Former NJ Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Uses Pulpit to Cast Doubt on Survivors After Resignation for Sexual Harassment
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Just days after resigning due to a substantiated sexual-harassment investigation, Dale Caldwell delivered a sermon questioning the legitimacy of accusations, a move that risks undermining survivors and accountability.
Former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell returned to the pulpit at Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield on Sunday, only two days after resigning in the wake of an independent investigation that confirmed a sexual-harassment claim against him. Rather than reflecting on the harm caused or taking responsibility, Caldwell’s sermon, titled “When Lies Become Weapons,” focused on biblical stories of Joseph and King Ahab to suggest that false accusations are a widespread threat.
“The Bible is filled with people who were falsely accused,” Caldwell said, seemingly drawing a parallel between himself and historical victims of injustice.
He went on to cast doubt on the reliability of legal and investigative processes, implying that the systems designed to protect the vulnerable are flawed and can be weaponized. “Laws are necessary… but when people use these things for revenge, jealousy, politics or personal advantage, justice becomes injustice,” he warned, echoing rhetoric that has long been used to silence survivors and discourage them from coming forward. Caldwell also lamented the spread of information on social media, warning that “speed does not determine truth. Popularity does not determine truth. God knows the truth,” a statement that can be seen as an attempt to discredit public scrutiny and survivor voices.
Caldwell urged his congregation to reflect before reacting to accusations, cautioning against “retaliatory falsehoods,” and calling to “fight injustice with justice” and “fight hatred with love.” While he claimed that concerns about false accusations should not deter legitimate investigations, his message risked reinforcing harmful narratives that make it harder for victims to be believed. “We must hold people accountable when evidence establishes wrongdoing,” he added, yet his own resignation followed a report citing serious and repeated violations of state policy, including a substantiated sexual-harassment incident.
Caldwell resigned on Friday after Governor Mikie Sherrill released the investigation’s findings. In a subsequent interview, Caldwell said he stepped down to avoid becoming a distraction to the Sherrill administration, describing Governor Sherrill as a “wonderful person” who means well. After the service, he told the New Jersey Globe he remains supportive of the administration and looks forward to the next chapter in his life, sidestepping any direct acknowledgment of the harm caused by his actions.