Pastor Accused of Shoving Elderly Woman Down Church Steps

Congregation calls for dismissal of Gardena church leader after video shows alleged assault

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A pastor at Beulah Land Missionary Baptist Church in Gardena, California has been accused of shoving an elderly woman down a set of concrete steps outside the church. Surveillance video appears to show Pastor Lorenz Roseman pushing Elise McTaw, a longtime church elder, through a metal gate and to the ground. McTaw claims she suffered a fractured wrist and toes from the fall. Congregants are now demanding Roseman's dismissal, though he has returned to the pulpit after a brief custody period, asserting that a majority of the congregation voted to allow him to stay.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked outrage within the church community and raised questions about the pastor's leadership and accountability. Allegations of unethical or illegal activities by church leaders have further complicated the situation, with the pastor claiming he was acting to address those issues. The case highlights the challenges religious institutions can face in addressing misconduct by those in positions of power.

The details

Surveillance video from October 2025 shows Pastor Lorenz Roseman allegedly shoving Elise McTaw, an elderly woman and church elder, through a metal gate and down a set of concrete steps outside Beulah Land Missionary Baptist Church. McTaw claims she suffered a fractured wrist and toes from the fall. After a brief custody period, Roseman has returned to the pulpit, asserting that a majority of the congregation voted to allow him to remain as church leader. However, congregants like Dr. Ta-Taneisha Thames are calling for his dismissal, stating "He does not get to put his hands on anyone. That is not okay. He has to go."

  • The incident occurred on October 7, 2025.
  • Roseman was in custody for just two days before returning to the pulpit.

The players

Lorenz Roseman

The pastor of Beulah Land Missionary Baptist Church in Gardena, California who has been accused of shoving an elderly woman down church steps.

Elise McTaw

A longtime elder and senior citizen at Beulah Land Missionary Baptist Church who was allegedly shoved down church steps by Pastor Roseman.

Dr. Ta-Taneisha Thames

A congregant at Beulah Land Missionary Baptist Church who is calling for Pastor Roseman's dismissal, stating "He does not get to put his hands on anyone. That is not okay. He has to go."

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What they’re saying

“He does not get to put his hands on anyone. That is not okay. He has to go.”

— Dr. Ta-Taneisha Thames, Congregant (KTLA)

“The whole unfortunate event began when I was informed that certain influential members, who held positions of power, might be engaged in unethical or illegal activities. After conducting an investigation and confirming the allegations, I removed them from their positions.”

— Lorenz Roseman, Pastor (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Pastor Roseman to remain free on bail.

The takeaway

This incident has deeply divided the Beulah Land Missionary Baptist Church congregation, raising questions about the pastor's leadership, accountability, and the ability of religious institutions to address misconduct by those in positions of power. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight within faith-based organizations.