Presbyter Anthony Scoma Confronts The Chi Alpha Abuse Scandal
About The Episode
In this thought-provoking episode of the American Serf Podcast, host Ron Bloomingkemper welcomes Presbyter Anthony Scoma to delve into the Chi Alpha scandal that has rocked the Assemblies of God community. Through an in-depth conversation, Anthony explores the consequences of internal negligence within religious institutions, his experiences confronting leadership, and the courage required to challenge the status quo for a more transparent and just system.
We Cover:
Anthony Scoma's legal perspective on negligence within religious organizations
The complex governance and leadership challenges within the North Texas district
The personal and emotional cost of standing against a flawed system
The impact of technology and media on bringing injustices within the church to light
Anthony's journey in the Assemblies of God and his decision to resign as presbyter
Three Key Ideas from Episode
#1 The Role of Leadership and Governance
Internal conflict and the complicity of leadership
The responsibility of leaders to act justly and with integrity
The impact of neglect in addressing sensitive reports and allegations
#2 Courage and Confrontation
The personal struggle with non-disclosure agreements and choosing to approach issues relationally
The implication of moral courage in religious communities
The emotional and financial ramifications of challenging powerful entities within the church
#3 The Path to Reform
The need for reformation and the health of the Chi Alpha Campus Ministry
Understanding the importance of discipline and accountability in religious leadership
Examples of ineffective handling of issues and the potential for systemic change
Call to action
The purpose of the American Serf Podcast is to inform the mind, enflame the heart, and engage the will. As one man said, “Education without Execution is just Entertainment.” Please listen to this interview and ask the leaders from the North Texas District, South Texas District, National Chi Alpha, and the General Council of the Assemblies of God one simple question: “Is this true?”
Publicly available contact information can be found at:
North Texas District AG
Gaylan Claunch, District Superintendent
Kermit Bell, Assistant District Superintendent
Gregg Headley, Secretary/Treasurer
South Texas District AG
Tim Barker, Network Superintendent
Mike Allard, Assistant Superintendent
Don Wiehe, Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Assemblies of God National Office
Doug Clay, General Superintendent
Rick DuBose, Assistant General Superintendent
Donna Barrett, General Secretary
Malcolm Burleigh, US Missions Director
Chi Alpha National Leadership
Severin Lwali, Transitional Stakeholder
Please let us know what response you receive…or if there is no response, let us know that as well.
Keep up the conversation
Please show your support to the AG/Chi Alpha Spiritual and Sexual Abuse survivors, their families, and Anthony Scoma by leaving your comments at the XA and the Lions Den Forum. Below is a link to discuss E2 with Anthony Scoma.
Supporting Documents
Anthony Scoma’s original email to Ron Bloomingkemper (June 5th, 2023)
Download Document >Confidentiality Agreement (NDA): The NTD made the Presbyters sign
Download Document >Notification of Concerns Regarding NTD Chi Alpha (Feb 12, 2023)
Download Document >Request For Answers to the NTD Executive Presbyter Letter (April 28th, 2023)
Download Document >Email to the district Presbyters on Saturday Night (April 29th, 2023)
Download Document >Kermit Bell Asst. Superintendent/District Missions Chair Eli Stewart’s Promotion Email.
Download Document >
Presbyter Blasts Assemblies of God Leaders for ‘Gross Negligence’ in Response to Chi Alpha Sex Abuse Scandal
By Josh Shepherd
A longtime central Texas pastor is blasting Assemblies of God (AG) leaders for “gross negligence” in responding to concerns about sex offender Daniel Savala having access to students in the denomination’s Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. The pastor has since resigned from his role as a presbyter in the AG North Texas District after months of what he called “belligerent and defensive” responses from AG leaders.