An Indiana pastor confessed his sins to his church, involving an incident of what he called ‘adultery’ years ago.
However, that sin changed to ‘rape’ when the woman who was involved revealed she was only 16 years old at the time and characterized Lowe's supposed adultery as sexual assault.
Pastor John Lowe II was preaching on a livestreamed service for the New Life Christian Church on Sunday. He decided to use this moment to come forward and confess he committed adultery nearly two decades ago.
Shortly after, the victim took to the stage and explained the full context.
John Lowe II, an Indiana church pastor, told his congregation Sunday he had committed adultery about 20 years ago
A few moments later, a woman stepped forward from the audience and said he sexually assaulted her when she was 16 years old https://t.co/H7ms8LciJq pic.twitter.com/W220TXz34F
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 24, 2022
The official livestream cut out before the pastor could confess his sins.
But someone else was recording the whole thing, including the victim standing up for herself. The congregation was stunned by the woman’s reveal.
She said:
“People knew, but were too afraid to come forward. And they have now. The lies and the manipulation they have to stop.”
“I was a prisoner and you kept me in your prison. I am a prisoner no longer.”
She then dropped the bombshell that shattered the pastor’s confession.
“I was just 16 when you took my virginity on your office floor. Do you remember that? I know you do, and I have plenty of other stories that I can bring to your remembrance.”
“You did things to my teenage body that should have never been done.”
The woman also said other girls were abused by church leaders, but they were “sent away.”
These churches are far too concerned with taking LGBTQ+ and abortion rights and not enough concern for who they allow around innocent children!
Pastor John Lowe’s ‘Adultery’ Confession in Warsaw, Indiana Church Goes Sideways, Victim Says ‘I Was Just 16’ https://t.co/lZJUfGtw1G
— a saint (@shesasaintnow) May 24, 2022
Confession is good for the Christian soul. Especially if you're a white male.
— MrMark 🇺🇦 🌻 (@MMark98335) May 24, 2022
What courage it took for her to go up there and out him publicly! Kudos to the couple people who hugged her as she walked out. And shame on those who gathered around to pray for him instead of her, the victim. I wouldn't be surprised to hear of other victims.
— Annette Johnson 🌻💙💛 (@amjohnson53) May 24, 2022
Yup and you see the very tall intimidating pastor move in on her
— David Butler (@DvdButler) May 24, 2022
This is just a stunning video, and I’m in awe of the woman’s strength to stand in front of a church community and directly correct and hold to account the perpetrator of decades of trauma. Just astonishing. https://t.co/BQvpEqStQA
— Aaron Walker (@sturgidson) May 24, 2022
After, the congregation is split, with some calling for the pastor to tell the whole truth.
However, many more told him “We love you" and formed a giant group prayer around the man accused of sexual assault on a teenage girl.
Pastor Lowe already stepped down as part of his confession, but the church is in damage control. They disabled the Facebook page for the church and put out a statement.
However, the statement still refers to what the pastor is accused of as just “adultery.”
This isn’t good enough for most people.
This pastor is a monster and belongs behind bars. If he isn't held accountable he will do it again https://t.co/Bjf88NYQ26
— AntifascistVotesBlue (@Busyantifascist) May 25, 2022
Republicans screaming about “grooming” are just projecting what’s happening in churches across the country.
— Hallie (@halliedevir) May 24, 2022
As a fired youth pastor for speaking up against abuse in the church, this sickens me. She walked out with a few hugs and the church leadership laid hands on this pedophiliac. Wolfs in sheep clothing.
— Jeff Gallagher (@JeffGal34087428) May 24, 2022
Pastor Lowe pic.twitter.com/tv6m9uAZxj
— Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦🏳️🌈 (@nwmidwife) May 24, 2022
He will follow the normal Christian Preacher playbook. He will resign, pray to Jesus for forgiveness, report that Jesus forgives him and wants him to continue to serve the lord, and return to his tax exempt Church.
— MarinTrinidad (@HerbertHerzog3) May 25, 2022
Why don’t people go to church anymore?… https://t.co/jusZcChgC8
— Lupinfan83 (@Lupinfan83) May 25, 2022
There is now an investigation into the matter, started by the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office.
The New Life Christian Church at least had the good sense to cancel their “Marriage Matters” class.
Mavourneen Michiels/Facebook
Kathy Simmons/Facebook
Danielle Marie Gates/Facebook
@covie_93/Threads
@Andy/X
@Andy reply to @ChassieBlu/X
@pumptinis/X