Seventh-day Adventist Church Removes Samuel Koranteng-Pipim from Membership in Ohio
Editor’s Note: This statement was originally published to the Ohio Conference website on January 18, 2021, and is reprinted in full below:
Seventh-day Adventist Church Removes Samuel Koranteng-Pipim from Membership in Ohio
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dateline – January 18, 2021
Dayton Ohio, United States | Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
On January 16, 2021, after much prayer and with a grieving heart, the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church voted to remove Samuel Koranteng-Pipim from membership for alleged sexual offenses. The Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists supports the decision of this local church, saddened by the pain this moment has brought. Furthermore, we wish to provide added comment on the situation.
In 2012, the Michigan Conference removed Pipim from membership for similar allegations. In 2014, a local church in the Ohio Conference accepted Pipim into membership. In 2020, after new allegations arose, the Ohio Conference Executive Committee reviewed the entire history of the matter and examined allegations of sexual violence by at least 10 women. They discovered shocking and consistent patterns in these allegations – each from unrelated, geographically distant women. With this knowledge, and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their sources, Ohio Conference executive leadership offered counsel to the local church.
Women have been accusing Pipim of predacious sexual behavior for nearly three decades. Pipim denies many allegations, and repeatedly frames others as infrequent and consensual moral falls. However, the allegations indicate a repetitive pattern of spiritual manipulation and predatory behavior against those who are most vulnerable, least able to defend themselves, and least in a position to seek prosecution for rape or sexual harassment. Especially so, given his self-professed global ministry as a speaker, youth mentor, and writer.
The Ohio Conference supports the January 16, 2021 action of the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church because the pattern of allegations violates membership reinstatement requirements as outlined by the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, p 67.
The Ohio Conference unequivocally warns the public against inviting Pipim as a speaker, using his books or materials, or placing him in a position of spiritual authority, leadership, or influence over others.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Ohio Conference have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct. The Ohio Conference cares deeply about the pain suffered by victims of this case. We extend our apologies globally to those who have been hurt and wish to be an agent of healing, hope, and wholeness. We have heard your voices, and we take each story seriously.
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The Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is one of the oldest networks of churches in the global Seventh-day Adventist Church family. Our sisterhood – comprised of 101 churches – is blessed with a great diversity of cultures, each speaking the Good News in ways that reach and serve their respective communities. Our mission is to announce the saving grace of Jesus Christ, His ministry on our behalf, our eager anticipation of His soon return, as well as the hope and wholeness He offers to those who commit their lives to Him. Two functions of that mission are to protect the safety of all those to whom we minister and uphold the good name of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
FAQs
Why was Pipim accepted as a member of the Ohio Conference after he had already lost his membership in another Seventh-day Adventist congregation?
In the Seventh-day Adventist Church, membership is initiated at the local church level. As such, each congregation independently governs its admission and expulsion of members. The Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church – believing Pipim to be sincerely repentant – rebaptized him into membership. The Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church is a thriving, innovative congregation with many active, committed members of all ages. They chose to offer forgiveness and grace to Pipim and held the highest hope that his professed commitment to the teachings of the Bible would cause him to reject a life inconsistent with decency, morality, and church standards. However, after new accusations arose, the Ohio Conference reexamined the entire case. The church then acted under a unanimous recommendation of the Board to remove Pipim’s membership. As such, he no longer holds any connection with, or endorsement of any entity within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
How can I contact the Ohio Conference and where can I get further information?
Contact the Digital Media and Communication director for the Ohio Conference, Kasper Haughton Jr., at information@ohioadventist.org.
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Further Reading:
Samuel Koranteng–Pipim Cancels Speaking Appointments and Resigns from Michigan Conference, May 31, 2011
Receiving the Bird: Samuel Koranteng-Pipim Seeks Rebaptism This Sabbath, June 5, 2012
Pipim Rebaptism Canceled, Another Victim Identified, June 8, 2012
In Release, Jay Gallimore Defends Role in Samuel Pipim Rebaptism Process, September 3, 2012
Healing the Wound of God’s Daughters: A Response to the Michigan Conf. President’s Letter, September 3, 2012
Citing Safety, Lake Union Advises World Church Against Pipim Materials, Speaking Invitations, September 26, 2012
Samuel Koranteng-Pipim Re-baptized, June 26, 2014
Michigan Conference Did Not Support Pipim's Re-Baptism, July 2, 2014
Ohio Conference President Did Not Know about Pipim's Re-Baptism Until After It Happened, July 8, 2014
Image credit: Ohio Conference website.
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