Women Sue Assemblies of God for Cover-Up of Abuse

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In Arkansas, six women have filed a lawsuit against the Assemblies of God Children’s Pastor, Anthony ‘Tony’ Waller, for repeated sexual abuse. Originally filed on May 20th, 2026, in Craighead County Circuit Court, the lawsuit reports that leaders at Refuge Church in Jonesboro (Jonesboro First Assembly of God) failed to act on numerous reports of Waller’s accusations for years.

According to the Christian Post, “The lawsuit alleges that the Assemblies of God enabled children’s minister Anthony ‘Tony’ Waller to sexually exploit, molest and secretly film numerous young girls over the course of approximately 15 years despite repeated warnings and allegations that he posed a danger to children,” the lawsuit notes.

Based on the reports, the girls and their families reported concern repeatedly since 2000, including allegations of cameras, inappropriate touching, and forcing the children to undress during church activities. When asked about these accusations, Waller pleaded guilty to sexually abusing the girls and secretly filming them.

Stephanie Davis, one plaintiff, added that she and the other girls found a hidden camera in the bathroom in 2004 when Waller forced them to strip naked and perform stretches during church activities. “Davis also alleges Waller once gave her a drink that made her feel woozy before she contacted her mother.”

While the church removed the hidden camera and suspended Waller for a few weeks in 2004, they later restored him to ministry.

“They did nothing about it,” Davis reported to NBC News. “Absolutely nothing.”

Beyond David, additional allegations have since been reported, including claims of grooming and molestation. However, it wasn’t until 2015 that most of the abuse came to light.

At this time, Waller’s wife discovered hidden images of naked children on his computer and contacted authorities. “Investigators later found hidden-camera videos recorded inside the church bathroom and elsewhere, according to police records cited in the lawsuit.”

Though Waller pleaded in 2016 and was sentenced to life in prison for raping 2 girls, again, the Assemblies of God did little.

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Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.