The following statement is issued by the Presidium of the Church of God in Christ in support of our Presiding Bishop. Recently, vicious, malicious, and unsubstantiated attacks were launched against our presiding bishop and the Church of God in Christ. If the intended purpose was to disrupt the progress and vision of our beloved church, these misguided attempts have failed miserably.

Among the frivolous charges, that through the leadership and actions of the Presiding Bishop, the church had taken a position on the world stage that compromised our church’s doctrine, beliefs and practice. This unfounded and misguided charge is untrue as clearly proclaimed in our (articles of faith,), and further in a joint statement issued by the General Assembly and General Board of our church (2006?) reflecting our biblical opposition to same sex marriage.

Bishop Blake has stated, “That in no way, did the signing of the United Nations sponsored document have any links or inferences to same sex marriage. And at no time was the subject up for discussion on the agenda. From my pulpit, through my television ministry and on the floor of the general assembly my conviction and opposition to same sex marriage and homosexuality has not wavered. God’s biblical standard for marriage is one man and one woman.”  Bishop Blake has further stated, “as the poor, the disenfranchised and the least face, with increasing frequency, human atrocities and injustices around the world the Church of God in Christ cannot remain silent but must lift our voice for righteousness, justice and peace.”

The General Board, Chairman of the General Assembly, General Secretary, Chairman of Board of Bishops, Chairman of Council of Pastors and Elders, and the General Supervisor of National Women’s Department, stand with our Presiding Bishop in his opposition to same sex marriage and we are united in our commitment to uphold without wavering the long held teaching and doctrine of our church.

Perhaps a historical context of our Church’s role and the United Nations (UN) would be helpful. In 1945, Bishop C. H. Mason, Senior Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., an opponent of war but a lover of his country, directed Pastor Logan Delk of Kentucky to travel to New York to be a signatory to the UN Charter. Pastor Delk, on behalf of the Church of God in Christ, along with other religious and world leaders signed the charter. In 1948, to further strengthen their opposition to human rights atrocities the UN issued the “PROCLAMATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS.” In 1955, at the direction of Bishop C. H. Mason, Pastor Delk, and Dr. Arenia C. Mallory, of Mississippi, as emissaries traveled to New York City, and once again the Church became signatory to the UN Charter on the 10th Anniversary of the same.

In December 2008, the Presiding Bishop, directed Dr. David Hall, as his emissary to the Hague in the Netherlands to once again become signatory to the another UN Proclamation, Human Rights Accords 2008, on behalf of the Church Of God In Christ. After a thorough reading of the 1948 United Nations Document and the 2008 Human Rights Accords, which was celebrated and at the 60th anniversary observance, it is difficult to concluded how anyone could misinterpret this the continuity and meaning of both these documents. In summary:

A COMMITMENT TO:

1. Continued establishment of harmonious relationships between nations and people.
2. Continued strengthening of a legacy upon which credible interaction of nations can flourish.
3. Serve as a source for ethical reflection and judgment upon future situations.
4. Usher in an epoch where human dignity can be protected against abuses that have marred human history in the past

As one seeks to comprehend the rationale and logic that has brought such confusion and concern, perhaps a review of current thoughts and actions in our own America gives us a better sense of where we are, and what may await us in the days ahead.

1. The Constitution of the United States of America is now being used by proponents of Gay Rights to substantiate their right to marry.
2. The civil rights movement is routinely used, or as stated by some, hijacked, and equated to include the rights of individuals of the same sex to marry. Proponents of this interpretation find it appalling and offensive that we, as African Americans, do not stand with them, as they too, are a minority.

Yes, one can argue all of the above but surely, that was not the intent of the originators of any of the two examples here sited, any more than that it was the intent of the United Nations 60 years ago.

The Church of God in Christ, now celebrating one hundred years of ministry cannot become weary in well doing. Neither can we allow ourselves to be entangled, entrapped, or beleaguered by such attempts to corrupt our pursuit of the high calling.

In this 21st Century we must come to accept the fact that there will be many attacks upon the church of Jesus Christ, and it would be a fatal mistake to assume that there will not be many more, as the days draw nigh. Now more than ever, the church must remain determined, vigilant, and focused on the Kingdom Agenda. We cannot be without knowledge of the devices, strategy, and intent of the enemy. The Church of God in Christ must fearlessly oppose any attempt by the opponents of the gospel to divide us from each other, and to deter us from the task before us.

The General Board (Board of Directors), Church of God in Christ, Inc.
930 Mason Street, Memphis TN

1. The Right Reverend Philip A. Brooks, First Vice President
2. The Right Reverend Jerry Macklin, Second Vice President
3. The Right Reverend W. W. Hamilton, Secretary to the Board
4. The Right Reverend Roy L. H. Winbush, Assistant Secretary to the Board
5. The Right Reverend and Former Presiding Bishop Chandler D. Owens
6. The Right Reverend J. Neaul Haynes, General Board member
7. The Right Reverend Samuel Green, General Board member
8. The Right Reverend George D. McKinney, General Board member
9. The Right Reverend Nathaniel Wells, General Board member
10. The Right Reverend Sedgwick Daniels, General Board member
11. The Right Reverend Frank White, General Board member

Other Leaders

Bishop J. O. Patterson, Jr., Chairman of the General Assembly
Bishop J. H. Lyles, Jr., General Secretary
Bishop John H. Sheard, Chairman of the Board of Bishops
Supt. Derrick Hutchins, Chairman of Council of Pastors and Elders
Mother Willie Mae Rivers, General Supervisor of the Women’s Department