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	Church Vows to Support Pastor Accused of Sex Assault By Mark Boone WCNC December 2, 2009 http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1086250.html Lowell--LOWELL -- Members of a Gaston county church are vowing to support their pastor after he was accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl. Keith Pettis, pastor of New Life Christian Center, was arrested in August on several charges, including statutory rape, taking indecent liberties with a child, and first-degree sex offense with a child. The girl, now 14 and living in another N.C. town, said the abuse started in August 2006 and continued until March of this year, according to Gaston County Police. Pettis, 42, was surrounded by parishioners and his family Tuesday evening as the church held a rally for their spiritual leader. "I believe in his innocence," said Michelle Brown, one of about 40 supporters who attended the rally. "I don't believe that he did this." Pettis, who was released on $50,000 bond after his arrest, is due in court on Thursday. He declined to speak with reporters Tuesday evening. His older brother, Winifred Pettis, said the church saw a drop in attendance immediately after the pastor's arrest but more worshipers now attend weekly services. "I'm his brother. I know his character," the elder Pettis said. "I raised him, that's not in him."
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