Another Funamentalist Christian Guilty of Sex Crimes

Just last week, yet another fundamentist Christian leader pleaded guilty to felony perjury. Paulk, formerly a prominent minister, was charged with perjury for lying during a deposition last year in a sexual misconduct lawsuit against him. Bobby and Mona Brewer, former staff members at what was known as Chapel Hill Harvester Church, which Paulk built into a nationally known ministry sued Paulk that he coerced Mona Brewer into a sexual relationship and used his influence to hide that and other improprieties.

"Earl Paulk was the architect of an entire scheme to protect the kingdom," Levenson said.

He defined 'kingdom' as the church and system of influence Paulk built.

In a deposition taken in the suit, Paulk said Mona Brewer was the only woman he had sex with outside of marriage. A DNA test last year showed Paulk fathered a child by the wife of his brother, the Rev. Don Paulk. That discovery led to the perjury charge.

Paulk's religious celebrity peaked in the 1980s and 1990s with TV appearances and more than 10,000 church members. He was nationally influential among independent charismatic churches.

His fame turned to infamy as he faced a series of allegations of sexual misconduct with many women. Though he no longer leads the church, now called the Cathedral at Chapel Hill. He still participates, speaking briefly. Attendance has dropped dramatically.