The Genesis Of Church Related Abuse

Reflecting on the statements of Bishop Talbert Swan in THIS POST as he addressed a particular Elder that had a sharp critique of his message, brought my mind back 180 to the issue of church related abuse and advocacy for survivors of such abuse.

The Anatomy Of Abuse 

Abuse has a plot, or pathway that must be undertaken. That plot exists regardless of the type of abuse. Both sexual or nonsexual abuse follow similar paths...The perpetrator  seeks to exalt themselves, while simultaneously demeaning his victim and others that could be positioned to assist. Abuse is often interpreted initially as bullying, and certainly may have elements of bullying, but goes a step further into consistent derision of character and downgrading the character, intellect and personal ability of the subject. 

Then...there is the theme of abuse which is delivered on the basis of multiple lies...the lie is that the perpetrator has great power, insight and authority, and that authority is inescapable and is the final word on the issue. The lie that, as the Borg say, "resistance is futile"..."no one will believe you"...then the lie of lack of self sufficiency, that the victim can not make it on their own and their efforts are not enough to create self sustainability.

Then, within the structure of abuse, the abuser must capture and diminish the psychological strength of the victim. The abuser wishes to live rent free in the mind of their victim. The goal is to create a false sense of connection that the abuser then uses to deprive the victim of any sense of value or self sustainability. Most individuals that have suffered abuse and abusive behavior struggle with feelings of adequacy(self esteem), anxiety and trust. This is by design of the abuser, because the abuser wants his victims to "trust" him above everyone else and feel as if they can't make it on their own or at the very least without the approval of the victimizer.   

Church Related Abuse?

Yes, this type of abuse is solidly within the church. The problem is that most individuals abused can't discern their abuse, nor decipher the actions of their abuser in many cases. Many tend to write abusive behavior off to "personal preference". What makes this even more pervasive, is that many abusers within the church are persons of otherwise good behavior and personability, but have learned abusive behaviors from others and have come to emulate the abusive behavior to which they were exposed. They implement the abusive behavior that they were taught, which in most cases was affirmed to them as the "right way" to do things.

According to current studies, 95% of all abusers use psychological tactics to perpetrate their abuse and their victims are 3.5 times more likely to abuse others in a similar manner. ~ NIH 2019

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Is Your Church A "Safe Church"?

Is your church a safe church? Do your current procedures and practices facilitate abuse? Are you a Pastor and or ministry leader that wishes to create a truly safe environment and let your staff and members know that you are serious about creating a place where God is glorified by ministry stewardship and accountability?

Introducing the new I Am My Brother's Keeper Safe Church Program. The Safe Church Program is a program designed to inform members and visitors that your ministry is concerned about abuse enough to take steps to safeguard the environment. 

FACT: According to a 2019 study, 10% of churchgoers stop going to church because they feel that sexual misconduct is not taken seriously or because they did not feel safe or insulated from sexual misconduct. ~ Christian Post 5/2019

A "Safe Church Certification" involves all aspects of the church's interpersonal relationships and ministry operations. In a "Safe Church Certified" church, members and visitors can rest assured that best practices are being implored to create the best possible environment for all individuals from cradle up. 

Steps To Safe Church Certification

Rendition Of Cert.

 1- Make the call. (800)730-2990 x802 and ask for a FREE Safe Church Consultation

2- Open your church to evaluation by a Safe Church Councilor

3- Receive the results of the evaluation with recommended changes.

4- Implement the changes or ministry updates within 60 days

5- Receive your "Safe Church Certification" to display within your church or congregation. (updated annually) 

6- Receive a FREE Safe Church Quarterly Newsletter designed to provide valuable insights into church related sexual abuse and helpful information on how to reach, minister to, and restore them that have been abused and cause the ministry to make disciples even through pain and turmoil within society. 

The best way to prevent abuse, is to PREVENT ABUSE! This is YOUR opportunity to show your congregation, visitors and community how serious you take the creation of an abuse free environment. Individuals who know that your church has received a "Safe Church Certification" are even more confident that your ministry takes the health and wellbeing of its members and visitors with the utmost sincerity and respect.

Call IMBKCAC today and remember...

THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD!

Blessed!

New from News Nation:

Private Sin: How A Michigan Church Protected Child Molesters

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Pastoral Call To Action For COGIC Victim's Advocacy/ Queen GerVaise Guyton Interview Pt. 4

For quite a few years, I have advocated and continue to advocate for a process of Victim's Advocacy within what I think could be the greatest Church on Earth, the Church Of God In Christ. 

Yes, basic processes have changed. A new system to educate leaders on sexual harassment and a requirement for universal background checks...however, NONE of those things address any sort of ministry to the hurting or towards those who have been victimized by pulpit and pastoral imposters, posing as angels of light within our church.

What is the problem?

Maybe it is implication of guilt...Maybe the church doesn't want to be on the hook for any more money than what they have delivered through NDA and what liberal news now calls "hush money agreements" ...The fact is the church currently spends money to investigate and even defend predators of sexual abuse within the church. In teh Dirty Man interviews, we find that the church used the money given to it to defend and help known sexual predators. Then we find that all too often, policies and practices are set forth that help the alleged CRIMINAL instead of addressing and helping the victims of these sexually perverted ministers of debauchery and shame. This MUST CEASE...and SOMEONE must be bold enough to call the church into account. 

Still Essential: 

NEW Policy, designed to help those who have been victimized...embraced, endorsed and approved within and by General Assembly. Sounds simple??? Well, the General Assembly consists of some of the offender class individuals. Bishops, Pastors and Elders making decisions on what policies the church should and will embrace. Needless to say that police policing themselves rarely works out positively or in favor of the public. The same is true of leaders, even Bishops who must hold one another accountable and Pastoral friends and associates of those people allegedly doing the same. In other words, until the QUID-PRO-QUO system is broken, change will only be incremental if any at all. 

This is why popular leaders within the church must get serious and openly address the condition of our church in this area and the need to be the church that we talk and sing about. It will take bold leadership making a stand, endorsing what we should endorse and moving forward leading the church into a new destiny. It is a contradiction, to say that we love God and cannot find conscience enough to defend and heal those who have been cut open and nearly, if not, destroyed within our midst. 

A Change Of Mindset:

Years ago, I was part of a local COGIC association of churches, when a particular pastor was found to have impregnated a 12 year old girl that was a member of his church. One of the Pastor's of that group said, "Well at least she was a daughter of the church and not outside of the church"...In his mind, although he realized the wrong, which ultimately destroyed what was left of that pastor's family and church, the commenting Pastor assumed that the sin was somehow made better because the victim had been raised in the church...Needless to say, I left that group, never came back and to this day, have no fellowship with them that hold such shallow ideology on the subject. 

It is a complete offense to God and what we could readily and easily call an abomination, to use and abuse anyone in the context of the church or otherwise, but to be a pulpit predator is extremely beyond the pale of anything considered moral. We should have an accountability to ALL people, but an even greater duty to them who are of the household of faith. (Gal.6:10)

As long as we believe that victimization is an "acceptable" part of our experience even to the smallest degree, nothing will change...Unfortunately, church politics will continue without a word of change being delivered on the subject. Men and women, will continue to step into their "destiny"...receive their "blessing" and flow under some form of anointing AND RAISE MONEY, all while overlooking the things that will forge us a path to heaven.  Serving those who have been victimized and preventing evil from spreading within the context of our churches should be of high priority, but seems to be of lesser importance than the "show" or display of church. 

Will the REAL LEADERS OF OUR CHURCH MAKE A STAND? Let's see. I really and sincerely want to see this.

CHALLENGE: For those willing to join this very spiritual battle to promote a revolutionary change within this church and be a part of a seed change within the Christian church in general, call us at (800)730-2990 x802

Blessed!

Supt. Harvey Burnett
New Bethel COGIC
I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council

Blessed!

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Since before 2018 and after many Presiding Bishops, I still must ask...

 

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Thank God For Pastor Dr. James Stovall...Supt. Chris Harris Is HERE! (video snippet)

Although I love fellowship with the Saints, I really love when we come together and discuss issues of substance or importance and address things that enhance the quality of the lives of believers, because time is too short, there is so much to do and there is no time to waste.

As was revealed in his very dynamic message, "Leave A Praise In Your Prison" at the the115th Annual HOLY CONVOCATION Of the Church Of God In Christ in Memphis, TN., Supt. Chris Harris interjected that 25 Years ago, his Mother was the victim of rape, and that was the circumstance under which he was conceived.  

Guidance 

The ONLY handbook dealing with life and death within thew world and our church is the Bible itself. It is God that has entrusted HOLY men to carry out biblical edicts and perpetuate godly values. In this, we can thank God for the Late PASTOR DR. JAMES STOVAL of the Bright Star COGIC of Chicago, IL. 

It seems that prior to Dr. Stovall's death in 1998, that blessed pastor advised Pastor Harris' mother to NOT have an abortion, and that the life in her womb had purpose. She heard the Lord in him and is blessed as a result. 

Under normal circumstances, that is a good message by itself. But under current circumstances it is a message of epic proportions. Why? It seems that the whole country, and even some within the church, and unbelievably, within the Grand Ole Church herself, as I will set forth, value abortion to some degree and even promote it. This is shameful and even reprehensible to me, as ALL life, even the life that arrives under indecent circumstances such as rape, arrives in tact only by the power of God himself who is the author of life. 

Yes, we have some within our ranks, in visible positions, that promote abortion and could care less about God's will purpose and plan in such matters. We have certain individuals within the leadership ranks of our church (not that there are not some in other churches) who accept abortion as a family planning tool further confusing it, as the lie of the world, with "women's healthcare"...

OK, Supt. Burnett, you're fighting a loosing battle...the people want the right to abortion! Look at the trends in voting. 

Fighting a loosing battle does not mean that the battle should not be fought or the war waged. In fact, last I know, the BIBLE said that if God was for me (which in the fight for life, he is "for" me and "with" me) then WHO can be against me? In other words, the world's opposition against HIS truth and righteousness is NOTHING! I can never be the looser and those who stand for life and liberty will never be forsaken. So I am undeterred and more than a conqueror. 

I think as a church, we can learn something. For starters, it is time to deal with SUBSTANTIVE and RELEVANT cultural and social issues in our gatherings and make specific political and social statements towards issues especially where we are entrusted to be a "City on A Hill". In other words, we must speak, not because it is popular or worldly relevant, but because it's right and because God has called us to stand with and in the truth. 

Secondly, I believe that we must instruct those within leadership and who desire to be in leadership within our church, to condemn ungodly and unbiblical practices and social and cultural norms and continue to teach against all socially acceptable ungodliness no matter how attractive it may be to the world. We must call out current leaders and hold them them accountable. Leaders who desire a COGIC pulpit must be spoken to, taught why ungodliness is unacceptable and the error of their ways and doctrine condemned. In other words, its time for some folk to simply GET SAVED!

Yes, that is shameful to say within the Christian church, but it is the reality we face. Look, we haven't had any movement on a Victim's Advocacy plan, so I don't suspect that this issue will get a lot of traction anytime soon. So sad. 

Please enjoy this snippet of Supt. Chris Harris message. Complete with giveaways, it is inspiring. 

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Update: Status Of Victims Advocacy For Clergy Sexual Abuse

I Am My Brothers Keeper Christian Advocacy Council: HERE

(800)730-2990

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COGIC 114th Annual Holy Convocation...We Are ONE Church!

 About 12 years ago, I posed the question on this blog, "Is Yet Another Church Emerging Out Of The Church Of God In Christ?" due to the polar dynamics events, teaching and overall direction of the church. 

Today, some 12 years later, as the 114th Annual Holy Convocation of the Church Of God In Christ winds down, 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop, Jerry Macklin, stated (certainly not in answer to my question):

"The Church Of God In Christ is ONE Church, united behind ONE leader, determined to accomplish ONE purpose, and that is to lift up the name of Jesus and move this agenda forward in the power of the Holy Ghost"

A Time Of Spiritual Renewal & Refreshing

It must be noted that this year's Holy Convocation has been one of the most spiritually powerful, moving and impacting gatherings in quite some time. Interrupted by covid, and a cautious approach by church leaders in dealing with it, especially in light of the damage done to COGIC leadership, the highly anticipated return to "Our Jerusalem" (COGIC Headquarters and birthplace of Memphis, TN) has not only seemingly energized the Saints, but has been the backdrop for a renewed sense of hope, urgency and necessity to both preach the Gospel, save souls and lead believers into the Holy Ghost baptismal experience with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance as the initial evidence of that indwelling. (as COGIC doctrine has been as taught by founding Bishop CH Mason himself.)  

With the exception of allowing and embracing the celebration of the "Greek system" (as that system  pertains and relates to education, through fraternities and sororities ~ which has always been taught against within most COGIC and holiness circles) COGIC leadership has definitely issued a call to renewal for the Saints around the world.

This call is bound to have a lasting impact upon people all over the world, in light of the moral and spiritual decay that we are witnessing, wherein people have intentionally confused women's healthcare with the right to kill babies through abortion, (and voted for the right to do so) reduced the identity of a woman to whatever a "man" thinks a woman is, and stood for an ungodly and perverted determination to mutilate children suffering sexual identity and body dysmorphia.  

Salt & Light

In the anticipated highlight message "The Challenge To Be A Witness" (Matthew 5:13 and Mark 16:15), Presiding Bishop J Drew Sheard took the time to talk about the Saint maintaining his/her position as the "salt of the Earth" against the moral decay and rudiments of the world through both corporate and personal struggle. 

A few notable sayings from the message:

"A sweet Gospel is what has everybody saying they serve God. A sweet Gospel has people doing what they wanna do and still saying they're saved"...

"We must all keep in mind that salt and sugar look alike, but there is a difference"...

"We are perfecting our pursuit of the things of God, and have lost sight of the God of things"...

"how many church folk are good for nothing?"...

"...in many instances the church has become no more than a social club, it has no authority to put the devil in his place..."

"...We've got people in position who haven't felt the anointing of God in years, they've lost their sense of righteousness, and they mistreat the people of God..."

"...We are do everything the world does, we say everything they say, we drink with them, we curse with them, and we do whatever else they wanna do..."

"...spiritual salt is of little value to the community as long as it is barreled up in our churches..."

Church leadership certainly shows and displays a sense of urgency in the ministry towards the world and to the members of the house of God. We certainly embrace the leadership of Presiding Bishop Sheard and the newly reconstituted General Board of Bishops and solicit your prayers as ministry begins to take shape and the church galvanizes herself under the direction of the Lord.  

Sexual Abuse & Victim's Advocacy

Finally, to answer the question, YES, you can believe that I AM My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council, is continuing her efforts in victims advocacy. Although the church has taken many steps to make and create a safer environment among all member churches, there is yet much work that needs to be done and we need you to continue to pray that our efforts get the attention and implementation that they are due. We will never be satisfied as long as perpetrators of sexual abuse and criminal sexual activity in any church, are treated with more caution and care than those who have been victimized. No, this isn't the only issue within a church who's membership appears to be growing again, by all accounts, but it is one that we dare not sacrifice and or look over. The health and wellbeing of our families and communities are at risk. 

I believe, through prayer and careful consideration of the word of the Lord, the best is yet to come!

Blessed!

  

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Sex Abuse Prevention, Church Mutual. New COGIC Preferred Provider Still NOT Victim's Advocacy

It seems that there is a push in the Grand Ole Church (aka: COGIC) to maximize dollars through Church Mutual Insurance, through a church insurance program especially designed to cover COGIC churches at a group discount providing a 5% or 10% cash back in the form of a dividend or premium credit (whichever is allowable under applicable State law). 

Church Mutual is one of the nation's largest insurers (among the top 3 generally) of churches, ministries and para-ministry organizations in the United States.

What I found interesting is that Church Mutual has many resources available to help church leaders and administrators assess and manage potential risks through both practice and insurance planning. According to the "Pastor's Letter" which is in a PDF in full below, Church Mutual plans to offer the church the following benefits at individual pastoral requests:

• On-site hazard identification/assessment • Ergonomic evaluations • Accident investigation training • Safety training and resource tools • Emergency preparedness and action planning • Loss analysis (identifying trending and root causes and offer solutions) • Review of programs/policies/procedures (specific to your ministry/operations) • Innovative property protection (examples – sensor technology, drones) • Accurate replacement cost valuations • Customized service plans • Safety Presentations • Security and emergency preparedness (workplace violence and armed intruder – incorporates ALICE and FIRESTORM concepts and training) • Severe weather preparedness • Protecting your youth (preventing sexual misconduct) • Slip, trip, and falls prevention• Online and telephonic safety support • Allergy and swimmer wristbands • Safety seminars, webinars, and videos • Risk reporter newsletter and risk alerts • Safety material (posters, brochures, checklists, safety programs, videos, newsletters, presentations, and webinars)

As you can see I have underscored part of this "plan" that offer benefits similar to a Safe Church Certification offered through  I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council.

I also find it interesting that I personally contacted Church Mutual about 4 years ago asking for their help in developing such a program and they had no clue as to where to begin or what to do.

At the end of the day the suggestions and services of Church Mutual are a step in the right direction and are good supportive measures, but close attention needs to be paid to what this program really is and what it does not do.

What is the COGIC Church Mutual Insurance Plan?

• The Church Mutual program is a buyers discount club. The intent of the program is to "leverage the buying power of the 10,000+ locations in order to reduce premiums" This means that it is like buying insurance in bulk or at a group premium rate. 

• The Church Mutual program is a premium dividend or premium credit arrangement. When fully implemented the participating churches will either receive cash back for insurance premiums or a premium credit. 

• The Church Mutual plan is a voluntary plan with no upward or third party reporting or accountability. IMBKCAC has called for a MANDATORY plan for all COGIC churches in all jurisdictions. Part of the Safe Church Plan (SCP) includes not only "mandatory" participation of all churches at all sizes and levels within the church in the SCP.

• The Church Mutual plan does not encourage 3rd party independent oversight. IMBKCAC called for COGIC to provide and submit to 3rd party independent oversight in matters of sexual abuse. We have also consistently and unfailingly called for the establishment of  the following supports: 

1. A national sexual abuse advocacy hot line 
2. Transparent annual reporting of church related sexual abuse, molestation, rape and pedophilia available at least annually through every Jurisdiction at the request of any individual or entity. 
3. The Establishment of a Victims Advocacy Department (which can only be done at the General Assembly Level)
4. Regional abuse response advocacy teams coordinated by the Victim's Advocacy Department to assist victims and their families in each region in the event of church related sexual abuse. 

• The Church Mutual Plan does not provide a path for victims advocacy. This plan DOES NOT lay out the rights of victims rights. such as to whom and how to make reports, (which may be covered in some brief detail in the church official "sexual harassment policy") nor does it deliver a timetable to resolve complaints, and standards of care during the time a complaint is filed until a case has ceased.  

Why Can't IMBKCAC Just Be Happy?

Though, as stated, Church Mutual has done much internal work to help their clients, in this case COGIC, by making them aware of the level of review that is essential to address the issues of church safety, the Church Mutual plan is simply is not a Victim's Advocacy Plan nor a SCP and should not be mistaken as such.

The Church Mutual Program is what it is, an insurance plan aimed at mitigating risk, maximizing premiums and overall company profitability.

With that said, I don't quite know how we or anyone should feel about this program. Premium discounts are good. Information on preventing sexual harassment, abuse, sexual misconduct and rape, is good, however, it is misleading to think that this plan provides a level of safety or security and restoration of victims. Making that assumption could be a very bad assumption in the long run.

Most churches and leaders will look at the plan and choose the short path to say that the church has solved issues pertaining to sexual abuse, victimization and rape. Similar to the Catholic Church, COGIC, it seems, will view the relationship with Church Mutual as one in which all problems dealing with sexual abuse, rape, pedophilia and clergy sexual misconduct is satisfied.

While I can only hope that church will respond with a higher level of intent and integrity, I cannot say that this program will do anything to solve problems that have arisen over the years and yet continue to plague all of Christianity and religion in general today.

Below is a very good video by Church Mutual partners Godfrey & Kahn SC which deals with and addresses many aspects of church related sexual abuse and misconduct (aka: SINS)...I believe that will be a good starting place and churches should know that victims grow...they have memories...and one day, every story will be told!

CHURCH MUTUAL LETTER TO COGIC PASTORS

Cogic pastor letter aug 2018 from Pastor Harvey Burnett

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Clergy Sexual Abuse. Can We Have Victims Advocacy In COGIC?

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Track & Field Grad Assistant Speaks Up & Resigns From MSU

I have said it before and will say it again, Only a Pedophile Would Defend The Actions Of Larry Nassar. What the Pedophile needs to know is that their victims grow and the hate does too. Don't continue to be the freak and pervert by avoiding, deflecting and even blaming others for your actions.

 Thank God that a real hell exists, because without it, the sick freaks that destroy lives would never receive the justice they deserve and even asked for with their own actions.

If you're a "Nassar"...GET RIGHT! Repent!And pray for mercy on your soul. I know I will!

Kassie Powell...GOD is faithful and HE will rectify all wrongs!!!! Believe that!!!

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Sexual Harassment. Terry Crews Speaks Out

I continue to say that the church must make sure that it has safe practices and a system of reporting because just in case you didn't know, our adversary, the devil, is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. (1 Pet. 5:8-9)

IMPLEMENT A "Safe Church Program" Today!


ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos

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COGIC 110th Annual Holy Convocation: Still Asking For Victims Advocacy

With a 2017 theme: "In This Changing World Let Us Hold On To Our Unchanging Faith" The Church Of God In Christ (aka: COGIC), one of the nations largest Pentecostal/Holiness denominations, prepares for it's 110th Annual Holy Convocation Nov. 6 - 14th 2017. The Convocation is the pinnacle meeting and gathering of the Saints of COGIC from all over the world to celebrate the glory, power and majesty of Christ through the year and in every place.

Though the gathering is a celebration of God's goodness, there is a business element particularly at the end of the successive days of worship in which the General Assembly, the church's ONLY rule and law making body, consisting of certain member delegates and leaders, gather to discuss certain matters of church business and operations. What we can be assured of is that "Victim's Advocacy" is NOT on the General Assembly agenda for 2017 which is somewhat discouraging to I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council (IMBKCAC) founder Supt. Harvey Burnett New Bethel COGIC of IL. 3rd Jurisdiction. Supt. Burnett has advocated for victim's advocacy with an element of independent oversight for a number of years in light of past and present allegations of clergy and church related sexual abuse and sins. In a recent letter to Presiding Bishop Charles E Blake Supt. Burnett stated the following: 

"Quite frankly, I find it hard to believe that as a church we are taking the welfare of victims seriously when nearly every measure that has been taken to "prevent" sexual misconduct provide, if not instruct, the alleged perpetrators of the crimes on their due process rights and basically how to secure themselves and their ministerial futures."

Supt. Burnett goes on to say:

"One would think that in light of the serious fallout and devastating effects of sexual perversion that have been displayed on the news, that our organization would take the lead in dealing skillfully with survivors and seek to assure the public that our churches are a safe place for all worshipers, and for those recovering from all forms of abuse. However, to simply say such means little if we are not carefully, thoroughly and honestly evaluated." 

Without a doubt the mission of COGIC to the community is at its zenith. However, the mission is preformed at a time when allegations of sexual abuse are rocking Hollywood, institutions of higher education, politics, the business community and nearly every facet of American life. It would certainly seem that the issues pertaining to abuse are not going away anytime soon. 

To suggest that the church is not reflective of the community that it serves is more a sign of wishful thinking than reality. The unfortunate fact is that some churches feel that they can self-administer their own brand of healing when sexual abuse occurs and many feel that they do not have to be accountable to the larger community and group to which they are a part. Therefore, many issues pertaining to the healing process of those victimized are often reduced to methods similar to trying to close a gaping wound with band-aids. 

What Can We Do?

What we will do is set forth a solid agenda in General Assembly in 2018. I would say as a people and members that we should begin to call more loudly for healing for those who have been victimized and a better and member centered victim's rights and advocacy platform. 

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, I would advise that you DO NOT take a settlement in which you waive your rights to speak on the incident or on your experience. Silence or confidentiality agreements are a further affliction of pain and exemplifies cultural abuse. When it is thought that money can be exchanged for personal freedoms, there is a problem on both sides of the issue. 

We will live blog some of the events next week so please stay tuned right here. 

Blessed!

Letter To Presiding Bishop Blake
      

Letter To Bishop Charles E. Blake from Pastor Harvey Burnett

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COGIC Sexual Abuse Victim's Advocacy National Conference Call

>>>NEW<<<

COGIC National Conference Call Victim's Advocacy Pt. 1

Conference Call Pt. 2

Conference Call Pt. 3

Conference Call Pt. 4
Conference Call Pt. 5

Supt. Harvey Burnett of the New Bethel COGIC and I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council (IMBKCAC.org) and Pastor D. L. Foster of Report COGIC Abuse (Reportcogicabuse.com) will conduct our first national joint conference call designed to address the current state of clergy sexual abuse and victim's advocacy within the nation's largest Pentecostal denomination, the Church Of God In Christ. This live call is scheduled to take place Saturday April 5th, 2014 at 12:00PM CST.

The call is open to all, but especially to those COGIC members who are concerned regarding clergy sexual abuse, leadership abuse, and its relationship to the mission of the church and what the church is doing if anything to address the fallout of such abuses by ministering to the needs of them affected by such atrocities by way of victim's advocacy. 

There will be a commentary session for the general public that will be moderated and questions will be addressed and an action plan introduced. 

Please pass this on to a friend, we want to saturate the Kingdom of Christ with the seriousness of this issue and what must be done to help the hurting. 

Blessed!

Please see THIS STORY for additional information.  

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COGIC "Blue Light" Report Special

For nearly the last 7 years I have chased the implementation of a solid and strong Victim's Advocacy policy within the Church Of God In Christ, of which I am a member. Consistently, I have been discouraged by the inaction, passivity and excuses that the corporate church has taken in approach towards the issue. 

Full Text Of This Proposal HERE

Bishop L. Wooten

Bishop B. Porter

I have personally placed a copy of my most recent victim's advocacy policy outline in the Presiding Bishop's hands when he was in Joliet, IL. in 2013. I have personally looked General Board Member Brandon Porter in the face asking him to remind the Presiding Bishop of my presence and proposal at the Holy Convocation in Nov. of 2013, even delivering a copy to him for his personal review and asking him to consider all of those who have been affected by the sexual sins of abuse encountered at the hands of perverted and godless individuals claiming to be fellow clergy and overseers of the souls of the people. To which Bishop Porter responded, "Now you tryin' to give ME a job to do." I have sent facebook messages directly to folk like Evangelist Shane Perry, who loves the sensation of crowd appeal at the expense of deeper truths, and General Board Member Lawrence Wooten, reminding him of the terrible injustices that our people are facing without any assistance from the powers that be within this church. 

Needless to say, Shane Perry, quickly deleted my messages (after which I deleted him as a contact) while my response from Wooten was to DE-FRIEND me on Facebook as soon as he was elected to the General Board...Thanks Bishop...I didn't vote for you anyway!

Even more, as I have documented on this blog, I have tracked down Al "Keepin' It Real" Sharpton, speaking to him and his assistants and various other top ranking COGIC officials on live open air radio (found HERE) only to experience REAL AVOIDANCE and obfuscation of truth as it pertains to how we are conducting ourselves towards victims of sexual abuse...

In Amazement I Gaze

With all of those unresponded to efforts, (and I do have our Presiding Bishop's cell phone on me as I speak but I WILL NOT become or be perceived as a stalker), I am utterly amazed to find that the 2014 COGIC theme is as follows:

"We Are Called To Minister To And Witness To A Deeply Distressed And Troubled World" 

Acts 26:15-18 

(Remember Me? I'm Still Saying...)

WHAT???

Are You Kidding Me???

Before I tackle that why I am amazed, please let me tackle this:

The 2014 COGIC 2 For One "Blue Light" Report Special  

It goes like this...With all the efforts that I said went unresponnded to, well, there was kind of a response...The response was to implement a background screening process for COGIC Clergy. The background screening process was to include a 100% "Zero Tolerance" Policy against sexual abuse and sexual harassment, that the Presiding Bishop was to implement along with the approval of the General Board and that was to filter down to both mean and women who desire to take up a microphone within this church. ...I said, well that's good news...not exactly victim's advocacy...but a good start....a way to self regulate...

2014 Background Check Suspension Memo...

Yes, you read that right...For 2014, and for all those elders, ministers, Saints and friends who failed to pay their 2013 reports, for ONE TIME and supposedly ONE TIME ONLY (Yea right!) the criminal background checks will be SUSPENDED...This means that anyone paying both the current and last year's report this year, will not have their credentials subject to background and criminal history screening....

In an episode from "Pedophiles and Crooks Gone Wild" COGIC has opened their door to any and every charlatan who has been exposed over the last year or so, all without any questions, comments and or concerns...JUST PAY IF YOU WANT TO PLAY!!!!

I know, as I have said before, whatever ministry I had in the rank and file, (just gotta follow my leader at all cost, no matter how ridiculous things may sound church) is over with...to which I say...You weren't having me or this ministry at your church anyway...So I haven't lost a thing!!!

But my heart is certainly burdened to know that SOMEBODY, evidently with little to NO spiritual insight and or concern for those hurting at low levels (and some at higher levels) in this church, either don't care about them that are hurt or are like Eli, devoid of any spiritual discernment, yet with title. 

IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE!

To allow potential crooks and pedophiles and even potential rapists to embrace our pulpits without accountability all because of the ability to "catch up" on money that they may owe, is without any resemblance of the Spirit of God. Has anyone considered that the reason that some of these folk are not paying their reports, is because they KNOW they can't pass a criminal background check?

Has ANYONE stopped to think, that perhaps those who try to avoid the criminal background check, may have a criminal history, and many of them may still and yet be engaged in criminal activity? Then there is this: 

Sexual Abuse Settlements Continue

Yes, though swept under the rug and tried to hide, COGIC continues to settle cases of sexual abuse with gag orders and special arrangements to make sure that those who have been victimized will not speak openly about their cases or the arrangements under which they were settled. Such settlements include those like the recent case of Donald Barrett, former Administrative Assistant in Illinois 3rd Jurisdiction,  who was accused of wanton sexual acts with at least 2 women, admitting in his own words to inappropriate activity and actions with the women. Although his former ministry and church settled openly for $300,000, (insurance policy limits) COGIC and Southern California 2nd (General Board Member McKinney) who were also parties to the lawsuit, after some time, settled in an undisclosed manner with a gag order on the claimants to not disclose anything. The door is open for Barrett to now come back, pay his money and proceed as if nothing had ever happened!

SHAMEFUL!  

Yes, the door is open to folk who either sleep with women (and in some cases men), and commit criminal acts to continue in their criminal enterprise. 

The door is open for those who have been exposed by molesting the vulnerable to come right in, pay your report, and continue in a position of authority all without question and or concern...

The door is open, for those fiscal charlatans who steal from the church, mishandle and misappropriate funds, and have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, to simply CONTINUE their sins and unlawful enterprises, under the name Church Of God In Christ, Supt. Elder, Bishop, Evangelist,  and or Missionary all with the approval of inept and disassociated policy and exceptions approved at the highest levels within this church.

This is to our SHAME and to the utter disgust of those of us who know that this church deserves a much better standing and position in this world than what we are seeing and experiencing. 

COGIC, WE are deeply distressed and troubled by these actions and this lack of insight from those promoting policy! 

COGIC WE are troubled by this lack of concern for those who have been truly victimized and suffered at the hands of charlatans!

COGIC WE need to be ministered to if we think that promoting protections for clergy who have defiled themselves with the rudiments of this world and who make sport of manipulating the minds of the people, are anything that God is pleased with and that can be used by HIM in this last day!

Matthew 7:5 ~ 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.

Larry Stockstill was introduced to an auditorium of nearly 5,000 COGIC clergy at the 2013 Holy Convocation for a singular purpose. That purpose was to promote the message of his book, "The Remnant, Restoring The Call To Personal Integrity" and to reach COGIC clergy calling them to greater integrity and accountability. On pg. 15 of his book he says:

"The world looks upon the church's abuse of authority and the lack of accountability as the ultimate hypocrisy."

We know that nobody and no organization upon the Earth is perfect. We and they all suffer from some malady. However, those of us who know Christ and claim to be HIS, have an obligation to Jesus to protect the flock of God, care for souls above all other things and to live what we preach. We MUST do much better than what we have done. We have no excuse for this mess, what we have allowed and what we are promoting now!

To allow, the potential that the ungodly will sneak in or continue to abide by their ungodliness, and stand in our name and pulpits with some sort of credibility is without conscious. It is the highest impiety possible to open the door to the fold, placing wolves in the middle of the flock and then closing the door, saying that "this is good for the sheep!"

Those are not the actions of the caring or those commissioned to Christ. Those are the actions of men who love their own bellies and are full of the fat of their sins!

May the Lord have mercy upon HIS people and the Remnant of this church!

Blessed!

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The COGIC 106th Annual Holy Convocation...A Time For Reconciliation!

Theme 1: Discovering The Power Presence And Person Of Jesus Christ

Theme 2: Experiencing The Power Of Jesus Christ, Pursuing His Mission & His Righteousness

Although I really can't say that I know exactly what theme that the 106th annual Holy Convocation of the Church Of God In Christ will be, (click HERE and read the banners for yourself) either theme sparks much fruitful and spiritual contemplation and is painted on a ripe canvass of both victory, mystery and even further controversy.  

The 2013 Holy Convocation promises to be another in which COGIC will have the opportunity to address many issues and hopefully take the opportunity to set the pace as it pertains to standards of safety and integrity within the modern Christian church. However, they are starting from a deficit. There are some serious problems that must be dealt with including lawsuits, abuse, and unresolved ongoing personal conflicts and issues. 

COGIC Victim's Advocacy...The Need STILL Exists

The wonderful part is that COGIC now requires background checks for all new clergy coming into the organization and a thorough and extensive training program for all clergy licensees. In addition, we have received certain information that there is a counseling plan or program that exists, whether officially or not, for victims of sexual abuse in some areas of the country. That's the GOOD NEWS! 

The BAD NEWS is that sexual abuse within the church continues to occur and that COGIC has failed to implement a true Victim's Advocacy program and plan that will effectively minister to the needs of victims and their families. There is yet no clear "bill of rights" or path to recovery plan as we have proposed and recommended within the IMBKCAC plan. There is yet no organizational system of accountability on the issue of abuse in all forms. A solid advocacy plan, will meet the needs of both victims, the public, and the church insuring that COGIC is a safe and family friendly place of worship which embraces safe practices that not only prevent sexual abuse from occurring, but also affords victims the very best care, compassion and concern as they place their lives and families back together. An solid victim's advocacy plan is of essential importance if the goal and aim of the church is to be relevant within the community in which it exists and all around the world.

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Is COGIC A "Safe Place" & The 2012 Press Conference

(If YOU or someone you know has been victimized, call I Am My Brother's Keeper (IMBKCAC) or email us at Imbkcac@gmail.com. All  inquiries are CONFIDENTIAL)

Many of our readers know that I conducted a Press Conference on Clergy sexual abuse and victims advocacy at the 2012 Holy Convocation. At least I scheduled a press conference and did manage to do an interview which I will post shortly. In a minute I'll tell you the results of that press conference and what transpired. Until then enjoy this snippet of a message from our Presiding Bishop's address on Official Day.

Now, that certainly sounded like a great message. "I believe that children are the future" sounds so familiar...In fact this is the part of that snippet that especially caught my attention:

"The church has got to be a safety zone for our children. If you are a pedophile, if you are a child molester  if you are a child abuser, if you are determined to pursue sexual misconduct, then either get right or get out!"

Didn't that sound good???

If What He Said Is True, Then Please Tell Me Why...

As I stated in a Press Release regarding COGIC's absentee victims advocacy policy, that I made shortly before the Presidential election, I was on my way to STL to ask church leaders, and the candidates (over 23 of them for the General Board) to undertake the issues of victims advocacy, which is an area that this Grand Ole Church has yet to touch...In other words, the children and adults that suffer from sexual abuse and church or clergy misconduct have NO ONE inside the church or associated with it in any way to help readjust their lives whether spiritually or emotionally and the church does NOTHING to help a victim heal from the atrocity that they have suffered. In many cases they are stepping in to clear themselves of liability or paying settlement funds, but there is nothing in place resembling a victims advocacy plan and neither is there anything considered in spite of my efforts to bring the focus to the issue.

Victim's Advocacy IS NOT A Zero Tolerance Policy. OK, do I have to say once again that a a zero tolerance policy against clergy sexual misconduct and screening of pastors and leaders IS NOT a victims advocacy policy???? It seems like I have to consistently say this especially to people who should know the difference. A "zero tolerance policy" is certainly a step in the right direction, but it is NOT a victims advocacy policy. Do we really not understand the difference between the two? I only ask because most every one I speak to in leadership, either doesn't know the difference or wants me to believe that they don't know the difference. As I tell my kids, "I can't call it", but what I do know is that is the case....That is a sad case, but it is true.

Contacting The Presiding Bishop

Well, out of honor and respect, even though my 2009 proposal faxed to Bishop Blake and the then General Board went unacknowledged, I tried once again to engage our Presiding Bishop by contacting him through his personal assistant by email in STL the night before the conference was to take place seeking to establish a partnership with him seeking to work together in addressing this very important and serious issue. My tone was positive reserving the right to speak truth.

Here is the part that should be of special interest to every person who is a member of COGIC and otherwise, that has received misinformation and LIES regarding my efforts; this is what I said to the Bishop in a letter to him:

"So that you will know, unlike some of my friends and associates, I am not willing to bash our church. However, I am willing to tell the truth in effort that we can come to greater and higher accountability and implement programs in favor of those who have suffered the greatest among our ranks."

One can read the full email letter that I sent to Bishop Blake and  that he received, by clicking HERE.

What Happened?

Well, the Press conference was delayed due to my late arrival. (about 30 minutes ) Clearly this was not a COGIC press session...COGIC did not call it at all. I,  through I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council,  called the conference and media inquiry, complete with our phone number and email for clarification, questions or concerns.

Unfortunately, some media asked COGIC about the Press Conference. When that happened, COGIC press core evidently had been instructed to inform the media that the press conference, which they had nothing to do with, had been cancelled....WHAAAAAT???? CANCELLED????

This is the interview with Erin Williams of STL. Public Radio regarding the issue. 

Who instructed COGIC Press Core and staff to tell the media that a press conference that I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council had called regarding clergy sexual abuse and the lack of a victims advocacy policy within the Church Of God In Christ, had been cancelled??? Better yet, why would COGIC officials evidently  INSTRUCT the press core officials to tell the media that a press conference,  which implicitly and explicitly deals with the safety of CHILDREN and adults that suffer from church related abuse, had been cancelled???

Is the church really a "safety zone"? Then why are the voices calling for the safety of individuals through advocacy  SILENCED?Why is there obfuscation on the issue???

Now, before one begins to shout and say that "the Lord confused the enemy", which is invariably a certain statement of ignorance and scriptural illiteracy as it pertains to this issue, one should ask, who is the enemy???...Is the enemy the one stifling the victims that have been abused and suffering life changing atrocities, or is the enemy those who speak up for the victims trying to find a way to make their lives better???

The Rest Of The Story

The reason I am taking time to explain this is because many people, and I say many people were praying for this event and praying for some acknowledgement from COGIC over the plight of victims of this type of ungodly abuse at the hand of COGIC personnel. I certainly appreciate all the prayers and support I received for this, but we're not through yet...

Once I saw where this was going I did two things in response. First, I held the Press Conference anyway. 

The full text of what I said in a prepared statement can be found by clicking HERE.

Of course, this was to the dismay of some reporters who contacted my office, complaining that there was no press conference after the fact. When I explained the situation, they (members of the press) finally understood that they should have read and followed the instructions in the release, because none of the press realized that they were entering into the COGIC landmine of obfuscation and excuses for poor service and misdirection...and Yes, I did endorse this message....

The Search

Secondly, along with my my personal assistant who witnessed the entire series of events, I went to the administrative offices to speak with Bishop Blake and Bishop Enoch Perry. After finding their section of St. Louis, I made it known clearly who I was and that I would await for them to meet me, as I desired to speak with them, and had heard that at least Bishop Enoch desired the same. After a brief wait, we were told that they were unavailable due to meetings and that they couldn't speak...Not even their assistants were available to speak with us. 

I thought that funny because only two weeks prior Enoch Perry himself had spoken to my Bishop, Bishop Robert Sanders of Illinois Third, asking him all kinds of questions about me, even having my report payment history in front of him. Go for the MONEY....It seemed that now that I was in his presence, neither he nor any of our Presiding Bishop's assistants could meet with me or discuss any issues of exactly why I was doing what I was doing or even ask any questions pertaining to it at all. 

For The Critic: 

Invariably, there are corporate lovers, and cronies that will see the corporation of COGIC right no matter what is done. That's OK, I am not trying to prove it wrong as a corporation. What I am saying is that there is far too much lip service given to the issues and no impetus placed on those who have lost and had their world turned upside down due to the sins of some, deemed charlatans. 

2012 COGIC Presiding Bishop
& General Board

Why am I talking about the church and officials like this? First, because it is 100% TRUE. Secondly, because it is horrific for our leaders to chase financial improprieties as they do, making those situations high priority looking to find dollars that they think are lost,  while at the same time making very little time for anyone that solely wants to address the value of human life and assist in addressing the plight of victims who have been hurt due to these type of clergy sins and abusive situations...

The question is how can anyone contend that serving victims as we do with utter silence and distribution of checks under the right circumstance is Godly service or according to a biblical mandate? How can the church continue to roll on without a victims advocacy simply because the impression is that this would mean admission of guilt and potentially cost the church more money....

OK, if it costs the church $800,000 per claim of sexual impropriety according to the statements of our Presiding Bishop in the COGIC General Assembly record, and we can trace the loss of jurisdictions, property, not to mention the disheartening of countless souls, how can we simply get by....Let me ask this:

If Penn State University COULD NOT get by, because, in essence, it did not handle victims properly, how can the Church Of God In Christ feel that it will get by if it continues to fall derelict in serving the spiritual needs of those among us who have been damaged by clergy and church abuse? How can we escape if we don;t provide a tangible and real way to help them? Are the new and reappointed General Board members of this church ready to deal with this issue? One thing is for sure...the issue is NOT going away!!!!!

Blessed!

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Image, Assets & Liability Pt. 3...The "COGIC Shuffle"

"We now live in a litigious society. People file lawsuits for every conceivable grievance, whether real or imagined. To protect the name, image, and assets of the Church of God in Christ, we must take positive steps to seriously investigate very case of alleged sexual abuse by the clergy. We must stand behind and support those who are falsely accused of sexual improprieties and found innocent by the courts. We must also insure that the Church act quickly to take firm and positive action against those who violate the sanctity of their positions and are found guilty of sexual abuse and other sexual improprieties.” Bishop Charles Blake, Presiding Bishop Church Of God in Christ Inc. Oct 29, 2007

In PART 1 and PART 2 of this mini-series, I have looked at both secular and church sexual abuse and the fallout associated with it. By now, I hope that we can see that there is a devastating affect upon the complete and entire community when trust is betrayed in this manner. However, what happens when the church looks past sexual abuse and misuse, even when it is discovered years later, only to focus on image, assets and the way we "do things"?

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