After Firing Professor Accused of Sex Abuse, Christian University Launches Investigation, Places President on Leave

Cedarville University made headlines last week after firing a theology professor accused of sexual abuse.

Cedarville President Dr. Thomas White hired Anthony Moore despite knowing of his history of abuse. Moore allegedly secretly filmed a male youth pastor while he was showering. White says when he found out that the abuse lasted longer and involved more instances than he was originally told, he fired Moore the next day.

The Christian university’s board of trustees has responded to the situation by hiring an independent firm to investigate and make sure Moore did not do anything inappropriate on campus or with any students off-campus. They are also retaining an independent firm to conduct an audit of Moore’s hiring process.

During these investigations, the university is placing White on administrative leave. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Loren Reno will serve as acting president while White is absent.

“The board is incredibly grieved over this new information and the questions it raises,” says Cedarville Executive Director of Public Relations Mark D. Weinstein in a statement. “This matter was our priority at our spring trustee meeting. We understand the gravity of this situation, and we covet your continued prayers. …

“As our Cedarville University community processes this situation, we pray we would do so with humility, grace, mercy, integrity, civility and respect. Above all, we pray God would be honored by our deliberations and actions.”

Investigative journalist Julie Roys reports that the university fired Moore when it came to light that his misconduct took place over a span of several months. White tells Roys that the school hired Moore on a probationary basis with a five-year restoration plan. Moore worked as an assistant professor of theology and also volunteered as an assistant basketball coach.

According to a statement posted April 24, White was under the impression that Moore’s sexual misconduct was not a habitual issue and was limited to two videos over a short period of time. He was also reportedly unaware of the unhealthy friendship between Moore and the victim. When White found out Moore filmed five videos over a span of six months, he fired him.

The abuse allegedly took place while Moore was pastor of The Village Church’s Fort Worth campus. The church fired Moore in 2017 for what Senior Pastor Matt Chandler called a “sin issue.”