Megachurch Pastor Takes Leave of Absence After Bigamy Allegations; Says 'Rhythm and Blues Got the Best of Me'
Cornelius (Neil) Davis Jr., senior pastor of the 4,200-member Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield, Michigan, has reportedly taken a leave of absence from the helm of his megachurch after allegations surfaced that he walked out on his first wife and two children then subsequently went on to marry again without getting a divorce.
An apparently penitent Davis explained in a letter to his congregation, cited by the Detroit Free Press, that he thought he had divorced his first wife, Jaletta Davis, who served him with divorce papers this summer but died last month, effectively ending her quest to officially divorce him and get alimony.
Davis said he "assumed a divorce had taken place," while noting his marriage to Jaletta was "very rocky and unhealthy," and it involved a cycle of drugs, alcohol and extramarital affairs.
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"Rhythm and blues got the best of me," he explained. "My faith compels me to face this matter honestly, and I began to take steps to care for this situation."
According to court papers, Jaletta separated from Davis in 1983 then lost contact with him for more than 30 years after that. During that time, Davis formed a relationship with Lela Brown-Davis and they have been living as man and wife for more than 25 years, according to the church's website.
The complaint from Jaletta alleged that she separated from Davis after 10 years of marriage due to "a history of abuse laid on her and her two children."
In his letter, Cornelius Davis explained that he was: "Respecting the wishes of my former spouse to stay away from her and the children, I disconnected with them altogether. My rationale for leaving my family was that I believed I was in no condition to do anything that would be helpful."
Despite Cornelius' claim that he thought he was divorced, one of his sons, Trade Stevens, who lives in New York, alleged that his father is a liar who subsequently married twice knowing full well that he was still married to Jaletta.
"He's lied and neglected and abandoned his family only to go on and marry two more times," said Stevens. "He needs to be accountable for his actions."
Jaletta's daughter, Karisa Davis, pushed her mother — who never remarried and was living on Social Security checks of $700 a month — to seek a divorce from Cornelius and explore whether or not she was entitled to compensation.
"This man's gotten off scot-free forever," said Karisa Davis, "I just want the truth to be heard about him."
Jaletta died of a heart attack on Aug. 27 and her attorney, William O'Leary, said her case has also died with her.
"It can only be described as sad," said O'Leary. "Ms. Davis saw this now as something she was emotionally ready to do ... and died before it was done."
The Rev. Charles Boayue, superintendent for the Detroit Renaissance District of the United Methodist Church, told the Detroit Free Press that a review of the situation was being carried out and ask for prayers for the pastor's family.
"There will be a thorough review of this matter," said Boayue. "Let us hold the Southfield congregation and the entire Davis family in prayer at this time."
The Christian Post reached out to Hope United Methodist Church for comment on Monday but it was not open for business.
