Ethnos360, a Florida-based Christian nonprofit formerly known as New Tribes Mission, faces a lawsuit alleging that a missionary sexually assaulted a minor, Kayla McClain, overseas in 2005. The organization has a troubled history, having settled multiple claims of sexual abuse against missionaries who were responsible for caring for children in missionary boarding schools. After a 2019 NBC News report highlighted these allegations, Ethnos360 implemented child safety training and issued a public apology to survivors.
In the recent lawsuit, McClain claims that Ethnos360 failed to provide support when she reported inappropriate conduct in 2012. At the time, she was only five years old, and the alleged perpetrator, Nate Horling, reportedly began abusing her while both families were in Indonesia. The abuse continued and escalated when the families relocated.
Despite McClain’s father reaching out to Ethnos360’s child safety team, the family reportedly received limited guidance and no formal investigation was initiated. Years later, after struggling with her mental health, McClain disclosed her experience during an investigation by IHART, but claimed she did not receive counseling or support.
Her attorney, Boz Tchividjian, argues that Ethnos360 must address the recurrent allegations of abuse and negligence, citing failures to adequately respond to claims. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and aims to shed light on how the organization handled allegations of abuse, as McClain emphasizes the need for accountability and the cessation of silence surrounding these issues. McClain’s experience has profoundly affected her mental health, leading her to question her faith.
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