Overview

• An amended court filing on April 25, 2025, added Mariano and Clara Rivera as defendants in a lawsuit alleging their church failed to protect a minor from repeated sexual abuse.
• The lawsuit details incidents of abuse in 2018 and 2021, including claims that the Riveras intimidated the victim to remain silent to protect their church’s reputation.
• The Riveras' attorney denies the allegations, stating they were unaware of the abuse until 2022 when approached with a financial settlement request.
• The Refuge of Hope Church, founded by the Riveras in 2009, is also named in the suit, which alleges failures in oversight and safety within its youth programs.
• The case follows previous abuse settlements and criminal charges involving affiliates of Ignite Life Center, a church linked to Refuge of Hope.