New York’s Child Victims Act is allowing a 66-year-old woman to sue St. Michael’s Lutheran Church and three church figures she claims raped her more than 50 years ago.

The woman stood outside the church at 5108 W. Genesee St. today, flanked by her lawyers, to announce the case -- a lawsuit she wouldn’t have been able to file until this year.

Before the new legislation was passed in January, alleged child sex abuse victims could not sue their abusers or institutions after they were older than 23. Under the new law, victims who survived sexual abuse as children are able to file civil lawsuits against abusers and institutions until they are 55 years old. The law also created a one-year “look-back window," which begins this month, for adult victims of any age who were previously prevented from suing by the statute of limitations.

The woman, identified in court papers as “R.W.,” claims Kenneth Heuermann, Edward Rising and Luther Meyer took naked photographs of her, molested and raped her over eight years beginning in 1961 when she was 8 years old. She said the abuse was ritualistic in nature and often involved other men she did not know. She said the men threatened her to keep her silent. She is asking for $45 million in damages.

The lawsuit identifies all three men as having been pastors. That could not be independently confirmed for Rising and Meyer, who are both deceased.

Current pastor Rev. Dreher-Wiberg said Friday afternoon he had just recently learned of the lawsuit and its claims.

“This is the first time I’m hearing of the allegations,” Dreher-Wiberg said. He added the allegations were very old, dating back to the 1960s, and said the church would cooperate with any official investigation if there is one. He declined to comment further about the case.

A man who answered the phone at Heuermann’s residence declined to identify himself. When asked about the lawsuit he responded, “I have no idea what you’re talking about," and hung up.

Syracuse lawyer Jesse Ryder and California attorney Charles Bonner said they took the woman’s case because of her personal credibility, and their belief there are more victims, including one who they say they have already interviewed.

Bonner said the woman had attempted to file a lawsuit in the past but the case was thrown out due to the statute of limitations. He said the woman also wrote complaints to the church, as well as state and nationwide Lutheran organizations connected to the church, but never received a response or investigation.

“She’s taken action today,” Bonner said. "It’s a testament to her credibility -- her persistence, as well as her documented efforts with her therapist.

Bonner said the woman has experienced severe emotional anguish as a result of the alleged abuse. He said she has suffered from anxiety, and never married or had children due to the effects of the abuse.

He said being able to file the lawsuit was the first time she had felt vindicated.

“This was cathartic for her, to stand at this church -- the place of her victimization," Bonner said.

Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government, education and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992