Church Members Applaud Simpson

Parishioners at a prominent African American church applauded Sunday as O.J. Simpson was made an honorary member of the congregation.

“I’m not trying to restore an image. I’m not trying to get back what wealth that I lost,” Simpson told worshipers at Brookins African Methodist Episcopal Church. “I’m trying to do one thing. I’m trying to go to heaven.”

Following the post-services presentation, Simpson shook hands and spoke with churchgoers. He told reporters he often goes to church without fanfare, including, in the past week, to a West Covina church with a “majority Caucasian” congregation.

Members gave Simpson several standing ovations and agreed with Pastor T. Larry Kirkland’s decision to honor Simpson. In the past, the church similarly honored former Simpson defense attorneys Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. and Carl Douglas.

Simpson was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in October. He is being sued by the victims’ families.