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DaleRussell's Blog

by DaleRussell from Let's Be Real

Last Post 218 days, 8 hours Ago


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Click to download Bishop Paulk's Search Warrant (PDF)

I met Earl Paulk in 1981. I doubt he remembers it.

I was at his church one Sunday morning, watching wide eyed, as thousands streamed through the doors. I had grown up in rather small Presbyterian churches and the size of this Cathedral astonished me.

He had given a sermon asking the killer of young African American children (known as the Missing and Murdered Children) to turn himself in. He did this, because he had taken an anonymous call from someone who might have been the killer. I was there to cover the story.

Now, 26 years later, Bishop Earl Paulk is back in the news.

Tonight, we air the first of a two part special on the ongoing sex abuse law suit against Paulk.

I hate the overuse of the word “shocking” in TV news, but watch and judge for yourself.

It is a story of allegations of sexual abuse from seven different women, dating back to 1975, with a new twist involving a recent DNA test.

One note of interest. Our story contains the first ever TV interview from a Paulk family member on the allegations, the revelations, and the hopes for the church’s future.

I think you will find it interesting.

Postscript. After Paulk’s public announcement in 1981 the next murdered child, Curtis Walker, was dumped in the south River, just below his church.

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doobyscoo view my photos
Nov 1, 2007 | 4:32 PM

I wonder how many sisters are really daughters and nephews are really sons in Earl the Pearl's family? The holidays must be really confusing for him to keep all of this straight! Sorry to be so crass, I just think it is really sad that this man has ruined so many lives. Luckily, I slept through most of his sermons, so I didn't get caught up in the cult. It is a cult. Anyone who would ask his congregation to give DOUBLE-tithe and GET it has some power over people. Of course, that paid for his Lexus, his designer suits, and his other extracurricular activities. His prostate cancer is just the tip of the iceberg as to what is in store for his afterlife. I almost feel bad for the old pervert. Nah!! :)

doobyscoo view my photos
Nov 1, 2007 | 4:33 PM

Oh, and Earl, you can eat that blog with salt on it! hee! hee!

gladtobeoutofchhc
Nov 1, 2007 | 9:03 PM

donnie earl paulk does what paulk's do
they lie
they cover up stuff
that blame the women that have risked so much to tell the truth
they use smoke and mirrors
they act like they are above it all
they make me sick
i was a member there from 1998 until 2004
my blood still runs cold to know i loved
them and trusted them and thought they were
right next to God
i put my life in their hands
earl paulk said he was "the bishop over my soul"
i would have stoped a bullet for them
i defended them and would have fought for them
and it was all fake
it was not real
i was hoodwinked
now i hear the ones still there say things like
"i do not follow a man, i follow jesus"
the people there are following a den of theifs
and liars and child molesters and adulters
they stand and cheer for him and his family
and i do not know if they are blind as bats or just as sick
i watched donnie earl paulk talk about this being about revenge
how dare he
everything about his family trying to ruin the lives of women speaking out is all about revenge
i hope the Cobb County DA follows this through
and they are all tossed behind bars
and that is too good for them
they have not only used people and abused children they have said it was all about God!
i have nothing but contempt for the lot of them
i still have nightmares about that place
a cult
you bet it is!!
of the sickest kind

kyrasmom
Nov 1, 2007 | 10:34 PM

DE's view is from a very distorted lens, his mind immersed in Earl Paulk's way of thinking. DE never had a public job, so when the church collapses, how is he going to earn a living? His whole life has been financed by the church. This whole thing is as twisted as a daytime soap. Part of it is entertaining, but then it's so sick. Does DE expect people to think that his mother having an affair and an out-of-wedlock child justifies lying under oath? Court is serious business and depositions should be truthful no matter who it hurts. In some cases, the life of the defendant hangs in the balance. Do we want a real criminal to go free because someone lied in their deposition? Or do we want an innocent person given prison time? That is why a perjury charge should be taken seriously. DE claimed in the interview that he and his family had a right to privacy over this issue. Earl Paulk shattered that when he chose to lie in the deposition. Now he is rightfully subject to criminal prosecution. This time he cannot blame his accusers. He made a choice, a bad one, and now it is time to face the music.

slocklint
Nov 2, 2007 | 1:53 AM

Well of course DE is going to defend his FUNCLE Earl!!!

What a sick group of people that claim to be working for God and for the good of their congregation.

May God truly bless those 7 women who have had the fortitude to come forward and expose the hideous goings-on by this pretend representative of God's word and will.

If there are more women out there that have not come forward, I hope that you will. There is power in numbers.

doobyscoo view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 8:36 AM

Donnie Earl said in his interview that it's not like Mother Teresa is the one accusing us. Well, it is not like these brave women are accusing Mother Teresa of anything either!! What was he trying to prove by saying something like that? That he is as common as they come? Yeah, I think that is how it made him look. Wasn't there some sort of scandal involving Donnie Earl and the girl that he eventually married? Didn't they have to pay off her family or something when she was a teenager? Yeah, I heard something about that.
Oh, and Donnie Earl, what was it that you used to do in the Sunday School trailers behind the gym? You are no Mother Teresa either!! :)

It is not Donnie Earl's fault that he was born into this mess, but "there's a time when you have to say WHAT AN IDIOT!" (Isn't that what he said about those women?) Yeah, well, Donnie Earl, you look like an idiot defending these perverts! Break away and throw them to the wolves. Oh, wait, you are one of those wolves!

And his mom's reproductive system was screwed up by birth control so they turned to the Bishop for help?? Ewwwwwww! As supposed "people of God" don't you think that they would just accept it as God's will not to have a second child instead of 'swingin' with your brother-in-law? Yuk! That is so sick. I can't believe that they tried to explain that one away like that!

This would make a great soap opera! "As the Cathedral Turns" or "The Swingin' Bishop" or "My Brother's Wife" or "Who my Babydaddy?" or just put it on the Jerry Springer Show. That is about the caliber of character that we are dealing with

mlf1070 read my blog
Nov 2, 2007 | 9:44 AM

The Earl Paulk scandal, and all the other sex scandals (Bakker, Swaggert, etc..) involving so-called 'Christians' is the epitome of organized religion's "do as I say, not as I do" mentality.

The immoral conduct of these men and women speaks volumes about the carnal nature of humankind, and brings into sharp focus the absolute necessity to be saved from ourselves.

People will join and support a 501(c)3 church corporation, but give little heed to seeking The Kingdom of God first. Jesus was correct in stating that we must be born again. What is born of flesh is flesh, what's born of spirit is spirit, and only spirit inherits the Kingdom.

Fortunately for the human race, God has a perfect plan to save us from the wretched creatures we are. It's called DNA. We are born with physical DNA and acquire spiritual DNA when our spirit is infuesed with the Holy Spirit. We know we are 'born again' when we stop sinning continueously over a long period of time. The Spirit Man stops immediately and repents. The carnal man ignores all warnings and keeps on sinning.

There are two types of Christians...overcomers and non-overcomers. Read the difference here:
http://mlf1070.wordpress.com/2007/07/19/football-is-in-
the-bible/

FormerFollower
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:50 AM

What is keeping people going to this church? I would be embarrassed to death if someone asked me where I went (this is the bible belt, people ask that a lot) and I had to tell them I went to the hillbilly, wife-swapping church in S. Dekalb. I heard when Donnie Earl made this amazing announcement about his father/uncle, the congregation stood to its feet and clapped and cheered and praised God and then lined up to hug on Donnie Earl and his mother. Are these people just insane? Is it not too much to ask that your pastor not be screwing his brother's wife? I've heard current members say they look at the Lord and not at man, don't kick someone when they're down, we need to forgive, and I think all that's fine, but the Bible says if a brother is found in adultery to kick him out of the church and not to even eat a meal with him unless he repents. The Paulks have never repented and are even now trying to make this current scandal look better by trotting out Donnie Earl to defend them. I would just be horrified to find out my pastor had done a thing like this and I don't understand why the congregation at Chapel Hill doesn't seem to care. Are they just that numbed by all the other scandals at the church over the years that it doesn't matter to them anymore??? I can't wait until the current Chapel Hill members show up here and try to defend Donnie Earl and his twisted family. There's not one thing they can say to make this mess look any better but I'm willing to bet they will show up and try.

leginatl
Nov 2, 2007 | 12:18 PM

Okay, does any one remember the early 90's? I was there on fox news, wsb news, ll alive news, cnn, sally jesse - for the love of GOD !!!!!! Hey Sean Hannity you can bite my BLEEP. You should be ashamed of yourself and so many others in this city who did not really believe our stories. Or you thought, IT CAN'T REALLY BE THAT BAD. Now, we all know it was that bad and don't think it can't get worse. ALL of us who have left that hellish incestuous sex ring should show up for one more finale in front of the church each with a sign that says "my sister, or my friend, or my daughter, or my mother" was "molested, raped, abused, deceived" SHUT THIS PLACE DOWN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are sooooooooo many affected? I was one - When does it have to be enough? Wasn't one enough?
And hey there DE, you said it was "nobody's business" - You ALL - your father earl, your daddy don, and your cousin Duane, and the madam Lynn Mays have all made it our business, when you all decided to BLEEP mothers, and daughters, and sisters, and sons, and CHILDREN in the name of God. It is our business , it will ALWAYS be our business. It is the business of the media and the community to warn others to stay away and to do everything to SHUT YOU DOWN.
Dale Russell - thanks for the story. And do me a favor and ask DE Paulk in your next interview that if it was his mother Clariece having "fertility" problems and not his Daddy "Don" Paulk, then why didn't they have Norma sleep with Don and call it a day ! That is the most RIDICULOUS response/or solution to that problem I have

leginatl
Nov 2, 2007 | 12:22 PM

CONT'D
.....ever heard. What ? was Earl Paulks sperm going to HEAL Clariece Paulk's problem? WHAT? I think this is another cover up of a lie , and that is that Don Paulk had slow swimmers.................Hardy Har Har - put that in your pipe.

eucatastrophe
Nov 2, 2007 | 12:56 PM

Verily I say unto you, there was once two priests who were brothers, and, behold, the wife of one of the brothers was barren after bearing a daughter. And, yea, that wife and the priest sought out the wisdom of the physicians of the land, and, behold, the physicians declared that it was the priest whose seed was corrupted, and not the womb of his wife. And, lo, that wife wept and cried to the Lord with great supplication and said, "O Lord, when wilt thou grant thy maidservant a manchild, that she may delight in his ways and carry on the name of thy maidservant's husband?" And, behold, the woman's heart leapt within her as she considered the countenance of her husband and that of her husband's brother. Yea, they were as one and winsome in appearance. Thus, she purposed in her heart to discuss this matter with her husband and with her husband's brother. And, behold, not many days hence, the brother of the priest with the corrupted seed went into her, and she conceived and bore a son, and they called his name Donnie. And, lo, they covenanted together to not reveal to Donnie or to the people of the land that which they had wrought. ....

... until now.

http://www.matthewdgreen.com/2007/11/parable-of-cathedr
al-at-chapel-hill.html

doobyscoo view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 1:33 PM

So, if Clairice couldn't conceive children, because her system was messed up, then how could she conceive with Earl?? Was Don on the pill? Did Earl have rainbow sperm? What was the difference in the two men's sperm that she had to have sex with Earl to get pregnant? If she was the one with the problem, and invitro was not prevelant at the time, then Donnie Earl's statement to explain this away is rather comical!! Poor id-D.E.-ot! I guess they didn't offer regular sex eduaction classes at the Harvester Academy. They must have only explained sex to him as "immaculate conception." This is one time that I am thankful for a public education! Poor stupid jerk was brought up by their lies all the way around! Hey Donnie Earl, if your "daddy" couldnt get your mom pregnant, then who is your sister's babydaddy? You don't make a bit of sense! You should not grant anymore interviews. You're too stupid for the real world! You might want to check into Dekalb County Schools to fix the damage that your parents' school did to your limited education. You are going to need some sort of a "worldly" education to fall back on when you have to get out in the real world and get a real job. Stupid jerk!

COGtarget
Nov 2, 2007 | 2:23 PM

All of the Paulks have a background with the Church of God. Sadly, I'd say this is just par for the course for many (not all) of past and current "ministers of the Gospel" afiliated with that particular denomination.

cade
Nov 2, 2007 | 5:14 PM

What a pitiful excuse for people "called of God" - this is worse than any soap opera I have ever seen.

cade
Nov 2, 2007 | 5:15 PM

Was DNA testing done on Mona's child???I have the feeling there are more "biological children" out there that we have not yet heard about?

berrin
Nov 2, 2007 | 6:28 PM

Well, you can tell we're in a sweeps period. This is indeed a sad state of affairs, and Fox 5 is going to milk it for all the ratings it can. Let's see how many days during the sweeps they drag this story through the airwaves. 2 days and counting so far. Anyone remember when television news was under the NEWS department and not the entertainment department? It's all about ratings.

whydidistaysolong
Nov 2, 2007 | 6:34 PM

How can DE's father/uncle be so innocent if the women accusing him of his perversion are prostitutes and whores? If these women really are what the young pastor says, then the old guy must have given in. And what ever happened to that "Pro-Love/Pro-gay" thing. Does he now not love the sinners. He kinda got tight lipped when he called these women those names. He sure does get defensive over the protection of the gay community. When it is all said and done, we might find out he has as many skeletons in that closet as his uncle/father --daddy/uncle had in the whore closet.

sureblameme
Nov 2, 2007 | 6:42 PM

Funny, I was once a member there. I was a youth leader in the church. Once I was accused of "sexual misconduct" with the young women. i was innocent and was made to feel like crap. Sure I was 15 and did not know any better and I just went along with it. Please, this story is just the tip of the iceberg. I knew about this thing years ago. The bad thing is, there sre some good members of the family.(his daughters) and this is putting a strain on them, I'm sure.

People are lucky Dale Russell does not dig any more than this. You have no idea...

sureblameme
Nov 2, 2007 | 6:44 PM

By the way Dale, the church was not that big in 1982. Back when it was Chapel Hill Harvester.

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 7:05 PM

berrin,

Tonight was the last part of the series. Thanks for counting.
I guess, from your comments, sexual abuse claims aimed at a prominent church leader aren't news.
I beg to differ.

slocklint
Nov 2, 2007 | 7:09 PM

DE Paulk's interview was disgusting and appalling. He has truly been schooled by his father/uncle to lie and turn against these women that have been violated. How dare he refer to these women as prostitutes or whores. IF it where true that these women are/where prostituting themselves, is it not a sin for Paulk to engage in adultery with these so called prostitutes?

What of this congregation that gave a "Standing O" when the DNA results were revealed? To forgive is divine, yes....but the way it was stated about the applauding and standing was as if the entire congregation thought it was great and condoned the whole ordeal.

Just what was it that DE Paulk said about "looking forward creating new sins"???? Did I hear that correctly and if so, just what does that mean???

It is conceivable that these woman may have been, at some point in time, willing. I can't help but believe their "willingness" was only by being brain-washing that they would be serving "God's will".

I'm sure we can all think of something we have done where at that time we thought it was not sinful or a digression. Later, even YEARS later, realizing how wrong we were or that when we did whatever it was that we were under a complete misconception of right or wrong. When you step away from the trees - you can see the forest. In this case, I think it was a case of - stepping away from the wolf and seeing the whole pack.....the Paulk Pack.

FormerFollower
Nov 2, 2007 | 7:50 PM

Does that make the little girls who were raped whores and prostitutes too?

What about Donnie Earl's mother, the one who snuck around behind her husband's back to have sex with Earl Paulk, is she a whore too? What does this make her exactly?

I too would love to know what Donnie Earl meant by saying he wants to create some new sins. What sort of church are they running over there??????

I honestly don't understand how ANYONE could support these people. Just watching Donnie Earl and listening to him talk, I got the picture of an arrogant family who believe the rules don't apply to them, they can do whatever they want, use whoever they want, and then blame the women and say the women pursued them. Isn't that was Don Paulk said years ago when he was caught in an affair? It was the woman's fault?

Wow. I will watch this again at 10 tonight so I can be sure I'm actually hearing Donnie Earl right. If I am, he's no minister, and his family doesn't run a church. There's something very very evil going on over there. I hope Pat Head pursues the perjury case all the way and these horrendous people do jail time.

kyrasmom
Nov 2, 2007 | 8:00 PM

Great job Dale! Where's part 3, part 4, ...? You've just touched the tip of the iceburg so far. Thanks for everything. DE had his say, which only proves what an idiot he is. The only brainwashed ones are the ones still attending his church and giving him and the rest of the Paulks a standing ovation. If DE or any of the current members thought that piece was supportive of the Paulks and their sex cult which portrays all women as whores to be used and taken advantage of, well it just proves they are as depraved as the old man Earl Jr. He always preached that some people don't deserve to know the truth, and I guess he thought the deposition in Cobb County was one of those places. We'll soon see about that...

13yrmember
Nov 2, 2007 | 8:28 PM

Thank you Dale Russell!!! Please do follow-up stories on this. My husband & I were members for 13 yrs & a staff members for about 10 years. We also lived in the "church neighborhood" that backed up to the church property. When many of us left the church, Earl told people we were racist, deceived & taken over by evil spirits. When I started hearing the stories various girls were telling, I knew they were true. I knew, because the same things had been said to me. They tried to pull me into their activities. Fortunately, I had a reputation for "giving in to the mind of reason", which was a bad thing according to them. They told me that when I became spiritually mature, I would be able to trust them more.

It should be against the law for a minister to have sex with a member of their congregation.

After I left the church I saw some of Earl's women coming and going from his house during the night. And I saw Earl coming and going from the homes of women in my neightborhood during the night.

I would like to see someone investigate Earl's & Don's finances. I have reason to believe they were taking money and not reporting it. I also believe they were guilty of doing the same thing Jim Baker (PTL) went to jail for. They would ask people to give money for specific things (pipe organ, building fund, etc.) but use it for other things.

I would also like to see a certain blonde twin come forward and tell what happened when she reached out to the Paulks for help in dealing with an incestuous father who was a prominent church leader.

I would also like for sev

13yrmember
Nov 2, 2007 | 8:42 PM

(13yrmember continued)

But what I would MOST LIKE TO SEE is one of Earl's daughters (the one who never bought into his lifestyle) write a book about everything she experienced as a child and adult. During the 13 yrs I was there, I always wondered why Earl constantly discredited her publicly. It was so obvious that he wanted everyone to think she was crazy. He treated her badly because he was affraid she would talk one day. She turned out to be the only sane one in the bunch. I believe she has suffered more than anyone else throughout this man's ministry of evil.

It is sad to see what Donnie Earl has turned into. He was a great kid. I hope he will realize the error of his ways before he does anymore damage.

Thanks again Dale Russell!!!!
I think I will vote for you for president.

sureblameme
Nov 2, 2007 | 9:02 PM

13 yr member, you make some good points. I was a long term member also. From the tent, etc...I do think Dale did a great job also, but I hope his daughter never comes out with anything. She has suffered enough. And even though he may be a sexual deviant, it's still her dad.

I was close to the family also.Enough to where we called him "Uncle Earl" as members of youth group.

The sexual stuff is just the tip. There was plenty of "racial" things that went on that I noticed when I was on staff and as youth leader in Alpha.(youth band)

I watched Donnie Earl grow up, he once distanced himself and tried to start out on his own. I wish he tried to make his own name and not go down because of the "Sins of his fathers"...

gladtobeoutofchhc
Nov 2, 2007 | 9:11 PM

berrin
well we know where you go to "church"
if you call child sexual abuse and rape
entertainment
you are as sick as the paulk clan

gladtobeoutofchhc
Nov 2, 2007 | 9:32 PM

Dale
I thank you for bringing this out and I too
would like to see more reporting on this
this is right here in our backyard
I was a member there for almost 7 years
and I would love to see where all the money
went
there is so much that needs to be told
my hat is off to you for sitting down with donnie earl
I know he likes to be called "de"
but I don't mind them anymore!! LOL
I was there the day that don paulk rebuked us because donnie earl was not "being shown proper respect"
GOOD GRIEF!!
we were told we were to address him as "pastor de"
and oh boy you should have heard old donnie earl rant if someone did not lick his shoes
he liked to strut around and he has visions
of being on mtv
I was sickened with his twisted coments
about the women that have spoken out
but can anyone with good sense not see the real deal by listening to this jerk!
and I shudder to think of the "new sins" he wants to create!!
oh how many times did I hear earl paulk say "some people do not diserve the truth"
well here it is folks
uncle earl, you are going to tell the truth now
thus saith the COBB CO DA!!

sureblameme
Nov 2, 2007 | 9:42 PM

I undertstand that we have to forgive, but the sad thing is that I don't think the Bishop thinks he has done anything wrong. I wished Mona would have used better judgement,and yes the Bishop is still just a "man". he should know that, if he had admitted guilt, people would probably have forgiven him. Now it's just sad that he will admit to part of it and not all...

"A lie does not care who tells it"

iwasthere
Nov 2, 2007 | 9:42 PM

Two things

1) Go read the search warrant to learn why DE is attacking Mona. There you will see that she accuses Earl of coercing her into having sex "with him, another minister, and members of his (Earl Paulk's) family to include Don Paulk and Donnie Earl Paulk."

http://media.myfoxatlanta.com/PDF/Paulk-search-warrant.
PDF

2) Past church members will recall how Earl always got a lot of mileage from presenting himself as a civil rights defender back in the 50s-60s, including repeatedly claiming to have signed the Atlanta Ministers Manifesto. Well guess what? The recent 50th anniversary of that event has generated some publicity resulting in that document being posted online at multiple sites. Guess who doesn't appear on the list of signers?

http://rccatl.org/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=34

Mainliner53
Nov 2, 2007 | 9:47 PM

Dale, Thanks for addressing berrin's concern. It appears that berrin doesn't consider it important for the media to bring the dangerous and destructive behavior of a sexual predator clothed in religious garb to the public's attention. Now we get to see and hear their defense (such as it is) in their own words. I was interested in DEP's statement in part 2 that he as a Paulk wants to make new mistakes and do new sins. What in the world was that?

13yrmember
Nov 2, 2007 | 9:51 PM

Sureblameme, I'm sure you and I knew each other since my husband & I were also youth leaders in Alpha (prior to & during the tent days) & also refered to Earl as "Uncle Earl". I'm ashamed to admit, we vacationed on occasion with Duane & Sonny. We were good friends with one of Earl's daughters and have continued to stay in touch since we left. I know you are right about this being the tip because she & her husband told us the same thing. However, I don't really know anything about the racial things you are refering to.

You are right that she has suffered enough but I sure would like for him to be exposed by an immediate family member. I think she would have more credibility than the other women in the church. I would also like to see her benefit in some way from what she has had to endure. I want her kids to see what happens to people like their grandfather, uncles & cousins.

I thank God every day I got out of there before these perverts got to my children. Thankfully, my children bearly remember going to church there.

Thanks for your comments and I hope you and your family are doing well.

JOYBIRD
Nov 2, 2007 | 9:54 PM

Donnie Earl's comment about 'new sins' simply meant that he doesn't want to continue the same pattern. It was a stupid thing to say, but I believe harmless. However, the real problem is that he had a chance to begin to correct some terrible, terrible wrongs, but chose to throw the blame elsewhere .... on 'whores' and 'prostitutes'. I personally believe those women weren't very smart to begin with, but they are victims in the sense that they fell prey to someone they trusted as they trust God; a shepherd; a spiritual advisor. The Paulks are not entitled to their 'privacy' in this matter. Their actions affected all the people in their ministry for decades, so we get the satisfaction of seeing it dealt with publicly.

itistime
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:14 PM

This is so unreal. I attended this church a few years back and really thought about joining. The one thing that held me back was the family seemed to be so obsessed with making D. E. Paulk the next pastor. Since I believe the ministry is a calling and not an inheritance, I didn't feel comfortable here. And praise God I didn't, because this is the biggest mess.
I feel really sorry for those that continue to think they are worshipping in this environment. This is not religion and it's not church. How much more do we need to know before everyone realizes this is not a place of worship, but a business that this family uses to make money.
The doors to this place need to be locked and the key needs to be thrown away. Those still attending are funding the "sick" lifestyle of those calling themselves children of God. I'd like to know who ordained this guy a bishop and when do they intend to start the process of removing his Godly designation, which is obviously being misused.

We all need to pray that this family is able to repent and stop thinking they are above the law and most importantly, above God!

sureblameme
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:31 PM

Dale said Donnie Earl said as many as 1500 people are still attending? I went about 2yrs year ago to see an old friend who was leading worship and praise. The bottom was barely filled. Balcony was closed and sides were closed.There might have been 200 people there. The bad thing was, I felt sick to my stomach. The love was gone, the church that bought so much joy and love to my life was gone.

Now when I drive by and see the JPH center looks abandoned and property across the street sold and demolished, it is sad to know the lies and "sinking" sand the church was built on. It's time to change the street back to Flat Shoals Pkwy. He does not deserve to have his name on the stretch of road.

sureblameme
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:33 PM

...and 13yrmember, I hope you and your family are doing well also. I am sure we know each other!

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:34 PM

Mainliner53 - I couldn't agree with you more about coverage of serious allegations.

As for that sin quote. I think Joybird was
correct in what I think D.E meant by commit "new sins" He was telling me that he doesn't cheat on Brandi and he hopes he never will. We are all sinners, and he was saying, if and when he sins, it will not be the sins of his fathers....but some new sins.

Sorry, if it wasn't clear in the story.

spiritfilled
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:42 PM

Thank you Dale for the coverage that you did. I guess Berrin is still going to the church and NOT FOLLOWING MAN!!!LOL! I know that you know more than the fair story that you reported. Why, because those of us that have been there for years who follow God and not just what our Pastor tells us to believe, understand that this situation is far worse than what they are saying....THESE WOMEN ARE NOT MAKING THESE STORIES UP! If we removed Bishops title, he would just be a registered sex offender!And people, if you really think you know the truth, your far from it....You should be glad that Dale kept his reporting and duty to the public unbiased, because there is sooooo much more that they are not telling you!

Even Putting all of the lawsuit nonsense aside, the word that D.E is preaching is so contradicting. I am not speaking from a foreign view. I loved that family and church. I grew up there, participated in ministry and my life was surrounded by the church. They did alot for me. What I do understand is exactly what D.E said...I DONT FOLLOW MAN! I FOLLOW GOD! I challenge the parishioners that stay there to seek first God's kingdom (NOT EARL, D.E etc) and see where it takes you. I cannot continue to stay there because you are what your surroundings are, and what is fed into your spirit.

Be wise...Love Pastor D.E and Bishop etc. Trust me, I do...I pray for them, and would never treat them bad, but I cannot allow myself to be boggled down in that confusion, lack of repentence and continuous lies i.e DNA ALTERATIONS!LOL! I hope that D.E does change the things he's even done t

slocklint
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:45 PM

Joybird, you said:



You are probably right, but when you watch him say it with that nasty little grin on his face - it gives a whole different meaning, at least it did to me. I watched it again at 10:00 to be sure.

Regarding his comment about prostitutes and whores.....if they were truly men of the cloth, wouldn't if have been their place to get these women to see the light and repent for their sinful lifestyle? But they didn't. Instead, they enjoyed and took part in what they viewed as the Harlots of Chapel Hill.

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:49 PM

slcoklint,

In person, with D.E., I thought his grin was more of a tongue in cheek kind of grin.

But, we all have our own interpretation of body language, facial expressions etc....

slocklint
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:54 PM

Hello Mr. Russell,

Since you were there in person, you likely have a much better impression of that comment than I was able discern from watching on TV.

I hope, along with the others on this blog, that you will continue to delve into this matter and keep the public apprised.

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:57 PM

Slocklint,

I spelled your name right this time. I agree. We have several areas we are looking into right now.
The old Watergate lesson: "follow the money"
always holds true for an investigative reporter.
But, it is so hard in a cash business with no insiders to show you the way.
Still, I'm open to anyone's suggestions.

downwiththeship
Nov 2, 2007 | 10:59 PM

berrin,

Ratings? Are you kidding? Your ocmment makes me want to insult you, but I need not. You've already insulted yourself by posting such a nonsensical, idiotic, vaporous attempt at detracting from the truly repulsive, criminal, and abusive actions of the Paulks and their incestuous co-conspirators.

There's no more "covering" it up.

Former 14-year member

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:04 PM

This is interesting. I'm getting emails by the dozens and responding and reading your comments here and trying to respond.
I'm beginning to think this church once had 50,000 parishoners - and they all still live in Atlanta!!!

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:12 PM

I'm curious. My emails I'm getting are commenting on the fact that no other media has touched this story.

Why?

The documents I have are a public record. Anyone can get them. The newspaper has covered this story since 1992. And done a good job.

Bottom line: other TV stations may feel they are too far behind. That happens. I've been on the wrong end of that stick before. I know.

As for the paper. It is a one paper town. They don't consider us competition. Without competition, well, then, they'll get to it....sometime.

AP is looking into it, when they run something, it will run all across the country.

Meantime, feel free to share our story link with other newsgroups, bloggers, etc who follow the world of religion.

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:13 PM

I forgot. Thanks for watching and voicing your opinions.

If you see any hint of corruption, taxpayer waste, fraud or political abuse.....

you got my number

slocklint
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:15 PM

Ahhhh.....I noted a key word in your last comment, Mr. Russell....."had" 50,000 parishioners! I'll bet your inbox is overflowing with additional information from those former parishioners. I wonder, are any of them willing to be interviewed, by you, as to why they left? If they won't interview, maybe they would do like some of the others, here on the blog, and post their comments and reasons for leaving. Hmmmmm.....character witnesses!!

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:17 PM

Slocklint,

Great idea. OK, guys and gals. if you left the church why?

And, if you stayed, why?

slocklint
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:21 PM

Already did that Mr. Russell - emailed the URL of this blog to about 50 people in my address book.

The world does have a right to know, be informed and state our opinions.

charm1
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:23 PM

If I was still attending that church I would get out before God's wrath comes down on that whole clan!

howlongohlord
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:26 PM

Ezekiel 13 - In HIS (I AM) Words: "Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: In My wrath I will unleash a violent wind, and in my anger hailstones and torrents of rain will fall with destructive fury. I will tear down the wall YOU HAVE COVERED WITH WHITEWASH and will level it to the ground so that its foundation will be laid bare. When it falls, you will be destroyed in it; and you will know that I am the Lord! So I will spend my wrath against the wall and against THOSE WHO COVERED IT WITH WHITEWASH. I will say to you, "The wall is gone and so are THOSE WHO WHITEWASHED IT!" IT IS ALL SOOOoooooo SICK!!! The scriptures TWISTED by the TWISTED people to prey on their brainwashed victims...many of which were minors....SICK and TWISTED!!! HOW LONG OH LORD WILL YOU NOT AVENGE THE BLOOD OF YOUR PEOPLE!!! IS IT NOT WAY PAST TIME TO JUST CONFESS AND REPENT AND GIVE UP YOUR MANMADE EMPIRE?????!!! HOW LONG OH LORD???!!!!

doobyscoo view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:26 PM

Dale,
You wouldn't believe how many people once worshipped within those walls! I left right before they opened the big Cathedral. I worshipped in the "air plane hangar", before that it was the tent and before that it was the original building that had the back wall knocked out. It was amazing how many people were drawn to hear this man preach. We all thought we were a part of something special. That is, until we got out in the real world and realized that what happened at Chapel Hill stayed at Chapel Hill. I left for college and never saw the church the same way when I would come home for visits.

I try to look at things in a positive light: I met a lifelong friend because of attending that church. She and I have grown up together since we were both little girls. We had our children at the same time and have never missed each other's birthdays. I thank God that he gave me a friend like her. Even if I had to meet her in such a crazy place. I guess that is the reason why he sent my mom and dad there when I was a little girl. Lucky for me, I had a good head on my shoulders and never put myself in a bad situation. I was never close to anyone in the Paulk family. They were sort of on pedestals. Of course, Donnie Earl was younger than me and I thought of him as a little fat pest. I can see how someone that was close to them could have been duped. Look at how many people have been brainwashed to do things that they wouldn't normally do. Those Hale-Bopp freaks all killed themselves, the Manson family murdered for old Charlie Manson. It makes sense to those that are immersed in

shaggytoo
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:26 PM

I left in 1991, just before the first accusations of sexual misconduct came out.

The "Bishop" was crucifying my friends who had left the church quietly. Then "rumbles" began among the congregation that something wasn't on the up and up. Then I heard from a family member who also attended that the something that wasn't right was that the then Youth Minister, Associate Pastor(DLP) and the Bishop were having affairs with women in the church...all of whom I grew up with or known for many years.

All of these women became very closed off from their friends. They weren't carefree and happy anylonger. They all quietly left and were publicly shamed by this "man" of the cloth.

I came from a background where sexual infidelity broke up my parents marriage and it made me sick to see it within a church of all places.

13yrmember
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:32 PM

Dale,

Around 1990, they claimed to about 14,000 members. I personally never saw more than approx. 6,000 at a service at one time. In the neighborhood of 2,000 left in '92.

I hope you do follow the money trail.
Ask Earl what he did with the canvas bags containing the tithes & offerings every Sunday. If he is truthful, he would admit he put them in the trunk of his car and took them home on the pretense of organizing the envelopes & cash into batches. The bags would be brought back to the church on Monday morning to be officially counted and deposited in the bank. God & Earl only know what amount of money didn't make it back on Monday morning.

downwiththeship
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:36 PM

Dale,

First, thank you SO much for moving forward with this story. Yes, it must seem like there were 50,000 former members. When I attended there were reportedly 12,000-17,000 members and members came and went over the years. So, I don't doubt these people actually attended.

Many of us have waited, often afraid for our safety in fear of reprisal, character assassination and possible litigation by the Paulk-dom, for the truth to come out. The Paulks and company were masters of destroying people's reputations once they were courageous enough to leave the church.

I've been gone from the church since May 1992 and I have been astounded that it's taken this long for the "s__ to hit the fan." Stories much less abusive and bizarre have made their way to the national media seemingly in an instant.

I remember when I was at the church how Earl Paulk always encouraged us to "infiltrate" the media, police and public service areas, and any other prominent or powerful positions in the secular realm. In retrospect, this was so that internal people could do damage control and steer people from the truth. Internal people could gloss over the "leaks" with their rehearsed and deeply-ingrained propaganda, even innocently supporting the lie.

The Paulks and their cohorts had a mission to serve themselves at all costs, whether this included their own children or innocent, trusting individuals who came to the church for help and healing. I've spent the last 14 years reconstructing my life after my trust in them was proven to be a complete lie. Please, for the sake of the

shaggytoo
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:38 PM

Dale in response to the "50,000 parishioners"...the goal for building the "Cathedral" was to house 15,000 people in one service. I don't think that goal was ever achieved.

Of course that happens when the man becomes more important than God!

In response to doobyscoo's comments on DE...EVERYONE thought he was a spoiled brat...he ALWAYS got his way. So why change now? He's just bigger and more bratty, AND has power...keep an keen eye on him. As the old adage goes, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!"

The money thing is something I would like to see investigated. We (the congregation) was duped into double tithing on a regular basis. Not just once, but all the time. Especially when EP & CP wanted to go on a "missionary" trip to ORU or PTL!

We had "Days Unto The Lord," where people would give up their watches, diamond rings, precious things that will never be replaced. Items that can't be tracked by the IRS.

I remember one in particular when we were in the circus tent...We had a particularly large altar call and people flooded the front placing valuables at EP's feet. Then shock of all schocks! Someone "broke into" the safe in the office and stole the jewelry!

FYI, I know that EP and DP took cash from the church. The ushers were instructed that when there was a cash offering they were to place the cash in one offering bag and put it under DP's chair! I know someone who personally saw it happen and questioned them why they were doing it. The response: "We ALWAYS put the cash in here for Don to pick up."

I'm not sure that this person wil

downwiththeship
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:40 PM

downwiththeship (cont.)

Please, for the sake of the thousands of us who have suffered emotionally, spiritually and/or physically from these vile charlatans, continue to pursue and reveal the ugly underbelly of this monster.

Former 14-year member

shaggytoo
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:40 PM

want to be interviewed. But there are a lot of men who ushered who left the church years ago that knew that cash rule.

howlongohlord
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:41 PM

I would love to see more DNA tests!! I also left in '92 and many children favored Earl from the Mother and Daughter concubinage!

shaggytoo
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:43 PM

I cringe to hear the results of anymore DNA tests...it would devastate many families and children's lives. To know that man's blood ran in my child...eeeewwwwwww

howlongohlord
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:44 PM

Oh yeah, and don't forget the giving of our entire Tax Refund Checks and how we were made to feel guilty if we chose to pay our water and light bills before giving to them!

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:45 PM

Sorry, was on the phone.

Slocklint, glad you are sharing the story.

I have done a lot of child abuse stories, dating back to the very first Catholic priest accused of molestation.

Only two things stop abuse in any church: law suits and the media.

It is difficult to mastermind abusive relationships under the glare of that white, hot spotlight.

That is true for any church and any minsiter, priest, or bishop.


Dooby, a lifelong friend. That is worth a little - alleged insanity isn't it

shaggytoo
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:47 PM

AMEN!! The guilt was what kept the church making money!

Remember when they brought in the bank to approve loans for us? We took out personal loans to give $$ to the church!

I know that for a fact several members defaulted on their loans and never repaid that debt! I paid mine back and had great credit for it! But that was too much! (We were in the K-Center)

stoplying read my blog
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:48 PM

If all those women are whores and prostitutes then so is Clarice. How dare she sit up there and look down her nose at others, all along she screwed her way to being what she calls herself "the mother of worship and arts." Oh she's a mother alright....but not of that....

So your name is Donnie Earl, so I will refer to you as such. What the fu** is DE? That's not your name. The smartest decision you ever made was when you left that hell hole. But I guess the constant guilt trip was too much for even a person such as yourself to handle. So now you are their escapegoat. Did they tell you to get on television and make those ridiculous statements. You sound just like tour father/uncle....The apple really doesn't fall far....

P.S. be careful not to put anymore false prophets in the pulpit. Like, what was that mess of a sermon that DR Hunter preached. He misquoted the bible so many times and he is supposed to be the one who interpreted the word for new christians. And you had the ordasity to support what he said....Where is he anyway?......Hmmmmmmmmmm. GONE!!!! (Swan Sermon) what a shame....

Tell Clarice that she really should not have sent out that letter, attempting to explain the reason she screwed her husband's brother....infertility my BLEEP and Don knew about this....twisted, twisted, TWISTED!!!

Thanks Dale, This was long overdue.....I wish you could go deeper with this stuff.....

howlongohlord
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:49 PM

The housing..... I lived in one of the apartments...how much did they make off of that scam?

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:50 PM

Shaggy,

I think that is taking tithing to the extreme.

It's supposed to be 10% of what you have, not what you could have !!!!

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:53 PM

I knew there were houses, not sure I've heard about the apartments.

Man, am I appreciating my little ole' Presbyterian minister more and more!!!!!

shaggytoo
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:54 PM

People who don't go to church or aren't involved in their church won't understand this comment.

The people who went to CHHC lived to serve God, we put our lives on hold to build that church, to build a better world...whether it took money, things, time, sweat or tears. We gave it willingly and unknowingly building EP's wealth and personal power.

It nearly destroyed my faith in God when all this happened. I stayed out of church for many years, and when I did finally go back to church I ran like heck(a more harsh word comes to mind) from being pinned into being in any type of leadership again.

Yes, I was a youth leader in Alpha...I was a leader within the church in other areas also. It turned me against anything to do with "spiritual leadership." I cringe when I hear it to this day. I attribute "spiritual leadership" with "I control you!"

howlongohlord
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:54 PM

Oh Yeah - and where is Duane Swilley in all this....free from ANY wrath??? He was as much a perpetrator as any of them.....Did he confess, repent and move on???? What's the deal there anyway???

shaggytoo
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:59 PM

Duane was sent away when all this came out...he was originally sent to NY and now he has a "flourishing" ministry in Miami...maybe the hurricanes will do him in! LOL!!!

He's another story that needs investigating! He abused his power as much as EP & DP!! Sexually abused, I should say!

That is one screwed up family!! It's a business for them, not a ministry!

Any of you guys who used to go wonder where Clariece and Norma got the money for those $500+ dresses? They shopped at Demon-Marcus!

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:59 PM

Duane Swilley. He is in Miami with a new church. I would be interested in anything, anyone can tell me about Duane Swilley.

My personal email is :

dale.russell@foxtv.com

doobyscoo view my photos
Nov 2, 2007 | 11:59 PM

Dale-it was absolutely worth it! Really, I was never insane. I was deemed "rebellious" in the church. I hated the two hour sermons and sitting on the hard folding chairs. I was a kid. I slept, passed notes, and made up names for people around me. Lucky for me, I didn't pay too much attention to the "blah, blah, blah" going on in the pulpit. It was rather annoying. Paulk always seemed so into himself, he bored me to death. I do remember him always saying that he would eat the bible with salt on it. That is about all that I heard.

My friend was the same way. I have to call her tomorrow and tell her to read your blog! I bet she was planning on calling me anyway!

Shout out to Demetrius! Hey girl! (that was the name I made up for her-not her real name)

It's been fun, but I'm going to bed.

God bless all of you former members. Hopefully, you have at least one good friend that you met at this church that you can call and talk about this to! Try to think of ONE good thing that came out of your being a member there and then maybe it was all worth it? Maybe not? Have you learned anything from it? Sometimes the best lessons we learn are from the mistakes we have made. Try not to dwell on the bad stuff, try to look at anything good that came from it. Those Paulks didn't break us, we are still here and able to talk about it. They didn't beat us. We are survivors!! :)

howlongohlord
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:00 AM

Ya' know now that you mention it shaggytoo, even though I have gone to several churches, I have not been able to commit to any leadership role either! I sang at CHHC was even in the "A" band for a while....had so many words spoken over me.....How LONG OH LORD....Gotta go...work tomorrow....Could go on for days even after all these years!!!!! :o(

shaggytoo
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:00 AM

Dale,

That's to show how brainwashed the congregation really was! He asked for it and he got it!

20% tithe and it still goes on today!

I'm back in church, a small (150 members) Methodist Church. I sure appreciate knowing what goes on!

sureblameme
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:01 AM

man don't even get into Duane Swilley or even Donnie and Reba. There was so much going on. Dale, I appreciate you. Someone needed to expose all this. I think you will get all you can handle with this blog, cause that church took so much from us. Emotionally and "fiscally"....(did I spell that right?)

downwiththeship
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:03 AM

Dale, many of us still have copies of our letters from the church on the total donations we'd made. Ha, it was always lower than what we knew we'd given, but we didn't want to be so crass as to quibble over money given to God. We figured HE knew what we'd really given. Even so, the letters I have clearly show that I donated 20-30 percent of my meager income for the "cause of god."

Never were any of the cash givings that were second offerings (emotional appeals after the first offering had been taken) or special offerings of non-monetary items (like jewelry, heirlooms, vintage clothing items, etc.) ever reflected in our end-of-the-year total giving. How convenient for them!

sureblameme
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:03 AM

And yes I was in the band too...not the A band, but the other band.(Starts with a T...)

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:05 AM

Superblamme,

Don't worry. I keep asking Fox to give me spell check for the blogs. No dice.

I can't spell CAT without a dictionary.

Good night, to all, and I think dobyscoo (love the name) has a lesson to follow for the rest of my life.

howlongohlord
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:06 AM

Good One - "FISCALLY" (hahaha) Needed that one before signing off! :o) Love to ALL and KEEP THE FAITH - GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE!!

sureblameme
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:06 AM

You know whats funny? I was told not to hug anybody at church when I was a youth..by the Bishop and my Youth Pastor. Guess we were cutting into his action....

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:07 AM

One final note of interest,

In a conversation with a Paulk family member I realized......

my family lived about two blocks from the Paulk family at one time, when I was a kid.

Small world.

howlongohlord
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:09 AM

OK really I'm signing off....BUT....Things that make you go HMMMMmmmmm! Full Circle!! :o)

downwiththeship
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:26 AM

Dale,

Regarding your postscript: "Postscript. After Paulk’s public announcement in 1981 the next murdered child, Curtis Walker, was dumped in the south River, just below his church."

Even when I attended I found this detail quite creepy and suspicious. Did the murderer do this to get more publicity or was their a murderer in our midst? Weirder things have happened - as evidenced by all the other crimes and abuses committed.

thetruthwillcomeout read my blog
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:41 AM

Hey Dale: Please continue this story, and if it is any way we can all band together and get this man's name off Flat Shoals Parkway. I cringe every time I have to ride on it, and read his name. I was also a former member of this church, and was there when Lynn Mays grand daughter accused Earl of sexually molesting her, and I, although I did not know her personally, knew it was true because she would be the only one out of all the dancers to have no pantolones on under her skirt, like the other dancers. She would alwas twirl around near him, and he would be sitting there licking his chops, and I would feel so uncomfortable, but I still did not leave the church because my life was there, my friends were there, socially I did everything there, weddings, christenings, dances: line dancing, Christmas socials, and I was involved. However, I feel you need to dig deeper. I believe that this church has an underground thing going on with children being molested. In 2001 my daughter's father touched her inappropiately, and she told me about it. She was 4 years old at the time. We, her father and I were both attending the church. I was so devastated, and I left. He stayed. Everyone that I told the story to, including the "pastors" under Earl Paulk did not believe me, and said that he could not have done this to his own child, although I was the person who "brought" him to the church, and they all knew me before they met him. Little did I know "all hell was going to break loose" shortly after I left with Earl, Mona, and all the other mess. Believe me it is true, God is not

thetruthwillcomeout read my blog
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:41 AM

Hey Dale: Please continue this story, and if it is any way we can all band together and get this man's name off Flat Shoals Parkway. I cringe every time I have to ride on it, and read his name. I was also a former member of this church, and was there when Lynn Mays granddaughter accused Earl of sexually molesting her, and I, although I did not know her personally, knew it was true because she would be the only one out of all the dancers to have no pantolones on under her skirt, like the other dancers. She would always twirl around near him, and he would be sitting there licking his chops, and I would feel so uncomfortable, but I still did not leave the church because my life was there, my friends were there, socially I did everything there, weddings, christenings, dances: line dancing, Christmas socials, and I was involved. This is what I think is going on with the members who are still there. Their life is so built up in the church, some of them have been there 20 years, or more, they don't know how to function, so they choose to stay, otherwise they would be like sheep without a shepherd. However, I feel you need to dig deeper. I believe that this church has an underground thing going on with children being molested. In 2001 my daughter's father touched her inappropiately, and she told me about it. She was 4 years old at the time. We, her father and I were both attending the church. I was so devastated, and I left the church, and her father. He stayed. Everyone that I told the story to, including the "pastors" under Earl Paulk did not believe me, and said that

thetruthwillcomeout read my blog
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:44 AM

that he could not have done this to his own child, although I was the person who "brought" him to the church, and they all knew me before they met him, and should have known that I would never lie about such a thing. Little did I know "all hell was going to break loose" shortly after I left with Earl, Mona, and all the other mess. Believe me all of it is true, these women are not lying, and God is hearing them, and seeing their tears. They may have been stupid in believing this men but they are telling the truth. It would be interesting to talk with all the "Pastors' children" who was under Earl Paulk. It would also be interesting to find out how Earl's eldest daughter died! God is not standing for this any more. The Truth-all of it-will come out, and DE, or Donnie Earl, or whatever he calls himself is a part of it. He tried to leave the church, probably when he first heard Earl was his father, I am sure he knew before this, to start his own church, but I guess it was not lucrative enough so he's back!1 They are all going to hell, and the congregation who continues to lift them up. That congregation need to read Jeremiah 21-31, and Titus 2-3 as to how a man of God should act, and what will happen to him/them if they don't! Dale check out an article on Earl Paulk in The Journal Constitution dated January 29, 2006.

thetruthwillcomeout read my blog
Nov 3, 2007 | 12:48 AM

Continue with your work Dale. God is using you!

slocklint
Nov 3, 2007 | 1:03 AM

You know - it is scary to think, but it is this sort of thing that helps to give those "no prayer in schools, etc" supporters a leg to stand on.

I understand how former members of the church, and more especially those who were involved in any kind of leadership role, would not want to be involved in those roles at their present or future churches. Talk about putting a bad taste in your mouth. How very sad that these people have been turned away from possibly ever volunteering to lead and help others in Christ.

DrNaughty read my blog view my photos
Nov 3, 2007 | 1:22 AM

If these allegations are true about Pastor Earl Paulk , which they could be, it won't be the first or last time the devil has come as an angel of light to molest children, abort babies, and engage in other lustful sexual activities wt women!

This is why people must stop putting pastors on a pedistle as if they were God, and realize that they are flesh and blood and sin like everyone else! They have no power on their own as some project. All power comes from God!

Thus when people put Pastors on a pedistle as a god, you have angels of light like Jim Jones, David Karish, and that Heaven's Gate cult under Apple Wingate just to name a few, who brainwash people to kill themselves.
For true CHRISTians know the devil has many devices! Some pastors become a device of satan!

Dr. Naughty!

sureblameme
Nov 3, 2007 | 1:30 AM

As far as no prayer in schools, as long as there are tests in schools, there will be prayer in schools!

marenga
Nov 3, 2007 | 1:57 AM

Hey truthwillcomeout,

Don't feel bad that no one believed you (or your daughter) when her father's molestation was disclosed. Unfortunately, that's the way most folks think in these cases. They just don't want to believe that any father would do these things.

My own daughter disclosed that same thing about her father only it was much worse than just touching and a longer lasting thing ( 10+ years) which has all but ruined her life. She testified in court for 2 days (so did her brother) about all the horrible things he did and for what? He is out walking the street today and none of his family will have anything to do with my children even though they are their grandchildren, niece and nephew, etc. All it took was a lot of money for a really slick legal team.

One of the worst parts of it was that according to him, he did it in the name of God, telling her not to tell anyone because they wouldn't understand because they weren't TRUE CHRISTIANS. He read the Bible regularly and went to church every week. Gave away lots of money to the church.

Now today this once innocent little girl, a child of God, doesn't believe and will not go to church at all, a real travesty.

The world is full of sick perverted men who hide behind God so they can continue to do their dirty deeds. That makes me not want to go either because I don't want to get involved with people who are "extremely religious" since I now realize that so many of them are hypocrits. So now I just try to focus my thinking on "What Would Jesus Do?" not on men.

songbird1
Nov 3, 2007 | 2:01 AM

I attended CHHC beginning in 1988. I was a new Christian coming from a life of sex, drugs and rock and roll as a teenager. I had never been in church before and had nothing to compare it to, but I found a place where I learned for the first time that God desperately loved me, that I had purpose and that I could dedicate my life to Him completely and passionately. To that end I became involved in leadership in the singles ministry and sang in the choir. I was sold out for the vision that was held in this church for outreach to the nations, to the rest of the hurting world all around us.
It was through pastoral counseling (not with any of the Paulks), that I received healing from being abandoned by my first husband and I began to see what God's idea is for a Godly family. I met my second husband through the singles ministry. We have been married for 14 years. It was while we were dating that the news came out about the things that were going on at the church. I was close to people who were involved with several of the situations that were being exposed. We heard accounts of shocking revelations that were just so bad we didn't want to believe them, but there were too many to deny. My fiance and I were devastated. We had both invested (in more than one sense of the word - can you say "guilt offering"?), so much of our lives in this ministry. We knew, however, that we could not stay and support a "ministry" that followed such abominable practices. We left in the Mass Exit of 1992.
It was difficult to talk about with almost anyone at the church. I can remember o

songbird1
Nov 3, 2007 | 2:05 AM

Continued...

It was difficult to talk about with almost anyone at the church. I can remember one secret singles meeting in which details were shared by leadership about the allegations including the fact that they had been threatened by the Paulks for talking about it. People at the church were either of the opinion that it was true and they left or they were of the opinion that it was a lie and you were deceived if you believed it. The song "Whose Report Will You Believe?" was sung regularly at that time. The issue was very polarizing. It quickly separated many friends and families, mine being one of them. (Part of my family continued to go to that church for several more years.)
I was told about the bags of money kept overnight to "count". And the specific relationships with the Paulk brothers and Duane Swilley. To be honest, there are a lot of details that I have forgotten, probably on purpose. That mess changed my life. But thankfully the Lord showed me through it all that my relationship is with Him and I must, as so many have already said here, follow God and not a man. I pray that the eyes of those who are at that church will be opened and that the power of conviction will finally reach those who so desperately need it and that they will finally heed it - no matter what the cost is to themselves. God built a bridge between us and Him. The first step across that bridge is repentance. I pray that they will each take that step toward their life in eternity.

songbird1
Nov 3, 2007 | 2:17 AM

Dear Dale,

Where is the GBI affidavit you spoke of at the end of the piece you did tonight? I can't seem to find it on the website.

slocklint
Nov 3, 2007 | 3:33 AM

The "search warrant" appears to have been removed. I don't know if Fox 5 found they needed to edit out something more or if they removed it for some other reason.

iwasthere
Nov 3, 2007 | 9:03 AM

Search warrant is at:

http://media.myfoxatlanta.com/PDF/Paulk-search-warrant.
PDF

iwasthere
Nov 3, 2007 | 9:06 AM

When I pasted the search warrant url in the prior note, the "pdf" extension wrapped to a new line. You should append it to the end of the address so that there is no line break: ".../PDF/Paulk-search-warrant.PDF" or it will not work.

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 3, 2007 | 10:02 AM

songbird and others,

The search warrant has been taken down, temporarily. As soon as we fix a couple of problems, it will be back. I'm trying to get it done this weekend, if not, Monday definately. Keep checking. I'm working on it for you.

DaleRussell read my blog view my photos
Nov 3, 2007 | 10:05 AM

iwasthere,

I have no idea what you are writing about. I'm a technological moron. Happy, if I can get my Tivo to record, my cell phone to ring, or my computer to boot up.
Have no idea how any of them work.
In fact, I'm still trying to figure out how Beethoven's music can come flying out of a little disk.
I'll pass your note on to an IT guy, who has a right and left side to his brain.

franmus
Nov 3, 2007 | 10:08 AM

I was in that church for about 12 years. I feel so depressed when I read all of this and watch the news. As crazy as the whole mess is, I cannot tell you that Earl Paulk did not preach "the word" at least some of the time. Yes, some of the messages were skewered, yet I cannot tell you he is not "annointed." What bothers me is that when we do not allow the power of salvation and healing to impact our lives, and we live in this level of debauchery, we are actually denying Christ. I think I have heard, maybe it is speculation, that Earl himself was sexually abused as a child. He did not have to become a sexual predator; not every molested person becomes a sexual predator. However, given his supposed relationship with God, he could have allowed a profound emtoional healing to occur in his life. What a phenomenal testimony that would have been! It is possible for a person to be healed from the effects of childhood emotional and sexual abuse. It is a great crime when the church leaders do not allow the full work of Christ to impact every area of their lives. It is the body of Christ that suffers. It is a lesson for all of us to be quick to search our own hearts for debauchery because if it goes unchecked, it could be this bad. My prayer for all of us that have been touched by this mess is that each of us will make that difficult decision to let Christ do his full and complete work in our lives to bring us to that perfect maturity in Jesus name. Amen. I pray all the victims receive healing on every level and they come out on the other side better for the experience. In Jesus name

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DaleRussell

OK,since we are looking at Reality TV, then let's be real. I've been an investigative reporter in Atlanta since 1981. I rarely wear a jacket. Too hot. I love chasing crooked politicians. I hate surveillance stories. Too hot in the van. (See picture) My desk is a mess. I don't smoke. I do drink. I have a politically incorrect sense of humor and a little problem with authority. (I'm working on that) And, I never get my expense reports in on time.

Member Since: 2/14/2007