Pastor threatens legal action against activist who protested at his church

Jardine Malado Sunday, September 25, 2016

Bishop Wayne T. Jackson of Great Faith Ministries said that a warrant will be issued against the activist who interrupted his worship service last Saturday, Sept. 17.

The protest, which turned into a brawl, was part of New Era Detroit's efforts to call out pastors who live a lavish lifestyle. Jackson said that the protesters violated a sacred place when they disrupted the service.

New Era Detroit protesters and church security face off outside the Great Faith Ministries Church after the worship service was interrupted. | Screen capture/Youtube/7mileradio

"How dare you come into a place where there are children, where there's elderly and widows and grandmothers, and do such a thing? It's wrong and you can't justify it," the pastor told Fox 2.

New Era Detroit's leader, who only goes by the name Zeek, accused the pastor of living lavishly without helping the communities surrounding the church. Jackson pointed out that he has been helping the community for 30 years.

"I have bought washers and dryers for elderly people," he said. "We have taken and had dinners at my home for school children for dinners at my home for school children. I have people living in my home right now that were homeless and they're not paying me a dime," he added.

Jackson stated that he regularly gives away food to the poor. He added that he has provided jobs for former inmates and even gave away homes.

In an earlier interview, Zeek claimed that churchgoers were told that ATMs are available if they do not have cash for the offerings. The pastor said this was a lie and stated that there are no ATMs in his church.

Zeek also claimed that the church was asking $1,000 for the offering. Jackson said that pastors in the city whom he referred to as his "spiritual sons" were merely giving him "a thousand dollar love gift" to honor his birthday.

Jackson added that he wants Zeek prosecuted and wants a restraining order against New Era Detroit.

Earlier this month, Jackson hosted and interviewed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during his visit to Detroit. The event generated some controversy because Jackson admitted that he forwarded the questions to Trump in advance so that he could prepare for the interview.