“I don’t know if you know this or not, but even true information can be harmful when not shared rightly. Gossip can include sharing true information that you have no business sharing,” said Gilbert. “So let’s commit to speaking with wisdom and restraint.”
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Pastors Ryan Gilbert and Bryan Cash Provide ‘Pastoral Update’
In a video update published on Wednesday (April 1), Gilbert appeared alongside Bryan Cash, the church’s executive pastor, and the two pastors explained the timeline of events and the actions the church and school took once they were alerted to accusations against Strawn.
Gilbert explained that CPS arrived at the school on March 16, and that CPS’ arrival was “100% unexpected.” Gilbert said that no one at the church or school was previously “aware that that was going to happen, nor were they aware of any potential incident that would cause that.”
Gilbert said that “within about an hour,” Strawn had already been placed on administrative leave. Gilbert said, “At the time, we knew almost nothing.”
“But we still thought it prudent and wise to do that, to put him on administrative leave,” he continued. “Obviously, at the time, with the hope that he would come right back even a few days later, a week later, once things were cleared up. Obviously, that is not how things progressed.”
After CPS investigators interviewed the alleged victim, the investigators contacted law enforcement. The police subsequently opened their own investigation, and Strawn was later arrested.
Cash outlined steps the church and school are taking following Strawn’s arrest, including additional training for abuse prevention and reporting, more robust procedures for private music lessons and uniform fittings, and increased campus security.
The church will also be offering counseling services to anyone in the congregation who has need.
While Gilbert emphasized that the school’s current policies “are sufficient,” he said, “We want to be excellent, especially because we don’t ever want something like this to happen, or happen again.”
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“We’re horrified that this happened. I think obviously you probably feel the same way,” said Gilbert. “This is awful. It’s the worst thing that could possibly ever happen.”
