Right-wing Christian worship leader faces life in prison for child sex crimes

Zach Radcliff, a worship director at Oakwood Church in Michigan, now faces nearly 60 charges of child sexual abuse and internet-related crimes, following a preliminary hearing. His alleged misconduct spans back to 2014, with accusations of producing illicit content involving minors.

The church, which is led by Radcliff’s father, Frank Radcliff, initially suspended Radcliff with pay on October 3, 2024, after receiving disturbing news about his activities. Further investigation led to his termination from his position without pay on October 12, 2024.

Radcliff was arraigned on charges including aggravated child sexually abusive activity and using the internet to communicate with another to commit a crime. He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The church expressed deep concern over the safety of its members and pledged to cooperate with ongoing police investigations.

Despite the severity of the allegations, the church’s response included a disclaimer on its website, indicating a lack of full awareness of the extent of Radcliff’s crimes. The church also emphasized its commitment to background checks for all staff working with children, teens, and adults.

The timeline of events raises questions about the church’s transparency. Radcliff’s father delivered a sermon titled “Not Today, Satan!” on October 6, 2024, without mentioning the allegations against his son. The following week, another sermon on October 20, 2024, also omitted any reference to Radcliff.

Radcliff’s involvement in conservative political events, such as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), highlights his connections to both the evangelical Christian and MAGA movements. His father’s public statements often criticized progressive values, reflecting the broader ideological context of the family’s ministry.

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