In the first definitive action against the Rev. Sylvester Laudermill since allegations of sexual abuse of a minor were published, Bishop John Bryant, presiding relate of the AME Church, has permanently removed Laudermill from his position with the AME Church.
The Rev. Laudermill was pastor of the St. Peter AME Church in St. Louis from 1994-2004. In 2004 he was transferred to an AME Church in Los Angeles.
In December 2005, a St. Louis man reported alleged sexual abuse to
AME Church officials and to the St. Louis Police Department. The sexual abuse allegedly began when the boy was 14 or 15 years old. The man alleges that abuse
continued on multiple occasions over a number of years at different hotels in the St. Louis area, at
the Laudermills’ home and at Laudermill’s office at the church.
The alleged victim released this statement on Tuesday:
“I have carried this burden around long enough. I need closure on this matter to move on with my life. I am grateful that the AME Church committee heard my story and made the right decision. This is the beginning of my healing process and now I will strive to move forward.”
In December 2005, a St. Louis man reported alleged sexual abuse to
AME Church officials and to the St. Louis Police Department. The sexual abuse allegedly began when the boy was 14 or 15 years old. The man alleges that abuse
continued on multiple occasions over a number of years at different hotels in the St. Louis area, at the Laudermills’ home and at Laudermill’s office at the church.
The Rev. Laudermill has steadfastly proclaimed his innocence and no criminal or civil charges have been filed against him.