This has more twists and turns than a soap opera...divorce, remarriage, possible illegitimacy...
http://www.freep.com/story/news/loca...urch/72419872/
Cornelius (Neil) Davis Jr., the senior pastor of a prominent Southfield church, has taken a leave of absence after allegations that he left a wife and two children more than 30 years ago and later remarried — without ever obtaining a divorce.
That would mean that his subsequent marriages — including a current marriage that has lasted more than 25 years and a second alleged by his son — were never legally valid in the first place, according to legal experts.
Davis' first wife filed a lawsuit in July seeking a divorce and alimony.
But in a letter to his congregation, Davis said he "assumed a divorce had taken place" and that the marriage was "very rocky and unhealthy," involving a cycle of drugs, alcohol and extramarital affairs.
"Rhythm and blues got the best of me," he said. "My faith compels me to face this matter honestly, and I began to take steps to care for this situation."
His family said Davis should have stepped up years ago.
"He's lied and neglected and abandoned his family only to go on and marry two more times," said Davis' son, Trade Stevens, who now lives in New York. "He needs to be accountable for his actions."
Davis is the pastor at Hope United Methodist Church, a position he has held since July 2014 when he replaced its longtime senior pastor, the Rev. Carlyle Fielding Stewart III.