Owatonna Woman Claims Youth Pastor ‘Did Nothing’ After Reporting Abuse
An Owatonna woman took to social media early yesterday morning to recount her experience with some of the leaders of Northridge Church in Owatonna after the lead pastor Mark Perryman resigned recently after charges were brought forward against a former pastor involved with an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Grace Karsten, now 17, shared her experience with abuse in her past, then alleged that she talked about "being sexually abused by an older man" to Felicia Masopust who allegedly told Karsten that she would "pray for her" rather than taking any action.
Karsten shared her story publicly on Facebook yesterday morning. (Karsten and her mother permitted the sharing of her post)
Karsten's post about the alleged incidents with members of the parish was followed with a message of support for all those who have been victims of sexual abuse.
Exposing abuse is not gossip.
“ to those who protect the perpetrators, blaming victims only masks the evil within, making you as guilty as those who abuse.”
To everyone who still supports them and stands by them and tries to silence victims, I see you, and I am beyond disappointed.
Karsten's wasn't the only person to speak up and allege abuse coverup by some of the leadership of Northridge Church, another woman on Instagram back in December of 2021 posted about her experiences with Northridge Church, specifically Sean and Felicia Masopust.
A Facebook page link for the church on the main website of Northridge is no longer linked to a social media page, as well as other links to social media.
A Twitter account linked to the church is still up, but the last post was in 2019, and the blog linked to the Tweet has been taken down.
The staff portion of Northridge Church's website was also taken down as of this afternoon.
After contacting the church this afternoon in regards to Pastor Perryman's resignation I was told an interim pastor, Clarence St. John would call me back. This will be updated when I hear back from the church.
To report a suspected trafficking situation in Minnesota, call the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at 1-877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us, or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, send the text HELP to 233733. If you or someone you know are a victim of sexual abuse or sex trafficking please notify authorities right away and get assistance, you can find more resources about sexual abuse or sex trafficking here.
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