ATLANTA — Televangelist Juanita Bynum‘s estranged husband – who is accused of attacking Bynum – is planning a conference on domestic violence and wants to establish partnerships with other organizations around the issue.
On his Web site, Bishop Thomas Weeks III announced the Faith Based Network for Domestic Wholeness. According to Weeks, the initiative will focus on “cultivating a culture of healing and wholeness within the family from the effects of past, present and/or potential abuse.”
“When the family becomes whole, the church becomes strong,” Weeks said in a brief video on his site.
Weeks is accused of attacking his wife in a hotel parking lot on Aug. 22. Bynum told police that he “choked her, pushed her down, kicked and stomped her.”
Weeks pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated assault and making terroristic threats. He is free on $40,000 bond. Bynum has filed for divorce, citing “cruel treatment” and said the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
Weeks’ attorney, Randy Kessler, said he was not involved in Weeks’ entrepreneurial efforts.
“I am staying away from that and his book,” Kessler said when asked about the domestic violence partnership. “If and when they decide to reconcile, wonderful. If not, we’ll go through the divorce case.”
Weeks said proceeds from the partnership will be distributed among its members on a monthly basis. There are separate programs planned for men, women and children.
Weeks said a domestic violence conference will be held Feb. 14-16 in Atlanta. It will be free and open to the public.
He has also written a book, originally titled, “What Love Taught Me” about his marriage to Bynum. The book was released earlier this month, but later pulled. The title has been changed to “What Love Taught Me Only” but a new release date has not been announced.
Bynum is head of a ministry that also includes a gospel record label and seminar tours. She has sold thousands of motivational books, CDs and DVDs related to empowerment and relationships.
Weeks co-wrote “Teach Me How to Love: The Beginnings” with Bynum and the two wed in a million-dollar, televised ceremony in 2002.