Dr. Joseph White, presiding Bishop of the Church of the Living God International (CLGI), has been suspended following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The church’s board of directors placed White on leave from any official duties or capacity with the church until the matter is resolved.
In a letter to CLGI members, the board said, “…these are serious allegations…we must allow the legal process to work…so that justice may be served.”
White has denied the allegations but has declined further comment.
Attorney Tyler Fox, who represents a number of CLGI sex abuse victims, said, “It is encouraging… that at least the Church and its board recognize that my clients’ allegations are serious, and that these allegations of ‘misconduct’ -- which are really sexual abuse of church members, including minors -- need to be addressed.”
Fox called for White and the church to compensate victims. He also demanded that the board fire White immediately. Board members did not return calls from WKYC.
The board’s action comes just a few days after Channel 3 Investigator Tom Meyer uncovered allegations of sexual misconduct. Victims launched a website a few weeks ago and are sharing their stories about White and CLGI.