone who had attended the camp in the previous two years.

A task force reviewed the camp's procedures and reported that they were
"comprehensive and well done." The group also made 20 recommendations
for improving camp security and hiring, all of which have been
implemented, Ganues said. In addition, the conference developed a new
manual for protecting campers.

The conference reviews and revises its camp policies every year, Wills
said in a press release. "The conference has strict screening policies
for both new and returning counselors, including criminal background
checks, and has instituted closer on-site supervision of camp staff."

In a statement released by the conference, the girl's family affirmed
the church's action. "We are pleased that our church has responded to
this situation with compassion and understanding," the family said. "The
changes the camp is making will improve the safety of the camp for all
children."

Ganues said the conference plans to consult with a staff person at the
United Methodist Board of Discipleship, as well as with a camping
organization outside the denomination, about further improving the
safety and effectiveness of the camp.

An updated report of changes at the camp will be made when the annual
conference holds its yearly business meeting in June, he said.

Enrollment at the camp's elementary and youth programs was at 367 last
summer-near 65 percent of its capacity, Ganues said. While down from
2001's 560, the 2004 enrollment represented an increase from 230 in
2003.

News media contact: Tim Tanton, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or
newsdesk@umcom.org.

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United Methodist News Service
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