Pastor speaks out about beating case

The husband of evangelist and gospel singer Juanita Bynum has issued an apology over the case, in which he is accused of beating his wife.

In a statement issued through his lawyers Wednesday, Thomas W. Weeks III, 40, apologized to all Christians, his church family and others "having to endure this ordeal."

Weeks, known to his followers as Bishop Weeks, is accused of beating, stomping, choking and threatening to kill Bynum during an Aug. 21 argument outside a hotel. He has been indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from the alleged attack that could send him to prison for up to 27 years.

"Because of the method in which this was handled just hours following the situation, it has not only hurt me, but has damaged the reputation of Christians around the world," Weeks said. "It is for this reason that I continue to trust in God while the storm would try to engulf me. Finally, I'm asking every Christian to pray that God's will be done."

In his statement, Weeks, the pastor and co-founder of Global Destiny Ministries, also cautioned against rushing to judgment in the case and said he would give his side of what happened at the appropriate time.

Weeks' statement came a day after Bynum, 48, announced that she forgave her estranged husband and would not say anything negative about him.

Jana Harris, one of Week's lawyers, described him as distraught over what has happened.

His statement, Harris said, is his acceptance of Bynum's forgiveness, good will and wishes for the best.

"I think they are just trying to say they forgive each other," Harris said. "They just want to try the facts in the right arena. There are two sides to every story."

Weeks had been scheduled to appear Friday in Fulton County Superior Court. But that court date has been postponed indefinitely and the case has been reassigned to a different judge.

Bynum is a former hairdresser and flight attendant who became a Pentecostal evangelist, author and gospel singer. Her ministry blossomed after she preached at a singles event about breaking free of sexual promiscuity. Among her books are "No More Sheets: The Truth About Sex" and "Matters of the Heart."

Her album "A Piece of My Passion" had been listed in the top 10 gospel albums by Billboard magazine for several months. She also preaches through televised sermons.

The couple married in 2002. Together, they wrote "Teach Me How to Love You: The Beginnings."