Pastor Arival Dias Casimiro leaves IPP following harassment allegations

Reverend Arival Dias Casimiro has stepped down from his position as head pastor of the Igreja Presbiteriana de Pinheiros (IPP) following a labor court settlement with a former employee. The former employee, who worked for the denomination's Pinheiros Missionary Board, had accused Casimiro of harassment and spiritual abuse.

The IPP issued a statement acknowledging that Casimiro sent messages described as ‘inoportunas, inadequadas e infelizes’ (untimely, inappropriate, and unhappy) to the woman. While the church noted that a settlement was reached in labor court without a formal judgment on the merits or a legal recognition of harassment, the incident caused significant internal questioning within the Presbyterian community.

Casimiro, who requested a leave of absence by mutual agreement with the church council, is stepping away from one of the most influential churches within the Igreja Presbiteriana do Brasil (IPB). The IPP is notable for being the congregation where Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister André Mendonça also serves as a pastor. It remains unclear whether Casimiro's departure is temporary or permanent.