WASHINGTON, DC – Tuesday, June 2, 2010, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. and senior women’s leader Mother Willie Mae Rivers of the Church of God in Christ accepted the National Organization for Marriage’s (NOM) 2010 Marriage Protector Award. Bishop Blake is the worldwide leader of the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), and Mother Rivers is the senior women’s leader. COGIC is one of the largest African-American denominations in the United States, and has a worldwide membership of 5 million people in 60 countries. The award was given to acknowledge “the steadfast witness of the Church of God in Christ in defending marriage as the union of husband and wife.” NOM Chairman Maggie Gallagher presented the award at the 60th Annual Womens International Convention/Crusade of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) at the Los Angeles Convention Center. “We are blessed by your courage, your clarity, and your conviction,” Gallagher conveyed to COGIC. “I am here to present an award, but the honor is really ours–to acknowledge with gratitude the contributions of COGIC in standing for the truth that to make a marriage you need a husband and wife. At a time when so many powerful voices argue that this idea is rooted only in hatred and bigotry, we are blessed by your witness to the truth, which is really God’s truth, about marriage,” Maggie Gallagher told the assembled 20,000 African-American women and COGIC bishops, and other church leaders.

Members of predominantly African American and Latino churches along Crenshaw Boulevard hold joint services in an effort to overcome differences.

One is a Pentecostal, mostly African American congregation of 22,000, led by a world-renowned bishop with global ministries that extend to Africa and Haiti.

The other is one of the largest Latino evangelical churches in the city, whose Spanish-language ministries serve more than 4,000 members, most of them Salvadoran and Mexican immigrants and their children.

Located just four blocks apart along Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles, the two mega-churches — West Angeles Church of God in Christ and Iglesias de Restauracion — had never broken bread together, as cultural and linguistic differences kept them apart.

But that all changed Thursday night, when more than 1,500 believers from both churches worshiped together in what organizers billed as a historic attempt to overcome black-brown differences through shared faith and a sacred covenant to jointly address the violence, poverty and health problems that afflict both communities.

“This is the beginning of something great!” West Angeles Bishop Charles E. Blake roared as the crowd whooped and clapped and one person blew a shofar in evening services at his cathedral. “Our languages are different, but our hearts are the same!”

The Rev. Rene Molina, whose Restauracion is affiliated with El Salvador’s largest church of 150,000 followers known as Mission Elim International, spoke in fiery Spanish as his son translated, telling congregants that their shared love for one God trumped all divisions.

The exhilaration was evident in the pews as well. Marlene Morales, a Mexican American teenager, said she was moved by the cross-cultural unity she had never experienced at Carson High School, where she said black-brown segregation, racial slurs and fights are common.

And Pat Campbell, an African American airport security worker who said many of her black friends had left the neighborhood because of the growing Latino presence, said the evening seemed like an answered prayer.

“I’ve been praying for this for a long time,” she said. “I want to get along, work together and break down divisions.”

The unity event, held on the anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, capped two years of what began as careful, tentative outreach between eight black and Latino pastors first brought together by the Rev. Alexia Salvatierra of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice. Salvatierra had been working with an evangelical Christian network of 1,200 Latino congregations in Southern California seeking allies in the fight for immigration reform.

During the initial encounters, she said, there were blunt confessions of mistrust between the two sides. African American candor sometimes offended Latinos used to a more indirect communication style. And black traditions of living out Scripture through social action caused unease among some Latino pastors who were taught to keep the spiritual and secular worlds separate, Salvatierra said.

The differences between leaders reflected tensions between their respective communities. Campbell, for example, said many of her African American neighbors grumble about perceived job competition from Latinos and ubiquitous Spanish speaking. And both sides lament the black-brown violence.

In the last six weeks, for instance, police say at least three shootings have occurred between black and Latino gangs in the Crenshaw/West Adams area. One of them resulted in the killing of a Latino passerby.

But Salvatierra said the guiding light that has bonded the pastors’ group — which has blossomed into more than 120 members— is Jesus’ words in John 17:23:

“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

In a news conference Thursday at Restauracion, pastors from both sides drew parallels in the pain their communities are suffering. The Rev. Norman Copeland, presiding elder for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, spoke of the mutual pain of family separation — for Latinos, through deportations; for blacks, through slavery in the past and incarceration today.

Others cited the lack of good jobs and quality supermarkets in the neighborhood, causing both communities economic distress and health problems, including obesity and diabetes.

Then both congregations filed into Restauracion’s sanctuary, where Blake took the pulpit after lively music reflecting both cultural traditions. Hundreds then streamed down Victoria Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard in a procession, hailed by honking cars, to West Angeles. There, Molina preached as the night came to a euphoric climax.

The next steps have not yet been charted out, but everyone seemed to have ideas for action. Morales and Campbell both cited the need to bring Latino and African American youth together through sports or other activities. Salvatierra threw out the idea of prayer networks to focus on each other’s biggest concerns: blacks praying for Latino families facing deportation; Latinos praying for jobs and stability for African Americans released from prison. Some pastors are proposing a more extended retreat for the two congregations to continue building spiritual bonds.

On Thursday, it seemed momentous enough that the two neighbors had at long last come together.

“Most important is to let people know it doesn’t matter what color you are or language you speak, we can be together,” said Nelson Umana, an El Savador native who works at a Burbank golf course. “We go to the same God.”

Written by Teresa Watanabe of the Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0501-unity-20100501,0,7056938.story

(April 20, 2010 – Memphis, TENN) The Church Of God In Christ is deeply saddened by the loss of a great civil rights leader and man of God, the distinguished and anointed Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks. The loss of the former leader of the NAACP is felt not only throughout the African-American community but also throughout the world. His ministry and words of encouragement have touched millions of people and helped bring countless souls to our Lord Jesus Christ. His firsts in many sectors of government, business and community service have paved the way for our young leaders of today, and his sacrifices will never be forgotten. We are praying for his family. Dr. Hooks will be truly missed. However, we are all better because of his time here and the exemplary life that he led as a husband to Mrs. Frances Hooks, to his family and to the community. He was a true visionary. He was a great ambassador of Memphis, a wonderful orator and leader and a profound man of God. As we all mourn our loss, let us celebrate his life through our actions and our words.

The funeral services for Dr. Hooks will take place at Pastor Milton Hawkins’ church, Temple of Deliverance, COGIC in Memphis, TN on April 21, 2010.

Bishop Charles E. Blake Lauded for His Organizations Philanthropy Work

 Over a year ago, President Barack Obama created an Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.  The purpose of this Council is to assist the federal government in forming better partnerships with faith-based and other nonprofit organizations.  The Council’s task is to identify best practices and successful modes of delivering social services; evaluate the need for improvements in the implementation and coordination of public policies relating to faith-based and neighborhood organizations; and make recommendations for changes in policies, programs, and practices.

On March 10, 2010, the group issued their historic final report at the White House. There were 25 participants on the council, each serving a 1 year term that included Bishop Charles E. Blake, Presiding Bishop, Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), as well as representatives of a very diverse group of faith-based and non-profit organizations. The Council  presented their report to Administration officials, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, USAID Administrator Dr. Raj Shah, Chief of Staff to the National Security Council Denis McDonough, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and White House Domestic Policy Chief Melody Barnes. 

During the course of the meeting, Richard Stearns, head of World Vision, and Dr. Raj Shah made several references to Bishop Blake’s nonprofit organization, Save Africa’s Children indicating that this organization was a stellar example of a successful program created and run by a faith-based organization.  Save Africa’s Children (SAC) provides direct support and care to orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty and war throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.

“This is the first time the Church of God in Christ held a seat at the table where critical national and international policy was debated and formulated,” said Pastor Edwin C. Bass, President, COGIC Urban Initiatives, Inc. “ The work of the Advisory Council will improve the quality of life for those most in need, nationally and internationally.  As a member of COGIC, I was proud to observe our Presiding Bishop, firsthand, as he represented us with dignity; building critical bridges for future collaboration while remaining true to our unique Pentecostal heritage.”

The Council’s report was delivered to President Obama in person at the conclusion of the meeting. It is the first of its kind for COGIC and other faith based leaders to have direct access to the president to help shape and influence significant policy.  You can learn more about the Advisory Council on this website http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ofbnp/about/council. 

On behalf of COGIC Charities, I would like to thank you for your heartfelt donation to the Haiti Relief Fund. We are so grateful that you went through our website to designate funds for the monumental crisis in Haiti. We want to assure you that the monies given are being used to improve the situation in Haiti. Your contributions make it possible for us to purchase tents for temporary housing, establishing triage areas for those in need of medical attention, pay for the shipping of medical, food, water, hygiene, and shelter building supplies; as well as passage for personnel who will make a “hands-on” contribution because of your gift. Please continue to go to the website for any update on the progress in Haiti. Also remember that this effort will require continuous support. Therefore, consider a monthly donation via our website (www.COGIC.org or www.COGICCharities.org Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom as we all reach out to help our brothers and sisters with some hope in this time of tragedy. Thank you again for your loving generosity, which will make these efforts possible.

Sincerely,

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.

The Black Church, as we’ve known it or imagined it, is dead. Of course, many African Americans still go to church. According to the PEW Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life, 87 percent of African Americans identify with a religious group and 79 percent say that religion is very important in their lives. But the idea of this venerable institution as central to black life and as a repository for the social and moral conscience of the nation has all but disappeared.

Several reasons immediately come to mind for this state of affairs. First, black churches have always been complicated spaces. Our traditional stories about them — as necessarily prophetic and progressive institutions — run up against the reality that all too often black churches and those who pastor them have been and continue to be quite conservative. Black televangelists who preach a prosperity gospel aren’t new. We need only remember Prophet Jones and Reverend Ike. Conservative black congregations have always been a part of the African American religious landscape. After all, the very existence of the Progressive Baptist Convention is tied up with a trenchant critique of the conservatism of the National Baptist Convention, USA. But our stories about black churches too often bury this conservative dimension of black Christian life.

Second, African American communities are much more differentiated. The idea of a black church standing at the center of all that takes place in a community has long since passed away. Instead, different areas of black life have become more distinct and specialized — flourishing outside of the bounds and gaze of black churches. I am not suggesting that black communities have become wholly secular; just that black religious institutions and beliefs stand alongside a number of other vibrant non-religious institutions and beliefs.

Moreover, we are witnessing an increase in the numbers of African Americans attending churches pastored by the likes of Joel Osteen, Rick Warren or Jentzen Franklin. These non-denominational congregations often “sound” a lot like black churches. Such a development, as Dr. Jonathan Walton reminded me, conjures up E. Franklin Frazier’s important line in The Negro Church in America: “In a word, the Negroes have been forced into competition with whites in most areas of social life and their church can no longer serve as a refuge within the American community.” And this goes for evangelical worship as well.

Thirdly, and this is the most important point, we have witnessed the routinization of black prophetic witness. Too often the prophetic energies of black churches are represented as something inherent to the institution, and we need only point to past deeds for evidence of this fact. Sentences like, “The black church has always stood for…” “The black church was our rock…” “Without the black church, we would have not…” In each instance, a backward glance defines the content of the church’s stance in the present — justifying its continued relevance and authorizing its voice. Its task, because it has become alienated from the moment in which it lives, is to make us venerate and conform to it.

But such a church loses it power. Memory becomes its currency. Its soul withers from neglect. The result is all too often church services and liturgies that entertain, but lack a spirit that transforms, and preachers who deign for followers instead of fellow travelers in God.

Black America stands at the precipice. African American unemployment is at its highest in 25 years. Thirty-five percent of our children live in poor families. Inadequate healthcare, rampant incarceration, home foreclosures, and a general sense of helplessness overwhelm many of our fellows. Of course, countless local black churches around the country are working diligently to address these problems.

The question becomes: what will be the role of prophetic black churches on the national stage under these conditions? Any church as an institution ought to call us to be our best selves — not to be slaves to doctrine or mere puppets for profit. Within its walls, our faith should be renewed and refreshed. We should be open to experiencing God’s revelation anew. But too often we are told that all has been said and done. Revelation is closed to us and we should only approximate the voices of old.

Or, we are invited to a Financial Empowerment Conference, Megafest, or some such gathering. Rare are those occasions when black churches mobilize in public and together to call attention to the pressing issues of our day. We see organization and protests against same-sex marriage and abortion; even billboards in Atlanta to make the anti-abortion case. But where are the press conferences and impassioned efforts around black children living in poverty, and commercials and organizing around jobs and healthcare reform? Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., the presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, appears to be a lonely voice in the wilderness when he announced COGIC’s support of healthcare reform with the public option.

Prophetic energies are not an inherent part of black churches, but instances of men and women who grasp the fullness of meaning to be one with God. This can’t be passed down, but must be embraced in the moment in which one finds one’s feet. This ensures that prophetic energies can be expressed again and again.

The death of the black church as we have known it occasions an opportunity to breathe new life into what it means to be black and Christian. Black churches and preachers must find their prophetic voices in this momentous present. And in doing so, black churches will rise again and insist that we all assert ourselves on the national stage not as sycophants to a glorious past, but as witnesses to the ongoing revelation of God’s love in the here and now as we work on behalf of those who suffer most.

About the Author:

Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. is currently the William S. Tod Professor of Religion and chair of the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University. Born on the coast of Mississippi, in a small town called Moss Point, Glaude brings to his scholarship and public service a sense of passion and vocation shaped by the tradition of African American struggle.

As a graduate of Morehouse College, he was inspired by the courage and devotion of Martin Luther King, Jr., the institution’s most famous graduate. Following in that tradition, in his scholarship and in his public work, Professor Glaude seeks to prod and to provoke, to insist and to incite, to encourage and to embolden fellow citizens to rise to the profound challenges of our day. 

He is the author of several books. His latest book, In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America, has been characterized as “a tour de force.”

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Thank you again for visiting the Church Of God In Christ web site and taking time to learn more about what is happening within the denomination. Every day we are working to help others, connecting the masses and finding new ways to bring a timeless message to God’s people.

Social media outlets are on the rise, the use of the Internet is a part of many people’s daily activities and both are part of main stream America. This presents an opportunity for us to encourage and enrich lives through the teachings of Jesus Christ in a new and powerful way. I hope that you enjoy the site, visit it often, share it with friends and use it to glorify our Father. May it also be a portal to connect with other Christians and increase fellowship for those who are near and far.

I pray that this message finds you in good health and joyful, hopeful and obedient in the Word of God. If you are not, know that through Jesus and his promises for your life you can be healed of all infirmities, blessed abundantly through all situations, forgiven of all your sins and protected by His bountiful mercy and grace. You are a child of God. He wants to see you blessed, and He wants you to bless others through your works and your words.

Continued blessings in your life,

Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, INC.

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake and Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton

The newly elected Mayor of Memphis AC Wharton had only been in office a few weeks with numerous new projects before him, but he quickly adjusted his schedule to meet with the leader of the Church Of God In Christ, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake. On Thursday, November 5th, they met briefly where they discussed the Church’s plans for Memphis and Mayor Wharton’s desire to find a way to bring the Church Of God In Christ’s Holy Convocation back to Memphis in the future.

“I will say it again,” Mayor AC Wharton stated recently publicly, “I do not want the Church Of God In Christ to leave Memphis.”  Mayor Wharton was the Shelby County Mayor for nearly eight years and understands the significant impact that the convention has on this region.

“Memphis in many ways has been very good to the Church Of God In Christ and as Presiding Bishop I want to express my sincere gratitude to the City of Memphis and its past and present leadership,” said Bishop Blake at the news conference.  “We have an investment in this community, and we may not hold our Holy Convocation here in the next few years, but we will always look for opportunities to come back to Memphis.  We are even headed back to Memphis in January for our Leadership Conference and in April for our Call Meeting.”

Savage Graphics. 2009. All rights reserved.

For the second time in the 102 years of the Church Of God In Christ’s Holy Convocation, the Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake met collectively with the pastors, elders and bishops to discuss the current agenda of the collective body.  During his meeting on November 7^th at the Cannon Center, Bishop Blake laid out his plans for 2010 and his reflections on 2009 to over 1,000 church leaders. 

Bishop Blake revealed the COGIC’s theme for next year as he kicked off the Presiding Bishop’s Forum.  The theme for 2010 is Great God, Great Vision, Great Accomplishments.  He then went on to discuss the Church’s official stance against sexual misconduct.  Over the course of the last year, Bishop Blake has hand-picked a strong team of clergy and legal professionals familiar with addressing sexual misconduct to develop a document that details the responsibility of clergy over the protection of all members and reaffirm the official stance of the church concerning this heinous type of sexual victimization. This document was distributed to delegates for review and consideration.   

During the Forum, General Board Member Bishop Sedgwick Daniels reported exciting new movements for the Historic Mason Temple site and the Church Of God In Christ Headquarters.  He and his team have over $100,000 committed from the capital campaign committee and over $152,000 from the general board and presiding bishop to begin the task of renovating and expanding the headquarter location.  During the Forum, some of the clergy present committed thousands of dollars to the project with thousands more expected from many more. The capital campaign goal is to raise about $2 million.

The Publishing House plays a significant role in the lives of most Church Of God In Christ members as it is responsible for disseminating the bible school literature, The Whole Truth and many other publications special to the denomination.  Now, it has new leadership under Attorney John Daniels, Jr., one of Milwaukee’s leading legal minds and African-American leaders.  Presiding Bishop Blake announced that Daniels will serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Publishing House. 

Savage Graphics. 2009. All rights reserved.

Daniels comes with a world of experience as a lawyer with one of the largest law firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Quarles & Brady), a lifetime member of the Church Of God In Christ and a seasoned board member of several outstanding institutions, Harvard Law Graduate, a pillar of the Wisconsin community.  Daniels’ experience is stellar as one of the largest minority entrepreneurs in the country and is a nationally recognized real estate attorney who has led transactions for Fortune 500 corporations throughout the U.S. At the Forum, Daniels said of the publishing house materials, “We are no longer in the business of selling Buicks at a Toyota Dealership.”  As he referred to the Sunday School materials that the Church produces.  “We want to see our own materials in every Church across the country, because we have the best materials in the country.” Attorney Daniels replaces General Board Member Roy L. Winbush, who has served as the Chairman of the Publishing Board for over 40 years.

Savage Graphics. 2009. All rights reserved.

Bishop Blake has been focused on the domestic agenda since he was first elected, identifying those areas that need to be strengthened throughout the country in our communities and our families.  As part of his proactive response to the many needs of people, he developed the Urban Initiatives.  Recently he appointed Pastor Edwin Bass as President of the Urban Initiatives in an effort to provide transparency and proactive movement with all of the agenda items which include: education, economic development, crime, family and financial literacy.  The goal of the project is build healthy individuals, families and communities for a successful future. “My dream is to make the Presiding Bishop’s vision a reality,” said Bass.

Savage Graphis. 2009. All rights reserved.

Bishop also confirmed the continued efforts focused on social issues through the Social Justice Theology Council, which consists of organizations under the Church’s umbrella of social programs like: the COGIC Scholars, COGIC Prison Ministries, COGIC Health and Wellness and COGIC Economic Development that will each be highlighted individually on the COGIC.com web site over the next few months. 

 Bass also confirmed the continued efforts focused on social issues through the Social Justice Theology Council, which consists of organizations under the Church’s umbrella of social justice programs like: the COGIC Scholars, COGIC Prison Ministries, COGIC Health and Wellness and COGIC Economic Development that will each be highlighted individually on the COGIC.com web site over the next few months.