Ministry Leader Calls On COGIC Leadership To Withdraw UDHR Endorsement

Elder D. L. Foster
GCMWatch.com

"I'm still calling on Bishop Charles Blake to undo the incalculable damage he has done and repudiate COGIC's involvement in the ungodly UDHR. The Church should NEVER partner with demons to do the work of the Lord. Bishop Blake caused great harm to come to the church by the partnership. Bishop Mason brought us out from among them and Bishop Blake is taking us back in." ~ Elder D.L. Foster

In 2008 The Presiding Bishop of The Church Of God In Christ, Bishop Charles E. Blake, vicariously ascribed over 12,000 member churches to the endorsement of the United Nations document called The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights. As I have stated in previous posts, that endorsement seemed to be church leadership's way of joining with the "human rights" movement that is seemingly sweeping the nation and the world under the guise of making the world a better and more humane place to live and ultimately relieving oppression where oppression exists. There is nothing wrong with wanting relief from oppression, but please read on, because there are quite a few things wrong with this. 

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake
Church Of God In Christ Inc. 

There were a number of problems with the Bishop's endorsement of this document, not to mention that it (the endorsement) was both presented and approved retroactively by the general church and that was done under the auspences that the church needed to galvanize because it was under an internet attack primarily promoted by Elder D. L. Foster and GCMWatch.com. 

The real problem however, was that the same document endorsed by a Pentecostal/Holiness leader was being used to promote homosexual rights and most specifically the proposed right of homosexual marital recognition. A Church Of God In Christ endorsement of this document brought the church to quite an uncomfortable if not flat out contradictory position of endorsing something publicaly that it also holds a specific and public position against. 

Now, in 2011, without a doubt, and with the approval of the majority member nations, the United Nations considers that document (the UDHR) to be a firm standard exalting the struggle for homosexual marriage to the level of a "human right" that member nations and ascribees are compelled to rally around and in favor of if they truly endorse the document.   

The Warning & The Excuse

This conundrum that the church now faces did not go without ample and thorough warning. Upon hearing the news of Bishop Blake's endorsement, vicariously aligning all member churches, including my own, with this decision, there was a campaign to warn him and the church against what has proven to be a very bad decision.  Elder D. L. Foster led the charge calling to question the moves taken by Bishop Blake. Those posts can be found HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE. 

Let's reexamine some of the reasons that were given to overlook the warnings that were raised regarding this document and its use to promote the homosexual agenda (from my previous post "Are 'Human Rights', Gay Rights?"):  

The Apologists

When explaining his involvement in the 2008 trip delivering Bishop Blake's endorsement, Dr. David Hall responded partially as follows:

Dr. David A Hall ~ Presiding Bishop’s Emmissary to the Editor/Publisher of Whole Truth Magazine CEO of COGIC Publishing House 

"The Hague group had no other agenda than the signing of a declaration that would speak to religious organizations and inspire them to decisively eliminate those fanatical influences over their practitioners. Religion must never be used as a source for intolerance, hatred, and terror."..." The writer (Referring To GCMWatch) erroneously said the human rights document was about gay rights and gay marriage. Read the document for yourself! There is not one line explicitly or implicitly mentioning gay marriage or gay rights. gay rights." pg. 15 

"With God as my witness, not one person spoke about homosexuality and its issues. In fact to my knowledge I never saw one item with a homosexual emphasis." pg. 16

Now we know that the document did not need to specifically mention homosexual marriage to inspire and support homosexual marriage. We also know now that the document will be used from this point forward as a support in the struggle for homosexual marriage and the establishment of laws all over the world to affirm homosexual marriage. 

The Reverend Oscar Owens ~Director of Christian Education West Angeles COGIC

"Bishop Blake’s endorsement of “the Faith in Human Rights” statement is not an endorsement of gay marriage, absolutely not! The “Faith in Human Rights” document does not refer to gay marriage or gay rights at all, implicitly or explicitly. It does not imply an affirmation of gay marriage, not at all. The “Faith in Human Rights” document was developed to bring world religious leaders together to affirm the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights which was written 60 years ago." -pg.17
"In 1948, gay marriage was not part of the conversation; on the contrary, this was the time of the affirmation of the traditional, nuclear family in America." -pg. 17
"Furthermore, the document that Bishop Blake is a signatory to is the “Faith in Human Rights” document. Neither does the “Faith in Human Rights” document refer to or affirm gay marriage." -pg. 18

In 2011 gay marriage IS part of the conversation of what constitutes a human right. In 2008 the Document was being used by all parties to conclude that gay marriage was a human rights issue. Reading the words of the document caused these men to misread what the document was saying and what the document meant and they did so in an evangelistic manner, only their evangelism wasn't for truth but for the lie of humanism.

The Reverend Eugene Rivers ~Senior Advisor to the Presiding Bishop

"The Church of God in Christ does not endorse, support or in any way affirm any religion, any spiritual beliefs or positions that are not in accordance with biblical Christianity. In signing the Faith in Human Rights declaration we in no way enter a religious union with any religion or spiritual teaching which is contrary to biblical standards. We nevertheless believe that in the proper context interfaith dialogue that can promote justice and freedom for the oppressed and poor is important for us as Christians who are called to live in the world, even as we are not of the world. (Matt 25:31-46)." pg. 19

"Therefore for the Christian homosexual marriage is not a human right, nor a morally and legally sanctioned entitlement. Sexual preferences do not constitute rights...pg. 20

"The Church of God in Christ supports human rights: all humans, as God’s creation, are entitled to adequate education and healthcare, a living wage, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, democracy, life, liberty, freedom from slavery, security, right to own property, the right to vote….But gay marriage is not a human right; it is a preference. Sexual orientation is specifically not mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights regarding marriage and family."-Pg. 20

"And nothing in the Universal Declaration or in the Faith in Human Rights Statement supports gay marriage. By endorsing the statement we affirmed what the Civil Rights Movement affirmed, what America affirms, and what the gospel of Jesus Christ affirms: life and liberty, healthcare and education, a living wage and freedom of speech." pg. 21

Although homosexual marriage may not be a human right for the "Christian" it is now a human right according to the UDHR and all statements attached to it. Once again, reading the document without reading its meaning and what the document was used for, has led us to an ultimate contradiction. A contradiction based on what we desire to affirm as right actions and behavior and who we align ourselves with in the process. 

Dr. Paul Alexander, Ph. D. ~Professor, Theology and Ethics Director, Doctor of Ministry Program The Haggard Graduate School of Theology Azusa-Pacific University

"Gay marriage is not a human right." -pg. 21 

"I support human rights – education, healthcare, a living wage, freedom of assembly, democracy, life, liberty, freedom from slavery, security, right to own property, the right to vote…. But gay marriage is not a human right. Sexual orientation is specifically not mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights regarding marriage and family."-pg. 21

"As Christians, we believe that the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and should be protected. As a Christian, I do not support gay marriage. And NOTHING IN THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OR IN THE FAITH IN HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT SUPPORTS GAY MARRIAGE. By endorsing the statement we affirmed what the Civil Rights Movement affirmed, what America affirms, and what the gospel of Jesus Christ affirms: life and liberty, healthcare and education, a living wage and freedom of speech." -pg. 21

Reading these statements it becomes evidently clear that none of these men understood the use of the UDHR neither in 2008 nor in 2009 when this finally came to light and was addressed. It is painfully clear that one cannot make the UDHR mean something other than it is meant to mean. The document is defined by those who wrote it, those who handle it those who promote it, and those who amend it. It is now clear that the document, by majority decision of member nations means what it says and can be firmly used to support arguments for gay marriage. 

The UDHR, that Bishop Blake endorsed in 2008 and that was approved by COGIC at large in 2009 endorses among other things,  gay marriage specifically stating that it (gay marriage) is a human right.

Will Bishop Charles E. Blake and the Church Of God In Christ Inc. Memphis, TN, finally withdraw the national church endorsement from this document? It remains to be seen, but I for one, join with Elder D. L. Foster in calling for Bishop Blake to undo the damage done to this church, by being aligned with a document that only strengthens the homosexual rights agenda. This document is now a clear basis for the promotion of what scripture defines as an abomination.

This Elder can only hope that our leadership will respond in the most reasonable manner possible, withdrawing the document, while affirming human rights that are Christ centered. 

Blessed!    

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COGIC Victims Advocacy, Essential, Necessary & Urgent Pt. 2

As a subsequent article to our initial post COGIC Victims Advocacy, Essential, Necessary & Urgent Pt. 1 , on 10/15/2009 Charisma Magazine Online featured the work of Pastor D. L. Foster of GCMWatch in bringing attention to what has been considered by many, including myself, to be unchecked immoral and criminal behavior among some fellow COGIC ministry brethern.

In the Charisma article Pastor Foster points toward the newly established web site created to assist COGIC victims of sexual abuse in the healing process with spiritual support as well as poignant advice on how to proceed to rectify problems or file complaints in the event of criminal activity. The site is known as Reportcogicabuse.com. The site is not sponsored or run by the national church but is certainly endorsed by this ministry and many other COGIC ministries across the country. Whether the General Board Of Bishops knows it or not there is an outcry across the nation for the healing of God's people.  

As stated in the previous article, on an unsolicited basis, I personally undertook the opportunity to address the glaring problems that COGIC faced and continues to face from the improprieties of some of it's clergy. In fact my proposal, presented to the highest officials of our church, covered a period of 20 years in which time various elders and ministers and Bishops engaged in improper sexual activity and criminal behaviors. These crimes were documented and in many cases resulted in the perpetrators receiving the full weight of penalty under the law. In some cases individuals died before prosecution could begin and no restitution was ever made.

One such case that did not escape the courts was that of Supt. Leon Dupree of New York. This Elder was charged with rape, burglary and assault with a weapon purportedly done to one of the members of his former church in 1988. Here's the summary from the news report regarding his crime:

[Rome] Daily Sentinel 5/28/88

Rev. Leon Dupree, 47, pastor of Lily of the Valley Church of God in Christ in Rochester, NY, is charged with first degree sexual assault and first degree burglary of a 26 year old woman. She said he was armed with a hammer and struck her with a screwdriver. Dupree was convicted of second degree manslaughter in a 1978 drunken driving fatality and served time in state prison.

Not only did Elder Dupree kill someone before he was saved (I assume) he faced conviction as a rapist and a burglar while he was a pastor. Now a fair question is was he convicted? In response to that, there is no statement from Elder Dupree in any venue proclaiming his innocence. That may be an argument from silence in lieu of court records, but in this case it's pretty powerful. To the heart of the matter, Elder Dupree is currently Pastoring a new and reorganized church called New Visions Community COGIC and his church is in the jurisdiction of General Board member Bishop Frank O. White, which for some reason was absolutely unavailable both in person, phone and fax when my proposal was sent to his fellow Presidium members.

Now the problem with this is NOT that Elder Dupree can repent, serve time and make restitution, as he did at least once previously. Thank God IF he has been restored. The problem is the "IF", and the shuffle.

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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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The Role Of The Church & Ministers In Crucial Times

Rom. 16:17-18 ~ "17-Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18-For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

To the modern church, taking a stand for righteousness and calling the people of God to accountability has become "bashing" the church.

In response to the article I set forth on Magic Johnson's Denunciation of Prop. 8, and a similar article done by GCMWatch regarding related issues, the following comments were brought to our attention within the "so called" COGIC Forums on Yahoo. On a more personal note, I'm ashamed that these comments were in a "COGIC Forum" as to indicate (but not necessarily so) that these persons are members of the Church Of God In Christ. My saddnes comes partially because some of the comments wreak of biblical illiteracy. There are 2 comments that were of particular interest.

• "...And I get you on the warning against false teachers, but I don't recall Paul addressing too many people directly, that he didn't have direct influence over.And many of the sites providing the information usually provide commenting sections that are out of control, just let people go crazy bashing others." ~ todd

It should be noted that neither The Dunamis Word nor GCM Watch have "gone crazy" or has "bashed others" The facts are that discernment and truth has been exercised in asking questions pertinent to current events and answers to questions posed have high implications for the church in general and individuals within the Body of Christ. It should also be noted that these topics and questions are widespread and the information has been made public in which people have exposed their own ideas and beliefs and as such have placed themselves upon the altar of public examination for Saint and sinner alike. In the first comment, noted above, the commenter says that he didn't see in the bible where "Paul addresses(ing) too many people directly"

Let's briefly look at who Apostle Paul addresses and why:

Acts 13:6-11 ~ Paul rebukes and blinds Bar Jesus (Elymas) for trying to stop, interfere and turn away Sergius Paulus from the gospel message and salvation.

Acts 16:18 ~ Paul rebukes and casts the devil out of an unammed woman publically for following his ministry in the wrong spirit and with the wrong intents.

Galations 2:11-14 ~ Paul tells the complete story (also found in Acts 15) of how he had to rebuke both Peter and Barnabas for straddling the fence on issues of salvation dealing with the gentiles and further points out that much of the trouble was because of Peter's indecision on the issue.

1 Cor. 3:1-4 ~ Paul rebukes the whole Corinthian church for being carnal and not living up to their spiritual inheritance.

1 Cor. 4:18-21 through 1 Cor. 5 (Chapter) ~ Paul speaks strong rebuke to the entire church for it's sins and ungodly associations.

1 Timothy 1:19 ~ Hymanaeus & Alexander are called out by name because they departed from the faith, made shipwreck, and were so ungodly that Paul excommunicated them from the church.

2 Timothy 1:15 ~ Phygellus & Hermogenes called out by name for turning away from the Apostle Paul and the gospel message of truth.

2 Timothy 4:10 ~ Demas is called out for "loving this present world" and departing from the faith.

2 Timothy 4:14 ~ Alexander The Coppersmith is called out because he had done "much evil" to Paul

Titus 1:10-16 ~ Paul rebukes the Judaizers who were trying to impose circumcision and the teachings of Moses on gentile believers. He refers to them as being unruly, and deceivers similar to how they criticized the Cretians to be.

Was the commenter right when he said, "I don't recall Paul addressing too many people directly" ? I would agree ONLY IF IT WEREN'T WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE.

The second comment of note comes from an "opinionator" that sees a political or social scheme and self-motivation behind everything that is said or done in the name of the Lord...WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HIS OWN WORDS:

• "That's what I say too Princess. Take a gander at the "message" but also look at the one carrying the message to see what "glory" they are getting out of it. This website (Referring to GCMwatch) is no better than that mess G. Craige (Referring to EX Ministries) was doing!!! Don't get mad because other people are prospering in what you THINK you can do-find out where God wants you and keep your tail there!!! I don't have an issue with NOBODY nor do I have an issue with what people do in THEIR house, apartment, shack or shanty. I don't pay the bills there so what they do in it is their business. However, when you start pointing fingers and damning others THAT is when I have a issue. Other than that your business is yours. Just make sure your "closet" is clean before you try to clean somebody else's!!!" ~ Lester Demings

In one fell swoop Mr. Demings (WITHOUT POINTING FINGERS) accuses both GCM Watch and EX Ministries of irresponsible ministry, self glorification, and finger pointing and "damning" others. Then has the INSIGHT to suggest that neither of them know "what God wants of them" and that they are out of place. All this without wondering what's going on in their "shack or shanty" because that's certainly "nobody's business".

Titus 1:15 ~ "5-Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."

What happens when the "shanty" doors come open and bones fall out of the closet and everything is made public knowledge for all to see. Should we point to or look at what we see or merely pretend that what we see is not there? Should the church remain silent while the world and community seeks and looks for direction? Or should we remain complacent and stone-faced in the middle of a serious whirlwind of confusion? The problem is that the man of god must know and be aware of his call. We weren't called to be businessmen, popular, socialites, actors and or movie stars. We were called by god to bring forth truth into a dying world and renew this lost generation through sound preaching, teaching and demonstration of the power of God.

Isaiah 58:1-2 ~ "1-Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2-Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God."

It would be much more simple and life would be easy if I or anyone speaking out on these issues and others simply would shut up and not say a word. obviously that would be the path of least resistance. It is also the path most often trod by individuals who don't hold the Kingdom of God in high esteem and the word of God as essential for life.

Can true leaders afford to hide when morality within the church and society is being challenged? I think not. This is the time to stand like never before.

Will there be a price to pay for being derelict in our duties and responsibilities in serving the community through the exposition of truth? YES...a price that many will not be able to afford. Only there will be no BAILOUTS and certainly no governmental assistance.

Are the comments real? Unfortunately they are. They certainly show no spiritual insight.

Are truly spiritual insights required? Only if a person was going to criticize another for their observations of calling another to spiritual accountability... ie: YES! If not, who then is irresponsible? Those calling the body of Christ to a higher level of accountability? Or those content in their sins and uncaring as to what the Bible actually teaches about holiness and personal responsibility?

My guess is that you already know the answer to that question?

Habakkuk 2:1-4 ~ "1-I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 2-And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3-For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 4-Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."

Personally, I cannot be strengthened by an absentee leader. If you choose to be served by a Pastor or Bishop whom you must track down to receive insight and strength for the battle, you just may be in the wrong place. It was said that King David, if he were in the right place, at the right time, would have never had the "Bathsheba" experience that led to the death of Uriah and Bathsheba's first unnamed son. If all you can see is the beauty of Ps. 51 as a result then I guess you missed the whole point of the article and we need to pray.

Blessed!

(Once again, please excuse the spelling errors in an earlier version. God bless)

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