The Cost of Silence: A Comprehensive Update on the Paul Van Noy Investigation

Over the past several weeks, a growing body of evidence, firsthand testimony, and authenticated audio has raised serious questions about Paul Van Noy, senior pastor of Candlelight Christian Fellowship, and the systems that enabled him. What began as a single public statement has evolved into a multi-layered investigation involving abuse allegations, failures to report, admitted misconduct, and the protection of individuals who posed risks to others.

This article provides a clear, evidence-based recap of where the investigation stands today, expanding on the update presented in our recently released 6-minute video.

How This Investigation Began

The investigation became public when Danielle Van Noy came forward with detailed allegations of sexual abuse she experienced as a minor. Danielle stated that the abuse was known to her father and was never reported to authorities. She also described a long-standing culture of silence, minimization, and protection of abusers rather than protection of victims.

These were not vague claims. Danielle provided specific details, timelines, and context that prompted others with firsthand knowledge to come forward.

Ongoing Communication With Gordon Waltho

Following Danielle’s statement, we entered into direct communication with Gordon Waltho. While Gordon has not participated in a formal interview, we have remained in consistent contact with him since the initial release of Danielle’s account.

Gordon has provided documentation, detailed explanations, and clarifications that align with Danielle’s testimony. Importantly, several of Gordon’s assertions have since been indirectly authenticated through Paul Van Noy’s own public responses—responses that acknowledge core facts while shifting explanations when accountability is demanded.

Authenticated Audio: Paul Van Noy’s Own Admissions

A critical development in this investigation came with the release of audio recordings in which Paul Van Noy admits, in his own words, to molesting a neighbor’s daughter in his youth. The recordings were authenticated, and Van Noy publicly confirmed that the audio is real.

Claims that the recordings were fabricated or deceptively edited are false. The full audio is available publicly, and listening in context does not change the substance of what was said.

In additional audio, Van Noy describes knowingly allowing a registered sex offender to attend Candlelight Christian Fellowship, stating that “nobody knows.” This admission raised serious concerns about transparency, safeguarding practices, and the safety of children within the church.

Alyssa’s Testimony and the Role of Steve Cooney

As the investigation expanded, we interviewed Alyssa, who provided firsthand testimony of sexual abuse she suffered from her stepfather, who served in leadership at Candlelight. Alyssa testified that the abuse was reported to Paul Van Noy and that no action was taken.

Alyssa’s account also introduced significant concerns involving Steve Cooney, a longtime associate of Van Noy. Alyssa described decades-old incidents in which Cooney minimized abuse, attempted to shift blame onto victims, and involved himself in situations where survivors were seeking accountability.

These statements gained renewed relevance after Paul Van Noy publicly praised Steve Cooney in a recent sermon as a close friend and trusted associate—without acknowledging the serious allegations and testimony that have since come to light.

Family Testimony: Joy and Judy’s Allegations

We also interviewed Joy, the daughter of Paul Van Noy’s sister, Judy. Joy shared detailed family history and testified—with her mother’s permission—to abuse that allegedly occurred within the Van Noy household during childhood.

According to Joy, Judy has accused Paul Van Noy of incest occurring over multiple years during their upbringing. Joy stated clearly that, based on what she knows and has witnessed, she believes her uncle is a danger to the community. This testimony was shared directly, with permission, and was not speculative.

New Sources and Ongoing Vetting

Since releasing these interviews and recordings, additional individuals have come forward, including former employees of Paul Van Noy and others connected to the ministry and community. Many have provided firsthand accounts that continue to reflect consistent patterns: abuse minimized, victims discredited, authority figures protected, and religious language used to deflect accountability.

Some of this information is still being vetted and cannot yet be independently corroborated. We are transparent about that distinction. However, the consistency of these accounts mirrors what has already been confirmed through testimony and authenticated evidence.

A Leadership Vacuum: Hawaii While Fallout Remains

As these developments unfold, Paul Van Noy is reportedly on a three-week, all-expenses-paid vacation in Hawaii. During his absence, staff members, supporters, and affiliated influencers have been left to manage the fallout, respond to questions, and defend narratives that continue to shift as new evidence emerges.

This contrast—between unresolved allegations and personal retreat—has not gone unnoticed by the community.

Why Claims of “Out of Context” Fail

Some supporters continue to argue that the audio, testimony, or reporting is “out of context.” That claim does not withstand scrutiny.

Each piece of evidence—audio admissions, survivor testimony, family accounts, and documented responses—exists independently and reinforces the others. When viewed together, they form a coherent and deeply concerning pattern.

This investigation is not about theology or personal belief. It is about documented behavior, failure to protect, and accountability.

What Comes Next

The investigation remains active. Additional information is being vetted, sources are being protected, and documentation continues to be reviewed. As always, we will distinguish clearly between confirmed facts and developing reports.

We encourage readers to watch the embedded video update, review the linked source materials, and examine the full timeline for themselves.

Truth does not fear context. It requires it.

Resource Links

• LEAKED AUDIO – Paul Van Noy discussing his criminal past, admitting to molesting his nextdoor neighbor’s daughter in his teens, and of a known sex offender attending Candlelight.

• Danielle Van Noy – Original X Post (Nov. 2025)
  Read Danielle’s full public statement regarding her experiences and the text message from her father, Pastor Paul Van Noy.
  Link: Danielle’s X post

• Gordon Waltho – Public Facebook Statement (Nov. 22, 2025)
  Read the full list of questions and clarifications requested by Danielle’s husband, Gordon Waltho, addressed publicly to Pastor Paul Van Noy.
  Link: [Gordon’s Facebook post]

• Pastor Paul Van Noy – Official Response (Nov. 21, 2025)
  Read Paul Van Noy’s public statement responding to allegations and referencing the text message released by Danielle.
  Link: [Paul’s Facebook post]