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	Embattled Church Seeks Bankruptcy Protection Arlington: Move Follows Pastor's '06 Rape Conviction By Jeff Mosier Dallas Morning News [Arlington TX] March 6, 2007 http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/DN-agape_06met.ART.State.Edition2.43e3cbc.html The church founded by Terry Hornbuckle, who was convicted last year of raping three women, filed for bankruptcy protection Monday, attorney Davor Rukavina said. Mr. Rukavina, a lawyer specializing in bankruptcies and corporation reorganizations, said the action was needed to consolidate all the costly litigation into one place. Agape Christian Fellowship is facing three lawsuits in state court and one in federal court. "We are not running away from our claims or obligations," Mr. Rukavina said. "The plaintiffs have all of their rights. The plaintiffs can pursue their claims." Those lawsuits must be pursued now under the umbrella of the federal bankruptcy court. Mr. Rukavina said the church filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to allow it to reorganize and continue operating as it tries to settle its financial liabilities. He said that many large, profitable corporations, such as Dow Corning, have survived Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Details of the church's financial situation were not immediately available. A news release from the Agape board of directors did not explicitly mention the bankruptcy filing, but it said "restructuring" was needed. "We are taking a significant step that we would prefer we didn't have to take," the board wrote, "however, the past problems that we have been repeatedly confronted with cannot be easily resolved ..." It also said the church's troubles have been a "distraction to our vision and a drain on our resources." Mr. Hornbuckle was sentenced to 15 years in prison in August after he was convicted of sexually assaulting three women. Two were members of the church he founded 21 years ago. He will be eligible for parole in 2013. Charles Richardson, chairman of the board of Agape, was not available for comment Monday. He said previously that the church has had tough times financially since Mr. Hornbuckle was first accused of sexual assault and that attendance dropped by as much as 90 percent. However, Mr. Richardson said last month that attendance had increased to about 500 each Sunday, and the church seemed to be recovering under the leadership of Renee Hornbuckle, the wife of the Agape founder. Three women who have accused Mr. Hornbuckle of rape filed lawsuits in state court. Two former employees who were fired have filed lawsuits in state and federal court. And in December, the city of Arlington and Tarrant County also filed lawsuits against the church for failing to pay tax on vacant land next to the church building. That lawsuit said Agape owed more than $20,000 in back taxes and penalties from 2005. The Arlington school district joined in that suit in February. The district said in its filing that Agape owes it a combined $49,200 in back taxes and penalties from 2001, 2005 and 2006. Mr. Richardson said Monday it was his understanding that the suits had been settled, but they were still listed as pending Monday by the Tarrant County district clerk's office. Mr. Richardson previously said that the church had been working to get a religious exemption for the land. Agape's main building sits on 13.5 acres on Mayfield Road in southeast Arlington, and the church owns an adjacent 13.5 acres. Church officials have remained confident that they would be able to keep Agape afloat despite the scandals and financial problems. The letter from the board said the reorganization would "enable us to move forward to a brighter future that will allow us to accomplish our vision, and protect the interest of our members who continue to remain faithful to the church." Contact jmosier@dallasnews.com
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