Kelowna Pastor Accused in Civil Lawsuits of Historical Sexual Abuse, Denies Allegations

A prominent Kelowna pastor is facing serious civil allegations from two women who claim he sexually exploited them as minors over several years beginning in the early 2000s. Art Lucier, the leader of Harvest Ministries International, is accused in two lawsuits filed in B.C. Supreme Court of grooming and abusing the women while serving as a pastor in Kitimat, B.C.

The women, who were both underage and in foster care at the time, say Lucier used his position of trust to build emotional connections that escalated into inappropriate physical contact and sexual behaviour. The court filings allege the misconduct began when one plaintiff was just 11 and the other 14.

According to the claims, Lucier’s actions included touching, massages, and inappropriate conversations, with one woman alleging the abuse spanned eight years and the other saying it lasted 14 years until 2015. Both say the experiences left lasting emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and difficulty forming relationships.

The women’s lawyer, Morgyn Chandler, described Lucier’s actions as classic grooming behaviour — where trust is built gradually through affection and secrecy, before crossing boundaries into sexual misconduct.

Lucier has not yet filed a formal response in court but issued a statement on his ministry’s website denying all allegations. “We categorically deny these slanderous accusations,” the statement read, calling the claims “completely and totally false” and pledging to “expose the lies” in court.

The civil suits follow growing public scrutiny of Lucier and his ministry. Over the past year, former members have raised concerns online about alleged abuse within the church, and a petition called for accountability. Chandler says this increased attention helped encourage her clients to come forward, alongside insights gained through counselling.

About a month before the lawsuits were filed, Harvest Ministries announced Lucier had stepped away from public ministry. An internal oversight committee had been formed to investigate allegations, and Lucier referenced his departure in a March sermon. While he admitted to having sinned, he did not address any specific claims and insisted past issues had already been resolved within church leadership.

Lucier is also known for his vocal opposition to COVID-19 restrictions, having been fined for holding in-person services in defiance of public health orders. In 2023, he and his ministry launched a constitutional challenge in Quebec after the province cancelled one of their events. That case is scheduled for a court hearing in November.

The civil lawsuits against Lucier have not yet been tested in court.