CHICAGO, United States — Charles Jenkins, pastor of the historic Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, has become embroiled in a public dispute involving an alleged eight-year extramarital affair, an intimate photograph published online, and accusations of extortion.
Jenkins, the gospel songwriter behind the Grammy Award-winning worship song Awesome, acknowledged the affair before his congregation on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, with his wife, Tara Jenkins, at his side.
The controversy subsequently intensified after an intimate photograph of the pastor appeared on the Obnoxious Blog.
Jenkins has accused Mundi Griffin, the woman identified as his former romantic partner, of attempting to extort money from him. Griffin has denied the allegation and accused the pastor of making false statements to protect his reputation.
Former Church Member Discloses Details of Affair
Rae Lewis-Thornton, a former member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, disclosed details of the controversy, including Jenkins’ allegations against Griffin.
According to the account, Jenkins and Griffin had maintained a relationship for approximately eight years.
Griffin had also been employed by the church during the relationship, reportedly receiving a six-figure annual salary.
The circumstances surrounding her employment and whether her remuneration was connected to her relationship with Jenkins have not been independently established.
The affair became public after Jenkins addressed his congregation alongside his wife during the Easter service.
The subsequent publication of the intimate photograph brought further attention to the dispute.
Griffin Denies Extortion Allegations
Griffin rejected Jenkins’ accusation that she had attempted to obtain money from him through threats of public exposure.
In a text message sent to the pastor, she accused him of inventing the allegation to protect his public standing.
She also challenged statements he had made about her from the pulpit, accusing him of damaging her reputation.
The available account does not establish who released the photograph or whether Griffin had any involvement in its publication.
A separate report by EEW Magazine News alleged that a disgruntled former female employee was responsible for making the photograph public.
According to that report, the woman was demanding the outstanding half of a $20,000 payment allegedly promised in exchange for remaining silent about Jenkins’ relationship with Griffin.
The identity of the person who published the photograph remained undetermined, and the allegations concerning the purported payment had not been independently verified.
Jenkins’ Ministry and Community Work
Jenkins had led Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church for approximately 13 years when the controversy emerged.
The Chicago congregation is known for its longstanding presence in the city’s religious community.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Jenkins achieved national recognition through his gospel music career, particularly as the songwriter behind Awesome.
He also served as founding president of the Fellowship Educational and Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit organisation involved in community development.
At the time, the organisation was leading the Legacy Project, an initiative expected to create approximately 400 jobs on Chicago’s South Side.
The public dispute involving Jenkins and Griffin raised questions about the circumstances of their relationship and the allegations surrounding the publication of the intimate photograph.
Griffin has denied the extortion accusation, while the identity of the person responsible for releasing the photograph remains unconfirmed in the available reports.
