A Montgomery, Alabama pastor revealed to his congregation his numerous sexual affairs with members and his HIV diagnosis from the pulpit. Pastor Juan McFarland, head of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, confessed to adulterous affairs with longtime congregates on church grounds.
He also admitted receiving church funds for business trips and not going, using illegal drugs while pastoring, contracting HIV in 2003 and receiving an AIDS diagnosis in 2008. McFarland added that nothing sexual happened in the sanctuary itself.
The pastor’s first confession of his sinful behavior took place on September 14, but two more followed. It is unclear whether McFarland informed his partners of his HIV status.
The church’s deacons unanimously voted to remove McFarland, who has lead the church since 1990, as pastor. McFarland is also an elected moderator of the 34-church Alabama Middle District Missionary Baptist Association, Inc.
About 160 members attend Shiloh, a predominantly African American congregation, every Sunday.
On Wednesday night, the church was scheduled to have Bible study. But only two church vehicles stood in the parking lot.