A lawsuit has been filed against Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, alleging that they played a role in covering up the sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl associated with their New Rochelle, New York church, Refuge of Hope. The couple, while not named as defendants, are accused of pressuring the girl to stay silent about the abuse, which allegedly took place during a church-sponsored summer internship in Florida.
According to the complaint, Clara Rivera, who is involved in pastoral duties at Refuge of Hope, suggested the girl participate in the internship at Ignite Life Center. The lawsuit claims that this opportunity required the girl to stay in a dormitory without parental supervision, where she was subsequently assaulted by an older camper identified only as “MG.” The complaint details that after the girl reported the abuse to her mother and Clara Rivera, no effective action was taken to rectify the situation, leading the Riveras to allegedly intimidate the girl into silence to preserve the church’s reputation.
Furthermore, the abuse reportedly continued after the girl returned home, including incidents during a barbecue hosted by the Riveras where she was left unsupervised with the alleged abuser. The Riveras are criticized in the lawsuit for prioritizing the church’s image over the safety and well-being of the girl, as they allegedly failed to report the incidents and handled the accusations internally.
The lawsuit also highlights a broader context, mentioning that last month, affiliates of the Assemblies of God reached settlements in three other lawsuits involving similar allegations of abuse against minors. This recent information may reflect ongoing concerns regarding how child protection allegations are managed within organizations affiliated with the Assemblies of God.
This lawsuit raises crucial questions about accountability and the responsibility of church leaders to protect vulnerable individuals. It is hoped that such cases will prompt systemic changes to ensure that safeguarding measures are prioritized, and that the voices of survivors are heard and respected to prevent future occurrences of such trauma.