In a dramatic turn of events, police interrupted a church service in Miami, attempting to arrest Prophet EJ Newton, the leader of 433 Church. The incident reportedly stemmed from a complaint filed by his ex-wife, leading to widespread reactions online.
Police Intervention During Sermon
A viral video captured the surprising moment when Prophet EJ Newton was delivering his sermon, and officers off-camera requested to speak with him. The pastor, visibly taken aback, asked his congregation to continue praying before stepping off the altar to meet the police outside.
Accusations of Kidnapping
The social media post accompanying the video claimed that the pastor was in trouble for kidnapping. One caption read, “Police stop church service in an attempt to arrest Prophet EJ Newton on kidnapping charges.” It was later alleged that he had failed to return his children after a visit, prompting his ex-wife to involve law enforcement.
Custody Battle at the Heart of the Dispute
Prophet EJ Newton clarified the situation, stating the attempted arrest was connected to a custody dispute with his ex-wife. She accused him of planning to leave the country during an ongoing parenting schedule case. A judge reportedly approved an emergency action based on these claims.
Pastor’s Statement on the Incident
The pastor shared his account of the events, explaining how the situation unfolded during the church service. He mentioned being secluded by police and not allowed to leave. He wrote:
“This happened during service… The police isolated me and didn’t allow me to leave. After stepping off stage, false accusations flooded our online service. My ex-wife, working with others, claimed I planned to flee the country during a custody case. A judge approved an emergency action.”
He also noted that individuals were planted in the service, observing and reporting, which he described as a strange and unsettling experience.
Prophet EJ Newton expressed his heartbreak over the accusations, emphasizing his love for his children. He denied any plans to leave the country, stating that his actions were being misrepresented.
“I love my children, and this breaks my heart. My babies do not deserve this. I am a great father and husband,” he shared.
The pastor reaffirmed his faith, declaring his trust in God through the ordeal. He vowed to continue exposing darkness in the church and standing for truth, regardless of the challenges.
“God will prevail. I will not stop speaking truth and exposing darkness. If this is the cost of repentance and standing against evil, so be it,” he wrote.
Prophet EJ Newton ended his statement with hope, quoting Psalm 25:1 and emphasizing his belief in divine intervention. He encouraged his followers to remain steadfast, saying, “Jesus is in my boat. We have victory.”
This incident has sparked conversations online about the challenges of public ministry, personal disputes, and the role of faith in navigating difficult times.
