MILLERTON — Faith Bible Chapel has expelled and barred from its property the father of a 2-year-old boy who died after falling into an unsecured septic tank at the church last month.
Church leaders announced Johnathan Rea’s removal in an Aug. 19 email to congregants, citing unspecified conduct and potential legal action arising from the death of his son, Olly. The toddler died July 25 after falling into the tank during a wedding reception at the church’s 222 Silver Mountain Road property.
The email said church leaders acted after “prayerful, biblical, and careful consideration,” a review of the church’s bylaws and Code of Conduct, and consultation with legal counsel.
“Leadership determined that Jonathan’s conduct was inconsistent with the standards and commitments established by our church’s governing documents,” the letter reads.
The letter continues, saying Rea’s removal was a response to “actions, accusations, and circumstances that have been brought against the church and its leadership.”
The letter did not identify the conduct church leaders considered inconsistent with those documents. It said Rea is no longer permitted on church property and instructed congregants not to invite him to church functions or help arrange for him to attend.
Rea said he believes the action was retaliation for his family’s decision to explore a potential legal claim arising from Olly’s death.
“They’re retaliating against me because I’m doing the right thing,” Rea said.
Jason Richman, an attorney from the Finger Lakes region of New York, is representing the Rea family following Olly’s death. He said the family is considering legal action against the church and had recently requested information from church leadership regarding its insurance coverage.
No lawsuit has been filed, according to Richman.
The church’s email acknowledged that possibility, stating that leaders “anticipate that the church may be named as a defendant in legal proceedings arising from Olly’s death.”
Church leaders denied seeking a conflict with the family.
“We have not sought out conflict with the Rea family, nor have we initiated actions against them,” the letter stated. “Rather, we are responding to actions, accusations, and circumstances that have been brought against the church and its leadership.”
The Rea family has been attending Sunday services at the church for four years. The family regularly attended Sunday service and fraternized with other congregants at social functions. The family even returned to services immediately following Olly’s death, choosing to celebrate their oldest son’s seventh birthday with the congregation and to hold a celebration of life for Olly at the church earlier in August.
The Reas have previously described the church community as their “family,” saying the congregation is close-knit and often socializes together. Rea said being removed from the congregation was devastating.
“I just lost my son and now they’re saying that I’m not safe to be there,” Rea said. “It’s a pretty low blow.”
Church leadership has not responded to requests for comment.
