Statement on Danny Meyer
September 17, 2026
Statement Regarding the Independent Investigation into Danny Meyer
In January 2026, when the first plausible allegation of sexual impropriety involving Danny Meyer was brought forward, Vineyard USA initiated an independent investigation. Safeguarding by Design, the third-party firm Vineyard USA engaged to conduct this investigation, prepared the report and its findings independently.
We grieve the pain these reporting survivors have felt, and want to acknowledge, with deep gratitude and respect, those who came forward during this process. Sharing experiences of harm requires immense courage, vulnerability, and strength, and these individuals did so at great personal cost. Their willingness made this investigation, and the accountability and changes that follow from it, possible.
The independent investigation by Safeguarding by Design reports that Danny Meyer engaged in a pattern of clergy sexual misconduct and other serious breaches of pastoral ethics and professional boundaries spanning decades. Per the report, these behaviors caused significant harm to those he counseled, their families, and the congregations he served. The Safeguarding by Design report indicates an abuse of pastoral authority and trust, which disqualifies Meyer from pastoral ministry. Vineyard USA no longer recognizes Meyer as qualified for any ministry, leadership, or teaching in any capacity connected to Vineyard USA, and advises all Vineyard churches to do the same.
Civil litigation related to this matter is now pending. Because of that, we are limited in what we can share publicly about specific facts, findings, or claims at this time. This limitation is standard practice in any active legal proceeding, and it exists to protect the integrity of the process for everyone involved, including those who have come forward. It does not diminish our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of those affected. We will reassess this decision as the situation progresses.
Vineyard USA is committed to strengthening the way we safeguard people by making it easier to report concerns and responding more quickly and consistently when they are raised. We are reviewing the recommendations from this investigation, while we continue to implement those from the 2023 Guidepost Solutions assessment and our past work. Vineyard USA has established ways to support reporting survivors in their healing, including independent counseling services for reporting survivors, and we are investigating additional ways to support reporting survivors.
August 11, 2026
Vineyard USA has received the completed investigative report from Megan E. B. Kelly of Safeguarding By Design regarding allegations of clergy sexual misconduct involving former pastor Danny Meyer. We are treating this report, and everyone affected by what it describes, with the utmost seriousness.
We recognize the courage it has taken for victims and survivors to come forward, and the weight that waiting for a public response can carry for them, for the Delaware County congregation, and for our wider Vineyard family. We hold that weight with care.
We are now carefully reading and absorbing what this report contains, in communication with the Vineyard Church Delaware County board, our legal counsel, and those who have walked through this process with us. Given the seriousness of these matters and our responsibility to those impacted, we believe it is important to take the time necessary to respond thoughtfully and accurately, rather than prematurely.
We are also aware that there is now pending civil litigation related to this matter. Because of that, we are limited in what we can share publicly about specific facts, findings, or claims at this time. This limitation is standard practice in any active legal proceeding, and it exists to protect the integrity of the process for everyone involved, including those who have come forward. It does not diminish our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of those affected.
We will communicate further updates as they become available and as we are permitted by law. In the meantime, if you have information relevant to this or any other matter, you may contact Vineyard USA’s confidential reporting mechanism at vineyardusa.org/report.
January 29, 2026
On January 13, 2026, Vineyard USA received credible information from a victim’s advocate regarding allegations of clergy sexual misconduct involving former pastor Danny Meyer. Following receipt of this information, Vineyard USA informed the Board of Vineyard Church Delaware County and the Board, in conjunction with Vineyard USA, subsequently launched a formal investigation. Allegations of clergy sexual misconduct raise serious concerns regarding potential abuses of trust, power, and spiritual authority, and any report of such conduct is taken with the utmost seriousness.
These allegations are now the subject of a thorough and impartial investigation by an independent investigator Megan E. B. Kelly (Safeguarding By Design). While this investigation is just beginning, the information that has emerged thus far has required clear and responsible action by church leadership. We recognize that investigative processes alone cannot address the emotional and spiritual impact this situation may have on individuals or the broader community.
We want to acknowledge the courage it takes for individuals to come forward with concerns about a trusted faith leader. Those who have come forward deserve to be treated with dignity, care, and respect.
Vineyard USA and the Vineyard Church Delaware County’s Board are committed to prioritizing the well-being of those impacted, including individuals directly affected, their families, and members of the congregation who may be experiencing distress, confusion, or a loss of trust. Our intent is to move forward with transparency, integrity, compassion, and a continued commitment to fostering a safe and healing environment.
If you have information that may be helpful to this investigation, you may email moc.liamg@ngisedybgnidraugefas. We will share further information as appropriate and legally permissible as updates become available.