In a sensational turn of events, footage of 63-year-old Bishop Dwight Reed defending his controversial marriage to 19-year-old Jordan Goodlett has taken the internet by storm. The video, shared widely across social media platforms, captures Reed passionately addressing his congregation, two years after their marriage first made headlines in Iowa.
The Controversial Union
Bishop Dwight Reed, a well-known figure in the Iowa religious community, married Jordan Goodlett in November 2021. At the time of their wedding, Jordan was just 19 years old, sparking immediate controversy and public outcry due to the significant age gap between them. Reed, who is the Dean of the Church School at Christ Apostolic Temple, had reportedly been “offering special guidance” to Jordan before their relationship turned romantic.
Viral Footage and Public Backlash
In the now-viral footage, Reed can be seen standing in the pulpit, addressing critics head-on. “And I wish some of ya’ll would mess with my wife, Jordan. Talking about, ‘what you gonna do if you see her?’ Well, you will see me on the news!” Reed exclaimed. “You better walk by and say ‘praise the lord!’ that’s what you better do, because that’s my wife! And she grown! She didn’t need nobody to sign no paperwork for her. If this was out in the streets, ya’ll would be saying she made a come-up, but you a hypocrite.”
Reed continued by quoting scripture, emphasizing the sanctity of their marriage and asserting that they sleep “good at night” without worrying about their detractors. The Des Moines Register notes that Jordan is Reed’s third wife, highlighting the contentious nature of their relationship due to the over 40-year age gap.
Legal but Controversial
Legally, the couple’s marriage does not violate any laws in Iowa, where the age of consent is 16. Despite this, the considerable age difference has led to widespread criticism and accusations of predatory behavior. “PREDATOR! He probably was looking at her when she was a kid just waiting on her to turn 18,” commented one critic on social media. Another added, “It’s the fact that he still got members for me! Like none of yall got sense?”
The backlash has been fierce, with many expressing disgust and concern over the appropriateness of the relationship. “I’m sorry but this is sick and disgusting,” wrote another naysayer. “This is why we need our parents and grandparents in our lives. My grandmother always told me never get with a man that’s way older than me.”
63 year old Bishop Dwight Reed who married a 18 year old tells his congregation to leave his wife alone. pic.twitter.com/9iPvpZ9oSv
— The Gworls Are Fighting (@baddietvv) May 22, 2024
Legal Challenges and Ongoing Disputes
The controversy doesn’t end with public opinion. In 2022, Christ Apostolic Temple filed a lawsuit against Texas’ Kingdom Church and its leader, Demetrius Sinegal. This followed Sinegal’s creation of a Change.org petition calling for a criminal investigation into Reed. The petition and subsequent lawsuit have only added fuel to the fire, keeping the story in the public eye and further polarizing opinions.
Conclusion
As the footage of Bishop Dwight Reed’s passionate defense of his marriage continues to circulate, the debate over the ethics and legality of his relationship with Jordan Goodlett remains heated. While the couple stands firm in their union, the public’s divided opinions highlight the complexities and sensitivities surrounding such significant age-gap relationships. With ongoing legal battles and widespread scrutiny, this story is far from over, ensuring it will remain a topic of discussion for the foreseeable future.
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