As word seeped through Plainfield Wednesday afternoon of the arrest of Bishop George Benbow of the Christian Fellowship Gospel Church on charges of child molestation, those who know him were stunned.
Benbow, who is also president of the city's clergy organization, Concerned Urban Clergy, has been a prominent and highly regarded minister in the community for a number of years and was recently lauded by Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs in a proclamation.
Both the Courier and the Ledger posted the stories online Wednesday afternoon, but the Ledger's link has disappeared from the website though the story is still up (see here).
Clergy contacted by the Courier expressed respect for Bishop Benbow's role in the community. Assemblyman Green did not comment on Benbow's character.
Many who are active in uplifting the Plainfield community are members of this fine church. Besides the alleged victims, please keep the church members, their pastor, and his wife and co-pastor Anita Benbow in your thoughts and prayers.
And remember, under our 900-year-old legal tradition, accused persons are considered innocent until proven guilty by a jury of their peers.
- Courier: "Celebrated Plainfield pastor accused of molesting six girls"
- Ledger: "Plainfield pastor charged in sex abuse of minor"
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3 comments:
What about keeping the alleged victims in prayer as well?
Of course.
Dan -- that you for a very factual yet sensitive posting of such a devastating situation. I joined this church about 2 months ago. Needless to say, my heart is heavy, but my FAITH remains steadfast.
Pray without ceasing for all those affected by this tragedy.
Respectfully,
Renata
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