LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BP) – Immanuel Baptist Church leaders have informed the congregation of a settlement in an abuse case dating back to 2024.
Immanuel’s Executive Pastor Mark Carter shared the following statement with Baptist Press:
“Immanuel Baptist Church announced yesterday (June 16) that the church’s insurance carrier has reached a settlement in the John Doe civil case to the mutual satisfaction of all involved. The case will be dismissed upon completion of the settlement process.”
According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Doe sued Immanuel, its insurer and former Pastor Steven Smith on Dec. 3, 2024. He said he had been sexually assaulted by Reagan Danielle Gray, a former middle school teacher and Immanuel Baptist Church praise team member, beginning when Doe was 15 years old.”
In 2025, Gray, 27, was sentenced to six years of probation and fines after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.
The church is still involved in the pending case of Patrick Stephen Miller, a former children’s ministry worker at the church.
If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please reach out for help at sbcabuseprevention.com/helpline or call 833-611-HELP.
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