As a parent and community member, I’m deeply disturbed by the recent reports out of Louisa County, Iowa—where 88 children were rescued from a church-run summer camp following allegations of child abuse and endangerment.

According to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, a child safety operation led to the removal of dozens of children from Shekinah Glory Camp, operated by the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation. These children have now been placed in protective custody as the investigation continues.

We cannot let this story fade into the background. The public deserves full transparency—and these children deserve justice.

We are calling on the Iowa Department of Human Services, the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, and Louisa County officials to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into all individuals and systems connected to the camp

Also:

• Release a clear and public summary of findings, while protecting the identities of survivors
• Audit the state’s oversight of private camps and religious institutions that care for minors
• Implement reforms to prevent future abuse in summer camps, faith-based programs, or private childcare institutions
   

Children should never be exposed to harm under the guise of care, religion, or rehabilitation. Iowa must take this moment seriously—and send a message that no institution is above accountability when it comes to child safety.