The following is a transcript of Steve Farmer’s deposition, given March 3, 2009, in the matter of Lynette Fay vs. Paul Mears and Christian Gospel Temple.

It is my belief that we, as victims, have no alternative other than to expose the truth contained in this deposition. It is important for the people in the surrounding community and the people who currently attend CGT to read the words of Steve Farmer. In this deposition, Farmer explains his definition of child molestation. In this deposition, Farmer states that he believes child molestation is limited to touching of the genitals. He further states that sexual contact involving a ten-year-old boy sucking the breast of an adult woman is not molestation because it does not involve the genitals.

In the following transcript, Farmer acknowledges he knew about the abuse of his wife, Becky, by Paul Mears, her uncle. He acknowledges that he told no one. When asked about the term elder, he said the term was not used at CGT and he could not clearly define the term. However, the word elder was used in the official policy for handling sexual abuse drafted by CGT in 2004. Even this seemingly simple and straightforward question did not result in a forthcoming and truthful answer.

This transcript provides clarification on why we, as victims, felt compelled to come forward.

Are children safe in a church where the pastor believes that a child sucking on a woman’s breast is not molestation? When the lawsuits were filed in 2008, many in CGT alleged that this was all about money. There were those who attempted to discredit us and called into question our motives. After reading this, it is my hope that you will understand why we had to speak out. This was not simply about the victims of the past. It has been our sincere desire to prevent the future abuse of additional victims.

Please click on each of the links below to read the transcript in its entirety.

If anyone has trouble opening the pages up please email Jennifer@truthaboutchristiangospeltemple.com and I can send it to you in a file.

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In fairness to Steve Farmer, I will publish the corrections he ultimately sent to the attorney’s office regarding his answers to certain questions. It should be noted, however, that these corrections were not submitted for at least six weeks after he gave this deposition. It should also be noted that, prior to being deposed, it was made very clear to Farmer that all of his answers would be used in a court of law and that he should answer thoughtfully and carefully.

Corrections

There was a question that was asked by the attorney of Mrs. Fay in regards to Jared Morrell. He asked Steve Farmer about the allegations that Todd Morrell's (trustee) son Jared had raped a minor. I would like to clarify that one question because I know of that instance first hand from the parent of the child. He did not rape her child but  he did allegedly touch her inappropriately.