Court closes doors of "cult" church in upstate New York

News Summary/November 18, 2015

By Rick Alan Ross

On December 14th an official notice was posted at the entrance to the Word of Life Christian Church in New Hartford, New York per the order of a Supreme Court judge. According to the order no one may enter or use the building without the consent of local law enforcement. The court order effectively restricts the church and essentially shuts down its building.

New Hartford Town Supervisor Patrick Tyksinski told the press that the posted order is related to a nuisance abatement proceeding pending in court.

Further action has been taken by the town regarding the tax-exempt status of the Word of Life Christian, which is being revoked. The church has failed to produce documentation proving its tax-exempt status, which it has claimed since 1993. Tyksinski told the press that the church building could potentially be seized for back taxes.

The Word of Life Christian Church is linked to beating death of 19-year-old church member Lucas Leonard. Church leaders now face criminal charges ranging including murder and gang assault.

Note: This news summary is based upon an article "Court order prohibits entrance to Word of Life" by  Micaela Parker published by the Utica Observer-Dispatch December 17, 2015

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