Pastor Jim Staley makes statement about pleading guilty to wire fraud

The Christian world was mildly rocked this week as Pastor Jim Staley from Passion for Truth Ministries in Missouri plead guilty to wire fraud charges stemming from events that took place right before starting his ministry. Sentencing will take place on July 9th where he faces 6-8 years in prison.

The controversial pastor has faced off with many in the evangelical world over the years, participating in debates and promoting a “Christian roots” movement that focuses on a combination of Judeo-Christian concepts and conservative historical views. He does not promote the celebration of Christmas, for example, declaring it and other religious events as pagan or heretical. The unfortunate part is that many of his teachings seem righteous and this will potentially taint the message for those who would listen.

Christian Post reports:

In 2007, according to the indictment, Staley operated Wealth Financial International, the same year he started his church and the same year he became a sales agent for a premium financing company in California called B & B Equity. Staley, in his capacity as sales agent, found people to provide loans for life insurance policies.

Here is his statement: