García, the self-proclaimed apostle and leader of the Mexico-based church that counts 1 million followers, was arrested Tuesday in Los Angeles and charged with 26 felony counts, including child rape, trafficking and child pornography. California authorities also arrested two others affiliated with the church, and a third is at large.
The allegations sent shock waves throughout congregations across the U.S. Church leaders issued a statement categorically denying the allegations outlined in a 19-page complaint filed by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra's office.
Congregants at the church, whose name translates to the Light of the World, on Wednesday prayed for García, and some became overwhelmed with emotion, said Anahi Medina, a longtime member of the church, who left Wednesday's prayer session about noon.
"We were crying," said Medina, 30. "Some sisters were talking in tongues. We...