Female Justice: Saint or Sinner? The Alleged Kidnapping of Aimee Semple McPherson

As a faith healer, radio evangelist, and leader of the popular Foursquare Church, Aimee Semple McPherson was used to the media frenzy her public appearances caused. However, in 1926, it was her disappearance that left a lasting mark on her legacy. For five weeks, Sister Aimee was missing. When she reappeared in Mexico, she told authorities she had escaped kidnappers. During a grand jury trial, a hostile cross-examination by District Attorney Asa Keyes insinuated that McPherson was a charlatan and fraudulent in her claims. Months later, Keyes, claimed discovery of evidence that the kidnapping was a cover story to conceal an affair. In January 1927, a jury trial was set charging McPherson and others with criminal conspiracy, perjury, and obstruction of justice. Just before the trial began all charges were dropped but the allegations against McPherson in the court of public opinion persisted. Was Keyes indictment of McPherson an attempt to pursue justice? Or was he more interested in ruining the reputation of a powerful woman? This program is not appropriate for children under 14.