He was a celebrity pastor at one of Canada’s biggest megachurches. Inside the sexual abuse allegations that brought down Bruxy Cavey have brought renewed attention to the church – which claims its former pastor “did not have the resources to conduct a thorough investigation” into allegations against him, said to be made by three people, two of whom have filed charges of sexual assault.
The church said in a news release that the police were making progress in the investigation, and that a report to the province’s watchdog on the church’s governance, Ministry of Justice/NDP, will be made publicly available.
It also acknowledged it “must face the truth.”
“The details of the story have been very disturbing to the church family,” it said.
“We are taking this matter very seriously and are committed to supporting our community and the victims of this terrible crime.”
But, the church also pointed out, this does not mean it has given up on its pastor.
“We believe the process continues and that the church will be vindicated and we will be better equipped to deal with all of our issues and shortcomings as a church,” the news release said.
Founded in 1969, Bruxy Cavey Ministries has a large congregation – about 4,000 people – but a reputation that is hard to shake once the police investigation has begun.
It has been operating under a “stand down” arrangement with the provincial government, which has allowed it to continue operating, while the province investigates the allegations and reviews its policies.
Bruxy Cavey is currently on unpaid leave through the end of October.
It announced earlier this month that it was cutting ties with Michael E. Gaffney after two lawsuits were filed against him.
Gaffney claims in the suits that he and the church are being defamed. Court documents suggest he was a co-founder of the church.
