Rev. Steven Parrott, pastor of Lighthouse Temple Church in Newark, New Jersey, has been indicted on charges that he stole nearly $160,000 by soliciting loans from members of his congregation and others.
Parrott is now deposed from his pastorate and administrative post as Diocesan Bishop of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. His diocese included Essex, Mercer, and Hudson Counties.
Rev. Parrott exploited one members sympathy falsely claiming that he needed money to bury a loved one. He also told other congregants that “the Lord” wanted him to ask for the money to repair his church and make a down payment on a $6 million dollar project to create an after-school program in memory of his deceased father. One sister donated $75,000.
One fellow COOLJC bishop donated $44,850 under the pretense of helping build a Family Life Center in memory of Parrott’s father.
Additionally, the former minister stole checks received on behalf of the National Convention of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
His case will be tried in Burlington County, New Jersey, where he will appear to answer these charges.
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