MEDIA CONTACT: Leah Pinckney, 864.303.3421

October 9, 2026

On October 7, 2026, Sam Stephens, who served as volunteer at Village Church Anglican from 2024-2025, was arrested by the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor (3rd degree).

Upon learning of his arrest, we reported the matter to the Anglican Diocese of the Carolinas through its abuse or misconduct reporting process, informed Bishop David Bryan, made a report to the SC Department of Social Services, informed the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office of his volunteer role with dates of his service, and notified our congregation. 

At this time, we have no indication of any incident involving children in our congregation. We are caring for the families of our congregation and have made counseling resources available to them. We pray that throughout this process, truth and justice would prevail.