One of Detroit's most prominent clergymen notified his congregation Monday, July 21, that a former parishioner with whom he had an "inappropriate relationship" was leveling false allegations against him.
Bishop Charles Ellis III, senior pastor at the massive Greater Grace Temple, sent his flock an email around 8 p.m. that said, in part: "I recently was made aware of social media posts shared by a former member of my congregation, with whom I had an inappropriate relationship over 15 years ago."
Ellis said the posts include accusations "some of which are deeply troubling and untrue."
Ellis did not name the former parishioner or specify which accusations were untrue.
His statement said he asked his attorney to review the matter, including "an apparent joint bank account with my name on it."
Mario Morrow, who Ellis retained to help manage the potential controversy, declined to elaborate.
"The statement speaks for itself," Morrow said.
Ellis' statement said he turned to his bishop around the time he was involved with the woman and "these indiscretions were addressed ... in a redemptive process, which included counseling."
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Ellis has led Greater Grace Temple on Detroit's west side for more than 20 years. His biography on the church's website says he has nearly 6,000 parishioners, many of whom attend services in a 4,000-seat auditorium in the church. The edifice cost...
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