Tongues have been wagging in a Mandeville-based church after news broke within the congregation that a member of the church is being accused of sexually harassing its male pastor.

The accused, who told THE STAR she has been a member of the church for some 34 years, is upset that the pastor could be making what she considers damning allegations, following what she describes as an almost two-year long platonic relationship.

According to Elizabeth Evans*, the relationship developed a few years ago shortly after the passing of the pastor's wife.

"We were friends before, we had a special relationship which developed about three months after his wife died," she also stated that they had absolutely no sexual contact and were only friends.

Evans told THE STAR that all hell broke loose after word got out that the pastor and her were in this 'special relationship'. She said, "I told two church sisters about it and they went back and told him, he wasn't happy that I told anyone about what we had. He was upset and asked me not to tell anyone about the relationship."

It was revealed to THE STAR that according to the church's policy, the ministers of that church are not allowed to marry a divorcee, which Evans is; if they chose to do this, then they would be forced to relinquish their positions.

According to Evans, it was this policy which fuelled the pastor's slandering comment.

pressuring him

She told THE STAR that along with accusing her of sexually harassing him, "He told persons that I am throwing myself at him and pressuring him for marriage."

Evans told THE STAR that the allegations have now left the confines of the church and has spread to the surrounding community in which she is a role model.

"It has spread to outside the church into the larger community. Two members from two different branches of the church called me to ask if what was being said is true, people are starting to look at me in a different light," she said.

She told THE STAR that due to the feud, she has been affected emotionally and spiritually, stating that the pastor has even prevented her from performing her church duties.

"I am a soloist and he has stopped me from singing in the church, he has turned down my request, because he says that I am saying bad things about him."

She also told THE STAR how a group of women within the church whom she refers to as 'the gang' are attempting to have her ousted. "The gang wrote a resolution for me to stay away from the pastor, and not speak with him or else they would get me disfellowshipped."

Evans told THE STAR that she has been receiving threats from some of the members, where one, according to her even stated, "She wished that I would go into the middle of the road and let a vehicle hit and kill me."

Evans told THE STAR that since her request for an apology from the pastor have been futile, she is using this media as an opportunity to get justice for herself and also other women within the church who have fallen victim to disrepute.

"This is not a woman scorned. I am standing up for women who have been abused and walked upon, I want people to know that ministers of religion often do wrong and then try to sweep it under the carpet."

THE STAR spoke with two officials at the church who confirmed the incident but were unwilling to comment further

One official told THE STAR "I am aware that Ms Evans and the pastor are having some issues, but this is a church matter and I will not be discussing it with you."

*Names changed