Okay, I'm sure everyone - well most everyone has heard about Bishop Eddie Long being arrested for trying to force another man to have
sex with him. A whole lot of the secrets he has tried to keep hidden have come to light.
When catholic priest do these things, protestants usually look down our noses at them says, "Figures...with the way they don't allow priests to marry. No wonder.That is not in the Bible." So what do we say when this happens in
Protestant Churches in general or
black churches in particular? It is because of
sin pure and simple. It's horrible and its not right. And when Christians see people claiming to be Christians and engaging in sins of any kind, even sexual sins, we have the responsible and mandate to call attention to it. If the sinner refuses to stop and repent, but the sin is not illegal, the sinner should leave the church. If the sinner has committed something illegal the sinner should be reported to the authorities. It's horrible that such things take place. And I know it takes place in the Church of
God in
Christ, but not everywhere and not by everyone who has a position of authority abuses it. I don't think that these things can be put at the blame of the Bible and God is most definitely not responsible and definitely not the fault of the victims. It's the fault of the perpetrators and those who allow it.
I like this post I linked to. It does a fair job of pointing out the problem without making it seem like an indictment of black churches. In addition the link that was provided to
Report COGIC Abuse makes it clear that these are people who desire only to hold people accountable and protect people not that they hate
Christianity.
As a member of the
clergy of the Church of God in Christ it is my duty to speak out and say that it is wrong and God does not like it. God promises those who are in position of authority in Churches are held to a higher standard and what is done in the dark comes out. We should all take heed a lives lives of holiness committed to righteousness!
Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. - James 3:1
13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil. - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
THE INTERSECTION | MADNESS & REALITY: The Greatest Story Never Told: Black Clergy Sexual Abuse