Sexual Abuse & Silence STILL Doesn't Mix

Catholic Archbishop Robert Carlson claimed in a recent sworn deposition and testimony, that in the 80's, while he was Chancellor of the diocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul, that he was unaware that sexual molestation of minors, or pedophilia was a crime.
 

How convenient it is to forget events and remain silent about what you know when your back is against the wall...For the Catholic Bishop in the video, I think with all that he didn't know, it probably would have been more easy to ask him what he did know...That list may have been much more short and simple to understand.

While it is difficult to remember details to conversations and actions that occurred nearly 30 or so years ago, it is all too corporately acceptable to hold to ignorance and obfuscate when all else fails...The only problem is that whatever was true then, should be true now and only a 'lie" needs to be "touched up" or refreshed.

~~My Mock Interview With Carlson~~

Me: Bishop, since you seem to have forgotten so much, do you know or remember the WORD of God? 

Bishop Carlson: I don't remember that either? 

Me: Well that is obvious...I just thought you may have forgotten that you forgot and remembered by now.... 

Bishop Carlson: Well, that makes sense...I think I remember that...

Arguably, his deposition seems to be a crime itself. It is it below, if you have about 3 hours to kill... but first...

The COGIC Challenge....

Burnett Testimony In High Profile Case

I was deposed in a setting of this sort. I was deposed regarding events that I had not witnessed, but was versed on when it came to sexual abuse and certain actions and procedures within our church. Except, my deposition was much longer...it was about 5 hours. 

Before I could complete the final 2 hours, the church...YES the Grand Ole COGIC SETTLED with the persons who were suing them, and in the process, demanded a gag order, or an order of silence upon the "victims" or "plaintiffs" with whom they settled. In other words, the church took out the Grand Ole Checkbook, the victims got paid, shut-up according to order, and my 5 hours never saw the light of day. That's OK.

Gate-Way To The Midwest

Now, it is interesting that this Catholic Bishop, is now in St. Louis, MO.  For those who don't know, St. Louis is the current home of the COGIC Holy Convocation. The Holy Convocation is COGIC's largest and most important annual convention or meeting. 

My question is will COGIC, since it presents such an influential event in St. Louis, MO.,  make a statement condemning sexual abuse of all kinds? Since they have failed to do so previously even regarding atrocities which have arisen from our own ranks, I would implore and urge officials that understand the seriousness of these issues to make and take a stand.   

I CHALLENGE COGIC to SPEAK UP and take a position on this matter and other matters of sexual abuse in favor of victims rights. Further, I CHALLENGE the leaders of our church to take an open stand against abuse or all forms both inside and outside of the church and take a vocal and active role in bringing deliverance, help and healing to the VICTIMS (Remember those who have been damaged by the perverted actions of others?)

I have done my best to make this so and will continue to advocate as strongly as I am able. I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council, plans to speak up once again at the 2014 Holy Convocation. It is my hope that our COGIC officials will join me in this effort and also take a serious look at the victim's advocacy proposal that I have presented to certain "high level" officials within the church. 

It is ABSOLUTELY foolish to continue to do the same thing and expect different results... Do the right think and make molesters and predators know that their day is ended!

Blessed!

Bishop Carlson's Full Deposition  

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Son Of Hamas Founder..."Dying Is A Way Of Worship!"

Genesis 12:3 ~ 3-And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

The Gaza strip war and conflict has been spurred on by the terrorist group hamas. Unfortunately, the anti Israeli sentiment has sank in across America sparking marches and demonstrations all over.

However, before one gets carried away, one must know the TRUTH behind what is really going on. One cannot negotiate with anyone who believes that their mission in life is to create and support murder and death of all that they believe stand between themselves and their ultimate utopia. 

As for me and my house...we CONTINUE to bless Israel and the people of God (the church that is in Jesus Christ) all around the world. We will not be deceived! The demon of the ideology called hamas can do nothing but be cast out and trampled under our feet!

Blessed!

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Human Trafficking...Real People, Real Situations Deserve A REAL Church!

I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council allows us to press the battle against sexual abuse to the church and church related entities in effort to help heal and minister to those in need.

However, there is a growing faction of individuals caught within a growing societal subclass that desperately need ministry and the church to show up. This is in part why we MUST deal with our issues within the church. Jesus said it like this:

Matthew 7:3-5 ~ 3-And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4-Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam isin thine own eye? 5-Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

The church must get it right and address the issues within its boarders.

While that happens, those of us on the mission field who know and believe in the value of life and the human heart and spirit, must be reminded that these are real people. They need us and WE need them! Most importantly, they need us to be REAL!

Blessed!

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The World, READY To Hate Believers!

In an interview conducted by NFL writer, Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune, with former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach and NBC sports commentator, Tony Dungy, Tony said the following regarding openly homosexual NFL player Michael Sam:

“I wouldn’t have taken him,’’...“Not because I don’t believe Michael Sam should have a chance to play, but I wouldn’t want to deal with all of it. “It’s not going to be totally smooth … things will happen.’’

Now, I watched and listened as this firestorm took wings. As the new U.S. Socialist, Secular Humanistically inspired, politically correct, talking head police moved in like vultures to devour fresh roadkill on an Arizona highway....I have never heard more blatantly ignorant commentary in my life regarding a subject that was blown so far out of proportion. 

I heard people blaming Tony's Christianity and belief in the bible for his so called "small" views and that he was a secret "homophobe" (whatever that is) because he stated some rather obvious points from a coaching and team management perspective. There were so many people ready to bash Christianity, the bible and the biblical teachings against homosexuality when Dungy made his comments that it was sickening. Local news personalities claimed to be upset that Dungy would invoke his "Christian beliefs" and others were ready to bash the bible as an old irrelevant book, further demonstrating their ignorance that the WORD of God IS a LIVING document. 

Then further, not only did we hear that because Coach Dungy stood with Michael Vick and Plaxico Burriss through their life's struggles that he was somehow less than a Christian by making statements that were "against" Homo-Sam... I heard the continued ignorant ramblings of a comparison of being Black or a minority, and the struggle for civil rights based on color with homosexuality and the struggle for their acceptance in society and homosexual marriage....Look...ANYONE can have sex and stop having sex...every one is free to have sex with whomever they wish, within the bounds of law, however RACE is something that NONE of us can stop, turn off or turn on...There is NO COMPARISON between being Black, and the struggle for civil rights based on color and being a homosexual and struggling for recognition within society based on who you "love" and how you like to have sex...STOP THE MADNESS!

Although homosexual advocates are piggybacking on civil rights advances by Blacks and minorities within society, homosexuality is STILL a choice of sex and sexual activity that DOES NOT deserve to be favored or protected in law as we see happening within America's courts. Certainly, all people deserve dignity and respect. That is NOT the question. But stop the PRETENSE that Black parallels are gay parallels. They ARE NOT!   

Stephen To The Rescue?

Until Stephen A Smith (ESPN Sports Analyst) undertook the topic, I thought to myself, what happened to the "tolerance" of the so called tolerant? And why are these folk bashing the bible and Christianity when the man did not invoke ONE bible scripture, nor was he preaching a message? 

Stephen may be challenged on many issues, and is certainly not one that fights for Christian conservatism, but his comments were much better than almost any that I heard within the media:

Tony's subsequent statement on the issue:

On Monday afternoon while on vacation with my family, I was quite surprised to read excerpts from an interview I gave several weeks ago related to this year's NFL Draft, and I feel compelled to clarify those remarks.

I was asked whether I would have drafted Michael Sam and I answered that would not have drafted him. I gave my honest answer, which is that I felt drafting him would bring much distraction to the team. At the time of my interview, the Oprah Winfrey reality show that was going to chronicle Michael's first season had been announced.

I was not asked whether or not Michael Sam deserves an opportunity to play in the NFL. He absolutely does.

I was not asked whether his sexual orientation should play a part in the evaluation process. It should not.

I was not asked whether I would have a problem having Michael Sam on my team. I would not.

I have been asked all of those questions several times in the last three months and have always answered them the same way—by saying that playing in the NFL is, and should be, about merit.

The best players make the team, and everyone should get the opportunity to prove whether they're good enough to play. That's my opinion as a coach. But those were not the questions I was asked.

What I was asked about was my philosophy of drafting, a philosophy that was developed over the years, which was to minimize distractions for my teams.

I do not believe Michael's sexual orientation will be a distraction to his teammates or his organization.

I do, however, believe that the media attention that comes with it will be a distraction. Unfortunately we are all seeing this play out now, and I feel badly that my remarks played a role in the distraction.

I wish Michael Sam nothing but the best in his quest to become a star in the NFL and I am confident he will get the opportunity to show what he can do on the field.

My sincere hope is that we will be able to focus on his play and not on his sexual orientation.

Conclusion:

Sorry, if I were a football coach, I would not have drafted Sam either. Not because of his homosexuality, or ability/inability to play the game, but because of his desire to have all attention on him and to maximize and play his sexuality into the shame of others...

Yes, SHAME...Michael Sam strategically came out as gay BEFORE the NFL draft in order to make his being gay a human and humanistic issue in exchange for a NFL chance. He focused on his sexual orientation when noone cared although it was speculated. Certainly he may have suffered in the draft by obtaining a lower place, the fact is that all eyes were not on Michael Sam and the NFL would have taken a hit in the socialist media by not drafting him or giving him an opportunity. It was a "PR hot potato" from the day that he was compelled to open up and say that he was gay. All the liberals in the world were calling him "courageous" and claiming that it was "great to have an openly gay NFL football player". One way or another, Sam was getting an NFL chance. Of that there was no doubt. 

Further, for an new athlete to have a reality show deal at a time when a coach and team are building and learning one another(and he is not even officially on the team yet)  is more NARCISSISM. I could not in good conscience draft a man who not only poses a disruption in the locker room but a disruption in the way of doing business. There is certainly more to it than who is taking showers with whom and where...(and THAT is a consideration...I wouldn't want any gay gawkers looking at me in the locker room!) There is the continuity of a TEAM and common goal that must be considered, and like any coach Dungy spoke from that place of concern. 

Sorry you Christian and bible haters! If you think that Christians hate gays and that the bible endorses gay hate, you are critically deceived and need some sort of lifeline to come back to reality. Our love for God does not diminish the love for humanity, it only orders it placing it in full perspective.

Tony did not mention the bible, he only tries to live out its virtues, and it may be surprising to you to know that there are many more considerations in life than the considerations of those who embrace the sin of homosexuality. We love you, but please don't be upset because we don't encourage, embrace or endorse your lifestyle and we won't be shamed into doing so. Thank you very merch!

Blessed! 

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Letter To The President. Archie Bunker Would Love This...

Archie, you're still a racist.
"Why, Thank youze very much!"

Religious organizations serve the community and public because of their faith. They are emulated all over the world and one would have to bury their head in the sand to deny the influence of faith on community service in general. This is in part why arguments to remove religion from public life are so unsuccessful. there is no other philosophy of life powerful enough to cause persons to walk out their faith or "belief" on such a consistent basis. 

However, when organizations are asked to be or do something that they are not, or to even violate their faith in order to qualify for the dollars essential to doing the tasks that they are called upon to do, there is a problem. In recent times we have seen that problem come to shape by and through the promotion of the homosexual agenda championed by President Obama and his administration. 

Recently, the President stated that he was doing all that he could do to make sure that the LGBT community would not be discriminated against in employment and hiring practices, especially by companies which receive or compete for federal tax dollar funding. 

Herein is a letter from several nationally recognized leaders, not calling on the President to stop claiming that they are somehow discriminating, but to ask him to make an exception for them, under his new plans and direction.  

As I see it, the PROBLEM still exists that these leaders are allowing this President to get away with the idea that religions are 'discriminating" by not hiring gays. In all the words, there is not one mention that WE DO NOT HOLD THAT WE ARE DISCRIMINATING IN ANY WAY...but there is acknowledgement that we should remain "respectful" and "diverse" even in disagreement...

So, get this, here we have organizations asking for an exemption but not a clarification of what discrimination is and why they are not discriminating by not hiring homosexuals as a part of their core work...This document, as noble as it may be for those who receive federal dollars to do ministry, DOES NOT hit the target of the problem, nor does it challenge this administration to REVERSE harmful stereotypes and caricatures of the religious community which has served and continues to serve both gay and straight men, and women in the communities in which these organizations exist. 

Last I knew, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake of the COGIC was on the 25 member board of "Faith Based & Community Partnerships" council. Hopefully he will speak up and influence the President in this. 

As for me, don't characterize ME as one who discriminates because I do not hire a gay person to work in my religious work. I don't accept that I discriminate and need an "exception". The fact is that I also do not hire anyone who lives in known immorality. Why should we be made to treat the SIN of homosexuality any differently than other sins? 

I hope some can see through the smoke and see what is really happening with this one...Blessed!

Religious exemption letter to President Obama from Pastor Harvey Burnett

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COGIC AIM(s) At The Levitical Order

On last Thursday July 3rd in the AIM (Auxiliaries In Ministry) Convention Evangelist and Music Department President Dr. Judith Christie McCallister took the stage to deliver a message in pursuit of a new directive that Supt. Michael Eaddy, Chairman of the General Council Of Pastors And Elders has set forth within the church under the approval of Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake. The event called "The Procession Of The Levites" involved renewing the perspective on the "Glory" of God within the church by emphasizing King David, and his purpose in restoring the Ark Of The Covenant, which represented God's presence, to Israel. this story of course can be found in 2 Sam. 6.  

In a particular part of the service many of the Elders agreed to dress in what was deemed "Levitical garments" with a recreated, mock, "Ark Of The Covenant", and were to process around the sanctuary/auditorium behind the singers and dancers with the mock Ark. Of course this was supposed to be representative of the "Glory Of The Lord" defeating the enemies of God's people through the invocation of the Lord's presence through the Ark and among the people. Ie: the church. 

Analysis:

In my book, "Ministering Effectively", I examine the Levitical priest and worship under the Levitical system as well, and I sincerely applaud the church leaders call to holiness by looking at and examining this model contained within scripture. So I simply want to say that I understand the basis of this concept. However, I focus on how the works and actions of that Priest interface with Jesus himself as he is a High Priest. Remember, Jesus is NOT a priest after the order of the Levites, but after the order of Melchisedic. 

Hebrews 6:20 ~ Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

How We Got Here:

The examination of the Levite only takes us so far in understanding the glory of God as he reveals his path and plan. Understanding the Ark Of The Covenant is to also understand that it, (The Ark) was NOT a good luck charm or something that could, in and of itself, make the presence of God come into any situation. The understanding that God is not a charm, potion, or a set of commands such as an incantation, should be clear when we examine how Israel lost the presence of God to the Philistines to begin with. It was 1 Sam. 4:21-22 that said: 

21-And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. 22-And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.

Israel, under Eli, the last High Priest in that era, made the dreadful mistake of invoking God's power, by bringing the Ark Of The Covenant onto the battlefield without sanctifying God in their hearts. Their leaders, as a whole, refused to sanctify themselves and they did not obey God in purity. Remember, it was Eli's sons, Hophni and Phineas who were wicked in the service of the Lord and continued to do evil without the correction of Eli. Eli summarily addressed their sins, but the defiled priests failed to show or display any form of repentance. They continued to take more than what was their share of the meat brought to the Temple for sacrifice. They continued to sexually molest and defile the virgins brought to the Temple during the time of dedication to the Lord, and did service without regard to purity in any form. (1 Sam. 2:12-17, 22-25) 

Remember, the glory was LOST due to willful disobedience, stiff-necked(ness) and hearts that were hardened to and in sin. Although these evil practices happened at the place of worship, the whole multitude was affected, and God's people put to open shame.

THAT is how the Glory was lost. Before we can get it back, we must FIRST go back, offer repentance for what we have allowed and throw ourselves on the mercy and alter of God!     

Moving Into The Modern Pursuit Of The Glory Of God:

As I stated, the examination of the Levite can only take us so far. Why? Because, the Priesthood of Jesus is NOT dependent upon Levitical service and the practice of the Levite. Anything that we find the Levite doing  in detail, only points to what we would find in Jesus and in preparation for service in Christ. 

While I don't want to rain on anyone's party or throw a hammer and a wrench in the festivities, not because one should not be thrown, but because I really don't want to start fighting yet another battle and because I believe that calling the church to spiritual renewal is a good thing, (IF that was the call that was made, and I am not convinced based on the lack of call to corporate repentance) I couldn't help but think: "What are these folk doing?" and "Do they not understand that JESUS IS the glory of God and that HE is not and cannot be carried any longer on a cart?", and that "the Temple in which the glory of God now resides is the Temple of the body?"

Scripture records:

1 Cor. 6:19 ~ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Whereas in the Old Testament (OT) the presence of the Lord dwelt in the Temple or what was previously called the "Tabernacle Of Meeting" or the "Tabernacle Of The Congregation" (Ex. 33:7). the word "tabernacle" meant "tent" which carries the further meaning of "abiding with".  That tabernacle or "abiding with" presence of God is now with and in us the believer:

John 15:4 ~ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Col. 1:27 ~ To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

The presence of Jesus in the individual life of each believer is BETTER than the expectation of the glory of God  which was limited to the Ark Of The Covenant. Now, God's presence is more expansive and more comprehensive. Not only that, the glory is now a permanent, abiding presence that is to be with us always:

John 14:16 ~ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

One may say, that is simply reflective of the Holy Ghost and the other scriptures of Jesus. I would say, to whom do you think the Glory Of God refers? The glory of God is not a coat, or a part of God. The glory of God IS God! Herein is the understanding of the entirety of the OT writing concerning HIS Glory. 

John 1:14 ~And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Repentance...The KEY To Glory

The works and actions of the Levite Priest are only a look into the much better proliferation of GLORY that we find in Jesus. Repentance, however is the FIRST key and step to obtaining the abiding presence of God.

Unfortunately, as I alluded to earlier, I did not hear a call to corporate repentance from the leaders of this church. Neither do I see an effort to heal those who have been victims and continue to be victims of sexual abuse. That is only one part of all things, but it is a part of which I am and have been intimately involved in as far as reform is concerned. I have heard and continue to hear talk about what we "should" do and how we "need" to do thing etc, but I did not hear a clarion call to repentance as a corporate body of believers for what we have allowed and for what has caused the glory of the Lord to diminish at least within our camp. 

Please let it be known that neither a reversion to Judaism  or its customs will usher the "Glory Of God" into our presence or back into this church, if it be that the glory has departed. To walk as a reenactment of an historical event is one thing. To walk and process as Levites in order to gain the Glory of God back into the church or among the people of God is quite another. That latter will never produce fruit and is a fruitless effort and exercise of fantasy. 

However the concept of the "procession of the Levites" concept came to the church, it is my prayer that the church does not become more enthralled with the performance of ceremony than the acceptance of the substance that the ceremony represents and points toward.

JESUS IS the glory of God! Not only that, but Jesus IS God! God's presence cannot be carried in an Ark, on a cart with or without staves. The wall of partition has been broken down and destroyed. He cannot be paraded around at a particular place, for HE is in us ALL and will abide with us always.

Matthew 28:18-20 ~ 18-And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19-Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20-Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, evenunto the end of the world. Amen. 

We will continue to observe this movement within the church and advocate against some of the more fringe elements that seem to be appearing, such as the encouragement to purchase Levitical prayer garments or embrace customs of Judaism.

Blessed!

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Not Just A Hobby Anymore...

"All Americans can be thankful that the Court reaffirmed that freedom of conscience is a long-held American tradition and that the government cannot impose a law on American men and women that forces them to violate their beliefs in order to hold a job, own a business, or purchase health insurance," ~ Tony Perkins, President Family Research Council.

Last week, in a landmark 5-4 decision (Roberts, Scalia, Thomas, Kennedy, & Alito), the United States Supreme Court upheld the argument made by Hobby Lobby and 2 other US corporations stating that the new health insurance law, the Affordable care Act (ACA), which carries an abortion coverage mandate, either by benefits or by premium, also carries an unconstitutional imposition on American's Freedom Of Religious rights which, in their opinion, extends to the owners of for profit corporations upon which this mandate was thrust. 

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Onika, The BET Awards & Dreamland

At the 2014 BET Awards, top selling female rapper, Nicki Minaj (Onika Tanya Maraj) took the stage to present her new song "Pills & Potions". Some wondered what she was saying and doing in the presentation of this particular song. I simply say, no more than she normally does. Delve into mysticism for sure.  The following is the excerpt that I prepared for Facebook regarding the song and some of the meanings of what she presented. Be sure, as Nicki confirmed that night, when she "spits" she is saying what SHE wants to say, not what she is told to say... Here we go:

She (Nicki) sung a song called "Pills And Potions" which she displayed by the creation of a dreamworld with a rabbit (symbolizing fertility) surrounded by a stage full of mushrooms. Before I go into the mushrooms, part the song was really a bash towards those who provide moral criticisms of her and her lifestyle and choices. More specifically us good ole church folk. Where did I get that? From her of course. Here is the lyric:

"All the bridges you came over, don't burn that yet
Niggas want respect, but niggas ain't earned that yet
Self-righteous, and entitled
But they swearing on the Bible that they love you
When really they're no different from all your rivals
But I still don't wish death on them, I just reflect on them"

Obviously, whatever beef she may have had with others is a smokescreen to voice her "concerns" for folk believing the bible presenting morality. She simply overcomes moral criticisms by "taking pills" and copin' "cribs in the Hills" (through materialism or material wealth) Nicki is not confused on what she is saying. She has an intention as she emphatically affirms that when you hear her rap (spit) that you can be sure that it is her words because she writes her own lyrics. 

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A Matter Of Utility Or Purpose?

This is one of the most emotional stories I have seen to date. The thought of being confronted with the decision is beyond imagination.  Most people would say, the mother (Lakisha Mitchell) should have aborted because she was and is important to her family. However, this argument is not a matter of "importance" or utility. Everyone, including the unborn at the time was important. It is a matter of trust, and knowledge that ALL life is precious and the believer will LIVE in HIM forever. There will be a great reunion, when this mother will gather her family together again and all things will be understood. We're waiting for that! 

1 Cor. 15:19-22~ 19-If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20- But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21- For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22- For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Pastor & Sister Mitchell, WE will not forget and this love will not be forgotten!

Blessed!

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