Christianity Around The World
Federal Class-action Lawsuit Against Pawleys Island Church And SBC Dismissed
From The Christian Post · October 21, 2026
A United States District Court has dismissed a federal class-action lawsuit filed against Pawleys Island Community Church and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). According to WBTW News 13, the court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction and that the suit did not meet the criteria for a federal complaint, specifically noting that the plaintiffs failed to establish that the amount in controversy exceeded $5 million.
The lawsuit followed the arrest of Warren Spence Perry, a registered sex offender, who was serving as a volunteer custodian at the church's academy. Local authorities charged several church leaders with crimes including obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy related to the incident. While the federal suit was dismissed, the church reportedly faces other legal actions in state court, including a $25 million class-action suit regarding the academy.
The lawsuit noted that Pawleys Island Community Church is an independent, self-governing congregation. The SBC, described as a cooperative association of autonomous churches, was also named as a defendant.
A factual summary prepared by The Quantum Disciple. The original report belongs to its publisher.