Orangewood Presbyterian Church faulted in report about allegations - Orlando Sentinel

The cover-up of abuse is not just a RCC problem,,,

An investigation into abuse and misconduct allegations against a pastor and a school coach reveals a pattern that spans at least two decades of several Orangewood Presbyterian Church and School leaders dismissing the claims, refusing to speak directly with alleged victims and failing to keep appropriate records of employment, according to the report.

“Attempts to discuss this matter over the years have been a twisted, convoluted, and self-aggrandizing attempt to minimize the reality of what actually occurred …,” the 35-page report shows.

One former associate pastor at the Maitland church explained to GRACE in an interview that it handled the claims “by considering it a ‘private sin’ and not a ‘public sin’.”

The accusations against Jeff Jakes — now a senior pastor who denies many of the allegations, according to the report — stem back to 1998 and were made public earlier this year in a post on Facebook by Katherine Snyder, who was 18 when she worked for Jakes. The report validated Snyder’s accusations, adding that Jakes’ assertions that he regrets “confusing” Snyder “marginalizes her dignity and robs her of the honor she deserves in bringing very painful events to light.”

Orangewood Presbyterian Church faulted in report about allegations - Orlando Sentinel

3 accuse former Orangewood coach of abuse amid investigation of church and school's past - Orlando Sentinel

Last month, Orangewood hired GRACE, an independent organization that investigates claims of abuse in religious institutions, to conduct the investigation. The allegations, Orangewood Director Allyn Williams said, included “whether Orangewood had knowledge of such allegations and how it responded” at the time of the incidents.

Orangewood Church’s head pastor, Jeff Jakes, also has been accused of harassing and emotionally abusing a former intern in 1998 and is part of the investigation. The church announced he was placed on paid administrative leave Jan. 28 “to avoid any assertion of influence with [the] investigation, and will remain so throughout GRACE’s investigation,” Williams said. Jakes has not been accused of physical or sexual abuse.

Williams did not respond to specific questions about any of the allegations against Manes. He said GRACE asked Orangewood to refrain from commenting on the inquiry until it concludes.

Orangewood announced the GRACE investigation after its Jan. 28 church service. Williams said the probe was expected to take at least 90 days. In a statement, GRACE Executive Director Boz Tchividjian said the organization “cannot put a definitive timetable” on the investigation. When asked, he would not confirm whether Manes is part of the investigation.

3 accuse former Orangewood coach of abuse amid investigation of church and school's past - Orlando Sentinel