A prominent pastor and executive leader within the Assemblies of God denomination, Pastor Rod Loy, is facing serious allegations of sexual abuse outlined in a newly filed civil lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed on January 26 in Pulaski County Circuit Court, accuses Loy of abusing Suzanne Lander over a 20-year period beginning in 1996 when Lander was just 16 years old.
Details of the Allegations
The complaint alleges that the abuse involved grooming, manipulation, and repeated sexual misconduct, with some of the incidents taking place while Lander was still a minor. According to the lawsuit, Loy allegedly used his spiritual authority and religious teachings to control and manipulate Lander, claiming that sexual acts were not only acceptable but also expected as part of her religious duty.
Lander’s legal team asserts that she did not recognize the impact of the abuse until recent years, when she began to understand the lasting trauma it had caused her. The lawsuit further claims that Loy “systematically conditioned” Lander into believing that their relationship was “normal” and “godly,” and that she was responsible for the abuse.
Pastor Loy's Denial and Church's Response
Pastor Loy, who has served as the senior pastor of First Assembly of God in North Little Rock and as a Gulf-area executive presbyter for the Assemblies of God, denies all allegations. In response to the lawsuit, First Assembly of God issued a statement reaffirming its previous external investigation into the claims. The church reported that the investigation found no evidence to substantiate the allegations. Church leaders further emphasized that both Pastor Loy and the board “vehemently deny these claims” and are preparing to defend themselves in court.
The Assemblies of God national office has confirmed that Loy has voluntarily stepped down from his position as executive presbyter while the Arkansas District conducts an independent review of the matter. As one of the largest congregations in the Assemblies of God fellowship, First Assembly of God in North Little Rock is known for its significant global church-planting efforts, with a reported membership exceeding 16,000.
The Lookback Window Statute and Legal Implications
The lawsuit is part of a growing number of cases being brought under Arkansas’s “lookback window” statute, which allows victims of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations. The window for filing such lawsuits closed on January 31, making this and similar cases time-sensitive.
However, the Arkansas Supreme Court is currently reviewing the constitutionality of this statute, with a ruling expected soon. If the Court upholds a lower court decision declaring the law unconstitutional, these cases could become invalid.
Details of the Abuse and Church Negligence
According to Lander’s legal team, the abuse began when she was 16 and continued into adulthood. Lander, who sought refuge at First Assembly of God in 1996 during a vulnerable period in her life, describes her experience with Loy as one of “grooming” that included regular attention, gifts, and private meetings for “spiritual development.” The complaint details how the abuse escalated in 1996, eventually leading to sexual assault.
In addition to the allegations against Loy, the lawsuit asserts that church leadership should have known about the risk posed by the pastor. Loy allegedly surrounded himself with young female congregants, maintained a photographic collection of minors, and regularly mentored young girls while enforcing strict boundaries for male staff interacting with females. The lawsuit further claims that the church’s negligence allowed the abuse to continue unchecked for years, leading to Lander’s suffering, which includes PTSD, depression, and emotional distress.
Ongoing Legal and Denominational Proceedings
As the case proceeds, both Lander and Loy await the outcomes of ongoing legal and denominational proceedings. While the lawsuit is set to unfold in the coming months, the broader issue of sexual abuse within religious institutions remains a significant concern for survivors and advocates. The case underscores the importance of holding powerful figures accountable and ensuring that institutions provide the necessary resources and support to survivors of abuse.
For now, the legal battle continues, and both sides prepare for what could be a pivotal case in Arkansas’s evolving understanding of survivors’ rights and the accountability of religious leaders.
If You Are a Survivor, Help is Here
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, you do not have to face it alone. At Helping Survivors, we are here to provide support, resources, and guidance as you navigate your journey toward healing. We offer comprehensive legal assistance tailored to your needs. Connect with trusted professionals and find the resources that are right for you today. Reach out now to begin your path forward.
