BROWNSBURG (IN)
Vineyard USA [Stafford, TX]
February 9, 2026
Denis Roy committed clergy sexual abuse resulting in significant harm—harm to victims, harm to families, and harm to this congregation. What is described in the report represents a serious abuse of pastoral authority and trust. We grieve the pain that was caused, and we are truly sorry this happened within a Vineyard church.
We also want to acknowledge, with deep gratitude and respect, the victims and survivors who came forward. We recognize that sharing experiences of harm requires immense courage, vulnerability, and strength. These victims have done so at great personal cost, carrying emotional, relational, and spiritual weight that few will ever fully see.
Their voices have brought truth into the open. By speaking up, they have made it possible for what was hidden to come to light, for accountability to begin, and for meaningful change to take root. We grieve the pain they have endured, and we honor the integrity and bravery it takes to tell the truth when silence might have felt safer. Their testimony has reshaped our understanding and clarified our responsibility for which we are committed to healing and reform. This report has also clearly highlighted failures within our processes, including vetting, for which we are profoundly sorry and we apologize for those. We grieve over the pain that our failures have caused to these victims.
When credible historic allegations were brought forward, Vineyard USA worked to build trust with the first reported victim who came forward and then required the Brownsburg Vineyard board to cooperate with the process and place Denis and Gwen Roy on leave and initiate an independent investigation. To be clear, the disclosure of the first reported victim alone, regardless of when the abuse happened or whether it happened in a Vineyard church or not, necessitated us to initiate an independent investigation. At that time, we did not yet understand the full scope of harm that had occurred. As the investigation proceeded, other victims boldly stepped forward to also disclose being groomed and abused by Denis Roy. This process ultimately led to Denis Roy’s termination. While we grieve that harm occurred at all, we are grateful that the investigation provided a space for victims to come forward with similar experiences.
As required, the Brownsburg board participated fully in the investigation, reflected honestly on their leadership, and acknowledged past areas where they failed in their responsibilities to address concerns and misconduct. They have taken the Report’s recommendations seriously and have already made changes, including adjustments to board structure and composition, for the sake of the church’s health and future.
This investigation has taught us important lessons. Vineyard USA must continue strengthening how we safeguard people—by making it easier to report concerns, responding quickly and consistently, and asking more questions earlier. VineyardUSA and local churches have strengthened how pastors are vetted and entrusted with leadership. As a movement, Vineyard USA remains committed to demonstrating genuine repentance as we continue to provide a confidential reporting mechanism for victims, establishing increased accountability for pastors, improving our vetting process, and providing trauma-informed care for those who are harmed, so that our churches are safer places and our leaders are held to the highest standards of care and integrity.
Timeline
In March 2024, the initial reporting victim courageously contacted our confidential reporting hotline operated by our safeguarding partner Guidepost Solutions. In an interview with Guidepost Solutions, on April 25, the reporter identified her abuser as Denis Roy and provided additional details about the abuse that occurred between 2000 and 2005. After additional interviews with Guidepost, on May 29, 2024, the reporting victim expressed hesitation and indicated she would seek counsel before responding further.
In early July 2024, Vineyard USA was contacted directly by the reporting individual’s legal advocate, who shared a Victim Impact Statement describing how the alleged abuse had affected her and prompting Vineyard USA to take action.
From summer 2024 through early 2025, Vineyard USA worked collaboratively with the reporting individual’s legal counsel to define the scope and structure of a fully independent investigation. After several discussions and proposal revisions, both parties agreed to engage The Stier Group (TSG) as the independent investigator, with the full participation and approval of the reporting individual. Contract details, investigative scope, and timelines were finalized by early 2025, allowing Vineyard USA to prepare for the formal launch of the process within its established governance structures. On February 26, 2025, Vineyard USA formally notified the local church board of credible allegations of clergy sexual abuse, at which time the board initiated its own engagement and response.
Update from May 19, 2025
On Friday, May 16, 2025, the Board of Brownsburg Vineyard formally notified Vineyard USA of the termination of Senior Pastor Denis Roy due to inappropriate conduct with women based on information that has come to light as part of an independent investigation into allegations of clergy sexual misconduct. An ongoing investigation is underway, but the credible information that has come to light warranted decisive action from the Board of the Brownsburg Vineyard.
Additionally, Pastor Gwen Roy remains on leave of absence pending the outcome of the investigation. These allegations have been treated with the utmost seriousness and are the subject of a thorough and impartial inquiry being conducted by an attorney, Amy Stier, contracted by Vineyard USA.
In order to ensure the integrity of this investigation and to provide a safe environment for all involved, Denis and Gwen Roy were placed on administrative leave, effective February 26, 2025, at the request of Vineyard USA.
Vineyard USA would like to acknowledge the courage and bravery of the reporting victims who have come forward during the initial stages of the investigation. In particular, we are grateful to the initial reporting victim who contacted Vineyard USA through our 24/7 confidential reporting mechanism.
Our priority at this time is to support those affected and the local congregation and ensure a safe and healing environment for everyone. We want to assure you that Vineyard USA and the Brownsburg Vineyard Board are dedicated to navigating this challenging situation with transparency, integrity, and compassion.
We will communicate further updates as they become available.