NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Herald
26.03.05
An Assemblies of God pastor facing allegations of sexual abuse has taken an extended break from his duties, citing emotional strain, and is under investigation by his church.
Allegations of sexual abuse by Pastor Wayne Hughes, the head of the Takapuna Assembly of God church, were published in the Herald on Thursday after a member of the church, who had complained to the national church hierarchy last October, spoke out.
Concerns were also raised by Nasir Ali, who was briefly married to Mr Hughes' daughter, Angela, about allegations that the pastor sexually abused a teenager.
Yesterday, the Assemblies of God General Superintendent, Ken Harrison, issued a statement denying the church tried to cover up the allegations.
He said he sought legal advice on the allegations in November 2004, and began an investigation.