Speaking during a prayer meeting on Wednesday, River of Love head pastor Gordon Manche warned a group of people that they will be terrorised for eternity for spreading lies about him and his community.
Manche singled out Times of Malta journalist Ivan Martin, activist Gabi Calleja, ONE media head Jason Micallef and the entirety of MGRM. Despite ‘thanking them’ for the publicity, he warned them of eternal torment for spreading the alleged lies.
He went on to say that they were attacking him because they had not yet experienced the love of God. This comes after Manche and the Evangelist movement hit headlines after police questioned them in regards to murder suspect Abner Aquilina’s links to the group.
Manche distanced himself from Aquilina after a video showed him alongside a member of the River of Love movement who described the former as a ‘brother’ just two days before the murder of Paulina Dembska.
Addressing those he deemed were spreading lies about him, Manche said that he ‘understands’ why they all attempt to spread lies about him. He said that they do like their ‘father’, going on to say that there are two fathers: God and the devil. ‘Like father like son’ he added.
Manche also shared images of Ivan Martin on his TV show, repeating his claim. He told his viewers that the journalist ‘does not have God in his heart.’ The news was met with backlash by those mentioned and even others, such as Equality Minister Owen Bonnici.
Full solidarity with #JasonMicallef, @gabicall and @IvanMartin89. On our part we will keep working hard to keep winning over hearts and minds in favour of more equality for the LGBTIQ community in our country. 🌈 https://t.co/132Pedj1tH
— •Owen Bonnici (@OwenBonnici) January 7, 2022
Times of Malta editor in chief Herman Grech later stated that Manche ‘has every right to continue with his self-anointed mission, but has no right to attack and vilify journalists ‘who will continue to ask uncomfortable questions and report the facts.’
#MaltaDaily
Photo Source: MGRM FB, Jason Micallef FB, River of Love YouTube