Megachurch Pastor Confesses to Protecting Child Molester for Years

Covenant Life Church former pastor Grant Layman admitted on Tuesday while testifying about allegations against Nathaniel Morales that he withheld incriminating information from the police about the abuse.

Public defender Alan Drew asked Layman if had an “obligation to report the alleged abuse?”

“I believe so,” he replied.

“And you didn’t?” asked Drew, to which Layman responded “no.”

I’m frankly appalled that this is a statement that even needs making, but #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Zach Schneider (@schneidmaster) May 16, 2014

Church remains silent about why it failed to report abuse. “One of the pastors told us, ‘don’t go to the police,’” http://t.co/hN5yJY2Soi
— Boz Tchividjian (@BozT) May 16, 2014

Shaming, silencing, & judging have no home in a community that loves & advocates on behalf of abuse victims. #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Boz Tchividjian (@BozT) May 16, 2014

The silence of leadership speaks volumes to the victims. It triggers every old wound. Speak up, @CJMahaney. #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Tamara Barrick Rice (@TamaraRice) May 16, 2014

Will @TGC let an entire newsday go by without even MENTIONING the #SGM verdict? Come on. #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Zach J. Hoag (@zhoag) May 16, 2014

Drew: “Did you have an obligation to report the alleged abuse? Layman: I believe so. Drew: And you didn’t? Layman: No. #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Dee Rock (@SurpassSummits) May 16, 2014

I wrote this over a year ago. SGM and the Counseling Cliff: http://t.co/qbRP9pmCLd #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Zach J. Hoag (@zhoag) May 16, 2014

Worth repeating, especially today: Some words of support and love for the survivors of abuse… #IStandWithSGMVictims http://t.co/RaTB17C6B6
— Rachel Held Evans (@rachelheldevans) May 16, 2014

Never more clearly has their world of selective moral outrage been exposed than today. #IStandwithSGMvictims @CJMahaney @albertmohler @TGC
— Amy Smith (@watchkeep) May 16, 2014

True to form, the @TGC FB Page deleted my simple #IStandWithSGMVictims comments & blocked me. Anyone want to take up the mantle?
— Zach J. Hoag (@zhoag) May 16, 2014

But not about #IStandWithSGMVictims? “@DennyBurk: We are serious about termite inspection. @SBTS pic.twitter.com/lUqf56AFvx“
— Natalie Trust (@NatalieTrust) May 16, 2014

Thank you, Lord, for giving Nate Morales’ victims justice yesterday. #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Janet Mefferd (@JanetMefferd) May 16, 2014

disgusted as I read about the sexual abuse that’s been going on for years & covered up http://t.co/LqQ2UR7JKR #IStandWithSGMVictims @zhoag
— Beau Crosetto (@beaucrosetto) May 16, 2014

Brokenhearted for abuse victims. Horrified by actions and inactions of @SovereignGrace @CJMahaney and all of @TGC. #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Angela Mahoney Hass (@FrangelaFrass) May 16, 2014

#IStandWithSGMVictims Definitely.
— Christian Orton (@xianorton) May 16, 2014

“I started crying. It was … overwhelming to know that the struggle, the fight, the 25 years of … http://t.co/BMUjgL6pJO via @po_st
— Julie Anne (@DefendTheSheep) May 16, 2014

@DefendTheSheep Ironic. Past victims had to protect future victims. Not their “godly” pastors at SGM, T4G or TGC
— Lydia (@lydiaofthyatira) May 16, 2014

It is a warped theology that feels it more important to protect leadership rather than the known victims of child abuse. @TGC @CJMahaney
— Kinnon (@kinnon) May 15, 2014

Still silence from the @TGC crowd on the Nate Morales verdict & it’s indictment of the @TGC-supported leadership of @CJMahaney #disgusting
— Kinnon (@kinnon) May 16, 2014

#Sandusky– quick, strong reaction/statements. #Morales, convicted child sex offender from a buddy’s church- #silence #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Amy Smith (@watchkeep) May 16, 2014

#IStandWithSGMVictims because all people in all churches need to hear this story, and how to avoid leaders who cover-up & baptize abuse.
— Sean Muldowney (@sean_muldowney) May 16, 2014

#IStandWithSGMVictims
— Leigh Kramer (@hopefulleigh) May 16, 2014

“None of the pastors at @CovenantLife reported this confession of sex abuse to the police.” http://t.co/cqOWaXII4z #IstandwithSGMvictims
— Amy Smith (@watchkeep) May 16, 2014

@albertmohler, @MarkDever, Are you still standing by your man, @CJMahaney?
— Julie Anne (@DefendTheSheep) May 15, 2014

There are two more trials scheduled for next week against Morales for the sexual abuse of other boys. #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Amy Smith (@watchkeep) May 16, 2014

Sometimes the most supportive thing is to hold powerful men who could’ve changed the story (but didn’t) accountable. #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Tamara Barrick Rice (@TamaraRice) May 17, 2014

Take it from a victim. The silence of those w/ influence who could evoke change but don’t is heartbreaking to the wounded. Salt in the cuts.
— Tamara Barrick Rice (@TamaraRice) May 17, 2014

Too many survivors have been traumatized by churches that fail to protect & then ignore them or tell them what to do. http://t.co/h8wyhUn5C1
— GRACE (@netgrace_org) May 17, 2014

SGM victim and plaintiff Renee Palmer Gamby speaks out: https://t.co/pDGsyAOhKA #IStandWithSGMVictims
— Amy Smith (@watchkeep) May 18, 2014

The Criminal Trial of Nathaniel Morales: Report on Day 1 and 2

Critics question support of former ministry head accused of covering up abuse

The Gospel Coalition Connection to SGM victim advocacy

Some Questions for Organizations Close to the SGM Case

Brad Sargent: My “Slate of Eight” Restitution Suggestions for SGM & CLC

Brad Sargent also did an amazing job compiling the site Prestonwood Baptist Church Silent No More

What Kind of Hard Heart?