Man Sues Methodist Church Alleging Sexual Abuse

KMTR
January 6, 2013

http://www.kmtr.com/news/local/story/Man-sues-Methodist-Church-alleging-sexual-abuse/5rQckD66HkyrhbS6dmSvmQ.cspx

[with video]

EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- After nearly three decades an alleged victim comes forward, claiming a late Eugene Methodist minister abused him when he was a child.

Now that man is asking for a maximum of $4.5 million from the organization that oversees the United Methodist Church in Eugene.

The man who alleges the abuse - identified only as Jack Doe - claims Pastor William Walker, once a minister with United Methodist, sexually abused him when he was eleven years old 28 years ago. Walker reportedly died in 1992 of complications from AIDS.

The lawsuit seeks millions for emotional distress and economic damages, alleging Pastor abused his position of leadership to repeatedly sexually abuse the boy in several ways, including rape.

Attorney Gilion Dumas, representing the plaintiff, says that based on what he knows about Walker there could be more victims. “We think it's very likely that there are other people out there who have information important to this case, perhaps other victims of Pastor Walker. And we would encourage them to come forward, to share their information and we want to stress that they will be treated with respect.”

Following Walker's death, The Register-Guard newspaper published a report revealing he had had several bi-sexual relationships throughout his life. Twelve males, including several ministers and a minor, claimed Walker had made advances toward them.

A spokesman for the Regional Methodist Conference says it has not yet received the complaint against the church and has no comment on the specifics or the merits of the case.

No court dates have been set.