Brian Tamaki, leader of Destiny Church, speaks out on sexual abuse allegations involving a banned youth leader accused of assaulting teenagers

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has responded to allegations that a youth leader sexually abused teenagers in his care. He said his sympathies were with all alleged victims and their families and he hoped police would investigate the case quickly.

He also sharply criticized the Herald for uncovering the history, describing the Herald on Sunday He called the report “another smear article and tabloid reporting” aimed at tarnishing his name and urged his devoted followers “not to fall for their lies.”

“I had no dealings with this alleged perpetrator, I don’t even know him, nor do I know everyone who attends our church,” Tamaki wrote.

“I have neither time nor tolerance for people who harm young people.”

The police confirmed to Herald They are investigating “historical allegations of sexual assault” involving a County Manukau youth group. It is believed there are multiple alleged victims whose offences are believed to have spanned several years.

The defendant is a long-time follower of Destiny. His Facebook page contains numerous photos of him with teenagers at Destiny events, as well as several pictures of him at the same events as Tamaki, including one of the man being anointed by the self-proclaimed apostle.

The mother of one of the alleged victims alerted police in November after her son revealed the alleged abuse.

It is believed that police then contacted Destiny Church, which immediately removed the man from his volunteer leadership role and denied him access to the church.

Destiny Church declined to comment on the allegations when contacted by the Herald A spokeswoman said last week: “We are unable to comment while the police are investigating. That’s all I can say.”

However, Tamaki addressed the controversy in posts on his Facebook page yesterday and today.

In a post this morning titled “Official Statement from Brian Tamaki,” he described himself as a “mainstream media target” and “dissident” on social media.

Regarding the allegations, Tamaki said the alleged perpetrator was never appointed as the head of youth ministry at Destiny Church.

“When the church became aware of the allegations against this man in connection with his volunteer work, he was banned from attending Destiny Church.

“When this individual began attending another church in Manukau County, Destiny Church informed that church of the allegations against this individual.”

Tamaki said he “praised” the police for investigating the case and taking the alleged victims’ statements seriously.

“We hope that justice will be served quickly. We will not comment further on this case so that (alleged) victims are not denied a fair trial.”

Brian Tamaki, chairman of the Destiny Church, calls media reports about the alleged abuse a “distraction”

Tamaki described media reports about the alleged abuse as a “distraction.”

“As we continue to target gender ideology in this country and challenge the perversion that underlies it, they will of course continue to try to turn the public against me.”

Tamaki reiterated in his post yesterday that he does not know the alleged perpetrator, although there are photos of the two at the same events.

“People come up to me all the time and want a photo with Hannah and me. That doesn’t mean I support them.

“I regularly pray for and anoint every member of my church. However, that does not mean that I approve of their actions.

“A church welcomes everyone as they are. All kinds of people come through the doors. We challenge them to change for the better, but ultimately the decision is theirs.”

Tamaki wrote that only “healthy and honest married couples” would be allowed to lead Destiny’s youth work.

“I fight every day to protect our future generation. I have no time or tolerance for (any) person who harms young people.

“My deepest condolences go out to the family and (all alleged) victims and I hope that the police investigate this case quickly.”

A police spokesman confirmed that an investigation was underway into “historical allegations of sexual assault” involving a youth group from Manukau County.

“Given the nature of these complaints, a special procedure must be followed to move the investigation forward.”

Due to ongoing investigations and for privacy reasons, the police did not want to comment on details.

“Basically, we would like to encourage anyone who would like to discuss an issue with the police to come forward.

“Any complaints will be treated confidentially and support services may be made available.”

Lane Nichols is a senior journalist and deputy news director based in Auckland. Before joining the Herald in 2012, he worked for ten years at Wellington’s Dominion Post and the Nelson Mail.