A deacon at a Seventh Day Adventist church in Kingston, who was taped trying to make sexual advances to a teenage boy recently, left the place of worship after he was disciplined.

Steven Benjamin*, a member of the church, told THE STAR that everyone was shocked when the tape was played for a pastor of the church. He said, however, that some persons had previously suspected the deacon was a homosexual.

possibly gay

"I normally made comments that he was possibly gay; however, it was not taken seriously by many. Although I had my speculation, I was still shock at this discovery," said the church member.

A man who attended the church and lives in the area, said that the deacon had approached the teen, admitted he was gay and that he wanted to be involved in a sexual activity with him. It is alleged that the teen then told hisfriends about the deacon's proposal.

It is claimed that the teen and his friends approached the deacon and acted as if they were interested in taking part in his activity, but carried a device to record the conversation. It is alleged that he admitted that he was gay during the conversation.

played the tape

The youths are said to have then told the pastor of the church and played the tape for him. The deacon is said to have admitted that he approached the teen after the recording was played.

The deacon was instructed to sit at the back of the church, however, he was reportedly not pleased about this. The church member told THE STAR that the deacon did not want anyone to pray for him, as well.

"When persons wanted to pray for him, he did not want anyone to pray for him ... He said that he wants to remain like that," said the church member.

*Name change to protect identity