Ethnos360, a Florida-based Christian organization previously called New Tribes Mission, is facing a new lawsuit alleging that one of its missionaries sexually assaulted a minor, Kayla McClain, in Indonesia around 2005. McClain, who is now 24, reported inappropriate touching by the missionary, Nate Horling, while playing with his child. The abuse allegedly escalated, culminating in a sexual assault in 2009.
This lawsuit follows a history of allegations against Ethnos360, including multiple women who reported decades-old abuse by “dorm dads,” missionaries responsible for looking after children at boarding schools. Ethnos360 has settled several lawsuits and issued a public apology. Despite claiming to have implemented child safety training after a 2010 report recommended measures for preventing abuse, the lawsuit contends the organization failed to provide care or assistance after McClain’s family reported inappropriate conduct in 2012.
According to McClain, her family did not receive adequate support or investigation from Ethnos360’s child safety team. After returning to the U.S. in 2018, she struggled with mental health issues, including suicide attempts, and later reported the abuse to Ethnos360 in 2021.
The lawsuit accuses Ethnos360 of negligence, claiming that the group did not take proper action to protect McClain or prevent future abuse. McClain asserts her experience has caused long-lasting trauma and has impacted her faith. The lawsuit seeks damages and a jury trial, emphasizing the need for accountability within the organization regarding child safety and abuse allegations.
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