Pastor Accuses Newsboys Owner, Family of Defamation
Schrum’s lawsuit states that on March 30, more than a dozen members of the Campbell family—including Evangeline’s brother Rocky—interrupted worship at Hilltop Fellowship, yelling threats such as “I will come after you” to Schrum. The next day, Schrum and Hilltop Fellowship’s other leaders resigned and launched Refuge Ridge.
Then on April 2, the lawsuit says that Schrum and his family were awakened at 3 a.m. by law enforcement authorities, after “an individual using an anonymous tip line” allegedly falsely accused Schrum of abusing one of his children. The lawsuit also mentions trespassing and vandalism, stating that Schrum’s tires have been slashed twice.
“In addition to the intimidating tactics visited upon Schrum at his own home,” the plaintiff stated, “the Campbell Family and those acting in conspiracy with them have also targeted services and other gatherings of the newly formed independent religious organization, Refuge Ridge.” This involves active intimidation, according to Schrum.
The pastor alleged that his new congregation has had to meet in secrecy, for fear of retaliation. Schrum also said his family, including his pregnant wife, feared for their lives and went into hiding. They continue to experience “emotional distress and physical disturbances as a result of the traumatizing events set forth herein,” the filing stated.
Although Wes Campbell apparently wasn’t part of the March 30 “mob,” Schrum accused the Newsboys owner of seven of nine counts, saying he was key in “defaming or conspiring to defame” him. “Wes—in oral communications to current and former members of Hilltop Fellowship—also falsely accused Schrum of ‘stealing’ Hilltop Fellowship,” the lawsuit reads. Wes “falsely stated…that Schrum was ‘running things’ and had a ‘questionable history.’”
Schrum also alleged that Wes Campbell and his parents, Colin and Nancy, tried to exclude him from an Above Rubies retreat in April.
When reached for comment, Wes Campbell said in a statement to ChurchLeaders: “Mr. Schrum’s lawsuit is factually inaccurate, has no merit, and is disparaging to the defendants. The allegations in his Complaint are denied and will be vigorously defended.”
Randall Schrum told ChurchLeaders that he is directing all comments through his attorneys at this time.
This article has been updated to include replies from Wes Campbell and Randall Schrum.
, and two of Campbell's siblings (Rocky Campbell and Evangeline Johnson).){kind=link}