A scandal has rocked the Beninese evangelical community after Pastor Axel Levi of the Mission Faiseur de Disciples (MFD) Church and his wife, Laurine, were removed from their ministerial roles. The decision came after a video showed the pastor being confronted by several men during a service. The MFD Church, based in the Paris region, announced the removal of Pastor Levi and his wife from all their functions.
The controversy began with the circulation of a video showing Pastor Levi being taken to task by several men during a church service. The incident led to a public admission by Pastor Levi of having consensual sex with some church members and non-members. In an open letter published on social media, Pastor Levi acknowledged the gravity of his actions and took responsibility for his mistakes.
Pastor Levi's open letter revealed that he had been suspended from all his church roles indefinitely, effective September 27, 2026. He admitted to having consensual sex with some women in the church and outside of it, but denied any allegations of aggression, rape, or coercion. The pastor expressed regret for the scandal caused and asked for forgiveness for his lack of exemplary behavior.
The MFD Church has confirmed the removal of Pastor Levi and his wife, Laurine, from their roles, citing "very serious facts." The church's statement, reported by InfoChrétienne, used the term "destitution," while Pastor Levi referred to his status as "suspended" in his letter. The incident has sparked a significant reaction in the Beninese evangelical community, where Pastor Levi was a well-known figure.
Pastor Levi, an Ivorian-born singer and songwriter, had gained popularity for his Christian content aimed at young people. The scandal has raised questions about the accountability of church leaders and the need for greater transparency in the management of church affairs. The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the challenges facing the evangelical community in Benin and beyond.
To date, no formal complaints or judicial proceedings have been made public in France in connection with this incident. The MFD Church has taken a firm stance on the matter, emphasizing its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and morality. The removal of Pastor Levi and his wife from their roles serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in church leadership.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing churches in maintaining the trust of their congregations and the wider community. The MFD Church has taken steps to address the situation, and it remains to be seen how the community will respond to the news. One thing is certain, however: the incident has sparked a necessary conversation about the importance of integrity and accountability in church leadership.
Key points
- Pastor Axel Levi and wife Laurine removed from church roles amid sex scandal
- Levi admitted to consensual sex with church members and non-members
- MFD Church cites "very serious facts" in removing Levi from roles
