The Central Church of Holy God in Kyoto Prefecture

Tamotsu Kin, 61, a Japan-born South Korean clergyman of the Central Church of Holy God in Kyoto Prefecture, began abusing female followers 14 years ago, news reports said.

He allegedly started sexually assaulting adult women and later turned to younger girls by calling them to his room at the church.

Hisoka Murakami, the main clergyman at Kyoto Assembly Church, who heads an abuse support group, said that more and more victims were coming forward after Kin was arrested April 6 for the alleged assault of the girl, 12.

Kin sexually assaulted his victims by telling them he was testing their faith and told them to keep quiet to protect the church, the news reports said.

Kin had accompanied teenage girls on trips to South Korea, the United States, Canada and New Zealand, and police suspect he may have abused them during the trips.

Kin has denied the charges. He led the church under the Japanese name of Tamotsu Nagata and the Christian name of Paul.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 16, 2005
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