Pentecostal Preacher Sherman Allen Turns Out to Be Reverend Spanky

I applaud the extraordinary courage of these women who are holding Sherman Allen accountable and who are also taking to task the COGIC officials who turned a blind-eye and did nothing. Thanks also to reporter Julie Lyons for working to bring this into the light of day. The only way clergy sex abuse will be stopped is when the silence is broken. www.StopBaptistPredators.org

It's good to know that people are standing bold and exposing these false leaders in these last days. What's truly amazing is how this so called pastor behavior went on for years but no one did anything until this women came forward and filed a lawsuit. Great article Ms. Lyons

I would just like to comment on the print version of this cover story and its unfortunate accompanying graphic. The Rosary-style beads with a crucifix are traditional Catholic imagery. Since the Church was not implicated in this scandal, it is irresponsible to co-opt their religious icons out of laziness or for whatever reason the designer chose. There are enough Catholic abuse sandals without making it appear as though there are more for no reason.

To Chris McCall: Granted, Catholics, in their worship of Mary, use the rosary beads. Nevertheless, the beads are found in many cultures of the world. Witches use them in their perverse incantations as do those that practice Voodoo. Satanists use them as well as the Buddhists. Mr. Allen, who migrated from the Spiritualist church to COGIC, probably used the rosary while performing his voodoo rites. I think there is a real correlation between Spanky Allen's practice of ritual sexual abuse so graphically documented by Ms. Lyons, and the proven Catholic sexual abuse scandals. The rosary is emblematic of the evil perpetrated by both. Luke 11:27, 28 While Jesus was saying these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed." But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."

To Pete: What's troubling Pete is how this person who use to be in a Spiritual Church ended up in denomination church as COGIC. I agree with you that beating and sexual stuff seemed more ritual and about control then pleasure. How is it that this pastor is still able to pastor a church? Does not his members read?

Thank you for this excellent article Ms. Lyons. The last I heard of Shiloh Church of God in Christ was when Allen's 1st wife, Edwinna died. Although I'd never gone to that church (thankfully), I felt so sorry that she had to die and leave her kids and husband. But now I am convinced that perhaps God took her before all this was revealed about Allen. Of course I could be wrong. But I always thought it was so mysterious about her dying like this. Anyway, I think the whole Church is being shaken. I'm so tired of these preachers who define their spirituality by how big their house(s) are or what luxury car they drive. This is a good example of why it is important that Christians learn to hear God's voice for themselves, instead of looking at how "powerful" and "prophetic" a preacher is.

To be more specific Andrea, I think it'd be much better to say that each disciple of Christ should (as 2 Timothy 2:15 states), "Study to shew thyself approved unto God...." He has revealed all that is necessary for life and godliness in the Scriptures, so this is how we "hear" the voice of God, by obeying His Word, and studying it for ourselves. Nothing mystical about it. My sincerest condolences goes out to the families of those affected and I hope and pray that they continue to trust in the almighty and sovereign God, who works all things to the good for them that love Him, despite how awful and egregious what happened was. God bless! To Him who is able to keep us from falling, Chris

What a sick false teacher! The whole COGIC denomination is suspect for this. Leaders of that denomination protected this false teacher and did nothing out of fear of being exposed...for what, the same things? Or similar. This is more proof that a religious hierarchy is breeds corruption, no "good" pastor would speak out for fear of not being promoted in a system like that. Any Christian who goes to a church that is not autonomous ought to leave where Christ is head of His church who fulfills everything in everyway. And that is only one of the things that is wrong and it wasn't mentioned since it is a doctrinal statement. These people are not Pentecostals and anyone "church" that uses voodoo and witchcraft are not Christians anyway. No repentance, so salvation. Judging? No, just considering the fruit.

God please forgive me but, I'm ashamed to be associated with COGIC. Bishop Haynes, you will have to answer to God and to the people who looked up to you. Thank God for Bishop Blake. He took a stand and sat this nut case down. Supt. Battles, you are missed and thank you for standing up to this person. I can"t even call him a man of God (Allen). Bishop Blake need to strip Neaul Haynes of his title of Bishop because he did nothing to protect these women when they came to him for help. I was raised in the COGIC and I have never heard of anything like this ever. Bishop Haynes, what do you stand for, right or wrong? Let me answer that for you, WRONG. Bishop Blake , do the members of COGIC a favor and remove Neaul Haynes from office and anybody else that did nothing when this crap was bought to light. If ever ask, what church do I belong to my answer will be from now on, I belong to THE CHURCH OF GOD WITHIN ME and my paster is THE GOD ALMIGHTY.

You shall know a tree by its fruit. The fruit of the Christian church over 2,000 years proves to me Jesus was not God.

To Thomas: Before I respond to your comment can you please elaborate on "Jesus was not God". I don't want to misinterpret what you're saying. Thank you.

The Tarrant County "DA" should exhume his deceased wifes body, and check for any toxic poisons (See Article)"His wife Edwina was unhappy, several sources say. She would die in 2003 of complications from scleroderma, a disease that causes the skin to harden and crack." Sounds like what many know to be the unforunate result of vodoo poisoning. Allen was a master of manipulation, Showing personal grief would be a cakewalk. (See Article) "Allen, left with two children, was heartbroken, a family friend says. The competition to be the next Mrs. Allen, however, began anew." He had to have a wife to keep up the charade. But she can't save him

Andy: You are not the only one that suspect that Andy, his dead wife family believes he had something to do with her death as well but they dont have any proof. They know of him abusing her for years and she was miserable in that marriage and I heard that from sources very, very, very close to his death wife. But it does make you wonder how such a woman as young and beautiful as she was ended up with a disease that only effects about 2% of the U.S. population. It's really a rare disease. I found this online about the disease "Many researchers feel that several factors work together to induce scleroderma, such as a genetic inclination along with exposure to a toxin or infection which triggers the illness." Notice it says "exposure to a toxin". Gee....someone involved in witchcraft, black magic, or vodoo might have some access to toxins.....you think???? This guy is a real work of art and Julie stated it well in her article when she said "it will be every psychologist's case study."

It's amazing that in a world so ridden with darkness and confusion, the church has become the focal point for the enemy to deceive God's people. I held back the tears as I read this article and was disgusted by the COGIC's leaders lack of responsibility in this situation. That said, I admire the women who stood up to seek justice but I pray that God would completely heal them and restore them so they will no longer have to live in fear!

If this is true Sherman Allen and needs to go to jail. It go to show you in this cogic if you sound good have money you can get away with anything with our cogic leaders. it is sad that bishop did not do anything about this o if it was his child maybe. I guess we do not have to live holy in this church anymore just act save and sound good and look good now this day what is wrong with cogic.P.S AM COGIC LOVE THIS CHURCH

I am very disturbed by this story, however as a 5th generation Church of God in Christ young woman I am not ashamed to be a part of this body. Sherman Allen does not represent the entire body of our church. As with any and every organization there are many who do shameful and sinfuls acts, however they taint themselves and bring shame upon themselves and the people who continue to walk in darkness with them. I am very proud of this church, I am not proud of officials and leaders that ignore cries of help of young women who were and are definately victims of the devil and forces of the evil that the Word of God has warned us of us. This bad apple or seed certainly does ruin the entire basket. We are a great church with sound principles and doctrine. We just have people within our bidy who will do right and that's everywhere.

Corrections on my last comment. The young ladies were victims of the devil and the evil forces that teh bible has already warned us of. I meant to say we just people within teh body who WILL NOT do right.

How sick and disgusting this is!!! For The past leaders of the COGIC to allow this to go on. Not that there are not people in other denominations that are perfect, but for them to know about it and to close their eyes to it; this is a tragedy. The sad thing about it is that is may have possibly robbed these victims of what it means to have a genuine relationship with the Lord and what it means to be under true pastoral leadership. This guy was sick and was rooted in occultism. How could he have gotten past the screening process of the COGIC is beyond me. I am Praying that the victims of this horrible crime will somehow not be hardened towards Christ because this is truly an extreme distirtion of what Christianity is about. This man was never a Christian or a tue minister because all that he was doing was anti-scripture and anti-Christ. Just because a person can quote scriture and preach is with charisma does not mean they are God sent. "You shall know them by their fruit." Matthew 7:15-20. Also the fruit of the Spirit that is descibed in the scriptures does not resemble anything tht this sick animal portayed to his alleged victims. (Galatians 5:16-26) I am seriousy praying fro these victims although their names are not disclosed God knows their names. Shame on the the leaders for turning a deaf ear to this and the Lord will deal with them. Human life always takes precedence over the law and church tradition. Hats off to Bishop blake for having the guts to denounce this sick beast.

A saddening and very riveting saga has unfolded here!I am shocked into prayer as well as humility.God is not playing is not a cliche but a true clarion call warning us all to watch ourselves!!Stop the madness and start the true ministry!

That is why it is so important to worship God and not the man. Seek God's direction when you wake up in the morning. Stay in the Word Of God. Put your trust in "no" man. I pray for those who have been hurt and I pray every day for the leadership of not only the Church Of God In Christ, but leaders everywhere.

Much Love and respect and prayers to/for the women who have endured and found the courage to come forward and it will be interesting to see what will come next. Hopefully The body of Christ will take ownership for their part acknowledge sin, repent openly and then begin to identify recognize and cultivate the gifts within and pull back in the ones that have been abused. Discernment has been off for so long because of sin in the camp not everyone was involved but because too many knew and did nothing but "kept praying" and hid it. (consider Eli). The scripture come in my spirit IF MY PEOPLE, who are called by my name WOULD HUMBLE THEMSELVES, (IF=he loves us enough to let us choose to or choose not to, not the world "MY PEOPLE", he is not going humble us if we are to see healing) and PRAY ( I visited COGIC HEADQUARTERS (not a personal attack) just yesterday sat in a seat NO ALTER? growing up all my life COGIC until recent years I always remembered an alter not soooo many platforms but always an alter not required? but should be preferred. PLENTY OF OFFERING TABLES and a prayer request table or box, not judgement only observation, and began to pray for The Body of Christ because the same sickness that caused Mr Allen to do what he has done have is present in other denominations as well, an sick and demented age-old spirit that has taken residence not visiting. Denominations which we have brought into play and what the devil will use to keep us separate, individualized, a dismembered body until we all understand that we are a Body and we all need each other and we ALL need our "leaders healed" whatever flows from the head effects the body, and that gifts and calling are without repentance) and seek my face and turn from YOUR WICKED WAYS (still "MY people", nothing about the worlds)then will I hear from heaven (then and only then) and forgive sin and heal the land. I know that I have said a mouth full but to one who may have never had to deal with molestation or sexual abuse you will never fully understand so just pray, but to those of us who have, God is real and he cares He Seen it and did nothing to stop it, so he allowed it it can use you or or you can use it to get to know God even better as a Counselor, a mind regulator and a healer because..someone else will needs to know that it will be OK someone who will go through the same and may need you to say that I KNOW and really know, have been through and come out of the same or worse situation. And we KNOW that ALL things work together for the GOOD of them who love the Lord and who ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. Do remember to pray for them that despite-fully use you if you are not able now ask him to help you, and he will.xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

I have a hard time with the Mothers and Brothers and Sisters of this chruch . to let this go on for so long makes me wonder. did they somehow like this.or were they this lost. to let a 150 pound clown hurt women and get a large check with power just blows my mind.I am old school and I think the good REV is in need of a old time butt whipping as the women were provided. somebody in that CHRUCH STAND UP........

I agree with you “Z”, the members of this church needs to stand up and give this pastor the “boot”, because not only have this pastor abused these women, dishonor God and himself, but he has also lost his effectiveness to preach the gospel of correction to others. He’s also no longer qualified to lead a flock and needs to resign. The member who remains at this church who knows this pastor is corrupt will one day have to answer to God for why they didn’t sound the alarm to warn others to stay away. There’s only several reason why a person would remain a member at this church; the first reason is they too must be living in sin and feel the pastor can’t scorn them because he’s the biggest sinner; second reason is some feel a sense loyalty to the pastor because he paid a electric bill, rent/mortgage, or gave them a “prophesy” that may or may not came to pass; and the last reason is they probably don’t really have a real relationship with Christ to discern right from wrong; ohhhh one more, maybe they are new to church/area and dismiss the scandal as women lying and just want money.

It's a shame people in churches are blinded by the truth. If each one of you would've read God's word for yourselves then you would've put up with such behavior by a so-called man of God; whenever he's plainly a man of satan the Devil. Read Matt.7:21-23 and this should give you some insight on how to live your lives. One good thing about Jehovah's people; they teach the truth and with the right heart condition you will accept the truth and make it your own through your conduct, words, deeds, personality,speech, and etc. I love my Jehovah and would never want to disappoint him with this type of conduct that would bring shame and reproach on his name. PEOPLE WAKE UP AND START YOUR HOME BIBLE STUDY AND LEARN THE TRUTH AND MAKE THE TRUTH YOUR OWN. Don't worry because my heavenly FATHER JEHOVAH says "WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWETH THAT HE SHALL ALSO REAP". That young man will not get the last laugh because he will get what he deserves and it will be much worst for him than each one of you. He's just a FALSE RELIGION LIAR. Also read John 8:42-45. I hope I've been of some comfort to each one that reads my comment. Remember Jehovah is holy holy holy which mean cleanest to the superlative degree. We should be the same. I challenge all honest hearted one to start a bible study and become one of Jehovah's Witness. Your life will be complete and you won't have to worry about this type of conduct befalling you. I love everyone because I'm under obligation to do so because Jehovah first and foremost loved me. Do the right thing for yourselves and be blessed with everlasting life.

We need to get some Singaporean caners to come and give this preacher a Singapore style caning Read about Caning in Singapore and you will know what it is like. He needs 28 strokes on his bottom.

As an African American, this article proves, what I have always felt. That the black church has failed the black community, and I don't see how any black person, can believe in or follow, the white man's religion. Black people are the only people, who don't have a god that resembles them, and a religion, that is of their own making. We were unfortunate enough, to have the white mans religion, crammed down our throats. What good, has Christianity, done us? Black crime, is out of control, black drug use, hiv, std's and aids, are off the chart, and umemployment, is growing. Believing in a white god, and watching some black fool, who calls himself, a preacher, yell, scream, and turn cartwheels, is nothing but a coon show. Blacks should wake up, stop putting black preachers on pedestals, and allowing themselves, to be naive, and controlled, by the white mans, religion.

Come on people, which includes the Observer, LET IT REST!!!! Bring us new developments. We already know how horrible this man is, was, and will ever be. Keep in mind, many, many characters in the Bible were also horrible - JEZEBEL - for one! However, we don't have a heaven or a hell to put this man in. If he doesn't seek forgiveness from God and his victims, there really is nothing we can do BUT either PRAY or continue to be guilty of perpetuating the situation through non-beneficial rhetoric that serves no REAL solution-filled purpose. So let's pray that justice is practiced in a court of law on all accounts. Of course, unless he has denounced the Holy Ghost, which would be unforgivable according to the Bible, he in his terrible state is entitled not only to forgiveness but to spiritual restoration. Now don't get me wrong - does he need to continue pastoring with this same "power-struck" mentality that victimizes his congregants? Absolutely not! But unless the Lord says "not so" he still has a soul. I don't know about you all, but I would prefer to pray for his soul so that foul spirit is bound. I don't want anymore young women or men to have to ignorantly/stupidly endure such nonsense - be it Texas or anywhere in the world. In addition, if I was many of your commentors, I would be more concerned with the "sowing and reaping" theory. For those who don't believe - believe this: What goes around, comes around. So, be careful with your words & their intent. Observer, I am begging you, do the public a favor and only report on new developments in this "case" and let's encourage each other to PRAY for those demonic forces to be forever cast into the pit of hell from whence they came. Peace!!!

I say keep writing and talking about Julie, because guess who also would like to see you stop talking about it….Sherman Allen. The problem is that if we don’t keep talking about this it will remains a “Hush” and back into the abyss world of “secrecy”. Diamond right now he’s probably lying low and trying to wait for all this to blow over and to die down. He hasn’t given any response to numerous interview requests to get his side of the story and he pleads the 5th during his deposition. He’s probably hoping for this to be settle out of court so he won’t be exposed even more and then he can got on as business as usually and F*ck” some other woman and family life up. Yes, we all know God isn’t the ultimate judge and we don’t have a Heaven or Hell to put this man into, but it’s this kind of “Hush” attitude that has kept clergy perverts and sexual pedophiles to thrive on their sickness throughout their church. Maybe now since Julie has done all this good reporting on him that at least one person who may be thinking of joining his church will now know to stay away from it. The Catholic Church paid out millions of dollars in sexual abuse lawsuits because of that “HUSH and Pray” attitude. Speak on Julie and Dallas Observer, speak on!

Notice COGIC did nothing until the organization was sued for monetary damages. I agree with Mssy Potter that Bishop Haynes should be removed immediately! Also, if the Shiloh Institutional sign still contains COGIC, an injuction should be filed to remove it since Allen never completed COGIC charter requirements. The same goes for Catholic and every church. Thank God the Pope apologized for the abuse by priests, but the abusers and the Bishops who failed to removed them should both be removed completely from ministry . This should be a lesson to every church leader that these abusers are criminals and should be turned over to the Police immediately! Until that happens, predators will always hide behind the pulpit or clerical collar.

Notice COGIC did nothing until the organization was sued for monetary damages. I agree with Mssy Potter that Bishop Haynes should be removed immediately! Also, if the Shiloh Institutional sign still contains COGIC, an injuction should be filed to remove it since Allen never completed COGIC charter requirements. The same goes for Catholic and every church. Thank God the Pope apologized for the abuse by priests, but the abusers and the Bishops who failed to removed them should both be removed completely from ministry . This should be a lesson to every church leader that these abusers are criminals and should be turned over to the Police immediately! Until that happens, predators will always hide behind the pulpit or clerical collar.

AFTER READING THIS MY HEART GOES OUT TO THOES LADYES,BUT GOD SAW HIM AND HE WILL GET HIS PUNISTMENT BY GOD AND MAN.I AM A COGIC, IT IS SO SAD THAT THE,BISHOP,SUPT,ELDER.PASTOR AND MEMBER LET SO MUCH GO ON IN THE CHURCH,WE AS COGIC SHOULD BE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, BUT NOW ENY THING GOES AS LONG AS YOU PAY YOUR MONEY IT ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.BECAUSE EVERYBOUDY NO ABOUT EVERYBOUTY SIN.THANK BISHOP BLAKE I AM PRAY FOR YOU GOD NEED YOU AND THE COGIC DO TO.TO MUCH SIN GORING ON IN THE COGIC.WHEN YOU TRY TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT SOME THING HAPPEN IN YOUR CHURCH EVERYBODY LOOK AT YOU AS A TROUBLE MAKER.SOMEBODY SHOULD HAVE DID SOMEING BEFOUR BISHOP BLAKE STEP IN.BISHOP,SUPT NEED TO BE SIT DOWN FOR A WHILE.GOD STILE HAVE SOME REAL BISHOP,SUPT,ELDER,MINSTER, PASTORS AND ALSO SOME SAVE MISSNARY,WIFE,AND MEMBER.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8 ESV That's all I can say. God isn't stupid and one day, these charlatans will pay (including Bynum and Jakes) for the ways they deceive the true church of Jesus Christ. He's got this. And, for lack of better wording - They're going to get it.

I hope someone is watching out for those 'children' that he has. You better believe they are being tortured also.Please tell me someone else has them!