Update (Feb. 27): The Associated Press reports that SGM has asked a Maryland court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that "courts can't get involved in the internal affairs of church business" (AP paraphrase) and that the allegations are too vague.

CT reported on SGM's First Amendment defense in January, noting how legal observers question whether clergy-penitent privilege applies when a denomination is accused of covering up crimes.

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Update (Feb. 4): The Associated Press reports the indictment of a former Covenant Life Church youth ministry leader for allegedly molesting four boys between 1985 and 1990. Nathaniel Morales was arrested in Nevada, extradited to Maryland, and is scheduled for a hearing on Friday, according to the AP.

The indictment is unrelated to the lawsuit currently facing SGM as a denomination, but Covenant Life Church issued this statement in January when it was added as a defendant to the suit:

We are sickened by the thought of such abuse—sexual ...

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