ST. CROIX — Gospel recording artist Israel Houghton, who has written some of the most popular worship music of modern day Christendom, announced on Monday that he and his wife were divorced.
Mr. Houghton, a Grammy Award winner known ubiquitously among Christian circles, and a producer on the film, I’m In Love With A Church Girl, said a sin that he had committed in his marriage several years ago had led to the divorce.
Below is the full statement, which Mr. Houghton posted on Facebook but has since deleted (screengrab here):
“It is with a collective heavy heart that we announce that after over 20 years of marriage and a long separation, Meleasa and I are officially divorced. Several years ago I failed and sinned in my marriage. Though this is new to many, it is not new to us as we have been working through this for over 5 years.
“Although we tried, the challenges in our relationship have proven too much to overcome. We have always handled our family and ministry with grace and generosity toward others, discretion, and privacy. So, for the sake of our amazing kids, we are also handling this privately with pastoral oversight and assistance. We choose to remain friendly and kind to each other going forward.
“I am in the process of restoration and I have repented for my actions. Although I am sincerely sorry, and forgiven, I soberly realize that I will live with the consequences of my failings for the rest of my life. As this has become a public matter I want to apologize to the many who have supported my ministry through the years.
“I’m sorry for the many who will be hurt to learn of my personal failure. I regret any pain or disappointment that this news may cause you. We thank you for your prayers and for allowing us to handle this privately with those who are set over us in this process.”
Mr. Houghton is a household name among in the Virgin Islands. His music is played daily on local gospel radio stations, and his songs sang in churches across the territory.
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