COGIC Delivers & Withdraws Comprehensive Sexual Education To Youth

Updated 6/6/2016: READ The COGIC Response To This Issue HERE

Yes, you read the headline correctly. The Church Of God In Christ, otherwise known as "COGIC", the largest organized Pentecostal/Holiness church in the United States primarily led by Black ministers and leaders, was at least until recently, offering through the National Youth Department, comprehensive sex education in what was called the "Young Men Of Valor Training Manual" (with a creepy cover to the right). 

Since many individuals don't know the difference between or how to identify various sex education programs, please allow me to define what is meant by a comprehensive sex education program. Advocates For Youth.org defines a comprehensive sex education program in the following manner: 

"Comprehensive Sex Education teaches about abstinence as the best method for avoiding STDs and unintended pregnancy, but also teaches about condoms and contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and of infection with STDs, including HIV. It also teaches interpersonal and communication skills and helps young people explore their own values, goals, and options."

Careful attention to the part about helping young people "explore their own values, goals, and options." is the defining feature of the sexual health information that was placed into the Young Men Of Valor manual. Providing comprehensive sexual education seems to be EXACTLY what this program was designed to do at least in the sexual health section.

To be clear, COGIC has since removed the manual and produced a statement dated May 24th, 2016 as follows:

However, according to additional REPORTS from Dr. Earl Carter, who seems to have first examined this issue, COGIC has since distanced itself from the publication with all leaders claiming that they did not know what was being printed and delivered to our youth through the International Youth Department Manual.   

"If you do decide to have sex, you should: Use condoms 100% of the time. You need to make sure that you use a new latex condom (or dental dam) correctly every time you have oral, anal or vaginal sex. If you're allergic to latex, use a polyurethane male or female condom"~ COGIC International Youth Dept. Young Men Of Valor Training Manual Pg. 69 (yes-page 69 see below)

Dr. Earl Carter, who has an outstanding call to our church to reform and reject the leadership Of Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake for various reasons which I will not elucidate here, recently revealed the COGIC youth department's teaching manual, in which  young men were taught how to have sex rather than how to avoid sex and sexual activity, or even examine sexual consideration in light of scripture. In fact the booklet even suggests making provisions for sexual acts normally associated with homosexual behavior.

Not To Beat A Dead Horse...'Cause This Horse Ain't Dead!

Though the manual has been pulled and a statement issued from the church regarding it, this is a huge issue and one worthy of great ongoing concern. Why? In part because as a church we trust our leaders...ALL of our leaders, to guard and watch out for the best interest of our youth, especially in the auxiliaries they serve. 

As a Supt. in this church, I feel that if we cannot trust Departmental leaders and their committees and teams to review, approve and stand by material distributed to millions of children and members in the church, those same department heads should be immediately removed from position and replaced by individuals who take their duties with more diligence.  

The Information Has Already Done Much Damage:

Pulling the information after the fact does not change the fact that the information that has already been distributed, has done its damage. In fact, from the review that I have seen of the pages of the manual, not only did the manual teach young adults how to make sexual decisions, but made no reference to the biblical teaching that sex without marriage is sin. In fact there was no reference to any biblical mandates or consideration for the integrity of the word of God in the life of the believer. It was a secular writing, from a secular point of view based on secular information, and human moral values. At a glance, one could see that the information contained within this guide was not biblically centered. 

 At one point the authors of the manual assume that the young men that they are training are involved in same sex relationships among other relationships. 

"If you are sexually active, you also need to think about:

• Gender of your sexual partner 

• Kind of relationship you have with them

• Type of contraception and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention methods you use".  

             COGIC International Youth Dept. Young Men Of Valor Training Manual Pg.                67- 68 

While I have not received the complete "Training Manual;" it seemed like a "how to" journal instead of an actual teaching on "valor", especially as it pertains to youth sexual activity and functions. One could rightly ask, is the only reason that the manual was removed and taken down because it was revealed or spoken of publicly? Can we afford to passively sit by while our youth, who are constantly bombarded with the message of sex and sexual immorality, are under attack?

In addition, since it didn't take anything more than Dr. Carter making this known on his video, how in the world did subscribers both to the publication and to the Youth Department, who were aware of this MESS, think that this book was valuable or of a resource to our youth or consistent in any manner with teaching our young men encouraging them to be strong and courageous in this world? This is what makes the revelation of the material so shocking and the response of our church so lack-luster and wholly inadequate. 

For the record, VALOR is defined as the following:

"boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle;heroic courage; bravery:" Dictionary.com

"strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery" Merriam-Webster.com

"Courage and boldness, as in battle; bravery. boldness or determination in facing danger." The Free Dictionary.com

This manual, designed to teach children in a Pentecostal/holiness church, was teaching anything but valor. It taught children how to conform to the world rather than to conform to Christ.

How did this material get by screening? Was the material even screened at all? Were our leaders so enamored with their job duties, recognition, fame, conferences and the "department program" that what they were actually teaching our youth was of no consideration? Is there commonly no vetting of material by the Presiding Bishop's office? What of General Board officials? Have they no duty to review church programs and materials to make sure there is harmony with church and biblical values in materials distributed? With all of this surrounding material given to our young men, what in the world may be in the Young Women Of Excellence material? Does it also contain challenging and ungodly suggestions? The church and the leaders of the church have a greater duty to the members of this church than what they are showing and have shown in this matter? A statement of apology from these department leaders is in order as well.  

Now, was this not the same basis for the chastisement of Dr. Earl Carter from the beginning? Remember, his Convocation message was released, but when criticism started to occur, the leadership, the Presiding Bishop's Office in particular, vocally and forcefully condemned Carter's message and terminology, even making a video which was released from West Angeles on the issue. 

In this case, we have a generic statement written by who, we don't know, saying that the information was not properly vetted, which we already know, and that it is being investigated as to what happened and simply saying that, it won't happen again. How do we trust that? WE CAN'T!

My problem...

First, the Youth Department has violated both its Objective and the YPWW Pledge. From it's website:

"This charismatic department will design, develop, and implement programs and ministry opportunities that meet the spiritual needs of the youth of our church. Rallies, workshops, and pertinent seminars will be tools used to effectively teach our youth how to apply the Word of God in their lives."

That objective was clearly missed by the acceptance of such a manual. Secondly, focus on our YPWW Pledge:

"We pledge our unselfish devotion and loyalty to the principles and doctrine of our COGIC faith to be representatives of holiness in our everyday life; and to let our lives be the mirror that reflects the image of Christ."

Missed on BOTH accounts!

We have a list of persons associated with this department and at least 4 involved in the "Education" section of the department. I would like to hear from them, how this material got by them or what they were told was contained within the material. 

I would also like to hear from the Presiding Bishop, Charles E Blake, assuring the church that information pertaining to SEXUAL HEALTH that was placed in this manual, was wholly inconsistent with church teaching and that the church further REPUDIATES such teaching as was in the manual under the guise of "sexual health". In other words, I would like to see our leadership approach this matter with the same vigor and intensity as the matter of Dr. Earl Carter was addressed. 

As of now, we do not know how many young people were given this information with the blessing of adults who either did not know what was in the manual, or who did know and were ready, eager and willing to teach kids about sex! The manual was on sale for $30.00. How many manuals were sold and how much in profits were already received and delivered?  believe this church, the Grand Ole Church Of God In Christ, has a greater moral duty to ALL of its members and especially to our youth and families. I believe we should expect and demand better from this church. 

Supt. Harvey Burnett

Blessed!

The Infamous Pg. 69

     

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Callin' Out Da Pastors & Churches

On my favorite radio station WVON AM 1690 Chicago, IL. Mrs. Monique Caradine skillfully used her 2 hour boradcast to call out the church and Pastoral community for its stark silence and amazing absence in taking the lead in tackling Chicago's crime and violence head on.

Mrs. Caradine I personally say THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU! It's time for the church leaders to wake up and do the work of HIM that has called us!

The backdrop is this:

Wed. May 19th former Iraqi war veteran and off duty police officer Thomas Wortham IV (30) was visiting his parents in Chatham, IL., the neighborhood in which he grew up. As he was leaving his parents home he was confronted by 4 young people who were acting upon a "dare". The "dare" was to rob somone at gunpoint. The target was a mortorcycle that Officer Wortham owned. Short of the long, the incident left officer Wortham dead, one of the criminals dead, another wounded and in critical condition and two more fleeing for their lives. One of those two eventually turned himself in and the other was apprehended in an unrelated incident.

Officer Wortham was a good man interested in helping the community and doing the right thing. He was ready and willing to what he could do to bring his community back from the destruction that it seemed headed toward. Here are some of his statements regardng crime a short time ago to the Chicago Tribune:

"It's starting to feel like it's expected in this community,"..."When people think of the South Side of Chicago, they think violence. In Chatham, that's not what we see. It's happened. And we're going to fix it, so it doesn't happen again." ~ Officer Thomas Wortham IV

Officer Wortham's death was the most recent in over 145 homicides in Chicago this year. This is after a 2009 total of 458 murders and a declaration that Chicago was the murder capital of the Unied States. An additional part of the problem is that many of the deaths have occurred among them that are 30 and younger. From what we've been able to gather, the murder rate of CPS (Chicago Public School) students and injury rates are at all time highs also. Some reports say that as many as 200 children have been injured either en route or coming home from school by individuals committing street violence.

The Gospel Is The Right Tool For The Job

Romans 1:16 ~ "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

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Youth S.O.S!

We Must Rescue Our Youth

"We're not animals. We're not savages.

We're students and we're trying to achieve,"

Maritza Morales

Richmond High student

Richmond High School in Richmond, CA. has become the center of attention over the last week but not in the way that either it's citizens or the rest of America would have liked.

One would not have thought that a school Homecoming celebration would take on a criminal tone and be froth with what could be considered the most animalistic and degrading treatment of a fellow human being in recent times.

According to CNN.com, It was at a school homecoming that a 15 year old girl had her human dignity stripped away from her while as many as 20 or more people looked on with amusement. This was heinous crime that needs our attention as the church and as a community of believers. It is our time to rise and go back to what we know that works and the only thing that will deliver our youth and families from the whims of human moral relativism and the dank and dark depths and capacity of sin found within the human heart without Christ as savior.

Because of this I have enclosed a special message that I hope will encourage you to be and further become a part of the solution to this degeneration and decay of human value that is all too prevalent and observable within our communities. Please be encouraged: (Click on POSTS at the bottom of the player and then click the message to play it in its entirety)

So far there have been approximately 5 arrests and a host of individuals identified that were simply perverted , spineless onlookers who found pleasure in the degradation of a fellow human being.  Video and tape sales won't help us past this one...we don't need personality, we need Jesus! Let us engage in prayer for this young lady who from all accounts was a good person and regardless of that was a person who certainly did not deserve to be demoralized and dehumanized in this way. May the grace, peace and strength and healing power of the Lord Jesus be with her now like never before! Amen.

Blessed!

Further Details Mercury News.com

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Life Changers Conference 2009

CONCLUSION & OUTCOME BELOW:

~Special Thank You To All Who Prayed For This Event~

New Bethel Ministries

Presents
Life Changers Conference 2009

Peoria, IL

May 7th -9th 2009

Theme:

Liberate Our Youth

2009 Life Changers Include:

Elder D. L. Foster

Witness Freedom Ministries & GCMWatch Blog

Atlanta, Ga.

Thursday May 7th 2009 7:00 PM

Soteriologist: Elder D. L. Foster

Location:

Resurrection Power COGIC

2500 N. E. Madison

Peoria, IL. 61603

Admission: FREE

(Liberal Offering & Seating Is Limited)

Elder G. Craige Lewis

EX Ministries

Arlington, TX.

Friday May 8th 2009 7:00 PM

Soteriologist: Elder G. Craige Lewis

Location:

Neumiller Hall,

The Campus Of Bradley University

1501 W. Bradley Avenue

Peoria Illinois

Admission: FREE

(Liberal Offering & Seating Is Limited)

Conclusion:

Saturday Morning May 9th 2009

8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Youth & Family Prayer & Deliverance Breakfast

Special Anointing & Youth Breakthrough Service

Doxologists:

Supt. H. Burnett,

Elder D.L. Foster & Elder G. Craige Lewis

Location:

Holiday Inn City Center

500 Hamilton Blvd.

Peoria, IL. 61602

($15.00 In Advance ~ Prayerbreakfast ONLY ~ Seating Is Limited)

For more details, hotel information or travel instructions, please call Supt. Burnett toll free at (877)677-6599 or email Dunamis1@netzero.com

Souvineer booklet space is available deadline May 1st 2009 call or email for price list and further details.

What Will Be Discussed During This Conference?

1- Homosexuality, lesbianism and the church's response to the rising GLBT (Gay Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender) church and cultural influence.
2- Teen promiscuity & violence, what you don't know will hurt you.
3- Hip-hop inculturation and it's devastation, dangers, influence and roots within post-modern churches and families.
4- Clergy & Ministerial sexual abuse how to avoid it, report it, and actions that must be taken when it arises.
5- "Black Genocide" The effects contraceptive and on demand abortion on the landscape of our community.
6- The biblical view of the use of music and entertainment within the church.
7- The biblical reconstruction of the family. Providing sustainable solutions to the problems we now face.


Conclusion, Outcome & Recap
Life Changers conference 2009 was met with exceeding and abundant joy both by members of New Bethel and individuals from surrounding areas such as far away as Indiana and St. Louis. Here's a brief summary of some of the messages that were preached:

Thursday ~ Elder D. L. Foster, Gcmwatch.com

Thursday night was electrified by the anointed praise and worship leadership of Supt. Harvey Burnett. This provided an extremely smooth platform upon which Dr. Foster would operate. Using the book of Jude as his text Dr. Foster surgically diagnosed the difference between charlatanism and true ministry, revealing how the "thief" has crept into the church and stolen the goods of God's people through weak leadership and by promising false hopes in exchange for money, illicit sexual favors, homosexual liaisons, and other ungodly lusts. Dr. Foster referenced how Jesus said that his house had become a "den of thieves" as opposed to a house of prayer and used the opportunity to call for a church revolution reminding us that the word Saint was equivalent to one who lived holy, and one striving to be what God called them to be according to his word. He encouraged the church to not partner with the world as the current trend has been from visible leaders all over the country.

Dr. Foster's message was received with great joy as many of the members of New Bethel and conference attendees received special prayer and rededication to service at his hands.

Friday ~ Elder G. Craige Lewis EX Ministries

Friday night was greeted by individuals from areas such as Springfield, Il, Indiana, St. Louis, Danville and Chicago. Delivering his powerful new message "Don't X Me Out" Elder Lewis provided all the ammunition necessary to gun down the devil in our communities. Drawing from previous messages such as "Exodus Into Egypt", Elder Lewis broke down the false alarm of swine flu comparing it to a drop in the bucket compared to the devastation that our community suffers because of the epidemic of abortion (which currently exceeds 1400 per day in the black community) STD's (which are on the rise among black youth in epidemic proportions) Incarceration rates(which are higher than any group in America among black men) and biblical illiteracy, which is promoted by pulpit pimps and charlatans who's only objective is to live better than the people that they serve.

In the message Elder Lewis broke down the sharp contrast of how easily children can secure contraceptives while being restricted from alcohol until age 21 because the law doesn't think they can handle it. He asked "can children handle sex any better?" in this he painted the picture of societal confusion over moral values and how society and the church has further sacrificed their children at the altar and fire of the false god molech.

This was truly and awesome night of power and truth and was received with great joy. Many youth and families came and rededicated their lives to the Lord receiving special prayer and anointing.

Saturday ~ Prayer Breakfast ~ Pastor H. Burnett & Elder D. L. Foster

The final event of Life Changers 2009 was also met with high anticipation and with great joy as the Saints of New Bethel gathered just before 8:00 AM in breakfast fellowship. Afterward, the Saints heard the exposition and encouragements of both Dr. Foster and Pastor Burnett as they spoke on issues of family, sexuality, including homosexuality and how to avoid it, sexual promiscuity and worldly inculturations.

Dr. Foster explained that the church is seemingly in a Laodocian age as it is only interested in self preservation, prosperity and what it can receive. He also explained that the doctrine of inclusion, and lack of truth in dealing with issues has had the most harmful affects on the church and those within the church.

These teachings were followed by encouragements from Pastor Burnett explaining what weapons that the individual and church possesses to eliminate immorality, strengthen the weak and to secure the family. This session was followed by a special anointing and prayer for all of the children in attendance.

Life Changers 2009 was a tremendous event and one that will reap positive benefits in the lives of the attendees for months and even years to come.

Special thanks to Elders Foster and Lewis and all those who contributed to the success of this conference either through attendance, financially or through prayer. May the Lord bless you greatly.

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