A journalistic report found that 188 Christian leaders and Republican figures in the United States were charged, prosecuted or convicted for child abuse in 2025. This compilation, led by journalist Evan Hurst, highlights a succession of scandals within American pastoral and conservative circles.
Evan Hurst’s report
Evan Hurst, editor-in-chief of Wonkette, documented these cases using local press reports. Its list, which was updated on October 31, 2025, saw the addition of 49 new names, bringing the total to 188 for the current year.
Background to the charges
The charges cover various types of child abuse and exploitation. Those accused include pastors, youth group leaders and Christian school teachers. The report highlights the high frequency of these revelations.
According to Hurst, the pace of revelations is so rapid that it is difficult to keep track of all the cases. The report highlights a form of hypocrisy, because some of the accused leaders had publicly promoted anti-LGBTQ+ discourse, associating these communities with the “grooming” of children. Shortly after the list was updated, a California youth pastor, known for such posts, was arrested for sexually abusing a 15-year-old minor.
Other major cases in 2025
This investigation is part of a broader context of abuse scandals in churches in 2025. In October, Robert Morris, pastor of a Texas megachurch, pleaded guilty to child abuse committed in the 1980s, a case which saw significant legal developments this year.
These cases raise critical questions about child welfare, transparency, and trust in Christian leadership in the United States. Organizations and victims are calling for greater accountability from religious institutions to prevent future abuse.
Sources:
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Queer News Tonight – Journalist Exposes 188 Christian and Republican Leaders… (youtube.com)
