Pastor Accused Of Sending Lewd Texts To Girl Resigns
Pastor Dale Morgan
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Pastor Accused Of Sending Lewd Texts To Girl Resigns*
POSTED: 8:50 pm EST January 7, 2008
UPDATED: 12:05 am EST January 8, 2008
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Jacksonville Megachurch pastor accused of
sending lewd sexual text messages to an underage girl recently announced
his resignation.
Citing his desire to put the interests of the church and the
congregation ahead of his own, Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church Pastor
Darrell L. Gilyard Friday announced his resignation effective
immediately from his post.
In a release from the church, Gilyard states he left for the good of the
congregation and that, "In life, there comes a time when the needs of
the many outweigh the needs of the one and the church and its ministry
are larger than just me."
The resignation comes as the state attorney's office investigates
sexually explicit text messages sent to the daughter of a church member
late last year.
The investigation showed the obscene messages came from Gilyard's cell
phone, according to authorities.
No charges have been filed against Gilyard. The investigation is ongoing.
Channel 4 reporter Scott Johnson talked to the chairman of the deacons
on the phone about Gilyard's resignation. He said it was "a shock and
they wish pastor Gilyard the best. But Shiloh must move on."
Beyond that, the board of deacons said a closed-door meeting would be
held about how the church should move forward.