Pastor admits affair during service before wife stands up and claims to be his victim

Pastor John Lowe II, 65, told his congregation at New Life Christian Church and World Outreached that he committed adultery 20 years ago before he was interrupted by a woman in the audience

A church pastor admitted to a historic affair on stage at church, before a woman in the audience stood up and claimed it was she he was cheating on – and she was just a teenager at the time.

John Lowe II told his congregation at New Life Christian Church and World Outreached in Warsaw, Indiana, on Sunday that he “sinned” by committing adultery 20 years ago.

The 65-year-old pastor asked forgiveness for the “deep wound” he allegedly caused, adding there was “no good reason” why he waited so many years to turn himself in.

“To be clear, I didn’t make a mistake, I didn’t have a problem, I didn’t have an affair, I didn’t misjudge — I sinned. I have to say this and you deserve to hear it,” he said.

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“If I could go back and do it all again, I would. I can not. I can only ask you to forgive me,” Lowe declared from the podium at the end of the morning service.

He added that his wife and family already knew and “graciously” forgave him Fox News reports.

Lowe went on to say he would step down before receiving a round of applause.

However, one woman – along with a man who was said to be her husband – went to the microphone and claimed it was actually 27 years ago and she was 16 at the time.

“I was only 16 when you took my virginity on your office floor. Do you remember that? I know you do,” the woman, in her 40s, told Lowe.

She described how she had lived in a “prison of lies and pain” as she tried to protect the pastor’s family and had suicidal thoughts “without realizing what had really been done to me.”

The woman said her older brother recently asked her how he once saw her in bed with the pastor when she was a teenager.

The pastor murmured, “Sixteen years old, okay. It was wrong.”

The age of consent in Indiana is currently 16.

The woman’s husband claimed their “relationship” lasted nine years, describing it as “well past adultery” and “people need to be held accountable”.

The exchange was captured in a 14-minute video posted to Facebook.

in one ExplanationNew Life Christian Church and World Outreach said: “Following what has now been revealed, we are hurt and heartbroken for a woman who was lovingly at church for many years, and for her husband and family .

“It is our deepest prayer and commitment to love her, support her, encourage her and help her through a healing process in any way we can.

“New Life is also dedicated to serving and serving all of our members during this difficult time, not only surviving but together experiencing abundant grace and unity healing—all for the glory of God and the preservation of His church.”

The church also expressed its support for the former pastor and his family.

It added that Lowe submitted his resignation on Monday (May 23).

The Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the case. WANE TV reports.