Should he be allowed to return?
A pastor from Texas has returned to his role just three months after turning himself in to authorities on charges of sexual assault and indecent assault involving a female church member. Ronnie Goines, who leads Koinonia Christian Church in Arlington, resumed his pastoral duties during a Bible study last Thursday and a Sunday service, although he did not directly address the allegations against him. His return was announced in a promotional video shared on YouTube.
Goines expressed enthusiasm for the revival, stating, “This revival, I’ve been praying about it, looking forward to it, for weeks.” The charges he faces originated from incidents reported in March 2023, when a church member accused him of making unwanted sexual advances. An arrest warrant affidavit detailed that the woman claimed Goines had invited her to his apartment under the pretense of car trouble, where he allegedly began to kiss her neck, rub her legs, and try to remove her clothing, despite her protests.
After reporting the incidents to the Arlington Police in late July, Goines was arrested. He has denied the allegations, maintaining that their interactions were consensual and involved only hugs, not kisses. His return to the pulpit coincided with the unexpected resignation of executive pastor James Ray Taylor, who stated that he left at the request of Goines and church leadership. During the Sunday service, Goines publicly thanked Taylor for his support during his absence, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining leadership in his absence.
At the Thursday Bible study, Pastor R.A. Vernon invited Goines to the front to show solidarity as the church navigates the ongoing situation. Vernon remarked on the church’s tendency to quickly dismiss their leaders, emphasizing the importance of showing support while also recognizing the need for accountability. Goines had previously surrendered to Tarrant County authorities on charges of one count each of indecent assault and sexual assault and was released on bail shortly thereafter.
In addition to his role as a pastor, Goines has a background as a chaplain for the Arlington Police Department and previously served as co-chair of the Arlington Unity Council.