1 of 3 sex assault charges against ex-pastor of Ontario megachurch stayed due to delays, lawyer says

Warning: This story contains references to sexual assault.

One of three sexual assault charges against Bruxy Cavey, former pastor of Ontario megachurch The Meeting House, has been stayed because it's taken too long for the trial to begin, according to his lawyer.

Cavey wasthe primary teaching pastor at The Meeting House from1996 to 2021. He was 57 when hewas charged with sexual assault in June 2022.

Staying a charge means the court has effectively put an end to prosecution.

Two more sexual assault charges were laid in late December 2023.Trialdates haven't yet been set.

On Monday, Megan Savard toldOntario Court JusticeMichael K. Wendlthat the 2022 chargeshould be stayed, pointing toCavey'sright to a timely trial.

Starting a trial beyond 18 months in provincial courtand 30 months inSuperior Courtis contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Savard declined an interview but told CBC Hamilton in a statement that the outcome is "bittersweet."

"We were prepared to start the trial and call evidence that would have proven his innocence. But putting an end to this prosecution was the right result," she said.

"It allows the community to heal rather than go through a traumatizing, unnecessaryand, ultimately, unsatisfying trial."

The Meeting House Church is headquartered in Oakville, withlocations throughout the province. It also streams its Sunday service at several cinemas in southern Ontario.

Its website states it has had to pauseprogramming because its insurer won't renew its abuse liability insurance.

CBC Hamilton contacted the church and Cavey for comment but didn't immediately receive a response.

Churchinvestigation led to pastor resigningin 2022

In March 2022, the church posted online thatit had received allegations of sexual misconduct against Cavey.

The Meeting House said Cavey was placed on a leave of absence during a third-party investigation.

The churchsaid thatinvestigation found Cavey had a sexual relationship with a woman, contravening its rules.

Melodie Bissell, the church's former victim advocate,previously said that wasa reference to the power dynamic between Bruxy and the person raising the allegation.

Maggie John, board chair at the time, said in the online statement that the relationship between the complainant and Bruxy lasted "an extended period of time, constituted an abuse of Bruxy's power and authority as a member of the clergyand amounted to sexual harassment."

John said Cavey resigned at the board's request on March 3.

There was also a town hall meeting about the investigation on March 10,whenJohn said Cavey'spastoral credentials with the Be In Christ Church of Canada denomination hadbeen removed.

During the town hall, Jennifer Hryniw, a board member at the time, also shared a statement from the person accusing Cavey.

The statement saidCavey was 46 and the complainantwas 23. She said she was in crisis when they met. Board members said the relationship ended a few years ago.

Cavey apologized for 'affair' in blog post

On March 8, Cavey made a blog post title My Confession on his website that wasrelated to the church's investigation.

The post said that "at the core of the allegations there is truth" and he apologized for having an "extramarital affair."

"I was also irresponsible in my role as a spiritual leader and Christian clergy, which involves dynamics of power and influence and an expectation of exemplary conduct that makes me doubly accountable. I accept this responsibility, with deep regret for my actions," he wrote.

"I wish I had had the courage years ago to divulge what has now become publicly known through the bravery of the woman I was involved with. Although I had repented before God, I kept it a secret from others. I am sorry upon sorry for my cowardice."

During the church town hall, the board member said it was more than just an affair, saying Bruxy abused his power as pastor.

Savardsaid Caveuis "profoundly remorseful for his moral transgression."

Church 'substantiated' other sexual abuse claims

In August 2022, Bruce Miller, then co-chair of the board of overseers, said an investigationinto allegations against Cavey"substantiated" two claims of "sexual abuse by a church leader."

"In a third [claim], his actions have been found to be substantiated as sexual misconduct," Miller said, adding that in one case, the alleged victim was underage.

The church defines sexual abuse by a leaderas "any sexualized behaviour that occurs within the church context and where one party has more power than the other." That can include people who are paid or volunteerin leadership positions like pastors, Christian counsellors, youth leaders, deacons or Sunday school teachers.

The church also said it substantiated allegations against another former senior pastor who hadn'tbeen charged by police.

Jared Taylor, the church's former communications pastor, said at the time that the allegation involving a minor was reported to police, though it's unclear if it was reported to police in Hamilton or Halton.

Hamilton police spokesperson Jackie Penman previously saidthe service's investigation into Cavey concluded and there weren'tany additional charges.Halton police declined to comment.

It was unclear whethera new investigationled to the 2023charges.

Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services throughtheEnding Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.