Vancouver Buddhist Temple and Monk Confront Child Abuse Allegations in Court
A Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Vancouver and one of its spiritual leaders are facing serious allegations of sexually, physically, and psychologically abusing a young boy who was placed in their care. The lawsuit, filed in British Columbia Supreme Court, names monk Than Van Ut and the World Vietnamese Buddhist Order Chan Quang Temple as defendants.
Revised Lawsuit Adds New Defendant
The legal action has been revised to include an additional defendant identified as N.P., who is described as the older half-brother of the plaintiff anonymized as A.Q. According to court documents, A.Q.'s single mother, a refugee from Vietnam, placed her six-year-old son under the guardianship of Than, N.P., and the temple located at 1795 East 1st Avenue in Vancouver during the spring of 2003.
The lawsuit alleges that Than subjected A.Q. to repeated abuse until a severe incident in 2006 led to the boy's hospitalization. Following this incident, protection workers from the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development apprehended A.Q., and a police investigation was initiated.
Medical and Police Documentation Reveal Serious Injuries
Vancouver Police Department and hospital records obtained through freedom of information legislation document that a man identifying himself as the victim's half-brother was arrested on November 7, 2006, after confessing to punching and kicking A.Q. in the stomach. Medical reports describe internal bleeding, esophageal damage, and an air leak around the heart, along with older scarring on the top of the victim's feet.
However, the lawsuit contends that A.Q. was actually abused by Than, not his brother. The allegations include hitting A.Q.'s head with a percussion mallet causing bleeding and head trauma, throwing boiling water on him, making him stand in a stock pot while threatening to turn on the burner, forcing his hand toward a hot stove, hitting him with sticks and a wooden spatula, pushing him down stairs, and spitting on his face.
Legal Responses and Denials
Than Van Ut's lawyer, Ronald J. Pederson, stated that his client "emphatically denies all of the allegations against him made by the plaintiff, and will vigorously defend the lawsuit." Nathan Lidder, representing the temple society, told media that he needs time to consult with his clients before issuing a formal response.
The lawsuit further alleges that Than warned A.Q. not to report the physical abuse or he would turn it upon A.Q.'s brother. This case was initially filed in August 2025, and through Than's legal response, A.Q.'s lawyers discovered allegations that N.P. was not a victim but participated in a conspiracy to conceal the abuse by falsely confessing to the assault that led to A.Q.'s hospitalization.
The revised lawsuit represents a significant development in a case that raises serious questions about child protection within religious institutions and the legal accountability of spiritual leaders. As the legal proceedings continue, both sides are preparing for what promises to be a complex and emotionally charged court battle.
