The Meeting House, which had faced multiple sexual abuse allegations against its pastors over the years, is now considering “a new future” amid having to hit pause due to a lack of necessary insurance cover.
In a statement on its website, the Canadian megachurch said: “Both the beauty and pain of our church history continue to impact us in many ways, including in our relationships with key stakeholders such as insurers.
“Over the last few years, we have taken significant steps to address systemic risk and create a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and congregants. This work has received positive feedback from insurers and experts who believe our actions have been particularly rigorous and effective, and that our abuse prevention framework is now first-rate among churches.
“Even with these positive changes, we recently shared the disappointing news that, in light of our history, we have not been able to secure some elements of the insurance coverage that we require to operate normal ministry beyond June 30.”
According to The Meeting House, it has been exploring all avenues available to obtain coverage, to no avail.
“Despite the tremendous effort of all involved, we have not been offered any options for abuse liability or employment practices liability coverage in advance of our June 30 renewal date,” The Meeting House noted.
“We are able to renew all other types of insurance we require with our current insurer (e.g., property insurance, directors and officers insurance, etc.).”
As a result, all programmed ministry at The Meeting House—including kids and youth programming, pastoral counseling, and home church—has been paused.
Meanwhile, the megachurch added: “In the unlikely event we are able to obtain the necessary insurance coverage, we still sense that God is guiding us in a different direction.
“The time seems right to move into exploring a new future together. But the new wine God is pouring requires us to consider new wineskins. This could involve a number of options that we are now beginning to actively explore in partnership with our local churches.”
The Meeting House said working on this “new path forward” will be its priority.
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