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Church holds meeting about pastor sex abuse scandal

Posted at 12:04 AM, Aug 09, 2012
and last updated 2012-08-09 10:15:59-04

More than 200 parishioners met at Real Life Christian Church in Chesapeake on Wednesday night. 

Former Pastor Doug Forehand is now facing charges for sex crimes against a teen. Church elders say a victim came forward to them Friday afternoon.

The news led them to sit "there in shock. They didn't want to believe it."

After hearing the young man's story, church officials met separately with Forehand on Saturday.

They say Forehand confessed to them that he had inappropriately touched the then 16-year-old seven years ago. Forehand was soon questioned by police and arrested.

The 40-year-old pastor was released on Monday and did not wish to give his side of the story when NewsChannel 3 went by his Grassfield house.

Since the news went public, church leaders say other victims have come forward.

They aren't saying how many victims there are or their ages, but all of them are boys. Church leaders say they are relieved the first victim came forward.

They held Wednesday's meeting because they think it's important they try to be as forthcoming with information as possible.