Calvary Temple in Sterling investigated for decades of alleged sexual abuse
STERLING, Va. -- Dozens of people held signs across the street from Calvary Temple in Sterling this morning protesting against the church.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirms that they are now investigating allegations of sexual abuse at the church. In a statement, the spokesperson said that they could not provide additional details because the investigation is still ongoing.
ABC7 spoke to one of the alleged victims by phone because she was out of town. She said the sexual abuse started when she was about 12 or 13 and she’s now 26.
Former members describe it as a cult-like atmosphere. Andrew Lawrence says he was raised in the church for nearly three decades and left it when he started questioning its practices.
Lawrence was among the protestors across from the church.
“I’d like to see everything exposed. The more we can get this nationally the better,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what we want, I think, is for justice to come out.”
No one at the church would speak with ABC7.
Detectives are asking anyone who has any information that might help the investigation to call the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
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