LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — On Sunday, ABC13 spoke with a local church leader, after their pastor-elect was arrested and charged with rape.
Police arrested Garrett Harmon on October 31 in connection to a rape incident that happened in August. Harmon was the pastor-elect at First Baptist Church of South Lynchburg.
Carl B. Hutcherson Jr. served as pastor at the church for fourteen years. He said the congregation is feeling hurt by the situation.
Anything that happens like that, it hurts. It hurts on the inside, and if you’re a Christian, which we are, it hurts even more. However I would say this, no one is considered guilty until proven guilty,” Hutcherson said.
He told ABC13 that the church will go, together, and they’re turning to prayer during this time.
I’m sure they’re going through anxiety and the hurt. They’re not talking much, I deliberately have not said anything to many people except to let them know we’re praying for them,” Hutcherson said. “I encourage people who are caring people to pray for this church. Pray for the church universal, this isn’t the only church going through struggle… I’m praying that the church will continue to rise.”
