Associated Press, carried in My Fox Hampton Roads
August 27, 2007
http://www.myfoxhamptonroads.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=4180396&version=1&locale=
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Atlanta -- The minister husband of evangelist and gospel singer Juanita Bynum took the pulpit at the church where he is pastor just two days after surrendering to authorities on charges he beat his wife outside a hotel.
Thomas W. Weeks III, known to his followers as Bishop Weeks, expressed appreciation Sunday for the prayers and support he and his wife have received.
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Weeks, 40, blamed the devil for the accusations against him.
Police say that during an Aug. 21 argument outside a hotel, Weeks choked Bynum, pushed her to the ground and started to kick and stomp on her. A hotel employee intervened and pulled Weeks off her, police said.
Weeks, who is free on bond, faces charges of aggravated assault and terroristic threats following the confrontation, which police say left his estranged wife badly bruised. He is due in Fulton County Superior Court on Sept. 7.
Members of Global Destiny Ministries urged caution Sunday in taking sides and passing judgment in the case.
"There are three sides to every story," said Shannon Mayers, a frequent visitor. "Nobody has the right to judge anybody. God is in the midst of that and will work it out."
Maurice Adams, 26, said he was disappointed to hear the news but still considers Weeks his bishop.
"We all make mistakes. He deserves another opportunity," Adams said. "I'm hurt, but I do respect him for being man enough to show his face today."
Wearing a dark suit and his customary bow tie, Weeks drew cheers and applause during the service when he asked members to tell those seated next to them: "We've got certain things going on right now, but I refuse to stop coming to the house God built."
But Weeks did not offer any specifics on the incident before introducing a guest minister and leaving the room.
Bynum, 48, is a former hairdresser and flight attendant who became a Pentecostal evangelist, author and gospel singer. Her ministry blossomed after she preached at a singles event about breaking free of sexual promiscuity. Among her books are "No More Sheets: The Truth About Sex" and "Matters of the Heart."
Her album "A Piece of My Passion" had been listed in the top 10 gospel albums by Billboard magazine for several months. She also preaches through televised sermons.
Weeks is the founder of Global Destiny churches. The couple married in 2002. Together, they wrote "Teach Me How to Love You: The Beginnings."
The charges against Weeks are the latest of his legal problems.
Authorities went to his Duluth home in June to serve an eviction notice. Six months earlier, a former employee complained to police that Weeks got physical with her while escorting her from the church property.
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