Shattered Trust

January 10, 2025

A struggling 21-year-old thought speaking with a famous pastor would help his crisis of faith. Instead, he says, he was groomed and sexually abused.

The Victim

Giuseppe Cortello was 21 when he sought spiritual guidance from Donnie McClurkin, a Grammy-winning gospel singer and senior pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in New York.

Seeking Help

Cortello reached out to McClurkin because:

• He was questioning his sexuality and faith
• McClurkin publicly claimed to have “overcome” homosexuality
• The pastor promised counseling and spiritual guidance
• He trusted the religious leader’s reputation

The Abuse

According to Cortello’s lawsuit:

• Counseling sessions became inappropriate
• McClurkin used his spiritual authority to manipulate
• The abuse occurred over several months
• Power dynamics prevented resistance

The Lawsuit

Key allegations in the civil suit:

• Sexual abuse of a vulnerable young adult
• Exploitation of pastoral authority
• Emotional and psychological damage
• Cover-up attempts by church leadership

Church Response

McClurkin and Perfecting Faith Church:

• Deny all allegations
• Claim Cortello is lying for attention
• Filed countersuit for defamation
• Continue ministerial duties

Broader Impact

The case highlights:

• Abuse vulnerability in religious settings
• Power imbalances in spiritual counseling
• Need for better accountability systems
• Impact on LGBTQ faith communities

Community Reaction

The lawsuit has divided:

• Longtime church members defending McClurkin
• Abuse survivors supporting Cortello
• Religious leaders calling for investigation
• LGBTQ advocates demanding transparency