Station founder departs under troubling cloud
LETHBRIDGE, AB-The founding president and general manager of 97 Spirit FM, Lethbridge's only Christian radio station, has left the station following sexual assault charges brought by a former employee.
Terry Robert Fleming vehemently denies the accusations, and his defence counsel pleaded not guilty on his behalf in Lethbridge provincial court on April 8. Fleming was not present when the plea was entered.
Fleming launched CJTS-FM (97.1) almost four years ago and is an experienced broadcaster with close to 40 years experience. His initially planned to establish three Christian stations in Lethbridge, Abbotsford and Campbell River, B.C.
He lost the bid to launch the Campbell River station when the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) denied his application on January 30. The CRTC concluded economic conditions in the Vancouver Island community could not support another radio station.
Meanwhile, a female employee dismissed by Fleming from the Lethbridge station filed charges against him on January 27.
Repeat phone calls to the Spirit FM manager and station pastor requesting comment about developments following the charge were not returned. In a voice mail, Fleming told ChristianWeek he "wants no publicity about this matter at all, especially from a Christian newspaper."
However, the Spirit FM Web site posted a statement from the station and Fleming, indicating that Fleming has moved on to "help start four to five stations" and plans to live outside Alberta.
Fleming thanks "most volunteers and staff members for loving and constantly praying for him, and never judging him," unlike his "accusers."
"It's too bad other Christian wolves in sheep's clothing don't even understand the Bible and what they are doing and that they are wrong," the message continues. "Incidentally to one that sent an e-mail recently claiming Terry is going into hiding is incorrect. Terry said quote 'We're getting away-not running away.' And, yes Virginia, Christians do shoot their wounded."
The statement goes on to suggest that despite the rumours and gossip making the rounds in Lethbridge, "there are penalties to pay for those who have judged Terry and have been jury."
The message warns, "Those who have come against Terry, his wife or family or the Christian station, remember this is nothing to fool with and going to church on Sunday and warming the seats does not excuse you and let you off from the scripture below...Beware and heed the word of the Lord!!!"
Isaiah 54:17 is then quoted as, "no weapon forged against Terry will prevail, and God will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,' declares the Lord. Thank you Jesus!
"Terry will miss many of you, and many he won't," the posting concludes. "This was a vision and only God can take that away. I will fulfil what he asked of me. God Bless you all."
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