MEMBERS of the Pilgrim Baptist Temple, church of Bishop E Randy Fraser who was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse, last night voted on whether to have the embattled pastor removed as leader.
The unofficial results of the vote revealed that of the about 200 members who cast ballots, 133 want Fraser to remain as pastor. Only 68 of them believe he should be replaced.
While this newspaper was assured that the process would run smoothly and without incident, certain members of the church were last night up in arms and nearly came to blows after a church board official read to voters evidence given while Fraser stood trial.
Scores of church goers then voted up to around 10pm on the question: ”Do you agree to terminate the services of Bishop Earl Randy as Senior Pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Temple.”
Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, a member at the heart of the church elections confirmed that the exercise was carried out after it was discovered that the trustee board was split over whether Fraser should remain at the helm of church.
In fact, since Fraser’s incarceration, The Tribune understands that a power struggle among different members was creating discord. Different pockets of the church’s membership had continuously lobbied for his removal, The Tribune was told.
It was later decided that an interim pastor would take over the church until Fraser was released. He has about 20 more months to complete his prison sentence.
“We had decided,” the member said, “that this church had reached a point where the voting needed to take place so that we could move on from this.
“While I can tell you that a majority of the people want him to continue, there are some who have decided that he should no longer be the pastor.
“In an effort to keep things impartial there were certain persons of the civil service who are from time to time seconded to the parliamentary division called in to oversee the church’s elections.”
Fraser was convicted during a retrial in November 2011 of having sex with a minor who he had agreed with her family to counsel. The incidents took place between July 2005 and February 2006.
He sought, last June, to have the conviction, which his attorney Jiaram Mangra called an “unjust and unreasonable” conviction, overturned in the appellate court.
In December 2011, two weeks after his conviction, his bail request was denied pending the outcome of appeal. The appellate court ruled that he had no exceptional circumstances that warranted him being eligible for a bond.
Two months later Mangra argued that his conviction was not only unreasonable but claimed his trial was unfair, as he accused magistrate Bethell of being prejudicial in the case where she allegedly, on several interventions, usurped the role of the prosecutor.
Comments
nationbuilder 11 years, 8 months ago
Every person in that church who is still sticking around behind this is as sick as the convict is
Ironvelvet 11 years, 8 months ago
Yet, everyone criticizes the Catholic Church for protecting pedophiles. You know, this is a classic example of, "I know him, I like him, he would never do that, or I can forgive him because i like him, or but he did this/that for me."
The man is a criminal that preyed on a child who was convicted and went to prison. He has no business leading a church of people through their trials and tribulations.
Wake up! This is why we have so many criminals that we enable in our families. Like the song says, STOP DIGGING IN YA BUNGI!
IloveBahamas 11 years, 8 months ago
Refresh my memory? Did he ever admit his wrongdoing? How can one be forgiven for something they don't admit two. And secondly if he did admit this shows that his lack of proper judgement, respect for the church and the need to feed his selfish needs was more important than his commitment to the church. This was not a mistake that happened one time but over a course of months. He had more time to reflect on what he was doing but chose to ignore what he knew could be the potential consequences. A strong leader can admit wrongdoing and or makes decisions keeping the population at large in mind. His decision and or actions failed to do either. He can serve in some other capacity in the church. But his actions has proven him to be an unfit leader. What would Jesus Do?
jackbnimble 11 years, 8 months ago
Jesus would forgive and restore if the person genuinely repented. I'm sure you have heard the saying, "The gift and the calling of God are without repentance." I don't think God takes away our gifts and calling when we sin so in this case, I don't find it fair to judge. God is the one that he said called him into ministry and gave him the gift to preach his gospel. Further, noone knows if he has repented and what his relationship is with his MASTER. If his congregants are prepared to accept him, again, who are we to judge?
IloveBahamas 11 years, 8 months ago
Yes Jesus would forgive given that he repents or admits to his wrongdoing which in until this day he still maintains his innocence. As for the congregants they are now divided and there is chaos in the church. We are not able to judge one's heart but that is not to say we should not judge one's actions. WE have to. In fact as Christians we ought to in order to condemn wrong and encourage what is right! Matthew 7 v6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. So you can stay right there putting all your faith and trust into those that tell you that they are the chosen ones, who as a leader has a greater expectation and standard vs the ordinary folk to remain focused and make good choices. We can forgive but forgetting does not mean to ignore what has happened and live on as if nothing has happened.
Reader 11 years, 8 months ago
I Corinthians 5:6 - 13
Understandfacts 11 years, 8 months ago
If he has one ounce of dignity left in his frame he would not accept the role as leader. Even if he isnt guilty, as he so claims, he is in too much of a compromising position over the term of his prison sentence to lead.
I've followed that case and the prosecution was able to prove he is guilty and I believe in this case justice has been served by giving the guilty verdict, but I do believe the punishment should have been even more severe.
To manipulate and use status and power for sexual gain, on a vulnerable young lady is disgusting and he is a very sick man. The cowardliest of cowards. The only honorable thing left for him to do is tell the truth, man up to his wrong doings and bow out with whatever grace he has left.
His wife, joined him in his cowardness by lying on his behalf and she should be prosecuted for perjury. The congregation has been brainwashed into oblivion, I wish they all could imagine that girl as their child and the pain she and her family suffered. She may have not been the most upright individual in Nassau, but that does not justify being taken advantage of, especially from someone in position and power.
Randy, you are a fake and a fraud and no better than the criminals you share house with, you are where you deserve to be. I wish our country never had to deal with you. When you stand before God on that great day, I hope you made peace with your past, and he has mercy on your soul!
As far as the congregation goes, OPEN UP YOUR THIRD EYE!
concernedcitizen 11 years, 8 months ago
lets see , who is not closet homosexuals , are romancing the choir , then we got Eddie Long ,then theres all those old queens and child molesters in the catholic church ,,read the bible and teach your kids right from wrong ,,BUT STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THESE SO CALLED MEN OF GOD ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Fraser is a low down dirty creep that preys on young girls if his church members are STUPID enough to listen to him ,,,,,,,they are not people they are sheeple
Sign in to comment
OpenID