I just received word that Dr. Jeremiah Wright will be delivering the 11AM morning message this Sunday, April 13, 2008 at the Historic Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church (Norfolk, VA) where the pastor is Rev. William Dixon.

I’m sure that Wright’s phone is blowing up these days so I wondered how Bank Street confirmed him for this Sunday. According to this article, Bank Street has the hookup. Someone from the church is related to Dr. Wright and the church will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Booster’s Ministry.

Kudos to my seminary brother, William Dixon for bringing Dr. Wright to the Norfolk area.

Unfortunately, however not everyone considers Dr. Wright’s presence in Norfolk a blessing. Of course you expect certain folks to frown upon his coming, but another African American pastor?!? Oh come on.

According to Standard Newswire, “Bishop” Earl W. Jackson, Sr. pastor of Exodus Faith Ministries is protesting Wright’s presence by declaring this Sunday, “Unity and Patriotism Day” at his church.

Bishop Jackson has begun a campaign to counter the remarks of Rev. Wright and those who defend him. He argues that Wright’s so called “black liberation theology” is not representative of what African American preachers are offering in pulpits around the country. “We preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, not hate your country, hate other people and avoid ‘middle class-ness’. The Anti-American, Anti-Israel, pro-Farrakhan message that Wright teaches is heretical to the Bible and Christianity. Christians are too busy teaching what God is doing for us to become obsessed with what real or imagined enemies are doing to us. God commands that we forgive.”

Jackson, an African American Christian Conservative, is a former Marine and “corporate America man” whose bio would be impressive to some, but despite this his inability to engage the issues that Wright raises in a critical way is extremely telling. To sum up Dr. Wright’s three decades of faithful Christian service to being “Anti-American, Anti-Israel, and Pro-Farrakhan” is not much more than what someone on the street corner or Bill O’Reilly would come up with.

It should be interesting to see what happens this Sunday in Norfolk. I have some contacts down there. Perhaps they’ll report back once the dust clears.

Five years later, I’m so glad that Dr. Gould-Champ forced the class to engage this sometimes uncomfortable issue.  The reality is that the issue of unethical and even criminal behavior in the Black church is still an extremely taboo topic.  While many improprieties have occurred in Black congregations across the nation; it would seem at times that more energy is devoted to covering up what happened as opposed to dealing with what happened and moving forward in a healthy way.  Also unfortunate is the practice of protecting the perpetrator even at the expense of the wellbeing of the victim.  Let me also say that as it pertains to Pastors I believe that even if consensual sexual relations occur – especially in a situation of infidelity – the Pastor is still the perpetrator.  The Pastor in the Black Church enjoys enormous amounts of influence over the congregation.  It behooves them (whether male or female) to be humbly aware of that reality and rely on God entirely so that they will be found faithful in executing the office of UnderShepherd. 

So much confusion happens when Pastors forsake the sanctity of their office.  Some members defend their UnderShepherd at all cost – no matter the allegation.  Other members become disillusioned and walk away from the church and sometimes even God.  Moreover, the Pastor’s family – a family that already struggles with the unique (and sometimes unrealistic) demands placed upon them – is hurt deeply to say the least.  I know of ex-spouses and PKs (preacher’s kid) that have never fully recovered from poor decisions made by their clergy husband/wife/father/mother.  In the bigger picture, the Body of Christ is negatively impacted by a Pastor’s lapse of judgment as well.  There are some in the surrounding community that readily jump at the opportunity to say “I told you so” – those preachers are nothing, but pimps, profiteers, and opportunists.  Those that are faithful to God, their spouses, their children, and their congregation quickly become guilty by association.

The writer of the Book of James suggests that Teachers of the Gospel will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)  Those that teach one thing and do something else will meet judgment.  That should be a grave warning to anyone who would attempt to pimp the pulpit, fleece the flock, or prey on parishioners.  So many souls are impacted by the example and standard of living that is set by the Pastor/minister.  As an ordained reverend in the Baptist Church; I know first hand that we are not perfect.  All have sinned – including the Bishops, Pastors, Apostles, Reverends, and Ministers and I thank God that forgiveness is available even to us if we would but confess our sins, repent, and turn from our wicked ways.

However while forgiveness is available to religious leaders, we should not escape correction and accountability.  Thee Judgment will come in the Day of the Lord, but in the meantime correction on earth must come for the sake of credibility.  Religious leaders must recognize the standard of leadership outlined in the Bible and taught in seminaries.  If it is our desire to be treated (and even compensated) like other professionals (i.e. doctors, lawyers, etc.) then we must act like professionals and face penalty if we compromise the agreed upon standard of service.  Clergy must ascribe to some clearly defined, thorough, and assessable Code of Ethics for Ministers like this one provided by Christian Ethics Today magazine.  Aspiring ministers must be examined thoroughly about their “Call” and instructed in appropriate and ethical behavior.  Advice about how to avoid potentially problematic situations should also be shared and understood by the ministerial staff. (For example if a male minister is counseling a female, the physical door to the room should be left cracked and/or another female should be present or in the adjacent room.  Having female counselors on staff or being able to direct females to professionals outside of the church is another option especially if you know that you have difficulty controlling youself in the presence of vulnerable women – and ladies only “vulnerable” in the sense that the woman is opening up to a man who is not her husband.)

Clergy must be accountable to someone – preferably someone who will pray for you, challenge you without hesitation, and if need be take you to another respected Elder who can point out the error and suggest a Christ-like course of action. (including the possibility of being relieved of your duties as Pastor)  Beyond unethical behavior; if a crime has occurred,  the proper authorities need to be notified and that person should face their day in court.  (I know that some would prefer that legal matters be worked out in the church and that we should avoid the so-called “secular” legal system; however, the church does not have a strong track record of penalizing offenders, providing reparations, and/or securing justice for victims.  Until churches demonstrate that it can do that consistently without partiality or discrimination; we must work with the admittedly flawed legal system that we have.)

Finally, a major theme in the Gospel revolves around the issue of redemption.  Those who have sinned are not damned, but are provided with an opportunity to experience the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God if they but, confess, humble themselves, ask for forgiveness from God (and others intimately involved) and repent of their ways.  No one should ever revel in the poor choices of another or relish hearing news of another’s sin for all of us are liable to either fall in that same pit or take up residence in a sinful pit of our own.

As an unfortunate occurrence in the Body of Christ has served as the catalyst for this post; I pray that the congregation of Believers would utilize this tragic situation as an opportunity to learn, grow, and pray that God would order all of our steps in ways that would encourage increased levels of faithfulness, integrity, character, and wisdom.

Let us pray one for another.

Madison is done and Walter Fauntroy goes next.  Like a good preacher he makes a little joke before starting to warm up the crowd.  They chuckle and he proceeds. 

While he’s talking I get my stuff together.  I think I can pull this off impromptu style now.  It hits me in that moment that growing up in the Black Church prepared me for this.  All those times that I had to stand and welcome visitors, respond to the welcome, sing a lead on a song, or pray over the offering prepared me for speaking confidently in front of people.  Thank you Church! (I gotta give a nod to the Future Business Leaders of America Club in high school too.  Did I mention that I placed 2nd in the county in the Impromptu Speaking competition?)

Fauntroy hits his last statement and I inch up closer to the mic ready to do my thang. 

“Psst. Rev. Brown.  Here’s your paper.”

“Oh.  Thank you Sis. E.”, I whisper instantly relieved that I could read the words and focus on intonation. 

“Thank you for coming, Rev. Brown”, the chairwoman says, “but we’ve really got other bills to attend to this morning so I’ll ask that you make your comments brief please.”

“Madam Chairwoman I must keep my comments brief.  These two giants of social justice have said almost everything that I wanted to say 10 times more eloquently than I could ever say it”, I quipped.

I proceeded with my testimony cutting out much of what I had written to avoid redundancy.  I focused however on the fact that it was International Women’s Day.  I read an excerpt from a report by the international humanitarian group, Doctors Without Borders.  The piece I read came from a report entitled “The Crushing Burden of Rape: Sexual Violence in Darfur“.  I read about two girls – one 13 and the other 14 who were gang raped by 5 men while knives were being held to their necks.  I encouraged the council to remember the human beings caught up in this genocide – and particularly the women and children while they were considering the Darfur Divestment Bill.  My testimony appeared to be well received.

After the session, I walked out in the lobby and networked a bit with other Darfur advocates.  My senator colleague followed me out in the hall and started talking to me about the Death Penalty Repeal bill.  Senator said that she had good support for it from the PG County Ministers, but she needed more active support from the Baltimore Clergy.  I told her that I would pass on the information and remain in touch about the issue. 

Then I caught up with Mr. Joe Madison, his lovely wife, and Rev. Walter Fauntroy.  I thanked them profusely for their testimony and reminded Rev. Fauntroy about the Virginia Union connection.  He remembered preaching there during my graduation weekend.  I told them about my having a personal meeting with Wyatt Tee Walker and I asked them to remember me as they continued to advocate on this issue.  It was great being in their company.  I asked if they would be coming back later for the 12noon press conference for the Darfur bill.  Madison said he would try, but Fauntroy couldn’t make it.  We shook hands and parted ways.

I ran back to the car and got back on the highway headed for Baltimore.  I had a 10AM meeting with community leaders and folks from the Johns Hopkins Center for the Prevention of Youth Violence. 

I arrived at the meeting and greeted colleagues that I have been working on this issue with for some time now.  I shared with them how I just had the amazing experience of testifying in support of the Darfur Divestment bill alongside Joe Madison and Walter Fauntroy.  I was still on cloud 1 million. 

Then I go to cloud 2 million when one of the sisters present says, “That’s so good that you participated at that hearing.  I was born in Khartoum.” [Capital of Sudan]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????????

I do not believe in coincidence.  That moment was orchestrated.  Here I am advocating for people that I may never meet and a sister born in Sudan just happens to be at my second meeting of the day??!!  OK – you can call it coincidence if you want, but I ain’t buying it.  We promise each other that we’ll grab coffee or something one day to discuss her upbringing. 

The meeting about youth violence in Baltimore goes well.  There was a really good sister there who kept us men in the room focused on why we were there.  There’s some really exciting things coming down the pipe related to halting the flow of youthful blood in the streets of Baltimore.  If all goes as planned, the Faith community will play an integral role in the action.  I peek at my clock and realize that I have to go.  The Darfur press conference is calling me.

I bid everyone adieu and race to the vehicle.  I have to pick Dr. William Calhoun up from the church.  As the president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Baltimore & Vicinity, he was asked by Senator Jones to be present at the press conference.  I offered to pick him up and serve as his chaffeaur.  I looked forward to the time.  We needed to catch up on IMA stuff being that I am the 1st vp and we hadn’t been in dialogue in a few weeks because of busy schedules. 

Of course it was 11:40 when I picked him up at the church and of course that meant that I would be racing once again down toward Annapolis.  I keep a calm, cool, and collected outer shell as I push the gas and race the streets to get that man to the mic. 

That day his church operated a food kitchen so he brought me a sandwich.  I had an extra water so I gave him a drink.  See – intergenerational partnership….lol.

I got him down to Annapolis in time and rushed him to the front door.  We stood together during the press conference with the MD’s Leutienant Governor, state comptroller, state treasurer, Joe Madison, and others.  Dr. Calhoun spoke wonderfully as usual and put religious significance on this political event. 

On the way back to Baltimore we chatted for a bit and then I pulled out my ipod and together we listened to a classic sermon entitled “Seeing our hurts with God’s eyes” preached by Dr. Calhoun’s good friend, Dr. Gardner C. Taylor.

As I cruised up the road and Calhoun enjoyed a highway nap, the soothing yet provocative sound of Taylor’s preaching served as inspirational benediction to a long day of advocacy.

We pulled up to the church. 

“Alright, buddy.  Thank you for testifying this morning and for coming to pick me up.”

“It was my pleasure, Doc.  Thanks for coming.”

He returned to his car and I drove off into the sunset thankful that God decided to use me in that way that day. 

When the situation in Darfur looks to bleak to change and frustration with American apathy swells in my soul, I’ll remember days like this and encourage myself not to get weary in well doing for in due season we all will reap if we faint not. 

Thank you for riding along with me and sharing my story of a truly fascinating day for Darfur.

Day for Darfur Pt. 1

Day for Darfur Pt. 2