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Stellenbosch ‘dominee’ and theologian removed from ministry for ‘sexting’ cousin | News24

10 February 2025

A prominent Dutch Reformed Church minister and theology lecturer has been permanently removed from his ministerial role following allegations of indecent behaviour and sexual misconduct involving a relative.

Dr Peter Nagel, a senior lecturer at Stellenbosch University, is now under criminal investigation after his first cousin accused him of grooming and sexually abusing her during her teenage years, as News24 first reported.

The complainant, now residing in the UK, alleges that the abuse began in 1993 when she was just 14 years old. Nagel, then 18, reportedly initiated inappropriate interactions, including showing her pornography and engaging in sexually suggestive behaviour. She claims the abuse escalated over two years, with Nagel allegedly sharing her sleeping bag, pressing his body against her, and coercing her into sexual acts without her consent.

‘I didn’t even know what consent was back then,’ she told reporters. ‘There was always this feeling of shame, of being dirty, because it was incestuous.’

The woman came forward in 2024, submitting a formal complaint to the church alongside WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by Nagel in March 2023. The messages, which contained sexually explicit language, were described by the church as an attempt to ‘revive, reactivate, or continue’ an inappropriate relationship. Nagel initially denied the allegations but later admitted guilt during the church’s disciplinary hearing, leading to his permanent removal from the ministry.

Despite his admission, Nagel denied any misconduct during his teenage years, claiming he was innocent of the historical abuse allegations. The church, however, found his recent behaviour, described as ‘unacceptable, immoral, and contrary to the expectations of a minister,’ sufficient grounds for his dismissal.

The complainant, unsatisfied with the church’s internal process, filed a criminal case with South African police shortly after the hearing concluded. She expressed concerns that failing to report the abuse would make her complicit in potential future harm to others. ‘Even if he only abused me, that still makes him a predator,’ she said. ‘He shouldn’t be in a position of power, especially not as a lecturer.’

Stellenbosch University confirmed it was aware of the church’s disciplinary outcome but had not been informed of the criminal charges. A spokesperson stated the university is reviewing the matter and will take appropriate action in line with its policies. ‘We view allegations of gender-based violence and sexual misconduct with the utmost seriousness,’ the spokesperson added.

Western Cape police confirmed a sexual assault case has been opened and is under investigation. Nagel, who declined to comment, stated he would address the allegations ‘in the appropriate forum’ after consulting his legal team.

This is not the first time Nagel has faced disciplinary action. News24 reported that in 2023, he was suspended from preaching for a year after an academic article he wrote questioned the divinity of Jesus, sparking controversy within the church. Although his suspension was later lifted, the latest allegations have cast a long shadow over his career.

The complainant, reflecting on the ordeal, expressed frustration with Nagel’s lack of accountability. ‘He doesn’t seem to fully grasp what he did to me,’ she said. ‘His apologies felt fake and insincere. If he didn’t know it was wrong, why did he make sure no one was around when he abused me?’.

Kommentaar

Daniel Louw

Volgens die artikel: “The woman came forward in 2024, submitting a formal complaint to the church alongside WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by Nagel in March 2023.”

Let daarop dat daar op 8 Januarie 2023 ‘n artikel in Rapport verskyn het wat berig het dat tydelik geskors is omdat hy in sy artikel, Problematising the Divinity of Jesus: Why Jesus is Not θεός (einde 2019), nie aan Jesus se godheid glo nie.

Dus het Nagel tydens sy tydelike skorsing nog sy niggie seksueel geteister.

Op 5 Desember 2023 is berig dat die NG Kerk Nagel se predikantsbevoegdheid herstel het.