A pastor told women they had to perform sex acts with him for a "prayer of deliverance" to work, and warned one she would be cursed otherwise, prosecutors allege.
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The judge-alone trial of Alofa Talouli Masina started in the ACT Supreme Court on Wednesday after he pleaded not guilty to rape and three counts of committing an act of indecency.
Prosecutor Skye Jerome said the 54-year-old from Sydney visited a Canberra woman on Australia Day in 2018 to perform a prayer of deliverance along with another pastor. Mr Masina allegedly told the woman he'd need to return to perform a second prayer, and did so on or about the following Friday.
Ms Jerome said at his second visit, Mr Masina explained to the woman she would need to "go to bed with him" and cited Ezekiel and Isaiah in the Bible. Mr Masina allegedly said the woman would be cursed if she refused to do so, and with the "fear of God", she agreed.
Mr Masina's alleged victim told police she'd read about Ezekiel and Isaiah to an extent, but hadn't come across anything that justified what Mr Masina told her to do.
"[I thought] if I don't do what he said, something will happen to me or my family," the woman said in an interview with police.
"I just totally didn't want to do it but because of what he said the consequences would be, [I did it]."
Ms Jerome said Mr Masina kissed the woman and gave her oral sex. It's alleged Mr Masina then asked the woman to perform oral sex on him, and when she refused, Mr Masina said "no wonder your husband left you".
Mr Jerome said the woman later complained about the incident to friends, one of whom confronted Mr Masina about it. It's alleged the pastor told the woman's friend he wouldn't say whether his alleged victim was right or wrong, but "all I can say is that it is between me and the Holy Spirit".
Ms Jerome said the Crown would call three women to be witnesses in Mr Masina's matter - all of whom established his tendency to "abuse his position as a religious leader ... for his own sexual gratification".
One of the women alleges she was caring for her ill husband when Mr Masina, in performing a prayer of deliverance with her, digitally penetrated her and asked to give her oral sex. Mr Masina allegedly told the woman that if she told anyone what had happened, someone would die.
The two other witnesses allege Mr Masina asked them sexual questions while performing the prayer of deliverance with them.
Ms Jerome said the Crown would argue that any consent the Canberra women gave Mr Masina was negated, because she agreed to sexual acts with the understanding she would be cursed if she didn't.
The charges only relate to Mr Masina's alleged treatment of the Canberra woman, not the other witnesses.
The pastor's defence barrister, Dr Gregor Urbas, said his client denied performing sex acts with any of the women, but regardless, an issue arose about whether the Canberra woman's consent could have been negated.
Dr Urbas said Mr Masina denied visiting Canberra on the dates alleged, and was of good character with no criminal history.
The judge-alone trial continues.
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
