Demanding Justice for Eastminster Presbyterian Church Survivors
Eastminster Presbyterian Church investigated abuse allegations against youth pastor Bodie Weiss in 2000 and 2005, dismissing them as "not credible." At least 23 children were abused while church leadership protected their youth pastor. They concealed this knowledge for 16 years.
Survivors and supporters gathered June 22, 2025 demanding accountability (Photo: KAKE News)
Anonymous and secure communication channels available
What Happened at Eastminster Presbyterian Church
The church's own words prove they chose protecting a predator over protecting children for 6 years, then hid this knowledge from the public for another 16 years.
Abuse Reports Dismissed
2000, 2005, 2008
Years They Knew
While abuse continued
Confirmed Victims
After dismissing first report
The Pattern of Institutional Protection
Building Success While Harboring Danger
Bodie Weiss built one of the most successful youth programs in the country at Eastminster. The church was so proud they constructed a separate student center, disconnected from the main building. This isolation enabled abuse while the church celebrated growth.
December 2000: First Known Warning
A survivor reported inappropriate physical contact and sexual harassment. The church investigated internally, deemed the allegations "not credible," and allowed Weiss to continue. No authorities were notified. The success of the program apparently mattered more than child safety.
May 2005: Second Warning Ignored
Two Pennsylvania men reported abuse from 1980. Again, the church investigated internally. Again, they claimed allegations "could not be substantiated." Again, no authorities were notified. The pattern was now established: investigate, dismiss, continue.
2006: The Unexplained Departure
At the height of the program's success, Weiss suddenly announced his departure for "another area church." Why leave such a successful ministry? The church provided positive recommendations despite knowing about multiple allegations.
2007: POLICE KNEW - DA NOLA FOULSTON REFUSED TO PROSECUTE
KWCH FactFinder obtained a 2007 police report proving law enforcement investigated Bodie Weiss for sexual abuse of a minor aged 15-17 during 2003-2005.
Despite a victim statement, evidence, and the case being within the statute of limitations,Sedgwick County District Attorney Nola Foulston declined to prosecute.No reason was given for this decision that allowed a predator to remain free.
This 2007 police investigation - just one year after Weiss left Eastminster - proves law enforcement had credible evidence but failed to act. The church's positive recommendations enabled him to continue elsewhere.
2009: Choosing Silence Through an NDA
When faced with a third report and potential lawsuit, the church had a choice: pursue deeper investigation and transparency, or sign an NDA and bury the truth. They chose silence. The church claims the survivor's family requested it, but the survivor says "that's complete bullshit." For 12 years while Weiss lived, they kept their secret.
Community demanding accountability at June 22, 2025 protest (Photo: KWCH)
Demand Accountability Now
The pattern of protection continues. Join survivors in demanding full transparency.
The Human Cost of "Not Credible"
When Eastminster dismissed that first report in 2000 as "not credible," they set in motion six more years of preventable abuse. At least 23 children paid the price for the church's choice to protect its youth pastor and successful program.
Kansas law doesn't require clergy to report suspected abuse, so the church felt free to handle it internally. No trained investigators. No child advocates. No accountability. Just an institution investigating itself and finding itself innocent - twice.
Today, Eastminster continues the pattern of institutional protection. They restrict access to investigation findings, force survivors to travel to Wichita, and refuse to release documents from their 2000 and 2005 investigations. The same choice - institutional protection over transparency - continues.
Every survivor who has come forward has shown extraordinary courage.
Their voices deserve to be heard, and their demands for full transparency must be met.
Survivor Voices from Eastminster Presbyterian Church Wichita
"I woke up that morning and my first thought was, I cannot imagine asking a 17-year-old to do what he asked me to do... That's where the burden of accountability lies. When did they know? What did they know? When could it have stopped? Why did it have to get as bad as it did?"
— Tyson Stuart, abused 1994-1998 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church Wichita, age 17 during assault
"The fact that the church is asking the victims to go to the place where they were victimized to understand what actually happened to the other victims is disgusting... The whole thing is disgusting."
— Andy Warren, abused 1993-1994 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church Wichita, age 14 during incident
"Our mission is simple -- to protect victims of childhood sexual assault past, present and future."
- Tyson Stuart, Survivor Advocate
"I don't understand how that happens once, and I don't understand how it happens 23 times... What about the people that live in Michigan and Washington and Boston and all the other places around the country that were probably impacted by this?"
— Andy Warren on Eastminster Presbyterian Church Wichita's geographic barriers
"I'm fortunate enough to be in a place where I can talk about this publicly, freely, and I plan on continuing to do so until meaningful change happens."
— Tyson Stuart on his commitment to accountability
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Kansas Law Prevents Justice - But Change Is Coming
State legislators are now publicly supporting reforms that would help survivors seek justice. Recent TV coverage has highlighted the urgent need for change.
Double Injustice: Kansas's restrictive statute of limitations bars all 23+ Eastminster survivors from civil justice. Meanwhile, Kansas law does NOT require clergy to report suspected abuse - allowing churches to conduct internal "investigations" instead of protecting children.
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Documents We Need
Emails
Internal communications about Bodie Weiss
Meeting Minutes
Board meetings from 2005-2006
Financial Records
Settlements or legal fees
Personnel Files
Background checks, HR records
Insurance Claims
Correspondence about abuse
Church Letters
Recommendations for Weiss
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Timeline: 6 Years of Knowing, 16 Years of Hiding
December 2000
First Report Dismissed
Church investigates abuse report, deems it 'not credible.' Weiss continues with children.
May 2005
Second Report Dismissed
Two men report abuse. Church claims 'cannot substantiate.' Pattern continues.
January 2006
Mysterious Departure
Weiss leaves at peak success. Why? Church gives positive recommendations.
2007
Police Investigation - DA Refuses to Prosecute
Police investigate sexual abuse of minor (15-17 years old). DA Nola Foulston declines prosecution despite evidence.
September 2009
Church Signs NDA
Church chooses NDA over transparency. Claims family requested it. Survivor: 'Complete bullshit.'
2009-2024
16 Years of Silence
Complete institutional concealment while survivors suffer alone.
July 2024
Survivors Break Silence
Tyson Stuart's courage inspires others. Truth emerges after 16 years.
Eastminster's Inadequate Response
Restricted Access
Only victims and current members can view 6-page summary. Full report remains hidden.
Geographic Barriers
Out-of-state survivors must travel to Wichita. No remote access provided.
Investigator Conflict
Used current member Randy Coffman to conduct "independent" investigation.
Our Four Core Demands
Release Investigation Documents
From 2000, 2005, and 2008 reports
Name Decision Makers
Who dismissed abuse reports
Explain 2006 Departure
Why Weiss left at peak success
Full Public Disclosure
Stop hiding behind NDAs and restrictions
Media Coverage & Documentation
The story continues to gain momentum with multiple TV stations, legislative attention, and ongoing newspaper investigations bringing this accountability issue to light.
BREAKING: FactFinder Investigation
BREAKINGKWCH Obtains 2007 Police Report
KWCH FactFinder obtained police documents showing law enforcement investigated sexual abuse allegations against Bodie Weiss in 2007. Despite evidence and victim testimony, DA declined prosecution.
Timeline Impact
This 2007 police investigation occurred DURING Weiss's employment, contradicting church claims about when they first knew.
Recent Television Coverage
RECENTStatute of Limitations Coverage
Community Protest & Church Response
Survivor advocate Tyson Stuart speaking to media at June 22 protest (KAKE News)
Protest Coverage
Multiple outlets covered the June 22 protest demanding transparency and law enforcement involvement.
Church Response to Pressure
Pressure works: These changes came after survivors demanded law enforcement involvement, exposed conflicts of interest in the church's investigation, and challenged false claims about who initiated the 2008 NDA.
Additional Investigative Reports
Church Admissions & Timeline
Original Investigative Coverage
KAKE News Investigation
The Wartburg Watch Investigations
Resources for Survivors
Crisis Support
Legal & Advocacy Resources
SNAP (Survivors Network)
snapnetwork.org - Support and advocacy for survivors
Child USA
childusa.org - Leading statute of limitations reform advocacy
Kansas Coalition Against Sexual Violence
kcsdv.org - Local Kansas resources and advocacy
GRACE
netgrace.org - Independent investigations of religious abuse
Healing & Support
Male Survivor
1weekago.org - Resources specifically for male survivors
The Wartburg Watch
thewartburgwatch.com - Advocacy blog documenting church abuse
Trauma Therapy
Specialized counseling services for abuse survivors
Support Groups
Connect with other survivors in safe, moderated environments
Take Action: Keep the Momentum Building
With recent TV coverage and legislative support, we have unprecedented momentum. Your action now can help turn this attention into lasting change.
PRIORITYContact Legislators
State legislators are now publicly supporting reforms. Strike while the momentum is hot!
Key Message
"Support statute of limitations elimination and mandatory reporting for clergy. The Eastminster case - where the average victim comes forward at 52 but Kansas law cuts off justice at 31 - shows why these reforms protect children and enable justice."
Specific Bills
"Please support HB 2300 for mandatory reporting and legislation removing statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse - both civil cases and retroactively."