Former New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell preaches on false accusations after resignation

Former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell returned to the pulpit at Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield on Sunday, two days after submitting his resignation following an independent investigation that confirmed a sexual-harassment claim. His sermon, titled “When Lies Become Weapons,” drew on biblical stories of Joseph and King Ahab to illustrate the impact of false accusations.

“The Bible is filled with people who were falsely accused,” Caldwell said.

He questioned the reliability of legal and investigative processes, stating that procedures do not always reveal truth and warning that “laws are necessary… but when people use these things for revenge, jealousy, politics or personal advantage, justice becomes injustice.” Caldwell also highlighted the rapid spread of misinformation on social media, noting that “speed does not determine truth. Popularity does not determine truth. God knows the truth.”

The former lieutenant governor urged his congregation to reflect before reacting to accusations, to avoid retaliatory falsehoods, and to “fight injustice with justice” and “fight hatred with love.” He emphasized that concerns about false accusations should not deter legitimate investigations, adding that “we must hold people accountable when evidence establishes wrongdoing.”

Caldwell resigned on Friday after Governor Mikie Sherrill released the investigation’s findings, which cited serious and repeated violations of state policy, including a substantiated sexual-harassment incident. In a subsequent interview, Caldwell said he stepped down to avoid becoming a distraction to the Sherrill administration, describing Governor Sherrill as a “wonderful person” who means well. After the service, he told the New Jersey Globe he remains supportive of the administration and looks forward to the next chapter in his life.