As told by Terrence Dean
Dr. Betty Price, wife of well-known television minister Dr. Freddy Price, Jr. of the Ever Increasing Faith Ministry, gives voice and a unique perspective to the topic of adultery in the church–through the personal stories of some pastors’ mistresses. Dr. Betty Price spoke candidly to ESSENCE.com on the taboo subject.
It was 20 years ago when I started receiving letters from women of various churches who were having illicit affairs with powerful married ministers. I was flabbergasted. Was this really happening in the church? I asked myself. Then my phone began ringing off the hook. I couldn’t understand why these women were reaching out to me. I think it was because they saw my husband, Dr. Fred K. Price, and his televised preachings and were captivated by his message.
Most recently I received two anonymous letters within a week apart. Both women shared their involvement with very high-profile men of God. As I read their letters I sensed their deep regret. They expressed how they never intended on being involved with a minister and each woman was desperately seeking a way out.
The first letter was from an older, mature woman. She’d just bought a luxury condo but lost her government job after 25 years of service. Her self-esteem was very low. She didn’t know what to do because she was financially strapped. And, she was older and didn’t think she would be able to find another job in this economy. She reached out to her bishop for counseling. They began an affair. It’s been going on for three years. The second woman was from a different church. She works on a committee in which she interacts with her pastor daily. They began spending long hours together. Then the affair began. Now, she is desperately trying to get out but doesn’t know how.
Both of these women said they know what they are doing is wrong but expressed they don’t have the strength to leave. Both ministers have threatened and coerced these women. They told them, “If they stop the affair then they would be dishonoring God.” However, both women expressed they were benefitting financially in the relationships. They were stuck. Unsure of what to do. After reading those two letters my daughter said I had to write a book.