LOS ANGELES, California - A group of people protested outside a World Light church in eastern Los Angeles on Sunday, with a message to those who have been victims within this religious cult to denounce any type of crime.
The leader of the church founded in Mexico, Naasón Joaquín García, is in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing three girls in his congregation. Those who came to the protest believe that things have not changed.
“ First of all we are demanding justice for all victims who have experienced sexual abuse and different types of abuse in this place ”, said Sharim Guzmán, who assured that his wife was raped.
Other people also reported that they or their relatives were sexually abused in the church.
García pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and was sentenced in 2022 to almost 17 years in prison. Garcia, who is regarded by his followers as the “ apostle ” of Jesus Christ, had denied the charges until abruptly pleading guilty last year.
Garcia is the leader of the third generation of the church, founded in 1926. Protesters say the abuse in the church started when it was founded.
The Light of the World has more than 2,000 churches – including in East Los Angeles – and claims to have millions of parishioners globally.
Garcia's faithful followers continue to support him, and he still communicates with his congregation from prison.
Telemundo 52 tried to contact the church administration, but it was not possible. However, in a statement after Garcia was sentenced, the church said that “ We express our support for the apostle of Jesus Christ. Our trust remains intact with full knowledge of their integrity, their conduct, and their work. The apostle will continue to minister to the church ”.
Meanwhile, activists continue to ask other potential victims to make complaints.
“ The people who accompany us today, we have come to demonstrate to tell the whole world that through a Bible they deceive and manipulate people. This is a sect and it is a coercive cult ”, said Robert Guillen, a former member of the church.