Former Word of Faith Fellowship members share stories of abuse

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Former members of the Word of Faith Fellowship church in Rutherford County who say they were abused physically and psychologically shared their stories at a community forum Saturday.

One after another, they gave a testimony about the church they grew up in and that haunts them.

"Fear of leaving is what keeps people there,” one former member said.

Some current church members attended the forum in Spindale.

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Channel 9 has extensively reported on the Word of Faith Fellowship, now at the center of a state and federal investigation.

Former members have accused the church of abuse and fraud. One member said he was beaten because he's gay.

Others said members would be beaten and screamed at to "expel demons."

"They coached us on very specifically on what we had to say to DSS (Department of Social Services),” a former member said. “I knew there would be punishment if I said something I wasn't supposed to say."

The church has repeatedly denied the accusations and even posted several video testimonies on its website in response to an Associated Press investigation detailing alleged abuse.

"Every time they've tried to attack us, to lie about us, year after year, their attacks are unsuccessful,” Word of Faith minister Mark Morris said. “Our church keeps getting stronger."

Former members hope by sharing their personal stories, they will empower current members to leave.

"I can’t be a bystander and let my nieces and nephews go through the same things I did with this cult,” a former member said.

Cox Media Group