Churchome Controversy: Pastor Rehired After Being Accused Of R*pe

The Churchome controversy circulating around rehiring of Pastor accused of r*pe has raised questions and concerns. 

Braylon Oliver, who used to pastor the Downtown campus of Churchome, a well-known megachurch with branches in Los Angeles and Seattle, was accused of inappropriate conduct by his ex-girlfriend in 2019. 

An independent investigation found the allegation to be credible, and Oliver stepped down from his position. 

However, Churchome rehired him in 2022, stating that he had shown spiritual and personal growth, and the church believed in his restoration and reconciliation. 

But according to a written summary of the investigation obtained by The Roys Report (TRR), Oliver was accused of forcing s*x on a woman against her will.

The victim, who goes by the name Jane, claimed that Oliver never admitted what he did or tried to reconcile. 

Jane spoke with Churchome Co-Lead Pastor Chelsea Smith, who repeatedly referred to Oliver’s alleged r*pe as a “mistake” and urged Jane to forgive him. 

Despite Jane’s objections, Churchome rehired Oliver as its new donor relationship manager without notifying her. Oliver claimed to have no recollection of the alleged incident when asked about it.

Why Is Judah Smith on Lana Del Rey’s New Album?

Lana Del Rey, also known as Elizabeth Grant, is an accomplished singer-songwriter who gained fame after her single “Video Games” was released in 2011. 

Her second studio album, “Born to Die,” debuted in the number two spot on the Billboard 200 chart in 2012, and her single “Young and Beautiful” was included in the soundtrack of the film “The Great Gatsby” in 2013. 

Del Rey has since released six more studio albums, leading up to her latest release, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd.”

The album features many of the recurring themes that Lana Del Rey is known for, such as melancholy glamor, California, loving the wrong men, Americana, and even violence. One of the tracks, “A&W,” alludes to Del Rey being r*ped but refusing to testify. 

In another track, “Judah Smith Interlude,” the singer includes a recording of Churchome pastor Judah Smith preaching, along with her reactions and melancholy piano music playing in the background. 

Although it is unclear where Del Rey obtained the recording, it appears to be audio she took while attending a service at Churchome, a church known for attracting celebrities such as Justin and Hailey Bieber.

In a letter Del Rey wrote in December 2022 announcing her new album, she thanked Judah and Chelsea Smith for their guidance, even when they were unaware they were giving it, and for allowing her to record part of his sermon for the album. 

However, Judah Smith is a controversial figure for some due to his views on topics such as masturbation and his lack of coherence during a recent presentation he gave.

The audio of Smith on Del Rey’s album indirectly touches on the topic of s*x, as the pastor speaks to those living a “life dominated by lust” and are unhappy with their marriages and families, urging them to ask the Holy Spirit for help. 

Del Rey can be heard laughing and reacting throughout the track, responding to Smith’s jokes and adding her own commentary.

While the inclusion of the interlude has caused some of Del Rey’s fans to express disappointment and confusion, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on the overall reception of the album.

Lana Del Rey has released her latest album called “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” which features an unexpected interlude with Churchome pastor Judah Smith.

The track lasts for four and a half minutes and includes Smith preaching, accompanied by Del Rey’s reactions and sad piano music in the background. 

Smith reflects at the end of the track, saying “I used to believe that my preaching was mostly about you,” before revealing that he has realized it is mostly about himself. 

Smith, who leads Churchome in Kirkland, Washington with his wife Chelsea, is listed as a collaborator on the album cover, along with other artists such as Father John Misty, Bleachers, and Jon Batiste.

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