American televangelist accused of encouraging vasectomies, abortions

(Image: Ernest Angley website)

Pentecostal evangelist Ernest Angley has had a torrid time recently facing accusations by members of his Grace Cathedral church for persuading them to get vasectomies and abortions.

The controversy erupted when an associate pastor resigned after confessing that he believe he was "inappropriately touched" by Angley for seven years, the Akron Beacon Journal reported.

In July 13, the 93-year-old Angley responded and spoke on issues like accusations he is homosexual and other sexual abuse accusations.

"I'm not a homosexual. God wouldn't use a homosexual like he uses me. He calls me his prophet and indeed I am," he said.

He addressed the issue of vasectomy saying he has helped so many boys through the years.

"I've helped so many of the boys down through the years," he said in his slow, singsong cadence. "They had their misgivings. Sure, I'd have them uncover themselves, but I did not handle them at all.

"And I would tell them how that would work....I would look at them, their privates - I, so I could tell how they were swelling.

Angley also described specific instances with the boys like undressing, falling testicles, and looking at the men's "privates."

The Beacon Journal interviewed 21 former members who said the church is run like a cult. They said they were controlled in every aspect of their lives.

"None of us have kids because he makes all the men get fixed," said former member Becky Roadman. "You're not allowed to have babies there."

Angelia Oborne, a former church worker, revealed that she and her husband cannot have children because her husband had a vasectomy. She said that it happened because of brainwashing and mind control.

Oborne also said her friend was advised by Angley that a growing fetus is a tumor.

In another case, Angley reportedly told a would-be father that it's against God's will for anyone to have a child.

Angley said all the accusations are lies from those who want take control of the ministry.

But when he was asked about people having children, he said this is a bad time to have children and he himself wouldn't want to be brought into this world now.

Former member Greg Mulkey said Angley doesn't want people to have kids "because it would take their time and money away from [the church]."

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