The leader of La Luz del Mundo, a Mexico-based Christian megachurch, Naasón Joaquín García, remains a controversial figure even from behind bars. Arrested in 2019 on child sexual exploitation charges, García, the 54-year-old self-proclaimed “Apostle of Jesus Christ,” is currently serving a nearly 17-year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 to sexually abusing three minors. However, his legal woes have deepened with new charges filed in October, threatening to extend his incarceration by another 40 years due to allegations of producing and possessing child pornography.
Despite the church’s tarnished reputation, highlighted by documentaries on HBO and Netflix that showcase former members’ allegations of brainwashing and sexual abuse, La Luz Del Mundo continues to assert its presence. The church has successfully organized a significant event, the “Holy Supper 2024,” set to attract thousands from Houston, across the United States, and Mexico. The event, booked at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, has been promoted through digital flyers on Facebook featuring animated images of García, emphasizing his role in the church despite his physical absence.
This move has sparked outrage among former church members and their supporters, who have been vocal in their opposition, calling on state lawmakers, the Mayor of Houston, city council members, and Houston First Corporation, which operates the convention center, to cancel the event. Judith Castillo, a former church member and a Ph.D. student at the University of Houston, shared her personal ordeal of sexual abuse within the church, stressing the need to safeguard the community and questioning the city’s decision to host the event.
Houston First Corporation, however, has defended its decision, citing a lack of legal grounds to deny the booking, while emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the safety of all event attendees. The corporation’s stance underscores the complexities of balancing freedom of assembly with public concern over the activities of controversial groups.
Former members continue to criticize the church’s motives, suggesting financial gain and an attempt to demonstrate strength amidst ongoing legal challenges. The narratives of those who have left the church, like Elisa Flores, who recounted her experience of sexual abuse and manipulation within the church, paint a grim picture of life under the sway of La Luz del Mundo. Flores’s statement that the church operates like “the largest cult that nobody knows about” highlights the deep-seated issues and the control exerted over members, particularly during large gatherings like the Holy Supper.
As La Luz del Mundo proceeds with its planned event in Houston, the controversy underscores the broader debates around religious freedom, accountability, and the impact of charismatic leadership on vulnerable followers. The situation raises critical questions about the responsibilities of institutions and authorities in responding to organizations embroiled in legal and moral scandals, especially when they continue to operate and influence communities widely.
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