Hello, 

My name is Emily Calderon. I’m a California citizen and currently living in the Central Valley. Many have come to know about my situation. I’m currently being sued for half a million dollars by Pastor Stephen Barker, Ron Barker, and Mt Zion. Stephen Barker is the pastor of Mt Zion Apostolic Church in Goshen CA. I was served with this lawsuit in January of 2021, just 4 months after exposing the church child predator. Back in September of 2020, I came across information that Raul Rodriguez, (a church leader and the pastor’s brother in law), had molested and groomed girls in the youth group. When the abuse was reported over 15 years ago, the pastor was Harvey Cantrell and the assistant pastor was Stephen Barker. Nothing was done, investigated or reported. Cantrell blamed the victim for “wearing tight clothing”. Raul continued this behavior for many years to come, and betrayed many girls who trusted him. Obviously keeping quiet about it only enabled Raul to do it over and over again. That needed to stop! I made several social media post about Raul’s actions and the church’s inaction, desperately trying to bring attention to this situation and get the victims justice. Since then, Stephen Barker has used his money and title to bully me around. Barker is licensed through the UPCI. Stephen Barker has signed multiple lies under oath, the church has harassed and threatened me, and even tried to file a restraining order against me for protesting! The restraining order was rightfully denied. My lawyers have sent the lawsuit and victim’s declarations to the UPCI organization, however, they have not stepped in to take action against this pastor for all the harm he’s caused. As per their own organization’s sexual misconduct position paper, even the UPCI board members are not following the steps they should be taking at this point. All these WD UPCI Board members are friends and colleagues with Stephen Barker. I have undeniable proof that myself nor the victim’s haven't lied, yet these “men of God” have not done the right thing. We need change and fast. Please visit a website called spiritualabuse.org and check out the blogs about my situation. You’ll also find more cases of sexual abuse that have been ignored by the UPCI. Your welcome to follow my tiktok @emilycalderon27 to keep up with my journey. Please sign this petition to show your support for victims, to ask the UPCI to take action against this pastor, and to bring change on how sexual abuse is handled in the church. Numbers don’t lie. Sign the petition and put the pressure on these men to act now!