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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Royal Rangers Sex Abuse Allegations plague the Assemblies of God (AG). An NBC News investigation reveals decades of alleged sexual abuse. Leaders in the Royal Rangers, a Pentecostal version of the Boy Scouts, are accused. The AG refuses to mandate child safety policies despite numerous lawsuits.
Travis Reger, a survivor, was allegedly abused around 1984. He was 10 at the time. His father confronted the pastor. Reger says the church did almost nothing. At least 18 boys reported abuse by that commander and a colleague.
Abuse and Systemic Cover-up
The Royal Rangers program draws millions of boys. It aims to mold them into Christlike men. However, the program has shattered many childhoods. National leaders knew about the dangers for decades.
Reporters examined the allegations for a year. The AG has 13,000 U.S. churches. The denomination resisted mandatory safety policies. At least 29 Royal Rangers leaders faced sex abuse accusations. These volunteers were often highly regarded men. They allegedly lured at least 83 boys in the program.
Failures in Protection and Optional Safety
Church officials sometimes let convicted abusers lead troops. Ministers often sent suspects to counseling instead of police. Others pressured children into silence.
Scouting America implemented mandatory protection systems. These include background checks and required training. The AG, however, leaves protections optional for Royal Rangers troops. The denomination’s Christian tenets emphasize grace and second chances. This may allow perpetrators to go unchecked.
The AG General Council argues its structure limits liability. It claims it does not control individual local troops. Most troops “choose not to charter” with the national office. This means most troops lack required safety measures.
A former child abuse prosecutor calls this structure “especially dangerous.” Offenders only need to deceive a local church. By failing to enforce policies, the AG increases risk. “Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.”
A Call for Reform
Some leaders allegedly twisted Christian teachings to justify abuse. Brandon Champion was abused in the mid-1990s. His pastor failed to call the police after receiving a report. Champion remains angry at the denomination’s inaction.
Survivors of Royal Rangers Sex Abuse Allegations are now speaking out. Many filed lawsuits in the last four years. They accuse the AG of shielding predators. The AG national office seeks dismissal from recent lawsuits. They argue they hold no authority. Survivors demand that the Assemblies of God fulfill its duty to protect children.
