WARSAW, Ind. (AP) – A pastor told his Indiana congregation that he had committed adultery about 20 years ago, a revelation followed moments later by a woman who stepped forward and said she had been victimized by him when she was 16. old.
The comments were videoed Sunday at the New Life Christian Church and World Outreach in Warsaw and posted on Facebook.
The Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the case, WANE-TV reports. Prosecutor Daniel Hampton did not immediately return a message on Monday seeking comment from The Associated Press.
Pastor John Lowe II told his congregation, “I have committed adultery.”
“It’s been almost twenty years,” he says. “It took way too long. One person was involved and there has been no other. I have no defense. … I have sinned. I have to say that and you deserve to hear it.”
Lowe received a standing ovation. But then a woman walked up to the microphone with her story.
‘It was 27 years ago, not 20. … I was just 16 when you lost your virginity on your office floor. Do you remember that? I know you do,” she said.
She said the “lies and manipulation must stop”.
“I was a prisoner and you kept me in your prison,” she said as Lowe stood close. “I am no longer a prisoner.”
Some people then called out questions to Lowe. He admitted to having sex with the woman when she was a teenager.
“It was wrong. I can’t make it right,” Lowe said.
Several dozen people marched to surround and support him while another man led a prayer.
The church phone went unanswered Monday afternoon. The Associated Press left a voicemail message for Lowe seeking comment.
Lowe told the congregation that he would be stepping down from his role as pastor.
