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Wednesday, November 5, 2008

COGIC Member Fought Prop. 8 & Encouraged Gay Marriage

Thank God that in California the citizens, especially the African-American citizens stood up in favor of Proposition 8 and against gay marriage by over 70%.

Californians, thank you for your courage to stand against the flow and the threat of the gay community and for the benefit of both your children and mine. Future generations will laud your courage to stand against debauched and activist Judges who tried to superimpose their will and ignorance on the lives of the citizens of your state.

I also thank you all of you God fearing church goers and bible believers for not being as liberal as some would have us to believe and for being more biblically discerning sometimes than even many of your leaders. GOD BLESS YOU GREATLY AND WE STAND WITH YOU!

Now SAINTS, I have a hard time with this one for obvious reasons.What I couldn't believe is that one of the Proponents of gay marriage was a Church Of God In Christ member. In fact, I though he was a faithful steward and servant of his church, The West Angles Church Of God In Christ pastored by my Presiding Bishop Bishop Charles E. Blake. Not only that, but this gentleman was HIV Infected, obviously as a result of the disease that began within the homosexual community. Further because of his disease he quit his otherwise prolific basketball career. To my surprise I found that according to Marketwatch.com 11/1/2008 that COGIC member and basketball legend Magic Johnson lent his person and personality to the promotion of the defeat of Proposition 8 that has successfully banned gay marriage in the state.


According to the report, Magic's voice was heard in prerecorded phone calls saying :

"This is Magic Johnson calling to ask you to join me and Barack Obama in opposing Proposition 8. Prop 8 singles out one group of Californians to be treated differently - including members of our family, our friends, and our coworkers".... "That is not what California is about. So this Tuesday, vote no on Proposition 8. It is unfair and wrong. Thanks.


This whole thing is especially disheartening to me. I began to wonder, how do we as Pastors handle a member with a message carried outside of the church that is totally contrary to the message of the bible and to the message that we carry within the church? Then I began to wonder...What is the message carried by our Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake? In addition, how was Magic's promotion of gay marriage handled within the church? Remember this was a member who gave over $5 Million toward West Angeles's current building and edifice.


Now this is election year in the Church Of God In Christ and invariably someone will accuse me of trying to sidetrack the Presiding Bishop's chances at re-election. That's certainly NOT the case. He'll be re-elected no matter what I say, of this I am confident. There are at least two reasons that I am concerned.


1- Presiding Bishop Blake has long been committed to increasing the international ministries of COGIC, and has consequently founded "Save Africa's Children," an organization that has raised more than $6 million to assist more than 100,000 children affected by HIV/AIDS. These children by far and large a a result of the rampant disease that has demolished communities and devastated families. Common knowledge is that homosexual activity has contributed to this devastation. How could a leader this concerned about the welfare of these dear children sit silently while a member of his church destroys his work?


2- I do believe however, that it is up to the aged to teach the younger such as myself and I would like to learn so that if I'm ever presented with the same or similar circumstances I will handle the situation biblically.


To the Saints at West Angeles Church Of God In Christ, and various individuals that read this blog from time to time, please chime in on what Bishop said about the Proposition 8 issue and especially Magic's involvement in the promotion of the homosexual agenda if you know. From an objective standpoint of view I would like to know more.


All of this becomes very important in light of the fact that California's gay community has currently decided to take to the streets in protest of the MAJORITY decision to repeal gay marriage. Remember, gay marriage WAS NEVER A CONSTITUTION RIGHT, ONLY A COURT IMPOSITION FROM A COURT THAT OVERSTEPPED ITS AUTHORITY.

The Telegraph.co.uk.com 11-6-2008 reports that Lesbian advocate and Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Kate Kendall (Pictured R with her spouse Tori and a man's baby -Zadie), has vowed "We pick ourselves up and trudge on," She also states, "There has been enormous movement in favour of full equality in eight short years. That is the direction this is heading, and if it's not today or it's not tomorrow, it will be soon."


In short, this struggle for the homosexual and lesbian is now about EQUALITY not sexual preference. EQUALITY not gender bending. What happens when the pedophile wants equality? Or the bigamist that wants equality? Or the necrophiliac that wants equality. What will we do? Pass a law or amend the constitutions of the states for them to feel EQUAL under the law?
Further revealing is the NCLR's mission statement which is as follows:
"The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education."


For the homosexual this is a human rights issue, to be recognized and condoned by the state, church and everywhere equally in society as if nothing is wrong with the sexual preference. This will take persistent advocacy as the homosexual agenda for societal inclusion and church inclusion is a persistent fight.
At either rate the church should continue to stand strong against the tide of gay marriage, homosexuality and gender bending. We can do that without discriminating in employment, housing and other liberties that are extended to American citizens. Only we do not wish our children to be indoctrinated into your world view as we believe that it is both, ungodly, unbiblical, and harmful to otherwise healthy families.

Blessed!

22 comments:

  1. I am now seeing some of what Bishop Patterson was referring to when he said,"I dont like the direction the C.O.G.I.C. is going but as long as I am Bishop I will tell you the truth."If we profess to be pentacostal-holiness and neither preach,live,nor stand for that which is holy that makes us very hypocrital,and it will be detrimental to our church.

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  2. Anonymous,

    Thank you for chiming in on. and I agree 100% without a doubt.

    There will be a judgement, and we will pay.

    Blessed.

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  3. Blessings Pastor Burnett.

    I praise God that Prop 8 was defeated! At the same time, I grieves my spirit to read this
    current blog about what Magic did as well as others that were proponets of this demonic
    legislation. But hey, I have to say that it's just "sinners" doing what they do.

    As I was reading about Magic's episode, Romans 8, which was my spiritual meditation
    this morning, came to mind...particularly verses 5 - 8, and I quote:

    "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, IF INDEED the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His!

    I could go on and quote the whole chapter because it's so appropriate..(but I'm at work so I'm limited)

    My point is, one cannot possibly have the Spirit of Christ and advocate such mess that clearly goes against sound biblical principles. I will pray for Magic to come into the true knowledge of Jesus Christ and the church at large that has lost it's way and walking in a spirit of compromise and inclusion.

    Come quickly Lord Jesus...COME!

    Sister Pat

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  4. I need to clarify my post...I praise God that Prop 8 passed, to keep marriage between a man and a woman and that the Gay agenda that opposed this legislation was defeated!

    Sister Pat

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  5. We must be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,otherwise,we will be deceived because of our ignorance and so it is presently,especially with the black church voting black and being totally ignorant of issues,agendas,morals,righteousness and holiness,check out gcraige.blogspot.com vote black? and see the video of Michelle Obama addressing the gay & lesbian leadership council,if this doesn't open some blinded eyes it's because they want to walk in darkness.

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  6. Thank you Pastor Burnett. I too am very grateful to the saints of California for rising up to stay the hand of this wickedness that was at our door. We owe God a praise. But saints we are still in the midst of a battle that is raging. The homosexuals have already redoubled their efforts to subjugate America either through force or deception. Whichever comes first.

    Frankly, I am no longer sure I can hold my peace against the cowardly inaction of Bishop Charles E. Blake, the 7th presiding Bishop of the COGIC.

    While his most famous member PUBLICLY joined with those who spread wickedness and rebellion against the good and perfect will of God, Blake remains silent. The war was in his front yard and he said nothing against it.

    I feel deeply for the true saints in COGIC who are being pulled down a dangerous road by this man. He has even refused or been rendered impotent to deal with clergy sexual abuse under his administration.

    We owe God praise, but this is deeply grevious that cannot go unnoticed.

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  7. C.O.G.I.C. is a hot mess. There are so many homos and lesbos in that it's ridiculous. If I were you I'd get out from under this person Blake and get covered by God immediately.. This man covering is a trick of the devil. You need to be under God and not some man. You see what happens when everybody starts running for a man to cover them instead of God. You end up with a mess. You need to get out now because your denomination is going towards catholicism and the one world church. You will be saying hail Mary very soon. Catholics believe that Jesus is God and the Holy Ghost too. Watch your denomination and see cause they will be hailing Mary soon. Look at all the catholic crosses and robes they are wearing in the church now. It's catholic Rome the harlot church

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  8. Be happy and Praise God if they kick you out for saying what you have said

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  9. That was what he said. He used Obama's name to try to get people to vote no on this proposition. Shame on him, because Obama probably did not give him permission to use his name. He doesn't know how Obama really feels about that. He was trying to manipulate the people by using Obama. I'm thankful that they passed prop 8 and I hope and pray to God that he keeps it that way. It won't stop them from living together and doing their abomination but at least they can't get hitched (sarcasm)

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  10. Anonmyous said: " If I were you I'd get out from under this person Blake and get covered by God immediately.."

    Well, I have thought and continue to think I'm already "covered" by God no matter who the Presiding Bishop is, so I'll take your comment to mean that you'd advise not to be a part of the organization that he oversees...Is that right?

    So far as other assertions, COGIC probably has as many homosexuals as in other organizations. I know some others (whom I won't name) that have sections in their church specifically for SGL people. Also sizeable portions of their congregation (some cases 300 or more) that are gay. I have NEVER seen that in a COGIC.

    Did you just get back from Memphis or what? Sounds like you saw something personally. I'm assuming the same anonmyous person wrote the last three posts.

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  11. Came across the different comments posted and must say, there are problems in every denomination. We must pray for our leaders that God's will be done. We must pray for our leaders. I agree that they do need to stand up when it's time to take a stand against anything that is contrary to the word of God. When they don't, God will and is holding them accountable. God will have the last say, in time. And by the way, I am a Cogic pastor. Let's pray for one another and stand against anything or anyone that promotes anything contrary to the word of God. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Let us remember that.

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  12. Pastor Alston,

    Thank you for coming by and commenting on this issue. I think you said it best,

    "We must pray for our leaders that God's will be done. We must pray for our leaders."

    I think sometimes in our desire to reform and get things reformed we must be careful that we don't begin to fight "flesh"...we're not wrestling with Blake. Frankly, I've met him before and belive he's a very personable man, however I believe we are also obligated to point out the problems or at least ask serious questions in a godly manner. We must keep in mind that he is a leader (Elder) and there are certain ways in which we are to approach that biblically. As you said PRAYER is always in order and God through prayer will move mountains.

    So thank you for that insight and I hope you are encouraged by the blog.

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  13. Now, the reason I ask, what did Bishop Blake say regarding Magic's stance is because I DON'T KNOW what Bishop said regarding it. So to be fair, we can't assume that bishop was silent on the issue in general.

    I'm confident that he said something as this has been brewing for quite some time and the California Court reversed the people's decision over a year ago originally. So I would imagine that Bishop has addressed this issue from the pulpit.

    I will do my best to try to find out if I can get a confirmation one way or another.

    Most criticisms of Bishop Blake has been for what he DIDN'T say as opposed to what he actually said. I've just noticed that over the year or so I've been doing this, and this is a sentiment I've passed on to West Angeles COGIC.

    Finally, I hope we can see this, like clergy abuse, as MORE than just a denominational problem. This is a Body Of Christ issue. I'm just appalled at what should be a "fellow saint" carrying the charge for the enemy.

    Thanks.

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  14. Anonymous, this is in response to your comment where you said the following:

    "He used Obama's name to try to get people to vote no on this proposition. Shame on him, because Obama probably did not give him permission to use his name. He doesn't know how Obama really feels about that. He was trying to manipulate the people by using Obama."

    Anonymous, let there be no doubt about it - Barack Obama opposes Proposition 8 and encouraged people on more than one occassion to vote NO! The following is a clear example of how he feels. This is a recorded message that came to MY personal phone from a Gay Marriage supporter on Nov. 3rd. Please note that the following is verbatim. I saved the message!

    (female voice) "I'm, calling to set the record straight about what Barack Obama really thinks about Proposition 8; he opposes it. Don't just take my word, listen for yourself. [in comes the voice of Obama himself] 'I've stated my opposition. I think it's unnecessary. When you start playing around with constitutions just to prohibit somebody who cares about another person, it just seems to me that that's just not what America is about.' [back to the female voice] 'So join Barack Obama, and vote NO on Proposition 8. Paid for by NO on 8."

    I think that's pretty clear, don't you? Additionally, we also know where Obama stands on abortion. The supportive Saints like to say, "He's not pro-abortion, he just believes in a woman's right to choose", But that's just mincing words! The question is, what do you say or do to communicate your real position? Here's a link that I believe shows just what actions Obama is willing to take in support of his true beliefs on abortion: Click here: Barack Obama Promises to Sign FOCA - AOL Video
    Here you will hear him say that the first thing he plans to do after his inauguration is to sign the Freedom of Choice Act. The Freedom of Choice Act (H.R. 3719/S. 2020) is a bill in the United States Congress which, if enacted, would abolish ALL RESTRICTIONS and LIMITATIONS on the right of women in the United States to have an abortion, whether at the State or Federal level. Well, now we also have his position clearly presented on abortions!

    I understand that we Saints like to think positively about people, and we should always be ready to give others the benefit of the doubt. But with Obama, there's no reason for any of us to be in the dark about what he stands for - He's told us in words and deeds for several years now, and it's recorded all over the place for us to read and hear! We don't need to guess or "suspect" what he stands for. So let's stop being in the dark about our new President elect, and stop trying to put our thoughts in his head - as if he's really "just like us Saints in his views". This is not true, and believing what is not true will cause us to pray "amiss". We cannot dress him up in "Saints clothes" and pretend that he's really standing for the same thing we stand for. We must stop using our "holy imagination" about President-elect Obama's positions, and come face to face with who and what the Black Christian community really supported in this election, then seek God's help - for him and for us! He is willing and able to help us if we come to Him humbly and honestly. (2 Chron. 7:14)

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  15. Corrie Richards,

    I need you to email me right away. Thanks.

    Dunamis1@netzero.com

    God bless.

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  16. By the way, Anonymous criticized COGIC for wearing robes...While we're not the only one who do outside of Catholics, I happen to like wearing my robes, cross and cord and do preach hard in them regularly.

    In addition, the service seems to look better, at least from my perspective especially when I'm dedicating, performing an ordinance or doing something in which the family wants a special commeration for the day...it certainly looks a whole lot better on pictures than a pastor performing an ordinance in jeans and a shirt...

    So robes don't prohibit the power of God in my life or the effectiveness of the Holy Ghost within our church, why does that prohibit anyone else?

    I mean to comment on that earlier and forgot. ANYWAY...thanks.

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  17. with all the controversy going on about homosexuality and same sex marriage and the C.O.G.I.C. and its stand on this issue,didn't Bishop patterson have a clear statement against this practice on the C.O.G.I.C. website at one time? I think he did,and I never thought we would ever come to this.If we ask anything according to his will,he heareth us.brother,let's pray somethings must change.

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  18. Anonymous' comment regarding robes may be connected to the fact that Protestant denominations are now wearing the Roman vestments as opposed to the Geneva robe which was a mark of the Protestant Churches' separation from the Roman Catholics. I have also noticed the trend toward wearing the same vestments as the Catholics. It disturbs me and has given me pause for several years. We (Hioliness/Pentecostal) folk used to believe that "they" wore the cassock, alb, mitre, crook, etc., as a substitute for the anointing. Now we are doing the same thing? Hmmmm Selah.
    I also wear my robe because it signifies the call and sacrifice of my calling and office in the church. I value them and they are consecrated garments.
    Elder Jimmy

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  19. When Bishop Patterson was alive, there indeed was a strong statement on the COGIC website stating that our denomonation was against same-sex marriage, based on the WORD OF GOD! I don't know what direction Bishop Blake is taking COGIC in, but I don't feel it's the right direction. Bishop Patterson did not have "Hollywood Stars" in his church, so he definitely was not compelled to try and play both sides of the fence to keep large tithe payers happy. Having gay activists speaking at West Angeles? Bishop Patterson, may God have mercy on your soul.

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  20. Anonymous March 21, 2009 5:34 PM,

    Well, the good thing is that due to the UDHR found HERE and HERE we now have a good clear statement from many of the leaders of the church against homosexuality and homosexual marriage. That is found in the 22+ page declaration and response against GCMWatch.

    So I think Bishop's direction on homosexuality (IF we constrew the document as Bishop's thoughts) are a good sign that the church is committed to the definition of marriage as found within the document approved by Bishop Patterson and the General Assembly when he was alive.

    Other than that, we just need to keep in touch as to the moves that are being made and how they will effect our church and corporate ministries. I will say that I've never seen the day when I have to take a second look at major decisions and make sure that our moral values are upheld. Now one can come to whatever conclusion they want to because of that but it is what it is right now and I HOPE that changes.

    Thanks for commenting. God bless.

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  21. I am years late.. I know.... but I have a perspective..... First, I don't have an answer as to how Bishop Blake should have handled Magic Johnson's endorsement of Gay Marriage. Bishop did during this electral period make several statements defining the Church's position against same sex marriage. and Bishop should continue to speak against same sex marriage. As far as I can remember, he has ALWAYS spoken out against this sin. And continues to do so.... so I am not sure why folk believe he is in support of the practice. That said, I am wondering today what should we expect Magic to say?? His son is a flaming homosexual... you know the type... extremely effeminate, over the top in fashion, an over the top homosexual.... And Magic has gone public in accepting and supporting his son's "coming out".... which, (following the opinion of most readers commenting on the story) begs the question.. should Bishop have spoken out about that? I attend West Angeles and I saw it coming. I saw the effeminate tendencies in Magic and Cookie's son from the time he was about ten or eleven.... I remember my wife and I sitting behind Cookie and son at a Good Friday service and realizing how effeminate this young man was.. we looked at each other like "wow....".... and so some ten or more years later, we see the full manifestation of his sexual choice and we are not surprised....

    I work at a local radio station and my job finds me at churches, political functions and a great deal of community events. I have a broad and accurate view of the black community from where I sit. I see the increase in homosexuals. In the churches I see the young men coming up with homosexual tendencies. What is that? Is it because of the shortage of real men in the home? Should us brothers be more assertive in teaching young men about correct sexual behavior? or, as some will say, are they born like this? BEyond speaking against it from the pulpit, how do we abate this behavior. It's getting worse. I don't care who is Presiding Bishop. The gay lifestyle is on the rise. It is the sign of the times..... Our gospel music industry is rife with this ungodly practice. Just attend one of the national gospel music conventions. WHat you see is absolutely unbelievable!! And at this year's Grammy Awards, Queen Latifah conducted a mass marriage of mostly same sex couples. THe fundamental difference is that these marriages cannot be blessed by GOD and so they rely on the notion of a civil union - one that is conducted by a commissioner as opposed to a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The practice of homosexuality is exploding acrss our community.... the reprobate mindset is coming to life right before our eyes...... And this has been going on since long before Bishop Blake took office as Presiding Bishop..... I don't get where people say he is pro-gay. I have never detected that in him. In fact, just the opposite. He is always been pro-family, pro-marriage between a man and a woman(he is always encouraging the single folk to find one another in church so he and the ministerial staff can conduct marriages) He has ALWAYS spoken out against homosexuality. He has spoken out against same sex marriage on a number of times. Should have have blasted Magic? not so sure. at least not publicly. If he does, then he has to blast others by name. We have to stand on the Word of GOD and continue to preach against this abomination.

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    1. Thanks for the commentary my brother. You are never too late to comment on any thread I've written. So far as Bishop Blake and his perceived endorsement of homosexuality...he has done 2 things incorrectly in recent times...1- He invited a KNOWN (now dead) homosexual Peter Gomes, to speak at his church after the same homosexual arranged to give him an award at Harvard University. That was a bad move and out Bishop claimed he had no idea the man was gay. Well the man only wrote I don;t know how many books with forwards and special regards to his gay lover and his gay friends. Everyone else knew he was gay, but Bishop nor any of his assistants did any research. The Bishop's response can be found HERE Secondly, Bishop has signed onto and endorsed the document in which the fight for gay normalization, in the name of "non-discrimination" is rooted...the UDHR. Against sound advice and solid reasons, he has not only endorsed the document, but also signed all COGIC Pastors, myself excluded, onto its endorsement.

      So these things certainly lend to the perception( although I don't hold to it) that Bishop at least gay affirming or has too close of ties to the gay community.

      You asked: "BEyond speaking against it from the pulpit, how do we abate this behavior. It's getting worse." What we first must do is repent for taking advantage of the gay musician and facilitating the spread of the gay movement. Allowing them to entertain without requirment to submit to Christ was a vicarious endorsement of their sin and the church needs to stand and take responsibility for their role.

      What needs to be done is values reeducation. Folk need to learn how not to follow feelings and emotions and establish relationship based on those things. Lasting values must replace temporal ones. People have capacity to love rocks...Remember the pet rock? the Chia-pet? Folk can love anything. What we need to do is teach folk how to love and why. The moral duty of love and what such moral duty exists.

      Yes, we have to go back to teaching the bible, but we have to make that teaching relevant to the modern man and the modern situations. Then we must rebuild the family and social values, through the re-implementation of the close family. Christ centered family values and discover what brings us close to rebuild our sense of identity. Certainly, individuals engaged in and embracing homosexuality have lost their sense of identity, purpose and value. These things must be retaught, because society has destroyed them in effort to make everything that someone thinks or believes acceptable. Not all things are acceptable. That's just the fact.

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