Ohio Congregation Removes S.K. Pipim, Conference Issues Warning
Ohio Conference Press Release, 18 January 2021:
On January 16, 2021, after much prayer and with a grieving heart, the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church voted to remove Samuel Koranteng-Pipim from membership for alleged sexual offenses. The Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists supports the decision of this local church, saddened by the pain this moment has brought. Furthermore, we wish to provide added comment on the situation.
In 2012, the Michigan Conference removed Pipim from membership for similar allegations. In 2014, a local church in the Ohio Conference accepted Pipim into membership. In 2020, after new allegations arose, the Ohio Conference Executive Committee reviewed the entire history of the matter and examined allegations of sexual violence by at least 10 women. They discovered shocking and consistent patterns in these allegations – each from unrelated, geographically distant women. With this knowledge, and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their sources, Ohio Conference executive leadership offered counsel to the local church.
Women have been accusing Pipim of predacious sexual behavior for nearly three decades. Pipim denies many allegations, and repeatedly frames others as infrequent and consensual moral falls. However, the allegations indicate a repetitive pattern of spiritual manipulation and predatory behavior against those who are most vulnerable, least able to defend themselves, and least in a position to seek prosecution for rape or sexual harassment. Especially so, given his self-professed global ministry as a speaker, youth mentor, and writer.
The Ohio Conference supports the January 16, 2021, action of the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church because the pattern of allegations violates membership reinstatement requirements as outlined by the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, p 67.
The Ohio Conference unequivocally warns the public against inviting Pipim as a speaker, using his books or materials, or placing him in a position of spiritual authority, leadership, or influence over others.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Ohio Conference have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct. The Ohio Conference cares deeply about the pain suffered by victims of this case. We extend our apologies globally to those who have been hurt and wish to be an agent of healing, hope, and wholeness. We have heard your voices, and we take each story seriously.
Why was Pipim accepted as a member of the Ohio Conference after he had already lost his membership in another Seventh-day Adventist congregation?
In the Seventh-day Adventist Church, membership is initiated at the local church level. As such, each congregation independently governs its admission and expulsion of members. The Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church – believing Pipim to be sincerely repentant – rebaptized him into membership. The Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church is a thriving, innovative congregation with many active, committed members of all ages. They chose to offer forgiveness and grace to Pipim and held the highest hope that his professed commitment to the teachings of the Bible would cause him to reject a life inconsistent with decency, morality, and church standards. However, after new accusations arose, the Ohio Conference reexamined the entire case. The church then acted under a unanimous recommendation of the Board to remove Pipim’s membership. As such, he no longer holds any connection with, or endorsement of any entity within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
How can I contact the Ohio Conference and where can I get further information?
Contact the Digital Media and Communication director for the Ohio Conference, Kasper Haughton Jr., at information@ohioadventist.org.
