Faith, fear and allegations: Inside the dark side, complex legacy of Father John Pesa

Late founder of the Coptic Holy Ghost Church of Africa, Father John Pesa. [Courtesy]

At the peak of his career, the late founder of the Coptic Holy Ghost Church of Africa, Father John Pesa was in a league of his own. He was feared, commanded respect and bile in equal measure.

To his followers, however, he was a demigod. A fatherly figure who deserved all their energy and sacrifices.