Charles Teves
Jesus Christ River of Life Church’s leaders condemned the social media backlash against the church and its head, Pastor Romeo Nunez. Pastor Nuñez is dealing with a sexual abuse case in court.
In a statement sent to Palawan News, church leaders refuted allegations that Nuez had “requested” a Ford Raptor as a present from them.
This statement addressed a viral Facebook post by Zamora Cha, who claimed that Nuez had “demanded” the car from his congregation.
“Ang sasakyan (Raptor) na tinutukoy ni Ms. Zamora sa kanyang post sa Facebook kung saan ay idenemand umano ni Ptr. Nuñez bilang birthday gift sa kanya ay walang katotohanan. Sa katunayan, ang mga lider mismo ng church ang nag meeting kung saan napagkasunduan ng lahat na i-bless si Ptr. Nuez sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng sasakyan bilang Christmas gift noong taong 2019,” they said.
The church leaders also addressed concerns about a purported church event that supposedly mandated each leader to contribute P2,000, offering clarification on the matter.
“Patungkol naman sa Encounter Weekend na activity ng church, ang lahat ng goals and fees regarding sa nasabing activity ay pinag usapan at sinang ayunan ng lahat ng leaders. Ang perang nalilikom dito ay ginagamit bilang pambayad sa venue at pagkain ng delegates para sa nasabing 2-day event. Ang encounter ay kina-conduct ng iba’t-ibang churches,” they explained.
Jesus Christ River of Life Church emphasizes that involvement in their ministry is a “personal choice” and a “selfless act,” and no one is coerced into participating.
“Sa usaping paglilingkod sa Diyos, ang mga taong aktibong nakikibahagi sa ministry, (i.e. pagsheshare ng word of God, pag engage sa mga trainings, pagsama sa mga meetings at fellowship) ay personal na desisyon ng bawat isa at ginagawa nila ito ng walang kapalit,” they continued.
The church leaders stated that their goal in releasing the statement was to stop defamatory attacks on their religious institutions
Nunez was apprehended on March 27 on charges of lasciviousness. He posted a P36,000 bond to prevent arrest.
Church leaders did not address Zamora Cha’s sexual abuse allegations.
