According to an email obtained by The Roys Report, Orange has retained a law firm to conduct a third-party investigation into “complaints” about what happened between founder Reggie Joiner and former CEO Kristen Ivy.
Orange, a Christian curriculum and conference provider, indicated that the firm of Castañeda + Heidelman offers “experts at conducting thorough, objective, trauma-informed, forensic investigations to ensure everyone who needs to be heard has the opportunity to share.”
As ChurchLeaders has reported, Joiner and Ivy both resigned in April. At the time, Orange announced that Joiner, 63, had admitted to “past inappropriate adult relationships”—including one with Ivy, who’s in her early 40s. One month later, however, Ivy claimed there had been a “mischaracterization” and that she was the victim of “clergy sexual abuse.”
Orange Board: Committed to ‘Thoroughness & Integrity’ of Investigation
When The Roys Report contacted Orange about the independent investigation, a spokesperson said, “The private, internal email you obtained without permission speaks for itself.” In the email, interim president Mikael Clear told employees the law firm might ask for their “cooperation in gathering investigation information.” He also encouraged staff members to report any relevant details directly to Juan Castañeda.
RELATED: Orange Founder Reggie Joiner and CEO Kristen Ivy Resign After ‘Inappropriate Relationship’
“Please be patient throughout what might be a lengthy process,” Clear wrote. “The Board is committed to ensuring the thoroughness and integrity of this investigation and we might not have any updates to share for some time. We will keep you posted.”
When The Roys Report asked Orange if the investigation results would be made public, a spokesperson said, “Findings will be shared with our staff and those affected.”
Castañeda + Heidelman also conducted an investigation into Texas Pastor Matt Chandler, who took a leave of absence from The Village Church in 2022 after an inappropriate online relationship.
Kristen Ivy Alleges Abuse of Power, Says She’s ‘Not the Only’ Victim
When Ivy revised her statement to say she had initially mischaracterized her relationship with Joiner, she stated that he had “repeatedly abused his power and used it to gain access to vulnerable, often very young women, slowly crossing boundaries, isolating them, and eventually coercing them into agreeing to the abuse.”
In an April email—also obtained by The Roys Report—that Ivy sent to two Orange board members, she indicated she was “not the only” victim. She described “compound trauma” from a relationship that was intended “to confuse a victim into believing what is happening is consensual.”
Ivy requested that the board members, in their comments to Orange Conference attendees last month, clarify the nature of her relationship with Joiner. However, board chairman Joel Manby made no reference to abuse allegations in his remarks.
