Attorney for group suing Duluth Vineyard Church reacts to pastor leaving church
Spencer T. Kuvin
(Goldlaw Handout)
DULUTH, Min, – Pastor John Kliewer lead Duluth Vineyard’s congregation following a sex scandal from their youth pastor and his family.
After being put on leave for a number of months, Kliewer left the Duluth Vineyard.
Kliewer led the effort to uncover what happened within church walls when Jackson Gaitlin was sexually assaulting children.
Vineyard USA and Duluth Vineyard are now being sued in civil court for their alleged cover-up of multiple sexual assaults.
Upon hearing of Kliewer leaving the church, attorney Kuvin Spencer who is representing plaintiffs in 10 cases told FOX21, “It is unfortunate that the church decided to bury its head in the sand instead of trying to solve the inherent problems it has with its organization. This systemic problems with Vineyard USA will continue to be the primary focus of my client’s case.”
In a letter to Kliewer, The Duluth Vineyard Church Council wrote the accusations that lead to him being on leave were false. An October 31, 2025 public letter stated, “On behalf of the Duluth Vineyard Church Council, we acknowledge that the independent investigator found that the allegations made against you were unfounded.”
RELATED: Vineyard Church and Vineyard USA Face Civil Suits for Former Youth Pastor’s Abuse
John Kliewer
(Family Handout)
According to Kliewer’s wife, the pastor had to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to get the letter and severance.
Spencer said even with that NDA, he expects Kliewer will likely testify in the civil cases, “An NDA has absolutely no effect on a court subpoena. He will be required to talk.”
Spencer also told FOX21 he believes Kliewer, “will now likely be a good witness in our continuing case.”
There are still many motions and court filing that need to be done before anything goes to trial.
Jackson Gaitlin and his parents are also named in the suits.
