Philbert London, the self-dubbed Pope Emmanuel, at church on Sunday when he begged for forgiveness
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – A religious leader in Guyana who found himself at the centre of an embarrassing sex scandal has publicly confessed to parishioners, pleading for their forgiveness and a second chance.
Philbert “Pope Emmanuel” London of Beacon Ministries found himself in the midst of a scandal last week when sexually explicit photos of him with women were circulated on social media.
But his failings have not altered the admiration of his followers, who readily embraced and praised the disgraced leader.
London told the congregation at his church that he was heartbroken and sorry for putting them through this ordeal.
“I am here to tell you from the depths of my heart that I am sorry for any sorrow, embarrassment or shame that many would have experienced and, in many cases, are still experiencing as a result of what has happened.”
According to Demerara Waves, London said he felt like dying, and regretted that his sermon gave the impression that he was perfect.
“I am sorry if I ever communicated to you by word or action that I could not fail in morality or social ethics or standing. If I did that, I am so sorry I made you feel that way,” he said.
Pleading for mercy, London urged his followers to support him through the ordeal: “I want to say how sorry I am for this disappointment, hurt and anguish you felt, and I hope that you will find it within your heart to forgive me and allow me to be your father.”
In an immediate response, congregants expressed their adoration and signaled that their leader’s sins were already forgotten.
“We forgive you, we forgive you, Papa”, “all the time”, “you taught us well” and “we love you” were among their responses.
London also asked for forgiveness for those involved in the acts, as well as those who released the intimate photos, saying they didn’t know any better.
“I have no option but to forgive them,” he said.