North Little Rock, Arkansas – A lawsuit filed recently accuses a pastor at a North Little Rock church of sexually abusing a teenage girl, raising serious questions about the church’s oversight and handling of allegations involving minors. The suit claims that Rodney Loy, a pastor at North Little Rock First Assembly of God, engaged in sexual abuse of a girl who began attending the church in the late 1990s and continued into her adulthood.
According to the lawsuit, Loy allegedly used his position of authority and religious teachings to coerce the girl into complying with his sexual demands. The suit also contends that the church itself failed to protect minors from potential abuse, citing negligence on the part of church leadership.
“Defendant Church’s failures to supervise Defendant Loy and protect minor congregants were not isolated oversights, but rather the foreseeable result of a culture that prohibited questioning church leadership and punished those who raised concerns,” the lawsuit stated.
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The allegations have drawn immediate attention in the community, particularly given the serious nature of claims involving sexual misconduct within a religious setting. The lawsuit seeks accountability not only from Loy but also from the church organization, asserting that institutional oversight was insufficient to prevent harm to vulnerable congregants.
In response to the filing, the North Little Rock First Assembly of God Church Board of Directors released a statement denying the claims and reaffirming their commitment to transparency and due process.
“Our lead pastor and church have been accused of inappropriate behavior many years ago by a former employee. The church leadership takes accusations of this nature extremely seriously. Upon initially hearing of such an allegation, the church board launched an external investigation which found nothing to substantiate the claims,” the statement read. “We just became aware that a lawsuit was filed by the accuser. Pastor Rod and our church board vehemently deny these claims. We are prepared to defend this accusation, and we ask for your prayers and patience during this difficult time for both the accused and the person making such an allegation.”
Legal experts note that lawsuits of this kind often involve complex questions about institutional responsibility, the statute of limitations, and the credibility of testimony regarding events that occurred decades earlier. The church board emphasized that the accusation dates back many years and that an earlier investigation did not find evidence to support the claims.
The filing underscores broader concerns about abuse in religious institutions, a topic that has received national attention in recent years. Advocates say that holding both individuals and organizations accountable is essential to preventing future abuse and maintaining public trust.
As the case proceeds, both the accuser and the defendants face a challenging legal process that will likely include discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial. Church members and local residents are closely following developments, with community leaders calling for careful attention to both the legal process and the emotional impact on all involved parties.
While the lawsuit moves forward in the courts, the North Little Rock First Assembly of God continues its regular services, with leadership stressing that the church remains committed to supporting its congregation while navigating the legal matter.
The case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding minors in all organizations, especially those in positions of trust and authority, and the ongoing role of both civil litigation and public accountability in addressing allegations of abuse.
