Ontario megachurch says they told police a new allegation against former pastor involves a minor

An Ontario megachurch says aformer pastor isfacing more "substantiated" allegations of sexual misconduct and they have reported one claiminvolving aminor to police.

The Meeting House Churchis headquartered in Oakville, Ont., but has locations throughout the province. It also streams its Sunday service at several cinemas in southern Ontario.

Late last week, the churchposted a new update about an independent investigationinto the alleged misconduct of former primary teaching pastorBruxy Cavey.

Hamilton police previously charged him with sexual assault in June after the church said it received allegations of sexual misconduct against Caveyin March.

It's unclear if the charges are connected to the allegations and none of the allegations have been tested in court.

Melodie Bissell, a victim's advocate for Meeting House patrons, previously told CBC Hamilton shereceived38 allegations of sexual misconduct against a group of four former pastors. Bissell and the church didn't say if that number has grown.

Church reported new allegation to police

Bruce Miller, co-chair of the board of overseers, said on Aug. 12the new 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.

Bissell said the investigations use a balance of probabilities to determine credibility.

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 counselors, youth leaders, deacons or Sunday school teachers.

Jared Taylor, the church's communications pastor, told CBC Hamilton the allegation involving a minor was reported to police. It's unclear which police service received the report.

Hamilton police spokesperson Jackie Penman said the service's investigation into Cavey concluded and there aren't any additional charges.

Halton police spokesperson Const. Steve Elms said the service won't comment on anyone who "may or may not be 'under investigation.'"

"All allegations of sexual assault brought to the Halton Regional Police Service are investigated thoroughly and charges are laid when appropriate.We will not be providing further comment at this time," he said.

Cavey's lawyer, Brendan Neil, said his client has "no intention to enter a plea of guilt in this matter."

Back in March, Caveywrotea blog post on his website titledMy Confessionrelated to the church's investigation. In the post, he says "at the core of the allegations there is truth" and he apologized for having an "extramarital affair." He also said he was "irresponsible" in his role as a church leader and had "deep regret" for his actions.

The church also said it substantiated allegations against another former senior pastor who hasn't been charged by police.

3 other pastors removed from Be in Christ Church of Canada

The Meeting House belongs to a denomination called Be In Christ Church of Canada.

Be In Christ executive directorCharles Mashintersaid in an undated statement, the Be in Christ church"takes matters of clergy sexual misconduct very seriously."

Mashintersaid Cavey, as well as a senior pastor and two youth pastors, are no longer with thechurch as a result of all the allegations.

"We grieve with all who have been directly affected by the actions of any of these persons and sincerely apologize that there was a broken trust and harm in what should have been a safe place to experience God's love," read the statement.

The statement said all credentialed workers providevulnerable sector background checks "and the expectations of following healthy professional boundaries are clearly communicated during their orientation."

"Unfortunately, no amount of written guidelines or clear expectations can always deter a person who decides to do the wrong thing and keep it hidden," read the statement.

"We have never relocated a known sexual predator to another situation in our community ... We have no tolerance for pastoral sexual misconduct. We will continue to cooperate with investigators to the best of our ability."