Rev. Samuel Ratliff Accused of Sexual Assault

delph998 · #1 10-01-2003, 10:29 AM

Man Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Pastor
Police Investigation Under Way Into Alleged Assault

POSTED: 4:58 p.m. CDT August 29, 2003
UPDATED: 5:18 p.m. CDT August 29, 2003

HOUSTON -- A lawsuit was filed against a southeast Houston pastor, who is accused of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and battery against a fellow minister, News2Houston reported Friday.
Video

Minister Accuses Fellow Minister Of Sexual Assault

The lawsuit names Rev. Joe Samuel Ratliff, a pastor at Brentwood Baptist Church SBC, 13033 Landmark, as the defendant. The church is also named in the lawsuit.

The attorney for the alleged victim, a man, said he has a small stature and was not able to defend himself from Ratliff when Ratliff tried to force him to have sex in the church office more than two years ago on Feb. 10, 2001.

"The male victim was physically forced into the office of Pastor Joe Ratliff, restrained, sexually assaulted and battered," said Kevin Murray, an attorney for the alleged victim.

Murray said his client taped conversations with Ratliff in which the reverend used suggestive language and invited the man to have sex for money.

He is suing for damages, but an amount was not specified.

"For the record, this case is not about money. This case is about a fraud in the community who wields an incredible amount of power and an incredible amount of influence over a number of people. He cannot continue to take advantage of individuals who may be physically weaker or in a mental state to be manipulated," said Canonero Brown, an attorney for the alleged victim.

The 37-year-old alleged victim, a fellow minister at the church, said he was coming forward now because of the pastor's immense stature in the community.

Ratliff was unavailable for comment and church officials did not return phone calls from News2Houston Friday.

Houston police confirm a sexual assault complaint was filed with their office two days after the alleged incident. It is still under investigation. Police would not elaborate due to the nature of the alleged crime.

Ratliff has been with Brentwood Baptist Church for 22 years. One of the church's buildings bears his name.

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What is the world coming to? This person recorded conversations that they had. If you want to see the website of the church it is:

www.brentwoodbaptist.org/

ladygreek · #2 10-01-2003, 03:22 PM

Obviously I am not in the know. But who is this pastor that this news is getting such play? This type of stuff is unfortunately not that unusual.

brickhouse492 · #3 10-01-2003, 03:56 PM

It's not unusual in the Catholic Church, as we all found out. But in the Baptist church too? I'm so very sad to say this but there have been a lot of things going on lately that have challenged my faith in any one religion. Sometimes I think I'd be better off attending various churches of different faiths so that I can broaden my knowledge of the word. Our religious leaders are so ... disappointing.

At least we still have Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie to look up to.

Why is hearing this news not surprising AT ALL?

Wonderful1908 · #4 10-01-2003, 05:14 PM

I can't believe this is on greekchat.

I am a member of Brentwood Baptist Church and there every Sunday. This whole incident is unfortunate in so many ways. I would hope that these allegations are not true, but it isn't looking that way. If they are proven I am sorry to hear that Pastor Ratliff violated this man in such a terrible way, BUT this is his issue between Jesus and himself. I support my church, and pray God will find to way to heal all who were hurt and who need healing (sidenote-cause clearly Pastor Ratliff needs some healing if this is the case) and that the church will continue to do the wonderful things it does in the Houston community.

Eclipse · #5 10-02-2003, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ladygreek
Obviously I am not in the know. But who is this pastor that this news is getting such play? This type of stuff is unfortunately not that unusual.

Brentwood is a HUGE church in Houston and Rev Ratliff is quite well known (and respected) in Black, Christian circles. He's not on TV everyday like some other well known ministers (Clarence McClendon, Eddie Long, Paul Morton) but he is quite well known.

This is certainly a sad, sad, thing. Wonderful, I can't imagine what it must be like at your church right now. I pray for the alledged victim, Rev. Ratliff and all of the members of Brentwood.

One good thing I think that can come out of this is that God wants our focus on HIM not any man. Too many ministers (not to say this is the case with Ratliff, because I don't know) are proping themselves up like they are Jesus, Jr. and that they are the only ones with revelation. They make them selves out to be perfect, untouchable and all powerful. Jesus was the only perfect man to walk this earth and while I know I would be devestated if my Pastor was accused of something like this and I to remember, as he likes to say, he does not have a heaven or a hell to put me in. My faith is in JESUS not the pastor. He is just a tool.

sigmadiva · #6 10-02-2003, 10:04 AM

I am from Houston too and I don't attend Brentwood Baptist Church, but I am familiar with the church. One of my sorors attends the church and my (blood) sister's best friend got married there. My sister was her maid of honor.

I was shocked to hear the news too. Needless to say it was splashed all over the local evening news a couple of days ago. Unfortunately for Rev. Ratliff, the man who has alleged this incident has taped recorded messages of him talking to Rev. Ratliff about going to some 'down low' club in Atlanta where young boys dance on the tables. And, one message has the supposed voice of Rev. Ratliff saying (implying) the type of sex acts he (Rev. Ratliff) likes performed on him by other men.

Brentwood has a large and strong congregation. I am sure they will get passed this incident.

delph998 · #7 10-02-2003, 10:49 AM

Wonderful1908, I posted this, but not to put your church nor pastor down. My father is a pastor here in Saint Paul, so I understand--trust me I do. I think it's important for people to understand that 1) people ARE human and have their own weaknesses 2) you CAN NOT look up to the pastor, leader, etc. as gods because they're human just like the next man 3) study the Word for yourself because preachers, apostles, etc. are constantly being revealed. These are all signs of the end of times. Read Romans--it specifically talks about leaders who teach the Bible that are wrapped in their own lasciviousness.

Yes, Wonderful1908, you should still support your church. If I offended you for the posting this thread, I am very sorry.

And the AWESOME part about God is, if your pastor is guilty, the Lord is still so mighty that He blesses us with NEW MERCIES on a daily!

brickhouse492 · #8 10-06-2003, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by delph998
I think it's important for people to understand that
1) people ARE human and have their own weaknesses
2) you CAN NOT look up to the pastor, leader, etc. as gods because they're human just like the next man
3) study the Word for yourself because preachers, apostles, etc. are constantly being revealed.

You are so right. I will continue to study the word and I will try to do what I know is right in my heart. It is disheartening, however, to see how religion has been used to mask some of the earth's greatest evils. It really makes me sick. I try not to judge though. I leave it in the hands of our greater universal powers. Surely, what goes around comes around. This is a law of nature not to be disputed.

MeezDiscreet · #9 10-06-2003, 01:35 PM

Resolution reached between Brentwood pastor and accuser

05:20 PM CDT on Friday, October 3, 2003

By Jeremy Desel / 11 News

Click to watch video

HOUSTON -- A resolution has been reached in the sexual assault lawsuit filed against Brentwood Baptist Church Pastor Joe Ratliff. Arnold Blake accused Ratliff of restraining him, groping him and forcibly kissing him in the church last year.

Blake's attorney would only tell 11 News that the case has been resolved and he could not discuss details.

Earlier this week, 11 News obtained copies of taped phone conversations that were part of the civil court case against Ratliff and were to be used as evidence in the lawsuit.

Blake told 11 News he taped the conversation because he was afraid no one would believe him unless he had proof.

That proof, says Blake, is in the recordings he made of phone conversations over a period of eight days in March and April of last year. The recordings of phone conversations Blake says are between himself and Pastor Ratliff.

When asked about the tapes a spokesperson for Brentwood Baptist Church told 11 News, "The Brentwood family is behind Pastor Ratliff. He has been our leader for 23 years. He is telling us he will be here for us and we are going to trust God and the court system and know that justice will be done."

The church said that Pastor Ratliff was still on the road and would not be available to comment on the tapes. It is important to note that this was a civil lawsuit and no criminal charges have been filed.

In one of those recordings the conversation went as follows:

Pastor Ratliff: "Joe Ratliff."

Blake: "Doctor Ratliff what's up?"

Ratliff: "Nothing much, just working hard."

Blake: "How was your revival?"

Ratliff: "Oh very good, very good. It would have been better if you were there. But it was good."

Blake says he had a personal and professional counseling relationship with Ratliff since 1996. He says Ratliff doesn't always sound like a man of God.

As the conversation continued:

Blake: "Doc, can you lend me some money?"

Ratliff: "No, you heard me [expletive], I'm not loaning a [expletive] nowadays."

Laughter is heard on the tape.

Blake: "You can loan me nothing?"

Ratliff: "I'm not loaning a [expletive]. I said I'm not loaning a [expletive] nowadays.

The conversations are often graphic, sometimes discussing what goes on during revival travels.

Ratliff: "I was going to go to this little club tonight. They got this little club here in Atlanta where the boys be dancing on tables and [expletive], you know."

The phone calls also becomes sexually explicit, suggesting intentions toward Blake.

Ratliff: "Let's see, you know I'm an oral freak. I just need to [expletive] you from head to toe. You don't got to [expletive] me or anything."

Despite the lawsuit and the latest accusations, Pastor Ratliff isn't slowing down. He is planning to preach on Sunday at Brentwood Baptist Church.

****** settling out of court = guilty, to me

delph998 · #10 10-06-2003, 02:55 PM

Thanks for the update, MzDiscreet. That's pretty sad.

BobraFCD · #11 10-07-2003, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by brickhouse492
You are so right. I will continue to study the word and I will try to do what I know is right in my heart. It is disheartening, however, to see how religion has been used to mask some of the earth's greatest evils. It really makes me sick. I try not to judge though. I leave it in the hands of our greater universal powers. Surely, what goes around comes around. This is a law of nature not to be disputed.

If you really get into the Word, you'll find that all through the Bible, man-made doctrines and religions grieved God. We all need to study for ourselves, because there is very little that is Biblical in a lot of religions. My pastor calls it the "religious devil".
Think about it--if you're Satan and the battle has already been won at Calvary, how do you take down people with you?
False doctrine, False Bibles, False Religions, and False prophets.
The head of the Church aint in Rome with a funny hat on or anywhere else on earth. It's Jesus--keep your eyes on Him!

Wonderful1908 · #12 10-07-2003, 10:54 AM

Pastor Ratliff at church Sunday told us the case had been dismissed and that he was re-commiting himself to God and seeking both spiritual and professional counseling. So I guess as Christians we have to respect that. I hope this issue doesn't divide our church.

delph998 · #13 10-07-2003, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wonderful1908
Pastor Ratliff at church Sunday told us the case had been dismissed and that he was re-commiting himself to God and seeking both spiritual and professional counseling. So I guess as Christians we have to respect that. I hope this issue doesn't divide our church.

I hope it doesn't either! I'll be praying for your pastor and church.

delph998 · #14 10-07-2003, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BobraFCD
If you really get into the Word, you'll find that all through the Bible, man-made doctrines and religions grieved God. We all need to study for ourselves, because there is very little that is Biblical in a lot of religions. My pastor calls it the "religious devil".
Think about it--if you're Satan and the battle has already been won at Calvary, how do you take down people with you?
False doctrine, False Bibles, False Religions, and False prophets.
The head of the Church aint in Rome with a funny hat on or anywhere else on earth. It's Jesus--keep your eyes on Him!

Well said BobraFCD!

HopefulProspective · #15 10-07-2003, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wonderful1908
Pastor Ratliff at church Sunday told us the case had been dismissed and that he was re-commiting himself to God and seeking both spiritual and professional counseling. So I guess as Christians we have to respect that. I hope this issue doesn't divide our church.

As a member of Brookhollow Baptist Church, we will continue to lift up Brentwood in prayer. Pastor Ratliff has been a guest minister at our church many times, and always has a wonderful word to share. Be blessed!