Naasón Joaquín García
HBO’s ‘Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo’ centers victims in ‘cult’ sex abuse scandal
By Alejandra Molina — December 6, 2022
(RNS) — The new three-part series delves into the history and growth of La Luz del Mundo and focuses on the former members coping with the trauma of the church.
La Luz del Mundo leader, Naasón Joaquín García, faces new lawsuit in Los Angeles
By Alejandra Molina — September 12, 2022
(RNS) — From the time they were young children, the plaintiffs 'were routinely coerced' to believe García’s 'wishes and desires were direct orders from God,' according to the complaint.
Will La Luz Del Mundo persist with leader behind bars?
By Alejandra Molina — June 22, 2022
(RNS) — It’s incredibly difficult to leave a religious organization that’s given followers a worldview that says, ‘we are God’s chosen,’ experts note.
Ex-members of La Luz del Mundo say Naasón Joaquín García deserves more than 16 years
By Alejandra Molina — June 9, 2022
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — ‘He deserves the full weight of the law,’ said Hector Vera, a former deacon of the church.
Mexican megachurch leader gets more than 16 years for abuse
By Brian Melley — June 8, 2022
(AP) — LOS ANGELES (AP) — The leader of La Luz del Mundo church has been sentenced to 16 years and eight months in a California prison for sexually abusing three girls.
Mexican megachurch leader pleads guilty in LA to sex abuse
By Brian Melley — June 4, 2022
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Naasón Joaquín García, the leader of Mexican megachurch La Luz del Mundo, faces up to 16 years and eight months in prison when sentenced Wednesday.
La Luz del Mundo congregants ‘frightened’ after attempted burglary and shooting at two temples
By Alejandra Molina — July 23, 2021
(RNS) — These incidents occurred as the trial is set to begin on Sept. 27 for Naasón Joaquín García, the leader of La Luz del Mundo, who faces numerous sex charges.
Trial date set in sexual abuse case against La Luz del Mundo leader Naasón Joaquín García
By Alejandra Molina — April 12, 2021
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — A Superior Court judge ordered the trial date for García to begin Sept. 27, according to the California attorney general’s office and a statement from La Luz del Mundo.
Judge increases bail for La Luz del Mundo leader to $90 million
By Alejandra Molina — August 6, 2020
(RNS) California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra on July 30 refiled charges against Naasón Joaquín García, months after a California appeals court dismissed García’s criminal case on procedural grounds.
Court drops rape, other charges against megachurch leader
By Stefanie Dazio — April 8, 2020
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Naasón Joaquín García, the self-proclaimed apostle of La Luz del Mundo, has been in custody since June after his arrest on accusations involving three girls and one woman between 2015 and 2018.
La Luz del Mundo minister says abuse allegations are false
By Alejandra Molina — February 15, 2020
POMONA, Calif. (RNS) — At a news conference Friday (Feb. 14), church leaders gathered at the Fairplex in Pomona to address the allegations that were made against the church and its leaders.
La Luz Del Mundo ex-member sues, alleging decades of trafficking, sexual abuse
By Alejandra Molina and Bob Smietana — February 13, 2020
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — At a news conference, Sochil Martin, 33, detailed the sexual abuse she says she endured within the church.
La Luz del Mundo will continue to host US ceremony while leader remains in jail
By Alejandra Molina — January 24, 2020
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The Mexico-based La Luz del Mundo is holding its most sacred ceremony in February in events across the U.S. while its leader remains in a Los Angeles jail after he was arrested and charged with numerous sex crimes.
Mexican Pentecostal church says leader is innocent, denies sex crimes charges
By Aysha Khan — June 7, 2019
(RNS) — The head of Mexico's largest evangelical church, La Luz del Mundo, has been charged with a string of sex crimes against minors in Los Angeles, including rape, human trafficking and child pornography. Church leaders and followers say he is innocent.
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