A Texas pastor is back in the pulpit despite having been arrested and charged with sexual assault. Dr. Ronnie Goines of Koinonia Christian Church in Arlington was welcomed back into leadership following the abrupt resignation of the man who had been serving as interim pastor during Goines’ absence.
Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of sex abuse that some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing.
Goines was arrested in July and charged with one count of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault. After being taken into custody, he was released on a $23,000 bond.
According to The Dallas Morning News, an investigation into allegations against Goines began after “an adult woman made an outcry that was reported” to police in June.
The woman was a member of the church and alleged that Goines assaulted her after he asked her for a ride home, saying that he was experiencing car trouble. The woman claimed that once inside Goines’ apartment, Goines began kissing her on the neck, rubbing her legs, and pulling down her top to expose her.
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The woman said she left the apartment but met with Goines the next day, as they had previously made plans. She said they attended an event at a local theater before returning to Goines’ apartment.
The woman alleged that Goines again began kissing her neck and attempted to remove her clothing. The woman said that Goines continued despite her asking him to stop and that Goines went as far as to put his hand in her underwear.
Goines has denied these allegations, saying that the two hugged each other but did not kiss.
Last week, the church posted a YouTube video titled “Dr. Ronnie Goines Returns.” The video features a montage of clips of the pastor, including one where he is receiving prayer from leaders of the church.
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Goines also appeared onstage during a Thursday evening service on Oct. 24, introducing R.A. Vernon as that evening’s speaker. At the conclusion of his sermon, Vernon invited Goines back onstage to pray for him.