Walter Masocha is still with the Stirling-based Agape for All Nations Church, but has resigned leadership.

 

New guidelines have been issued to pastors and one to one meetings banned. It is now being run by a board of members.

Cindy Martin, a former pastor, said it was "a slap in the face for female members" that he had not been jailed.

She said Masocha had been at a church event in St Andrews last Sunday, where he had been "lapping up adulation".

Masocha, 51, who groped a young deaconess and left a schoolgirl, 15, in tears after he "pinged" her knicker-elastic, and pinched her bottom had passed the church's criminal record checks.

The former accountancy lecturer at Stirling University and his wife earned £72,000 a year after branching out and establishing his own church. He has initially worked part-time as a pastor in the Forward With Faith international ministry.

Their wages at Agape were funded by a "tithe" system in which the congregation contributed a tenth of their income to the registered charity.

His flock also funded their air fares and accommodation as they flew around the world spreading their message. Up to 30 minutes at each service is devoted to obtaining offerings, often about £200 a month.

It was reported that the church received £498,343 from tithes and 'freewill offerings' last year. Members were told to give at least 10 per cent of their earnings, with some alleging they are pressurised to give more.

But the preacher's empire appeared to crumble as one of his victims alleged he was also responsible for the death of five-year-old Scott Chiriseri, who was stabbed by his mother Farai.

Jean Gasho, who gave evidence during Masocha's trial, said the preacher had accused the troubled mother of being possessed by demons.

Farai killed her son at their home in Alva, Clackmannanshire, believing she was on a mission from God. She was charged with murder but was later acquitted after a judge accepted she was suffering from a mental disorder.

Ms Gasho said her former preacher should share some of the blame, and had forcibly broken up Farai's marriage to her husband Tichakunda, who is being cared for by the church.

A church spokesman said: "Regarding Scott Chirashi, the mother was never a member of Agape FANMI.

"She attended a service twice a number of years ago only."

"It is unfortunate and unfair that people continue to make links with this tragedy for which we have offered support to the father.

The spokesman confirmed the disgraced pastor would not be cast out.

He said: "We do not operate a formal membership system but he has not been excommunicated from the church.

"He offered his resignation which was accepted."

He added: "We have issued guidance to all pastors in the church with regards to measures to be taken when offering pastoral care.

The victims received no support from the church, which said: "The victims raised their concerns directly with the police and not with the church leadership.

"They had left the church prior to reporting their concerns."

Former Preacher ordered to carry out community service for groping members of his flock