PHOTO: Apostle Snorton, poised for court trial
Monrovia, Liberia- The Philadelphia Church Ministries International Inc. (“PCMI”) expresses deep concerns and disappointment over the news of the alleged rape of a young lady by one of its Senior Ministers, in person of Apostle D. Franklin Snorton, according to a press statement from the Church..
The Liberian National Police recently arrested and detained the senior Pastor of the Philadelphia Church, after allegedly raping a 21-year-old pregnant woman.
He has been undergoing investigation, but one report says the cleric has denied the accusation.
Rape is a second degree felony and it is a nonbailable crime in Liberia.
In a press statement this week, the leadership of PCMI said Apostle D. Franklin Snorton is the SENIOR PASTOR OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH IN THE CITY OF KAKATA, MARGIBI COUNTY, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.
According to the press statement, he has served as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for over thirty (30) years with the Philadelphia Church Ministries and remained in good standing up until the alleged rape allegation. The Church says the news of the alleged rape, whether true or not, is unsettling because rape is unchristian and represents a betrayal of the trust reposed in a man of God to cater to God’s children who are entrusted to his care to nurture and teach in the ways of the Lord.
The woman claimed that she was abused recently, when she went to pay their contribution of ten United States dollars to the Pastor (a community leader) on behalf of her grandmother for repair their transformer. She said the pastor told her to go to him in his living room, in order to write her name in book where others’ names were written for record sake.
When she entered and took her seat in the living room, the woman alleged that the pastor said he forgot about pen and went out to find one. And upon his return, she claimed that he decided to play with her breast and kiss her but she pushed him aside. She further said that he later went for knife to stab her, if she refused him.
Thereafter, she explained that the pastor allegedly threw her on the floor and sexually satisfied his desire, something she claims was premeditated.
But the Philadelphia Church says, as a Christian Body, it does not condone any acts of violence against women/girls, children, and humanity as a whole. Sexual abuse is in no way tolerated by the Church.
These allegations are very serious and deeply disturbing. The Church is therefore demanding and would support a thorough and complete investigation in accordance with due process of law, the Philadelphia Church says..
Additionally, the Church says while it deems a speedy and impartial trial as cardinal, it is also concerned about the well-being of the alleged victim and extends prayers for she and her family, as well as for the family of the alleged perpetrator.
The Church asserts that since the matter was reported, the PCMI considered it a very graved allegation and initiated an internal investigation which is still ongoing, while at the same time, it has been cooperating and supporting the ongoing investigation by law enforcement.
The Church leadership further asserts that as a law-abiding Christian Institution in Liberia, it respects the rule of Law and prays that this matter will be handled expeditiously through the legal process, so that due process can be rendered and justice prevail.
While this matter is yet unresolved, it encourages all Philadelphia Churches to continue to uphold Apostle Snorton and the family of the alleged victim in prayers as this matter is being investigated.
The Church says that as a reputable Christian Ministry, and contrary to speculations abounding on social media and in other circles, it wishes to pursue only the rightful, proper, and legal means to adjudicate this matter for both the present and future record. Furthermore, the Church also says it has made no attempt and will make no attempt to take this issue from the courtroom because it remains resolute and adherent to the rule of law.
The church remains prayerful that a speedy, fair, and transparent trial will lead to the right outcome and that justice will be served, said the press statement signed by Apistle Nathan G. Paul/Secretary General-PCMI and approved by: Bishop Dr. George D. Harris/Presiding Bishop-PCMI