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Greensboro pastor resigns after pleading guilty in federal investigation

Online Niel November 12, 2024

GREENSBORO, NC (WGHP) — A Greensboro pastor has resigned after a guilty plea in federal court.

Matthew Queen was the senior pastor of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro before he resigned on Nov. 8, according to a statement from the church.

“Although this has been a challenging season, we continue to trust in God’s sovereignty and remain focused on our mission. As we move forward, we encourage our congregation and the wider community to remain focused on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” the church said in their statement.

In October, Queen pleaded guilty to a felony count of making false statements to the government in connection with a case that stemmed from Queen’s time in Texas, where she served as interim provost at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

At the time of Regina’s guilty plea, Friendly Avenue Baptist Church said they were aware of the ongoing legal issues and released the following statement, reading in part:

We are firmly against any behavior that undermines trust and integrity. Our church leadership is reviewing these recent developments as they work to complete their investigation and make a recommendation to church members regarding Dr. Queen’s status and relationship with Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, all in accordance with the church’s governing documents.

Our primary concern remains the spiritual well-being and support of our congregation. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all members and participants. We ask for your prayers and understanding as we navigate this difficult season.

Court documents allege Queen falsified records related to an ongoing sexual misconduct investigation. According to the superseding indictment, Queen was present when two other employees at the seminary discussed a document that had evidence of their knowledge of sexual misconduct allegations. The two employees discussed the fact that the document was “disappearing,” and Queen initially denied any knowledge of it to federal investigators, eventually providing the notes as evidence. However, these notes were written several months after the conversation, not at the same time as originally claimed.

“The defendant knowingly altered, destroyed, mutilated, concealed, covered, falsified, and made a false entry in a record, document, and tangible object with intent to hinder, obstruct, and influence the proper investigation and administration of a matter. under the jurisdiction of a department and agency of the United States and in connection with and in consideration of such matter, that is, Queen prepared a false document, the Notes, and then provided, and caused to be provided, the Notes to the United States Attorney’s office , with
intent to impede, obstruct, or influence a United States Attorney’s investigation
Office,” the indictment states.

Queen’s sentencing is scheduled for early 2025.

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