A comprehensive timeline documenting Eastminster Presbyterian Church's 6 years of knowing about abuse and 16 years of concealing that knowledge.
Weiss begins as Director of Senior High School Ministries at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, eventually building one of the most successful youth programs in the country.
Weiss systematically abuses children through grooming tactics. He targets vulnerable youth, using positions of trust to enable abuse. The successful program provides cover.
The church finalizes a separate student center, isolated from the main building, continuing with the trend of providing limited to no leadership supervision of the accused predator they had as their Youth Pastor.
A survivor reports sexual harassment and inappropriate physical contact from the early 1990s. Church investigates internally and dismisses the allegations. Weiss continues leading youth ministry with full access to children. Kansas law does not require clergy to report.
Two men from Pennsylvania report Weiss sexually abused them in 1980 when they were 16. Church investigates again, dismisses allegations again. The pattern of institutional protection continues while the youth program flourishes.
After running one of the nation's most successful youth programs, Weiss suddenly announces he is leaving for 'another area church'. Why leave at the height of success? Church allegedly provides positive recommendations despite knowing about multiple allegations.
Weiss joins Hope Church working with the adults in the congregation.
Weiss leaves Hope Church, presumably due to reports coming out of the abuse that children had suffered at his hand. The pattern of institutional response continues, but at least Hope Church took protective action.
Two years after Weiss left, an attorney representing a survivor sends demand letter alleging sexual abuse during youth group participation from an event that allegedly took place in 2005 or 2006. This leads to insurance investigation.
Church's insurance pays settlement with non-disclosure agreement. Church claims family requested it, but survivor says 'that's complete bullshit.' Church chose institutional protection over transparency and deeper investigation.
Church maintains complete silence about abuse, investigations, and settlement. No warnings to other institutions. No outreach to potential victims. Weiss remains free from consequences.
Bodie Weiss dies without facing prosecution. Church's choices to dismiss reports and conceal knowledge ensured he never faced accountability. Survivors left without legal recourse due to Kansas statute of limitations.
Even after Weiss's death, church maintains silence. No disclosure to congregation. No outreach to survivors. The pattern of concealment continues for 4 more years.
Tyson Stuart courageously shares his story publicly with The Wartburg Watch. His bravery inspires other survivors. The truth begins to emerge after 16 years of institutional concealment.
Major media coverage brings wider attention. Andy Warren and Tyson Stuart speak publicly about their experiences and the church's failures. Community begins to learn the truth.
Investigation by Fact Finding Ministry confirms 23+ victims. Church finally admits to 2000 and 2005 reports but restricts access to findings, refuses to release investigation documents, and maintains pattern of information control.