A pastor in Indiana confessed to “adultery” in front of his church before a woman came forward and said she was victimized by him at age 16, per the Associated Press.
The incident, shared to Facebook, took place at New Life Christian Church and World Outreach in Warsaw, when Pastor John Lowe II admitted to his congregation that he “committed adultery.”
“It was nearly 20 years ago,” he said. “It continued far too long. It involved one person and there’s been no other. I have no defense. … I sinned. I need to say that and you deserve to hear it.”
Moments later, after he got a standing ovation from members of the congregation, a woman walked to the front of the church, said that the “lies and the manipulation have to stop,” and she explained that it was “27 years ago, not 20.” She was 16 at the time.
“I was just 16 when you took my virginity on your office floor. Do you remember that? I know you do,” she said.
Lowe quickly admitted to the act, as the woman said she felt like a “prisoner” when she was a teen. He said he was “wrong” and couldn’t “make it right,” as church-goers walked over to allegedly support him and start a prayer. He then said he’d be stepping down from his position within the church.
At this time, the Kosciusko County prosecutor’s office, which now has a recorded confession to work with, is investigating the incident. The church has since released a statement to confirm that Lowe had resigned.
“In the wake of what has now been revealed, we are hurting and broken for a woman who has lovingly attended and served in the church for many years, as well as for her husband and family,” the church said. “It is our deepest prayer and commitment to love, support, encourage and help her through a process of healing in any way in which we are able.”
