New Mexico police remove 3 children from church compound By MATT MYGATT, Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - State police have removed three children from an apocalyptic church whose leader claims to be the Messiah and acknowledges having sex with some of his followers.



The two girls and one boy — all under the age of 18 — were taken from the northeastern New Mexico compound following an April 22 investigation, Romaine Serna, spokeswoman for the state Children, Youth and Families Department spokeswoman, said Wednesday.

She said a fourth child, a girl, agreed to be interviewed by the department. Serna said that girl had been at the compound but now lives elsewhere with her parents.

The three children were taken into state custody because of allegations of inappropriate contact between minors and the adult leader of The Lord Our Righteousness Church, Serna said.

"I understand that it was very calm and they (state police) did not meet with any resistance," she said. Serna said she wasn't aware of any other youths at the compound.

Serna declined to elaborate because of the ongoing investigation by state police and the district attorney's office. No charges had been filed, she said. The church has at least 70 members, Serna said.

Wayne Bent, 66, who is known in the church as Michael Travesser, established the church at a rural site called Strong City, north of Clayton in extreme northeastern New Mexico. He said God anointed him Messiah in July 2000.

In a lengthy discussion dated Sept. 11, 2007, Bent said his work is finished and he does not expect to be "in the earthly sphere" much longer.

He acknowledged having sex with three women — the wives of two of his followers and his daughter in law. He said it was at the direction of God and the instigation of the women.


hehehe, the man is an islamist? (:-))

Can you imagine how many other such acts don't surface...

Andre posted his article 12 mins prior to your concerned comment here. How come you didn't give an opinion on that article?

Kaz,
I have a question for you...anyway forget it.

quote:

Originally posted by Chief:
Kaz,
I have a question for you...anyway forget it.

Aarite...

O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. for Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. Qur'an 5:8

quote:

Originally posted by ksazma:
Andre posted his article 12 mins prior to your concerned comment here. How come you didn't give an opinion on that article?

Excuse the man, he musta miss that in the posting rules.. :-)