RIP: Ray McCauley’s first wife speaks out following his passing
The first wife of Rhema Church founder Ray McCauley, has spoken out on his passing, more than 20 years since their high-profile divorce.
The family of Pastor Ray McCauley, founder of Rhema Bible Church, has confirmed the heartbreaking news of his passing, including his first wife, Lyndie, whom he divorced shortly before marrying his second wife, Zelda.
The popular pastor was married to Lyndie – who is also a pastor – for over 20 years. They shared a daughter, Krissy, and a son, Joshua, together, who has since taken the helm over the Johannesburg church.
Ray – who was 75 years old – had been plagued by numerous health challenges in recent years.
RAY MCCAULEY’S FIRST WIFE SENDS CONDOLENCES
In a Facebook post, Lyndie McCauley acknowledged the passing of her ex-husband.
Reposting the family statement about Ray McCauley’s death, she shared: “Please, would you keep Pastors Josh and Tara and children and Krissy and the whole McCauley family in your prayers during this sad but very precious time?”
8th October 2024… please would you keep Pastors Josh and Tara and children and Krissy and the whole McCauley family in…Posted by Lyndie McCauley Ministries on Tuesday 8 October 2024
According to Joy Magazine, Lyndie established her own ministry under her name, and has been busy travelling the country speaking in churches, women’s events, marriage seminars, and teaching in Bible schools.
She often posts pics of her children and grandchildren but has seemingly distanced herself from her ex-husband.
BITTER DIVORCE
While Ray McCauley was known for his path as a pastor to a successful church, he also made headlines for his somewhat controversial private life, which included a “flashy” lifestyle and two dramatic marriages.
In 2000, Ray announced his divorce from his first wife of over 20 years, Lyndie. A year later, he married model Zelda Ireland after a whirlwind romance.
Before signing his divorce papers, Ray claimed that Lyndie had refused to reconcile, as per advice from Rhema church elders.
Addressing his congregation, he said during one sermon: “Over the past months, I and my peers – and the Rhema pastors and some elders in the church have attempted everything and anything to realise a plan for reconciliation and healing for Lyndie and our marriage.
Stay in Peace… pic.twitter.com/Q3V3h9CXU6— 🌸 Ps Lyndie McCauley (@lyndiemccauley) May 25, 2018
He added: “Up until now, Lyndie has not found it within herself to follow this counsel. And, so it is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce that Lyndie has initiated divorce proceedings.”
Their marriage breakdown – and Ray McCauley’s romance with Zelda – led to a split in the church, with many leaving as a result.
Lyndie later described her marriage to Ray as “emotional torture” and described him as an “angry man who loses his temper a lot.”
WHERE IS SECOND WIFE, ZELDA?
Just months after his divorce from Lyndie, Ray McCauley married former model Zelda Ireland in a grand wedding attended by over 6000 people.
Zelda was twice divorced and had two children from previous relationships.
Mrs Zelda McCauley welcomes guests, Ps Ray affirms her and tells her he appreciates and loves her!❤ #RhemaForever pic.twitter.com/ClqSPSS7eK— Rhema Church (@RhemaSA) August 31, 2018
Ray told the Sunday Times, “I am looking forward to having a companion again. It’s been a long, hard, and lonely road, but I hope to be able to get on with my life, serving God and the church.”
In 2010, Rhema Church announced that Ray and Zelda were to divorce. However, a few years later, the couple “reconciled,” and in 2013, they remarried, announced the Citizen.
While the couple has kept a low profile in recent years, in 2022, they appeared united as they handed over the reins to Joshua McCauley, Ray’s son from his first marriage.
Zelda has kept a low social media profile in recent years, with her last post being in 2021.