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Friday, May 05, 2006

Politics: More Gay Bashing from the Pulpit

Posted by James Jones

LISTEN
Excerpt from Owens’ April 9 sermon (MP3 format, 3 MB)
(Photo by Darrow Montgomery)

Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr.—pastor of the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, one of the city's largest congregations—had a clever theme for his April 9 service. His sermon was titled “Fan or Follower!” Owens, who is an honorary member of Mayor Anthony A. Williams’ Interfaith Council, delivered a message urging congregants to be move beyond being fans of the church to becoming followers of the righteous path.

He also made clear that one segment of his congregation is not welcome on that path: gay men.

During a dramatic presentation on how strong men follow the teachings of the church, he pointed out that “real men” for the Lord are straight. “It takes a real man to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. I'm not talking about no faggot or no sissy,” said Owens on a church tape recording. “Wait a minute! Let all the real men come on down here and take a bow,” he said, inviting them to the front of the church. “All the real men—I'm talking about the straight men,” he preached. “You ain’t funny and you ain’t cranky, but you're straight. Come on down here and walk around and praise God that you are straight. Thank him that you're straight. All the straight men that's proud to be a Christian, that's proud to be a man of God.”

Owens did not return calls seeking comment.

One attendee of the service, who describes himself as a gay, says the house was packed for the Palm Sunday service. He and “about 20” other closeted gay men in the crowd, he says, felt they had no choice but to join Owens’ spontaneous celebration of straightness.

He calls the bishop's message “offensive” because it suggests “it is impossible to be gay and serve God.” He also objects to Owens’ use of “faggot” and “sissy” to describe gay men. “If I wasn't delivered,” he says, “I wouldn't have been delivered on that day.”

The Bishop's anti-gay rhetoric is no surprise coming from the No. 2 man in the conservative Mount Calvary Holy Church of America Inc. Gay activists say Owens has a history of homophobic sermons, but add that his congregation include numerous gay members.

Sermons less than welcoming to the gay community are nothing new in D.C. The Rev. Willie Wilson of Anacostia's Union Temple Baptist Church delivered a strident anti-gay sermon last summer, warning that lesbianism was about to “take over our community.” His comments stoked a outrage in the gay community and prompted many city leaders to denounce the politically powerful minister.

Owens doesn't share Wilson's loaded political history, but his sermon celebrating straight men adds fuel to the simmering battle between the city's conservative churches and the politically powerful gay community.

Owens’ 7,000-member Northeast congregation has long been a regular election-season campaign stop for city politicians, even though most members of the church live in Prince George's County, Md. Last month, Owens offered up his church as the venue for Ward 5 Councilmember and mayoral candidate Vincent Orange's “State of Ward 5” address. The D.C. Council also passed the “Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. Recognition Resolution” in 2004, for his church's work in the community on drug treatment and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Ward 8 activist Philip Pannell says the bishop “has a longstanding record of homophobia. I literally will not step in his church,” says Pannell, who is gay.

The mayor's religious advisor, Dr. Susan Newman, says Owens is a non-voting “honorary member” of the council, based on his leadership post in the national Mount Calvary church. Owens, she says, has not attended a meeting of the council for more than a year. “He's not one of the high-profile, politically active pastors that you might see on the news,” she says. Newman says the sermons of any Interfaith Council member do not reflect the views of the mayor's council.

157 Comments:

At 8:44 PM, Anonymous said...: I am a white male, a Catholic and I agree with Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. that you cannot be an openly practicing homosexual and call yourself a real Christian.

For some mysterious reason, homosexuals in DC have convinced themselves that there is not immoral or unnatural about their life-style but there is.

Now I would not go so far as name calling as that serves no purpose.

As far as the homosexual community having political muscle, I think after the 2006 elections it may lose some of that if you look very carefully at some of the candidates running city wide as there are a few who are not extending open arms to homosexuals.

The battle between the two sides is far from over and that is DC for you.
At 9:12 PM, Anonymous said...: i find your use of the term "homophobic" incorrect in this sense. This preacher is teaching that it is a sin. doesnt seems founded in fear. intolerance perhaps. and a clear misunderstanding of nature. but not fear.
At 10:18 PM, Anonymous said...: I can name three candidates for office that probably would not do anything that would be favorable to the glbt community and they are A. Scott Bolden, Jonathan Rees and Frank Wilds.

Bolden and Wilds are just outright anti-homosexual whether they will come out and admit it and Rees while not an anti-homosexual, he just believes that we would be wasting time, money and emotions pushing for more civil rights that Congress would reject so he takes the (let's not waste our time on such and just move on) mentality.

I think we are going to see a big change in glbt civil rights if these three get elected and people like Fenty, Mendelson and Patterson fail in their bids.

With the foregoing scenario, add the never ending fire and brimstone of these ministers making reservations in Hell for all glbt people at each sermon and 2007 may usher in four years of inactivity at the council on matters pending like on the DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP ADOPTION EQUALITY ACT OF 2006 sponsored by Kathy Patterson.

Let?s not forget that people like (Uberdeveloper Herb Miller) written about by Loose Lips and the fact that he is behind Bolden and others, he wants to drive out those he feels are leftists and their agenda which is (gay civil rights) and the future in DC for glbt people may take a turn for either the worse or all possibly rights put on hold for four years or more.

Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. is just one of the many faces on the horizon that wants to put a freeze on or an end to gay civil rights with Jesus is their co-pilot.
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At 12:33 AM, Anonymous said...: James Jones .... I read this story by you as one where anybody who is not Gay or Lesbian is out of sync.

Last time I looked, Gays and Lesbians were still a serious minority even in DC so humor me and explain why should others have to accept them? Would it be fair to those who oppose gays and lesbian to have to accept anything that might upset them for religious or other reasonable grounds? Where do we draw the line?
At 5:12 AM, Anonymous said...: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Please, don't misunderstand the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities. These are people that merely want to be granted the credence that they rightly deserve. What right does someone else's religion have to impose barriers upon a person who does not believe the same way?
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At 2:40 PM, Anonymous said...: Look guys, the Bishop disrespect me as a black gay man. Most importantly, he disrespected the memories of George Washington Carver, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, Benjamin Banneker, Claude Mckay, Billy Strayhorn, Richard Nugent, James Weldon Johnson, and many more famous African American homosexuals. Bishop Owens called us "faggots." Alain Locke was the first African American Rhodes Scholar and he was a homosexual. What type of a God do people believe in?
At 7:10 PM, City Desk said...: This is not a Sam Brooks thread or even a Sinclair Skinner thread. Please stay on topic.
At 12:17 AM, Anonymous said...: People believe in a God who says that homosexuality is wrong.
At 12:22 AM, Anonymous said...: Who is to say that Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr is wrong? CP acts like he is but based on what authority?

Just playing the Devil's advocate here.

Care to reply City Desk?
At 1:36 AM, Anonymous said...: "People believe in a God who says that homosexuality is wrong." People also believed in a God that supported slavery, anti semitism and the oppression of women. So, bring it! The Bible is very tricky because some passages support same sex relationships. That man calls himself a Bishop and he is calling people "faggots." I guarantee you the Bishop will apologize if he lose those gay dollar bills. In my opinion, anyone who supports the Bishop is truly sick and ignorant. Sick religion is the reason why we don't have the Twin Towers anymore. You guys are supporting a so called man of God, who calls people names in a church?
At 9:04 AM, Anonymous said...: Bishop is just as much of a "faggot" as the one's he preached about. Like Priest.....like people! WOW You are who you're ministry attracts! We must never forget the reason why Jesus' ministry was sooooo successful. It wasnt because he was the Son of God, but it was simply because once he put on our humanity he then realized its frailty, thus birthing COMPASSION within Jesus. Compassion he would have had no other way BUT by experiencing what we (flesh) go through on the daily. Bishop should be careful how he approaches such subject matters, it would be a shame for his skeletons to come out of the closet....I'm sure there's a whole graveyard in there. He's not the MOST MASCULINE MAN!
At 1:11 PM, Anonymous said...: "He's not the MOST MASCULINE MAN!" I live in New York. So I don't know Bishop Owens or anything about the social issues in D.C. Recently, a Hispanic woman told another woman that she wanted to buy up all the houses and run the blacks out of my neighborhood. Most importantly, their discussion was held inside of a CHURCH! I dislike married closeted homosexual men; men who make negative statements about honest homosexual men. Perhaps, Bishop Owens may be a closet case!
At 3:56 PM, Anonymous said...: Just three comments from what I have seen here on this subject although some has been deleted.

1. Please show us this in the Bible > The Bible is very tricky because some passages support same sex relationships.

2. What is the source> Fenty is an undercover brother?

3. Jonathan Rees is a shrewd politician as I know he has gay and anti-gay people advising him so his taking a public stance that he will not support or vote for anything he feels would anger the U.S. Congress gives him the perfect out ? for now but how would he vote on gay civil rights when the time comes if would not anger the U.S. Congress but they would veto or not veto on other grounds? Rees needs to let people know especially in light of the fact that he has probably the best campaign going in ward 3 and by that alone increases his chances of winning. Rees should come forth and give us a yes or no and not a no comment or his song and dance why bother when Congress would only say no.
At 4:28 PM, Geoff said...: I am getting tired of these posting about Rees as it is clear nobody posting knows the real man but is spitting out perceptions not reality and some biases to boot. This makes me believe that many of these postings that are attributed to Rees are being posted by others to make it look like him for ulterior gain.

Most of the ward 3 candidates have been attending one on one forums with their voters at coffee parties and other events which seem to be what voters in ward 3 want.

I have attended many of them for Mary Cheh, Robert Gordon and Jonathan Rees just to hear what they have to say on the issues.

Rees is quite middle of the road politically speaking as Robert Gordon and Erik Gaull are more Republican in their views than Democrats and Mary Cheh and Catherine Wiss are card carrying Communists. My point of view.

At none of these events has the issue of gay, gay civil rights or anything having to do with gays and lesbians been asked of the candidates and three of them told me that [gay] issues are not issues in ward 3 as they might be in wards 1,2 and 6.

Of course, I should not leave out the least qualified of these ward 3 candidates Sam Brooks who claims to support everything that is gay while taking most of his campaign help from people who are everything that is not gay or opposed that those who are. In other words, Sam Brooks is the only candidate who has established himself as anti-gay by his actions but no other ward 3 candidate has really taken a stance.

People of ward 3 are just amused at these ministers on their soap box as much as they are about the other side ranting. Gay issues appear not to be an issue in ward 3.

The point here is, there are much bigger issues for us to address than the gay ones but I am troubled by the local medias obsession over gay issues and it is starting to get boring.

City Desk? was this posting about Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. necessary?
At 6:34 PM, Anonymous said...: It is unfortunate that some disingenuous people would use this forum to try to discredit candidates that have been more than sympathetic and supportive of the gay community. People need to get a life instead of trying to defame some candidates so that they can uplift the candidates that they like. At least be brave and don't be anonymous when you attack other candidates' characters and positions. One of the candidates themselves probably put the negative piece up about other candidates. Let the church members chastise their own ministers and the rest change churches to where your beliefs are recognized and appreciated. Check out the Catholic church and see what they have to say on the subject. You know that if you go to a Pentecostal or Holiness church that you are going to get a strong interpretation of the Bible. What did you expect? Love everybody anyway and don't judge.
At 6:38 PM, Anonymous said...: Again, I live in New York and I don't know anything about the political and social scene in D.C. So, I'll just continue to comment about Bishop Owens. Now, the dude disrespects George Washington Carver and other black homosexuals who helped to change the world. Bishop Owens religious views represents HIS beliefs. Now, why do you guys think we have so many different sects of Christianity?

(1 Samuel 18:1-4, 20: 41-42) and (2 Samuel 1:26, 27) could be an example of a same sex relationship in the Bible. Scholar Rembert Truluck and a few more professors believe that it is.

In 2006, our definition of a eunuch is a castrated male. However, during Biblical and Pre Biblical times, the primary definition of a eunuch was one who had no lust for women. People who were called Eunuchs also had GENITALS or TESTIS. Those Eunuchs were known to have passive sex with men. The word, homosexual, was not invented until the 19th century. By the 7th Century, in Visogoth Spain, the state authority had started to castrate men who engaged in HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR. Now, what is Jesus view about homosexuality? Please read Matthew 19:12. Also, research Princeton University graduate, Malik Faris's work.

These are only my views and I am not calling anyone disrespectful names; like junior high school kids!
At 6:55 PM, Anonymous said...: I am leaving religious doctrine to those that study the Word and know about the faith community. Churches take care of their own. I wish that all of the religious community would practice acceptance and tolerance even if they do not condone the practice or lifestyle. We need to bring all God's children into the church to hear His divine world and to keep civilization going strong.

I am disappointed to see the minister's views used to go after politicians. No serious politician is going to be goaded into defending his/her record based on a minister's comments. A lot of the Black churches have a particular interpretation of what is in the Bible. From what I see from the Moral Majority, other communities have their own views on the subject as well. Either you go to the church and try to change the views or you join a church that believes in what you believe. Some churches don't allow female ministers or women in the pulpit.

This is just another divisive, wedge issue that someone wants to blow out of proportion and promote a particular agenda. That agenda might be to get another minister at the church.

Many churches also preach against pre-marital sex. Do we close all the churches down or change the doctrine? There is preaching against adultery and I guess that relates to straigh or gays. Do we demand that one person's view of the world or of religion is be stricken from the minds of others? This issue has gotten too much publicity already and it will probably just drive the church membership up. And we thought church parking was a major issue in D.C.
At 8:35 PM, Anonymous said...: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, can't we all live along? Let't appreciate the diversity of thought as well as the diversity of people and cultures. Everybody is not homophobic that has a difference of opinion. Pray for all and hope that Divine inspiration graces us all and shows us the way in His name.

I guess this kind of topic gets people fired up to comment because other blogs get the same fierce feedback. Gives more exposure to the media forum.

Let the bishop be judged by a higher power. In the meantime thee are other fish to fry and bigger ministers to deal with. America was founded on the religious freedom. And by the way, a lot of people don't view this as a civil rights issue. That's another issue in itself.

No one is going to let this be a driving issue to gain political points for certain candidates. Somebody is playing those Republican tactics. But then they did work. Let's not play politics in D.C. that way and start an anti-everything crusade. Live long and prosper. When some real issues come up about discrimination or the like, send out a holla and we will marshall the troops around that. Otherwise, do we really need to know what ministers are saying in other churches or faiths? But I am glad that somebody went to church. Praise the Lord. There's hope for America.
At 9:07 PM, Anonymous said...: Finally we get some intelligent arguments here instead of the hateful attacks on our political candidates!

Thank God!
At 9:18 PM, Anonymous said...: It never ceases to amaze me that men of GOD continue to use such vile language in order to rile up their congregations. If these men and women are so offednded why do they continue to worship at this place of worship? The constitution gives us freedom of religion, if you dont like it,well LEAVE!!! I'm a Gay male and have never chosen to step foot in that house.
secondly, why does the Good "revum" fail to address other issues facing the the curch and society? fornication (sex outside of marrige) by these "straight mens?"(his words not mine), Does he address the lying by our elected government officials, NOT! Until he gets his on house in order and he puts out denounces the unwed mothers, fornicaters (male and female), theives, blasphemers, spousal abusers,hypocrites, etc. He is a false prophet of the word, and those shouting, rolling down the isles, and foaming at the mouth during his services will continue to serve his god, and not the rightious, just and loving GOD of Abraham,Sara, Issac, and, Jacob.
At 9:34 PM, expeditum said...: Lord, please help me to remain civil, compassionate, and loving to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Please bind arrogance and pride--mine and fellow bloggers--because many of your children were surely wounded by this sermon. Help us to heal and be reconciled to You so that we may advance Your kingdom together. Amen.

Alfred Owens, shame on you. There was not an inkling of love or pastoral care in that portion of your sermon. It's not too late to repent: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glor that does not fade away. (1 Peter 5:2-4)

"He and ?about 20? other closeted gay men in the crowd, he says, felt they had no choice but to join Owens? spontaneous celebration of straightness."..."He calls the bishop's message ?offensive? because it suggests ?it is impossible to be gay and serve God.? He also objects to Owens? use of ?faggot? and ?sissy? to describe gay men. ?If I wasn't delivered,? he says, ?I wouldn't have been delivered on that day.?"

To those of you, along with the interviewee who made this comment, who feel that you have no choice, stand fast in your liberty because it is Christ who makes you free. Don't willingly and easily give your power and soul to another human being: "Now, however, that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, can you turn your back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits? How can you want to be enslaved to them again?" (Galatians 4:9)

Finally, if you're not going to pick up the Bible and read it for yourself, trusting the Holy Spirit to minister to you as a child of God, then at least consider an interpretation and worship experience that is not emasculating and dehumanizing, but affirming and empowering: http://www.mccdc.com/

Who would've thunk it in 2006? God bless us all...

ak
At 10:05 PM, Anonymous said...: So what are the ministers saying about illegal aliens making demands of the American public? What is being said about changing the process for illegal aliens when law abiding immigrants have been waiting for years to become American citizens through the correct process? Will they get the right to vote in American and Americans get reciprocal rights to vote in their country? What does all this mean to American and the resources? Is this fair? Perhaps in the future when gentlemen are going from church to church to report on what the faith community is saying in the black church, perhaps we will get feedback on the rights of the illegal immigrant and other equally contoversial issues.

I hope that the reporter will visit churches in other communities and report back. What do the ministers preach about in the Ward 3 churches?

Also, in the future, I hope that candidates and their supporters will not be so desperate to put down their competition and campaign like real big boys and girls. Such cheap shots. Divide and conquer. That's not going to work here. Politicians know that trick and will continue to unite people and work for the good of all.

Controversy keeps those comments rolling. If only we could care as much about the schools, crime, and our young people. This would be a different would and a much better city. At least the minister in this article tries to do outreach to improve the city for others, regardless of race, gender, or persuasion. He is not flawless and maybe needs to articulate things differently, but he still manages to do some of God's work. For that, I will overlook this transgression. He must be doing some good because the word is that he gets quite a few visitors and members from the gay community. The Word must be carried there to some degree.

Now, what's the next issue to discuss? This one was beat to death. Never go to a church of this faith and not expect a rigid interpretation of the scripture. It isn't going to happen. Episcopalians are a little more liberal.

But still, don't pick on the candidates because somebody didn't like the minister's message.

Did you read about 666, the sign of the beast is June 6, 2006, or at least that's what was in the paper? Now that is going to be a good sermon. I think before something was said about Reagan's birthday and 666. When the ministers talk about Revelations, that is the time to get nervous.
At 10:55 PM, Anonymous said...: I read this article and it blows my mind how people are so quick to forget that a sin is a sin (when is convenient). So it does not matter if you are practicing gay sex or stilling an apple if in your heart you know is wrong keep doing it and why pass judgment on others. People are such a hierocrats they only foul themselves. Just ask yourself how would Jesus handle this matter, I?m sure it would be different than calling others faggots.
At 11:11 PM, Anonymous said...: God is Love. God is great.

Judge not lest ye be judged.

Let's leave the politics out of the pulpit.

But praise His name for so many people interested in the sanctity of the church and the Word. It is pleasing to see that people frequent the church and try to live by the Ten Commandments.

It will be interesting to hear back from other religions on their messages of faith and endurance.

Do sermons nowadays address the issues affecting the poor or the mentally challenged? Is the gay community the only community experiencing problems or being talked about? Are there preachers saying uplifting and motivational things? It's not all fire and brimstone.

Do the candidates mentioned so far go to church regularly? I like some of the candidates mentioned and don't like the meanspiritedness of that writer that uses this issue to drive a wedge between people. It's that Willie Lynch principle that somebody talked about dividing people.

Who cares what persuasion someone is? Go to church and praise God. That's what is important. Spread the gospel. Find a church that is right for you and find some good in all people. Gay people can say some pretty horrible things and some appear to be heterosexualphobic or whatever is the antithesis of homophobic. Sometimes you get a little tired of the attackes on heterosexuals when everybody is trying to accommodate each others lifestyles in these changing times.

Do different communities talk about issues like taxes, affordable housing,jobs? I am beginning to think that some communities only have one issue and go from forum to forum to talk about it.

Pray for the minister, pray for all and leave the politics out of the church. If you hop from church to church, you are going to hear some topics that you do not agree with. Ministers step on toes all the time. That's why the congregation is always saying, "Well", "Amen", "Tell It". The sermons on coveting thy neighbors wife get to be real good.

Don't let certain ministers keep you away from God's calling and praising his name. And all the politicisns support bringing the city together. Nobody believes the propaganda that opponents put out in these forums. They are an opportunity to bash whomever you can. Just this time the comments are so insane that they are not worthy of redress.

Go in peace and may God continue to bless you and keep you whole. See you in church next week and don't forget Mothers Day. Don't forget dear ole mom.
At 12:37 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: In this election year most of us running for DC City Council like myself are being overwhelmed with questionnaires about where we stand on over several hundred issues but one issue that never goes away is that of SAME SEX MARRIAGE.

On such a HOT BUTTON issue as SAME SEX MARRIAGE, the DC City Council should never make that decision.

That decision should be made by all registered voters of the District of Columbia in a special ten (10) year biding referendum.

If it passes, then the DC City Council signs off and the mayor signs the legislation. If it fails, another vote on the issue shall not be had for ten years.

Let the people not the politicians decide and whatever that decision may be, let the people accept whatever our overseer the United States Congress does and says in response.

In other words, let?s put this issue to bed once and for all so our political leaders can move on to other matters without constantly being slapped in the face with it year after year.
At 12:44 AM, Anonymous said...: You guys can believe in whatever you want. We homosexuals are not attractive to the opposite sex and that's just the way it is. Most of us really don't care about people twisted biblical views. I don't care about adult ignorant fools. My main concern is for the children who were in that church. We "sissies" contributed more to the Civil Rights Movement than our straight brothers and sisters. Where was Bishop Owens at when Bayard Rustin was organizing demostrations in the 1940s? Where was Bishop Owens at when Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen were leading the Harlem Renaissance? Where was Bishop Owens at when George Washington Carver was contributing to the scientific world? When straight blacks were afraid to challenge segregation, a black gay man by the name of Bayard Rustin challenged it.
At 12:47 AM, Anonymous said...: Jonathan, I don't want prejudice people deciding anything for me.
At 1:04 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: To the person posting above me. We are facing a double edge sword. The DC City Council may pass a same sex marriage bill but I am sure in 2006, Congress would veto it 1 2 3.

Maybe Councilmen Catania and Graham are right when they said the time is not right for such a law.

We need to accept the fact that DC in general terms is far more progressive than most of the nation and that we may have to wait a few more decades before that changes.

Even countries more progressive than the USA like Denmark, Germany, Holland, Norway and Sweden will not pass a same sex marriage bill mainly so as not to offend the majority who are not gay or lesbian and this may be why most in the US Congress will not whether they say it or not.

So what now and when?
At 1:11 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has warned the District leaders that if they anytime soon would pass a same sex marriage bill or even the rights for same sex couples to adopt, Congress would not just veto it but they might amend the DC Home Rule Act forbidding DC from ever again taking up such issues for a vote on any bill.

In other words, Congresswoman Norton feels we would be risking way too much and the consequences could be very severe.

Some will argue why should be give into a minority against the will of the majority.

As long as DC is under the thumbs of Congress, we will probably be the last place in the USA to ever see a law that allows same sex marriage as the Feds tend to be more conservative on family matters that 45 of the states.
At 8:02 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: MOE, LARRY & CURLY a/k/a FENTY, MENDELSON & PATTERSON

If anybody has been paying attention to some of the local newspapers and online message boards but specifically to a story about Herb Miller (City Paper), then it is clear that the up coming elections has a theme of ?Get Rid of the Left-Wingers? in DC Government and all will be fine.

It seems that Council members Fenty, Mendelson and Patterson are being labeled left-wingers, social engineers, tax crazy, gay rights activists and out to lunch and if we can just defeat them then these last eight years of out of control housing costs, taxes and lopsided legislation will come to an end and those who will replace them like Bolden, Gray and others will be able to reverse or repeal a lot of the legislation, taxes and other things so DC can return to being a more reasonable place to live economically and socially.

Granted, Fenty, Mendelson and Patterson are in fact behind most of the social engineering we have seen on the council, they have a very poor track record of providing constituent services and new taxes are their solution to all of DC?s ills.

Yet people may not be aware that some of DC?s richest are running these elections all based upon two ideological extremes.

Again if anyone checks the public record of my political platform http://www.dc2006.net they will see that I was the first candidate to advocate no new taxes, raising the standard deduction and personal exemption and coupling them with the federal and lower income and property taxes back in July 2005 which Team Fenty laughed at but now if you look at what Fenty is saying, it is a carbon copy of what I have said and supports Fenty?s critics that he has no original ideas but steals them from others like ME!

Fenty, Mendelson and Patterson flip flop too much and this may be why they are in part being targeted by wealthy moderates in the community.

The criticisms of these three are with merit but people need to look hard at who is really behind them and who is sitting across the table with deep pockets wanting to send them packing once and for all.

In the last six months, I put in 7 calls to the offices of Phil Mendelson and Kathy Patterson respectfully requesting a call back on an important matter and guess what; I never got a call back from either or any member of their staff. I did this to see if their critics were right that constituent services was almost non-existent from them. Well, at the wrestler Kurt Angle would say, ?It?s true, it?s true?.

In a nutshell, the people of DC should not look so much at the candidates but who are behind them to get a better picture of what they are voting for as the articles floating around suggest, Fenty, Mendelson and Pattersons are pawns in a political game of chess who would trip over each other if it wasn?t for the deep pockets propping them up with a smile on their faces for all to see.

In sum, some believe that these three and their support for gay rights may be superficial and just something they are saying to get votes.
At 8:45 AM, Princess Sparkle Pony said...: Republicans and white conservatives absolutely love this situation, because the more the gays and African Americans fight each other, the less time they spend fighting Republicans and conservatives.

It's a win-win for them. Think about it.
At 9:21 AM, Anonymous said...: Let me see if I get this right: Jonathan Rees claims that Adrian Fenty stole his tax plan? What has Rees been smoking?

But since we are talking about gay rights issues on this blog, I have to say that Rees notion that gay marriage has no place or prospect in DC is flat wrong. We need to do the right thing and the right thing is to promote equality for gays.
At 10:02 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: Nobody said that we should stop promoting same sex marriage but what I am saying is, it will not happen in my life-time or the next 20-30 years and DC will be the last jurisdiction where it will take place.
At 10:06 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: When we speak of Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr, Rev Willie Wilson and other black clergy in DC, let us not forget that the Catholic Church and conservative Jews also oppose any special rights for gays and lesbians.

Thus the attacks on gays and lesbians come from many corners and I believe over in Congress even 70% of the Democrats are not behind same sex marriage, same sex couplews adopting with that being made clear by John Kerry who would not openly commit.
At 10:19 AM, Anonymous said...: I am a member of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church and I KNOW that Bishop Owens is a great man and Pastor. He always preaches holiness or hell which in my view includes, homosexuals, fornicators, adulterors, liers, thieves, etc. There are a TON of gay men at his church, and I agree with one of the earlier comments, the 1st Amendment affords you rights. If you don't like his comments, leave the church!! There are probably plenty of churches that will accept your lifestyle. As far as the comments about disrespecting past gay men (Langston Hughes, etc) that is just stupid. Yes, these men did contribute to African Americans in many different ways, but that does not mean they are beyond reproach!! Holiness or Hell is a great teaching to all, including those who have contributed to African American prosperity.
At 10:36 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: Princess Sparkle Pony <> Please do not leave out of this conservative Blacks, about 90% of the Hispanics and other people from the Middle East.

Nationwide, it is estimated that less than 6% of all Americans are g,l,b or t and our leaders in Congress look at these stats when addressing the issue.

I think it was either NY Times or Time Magazine that said that over 60% of all Americans oppose gay rights in general and 72% are outright opposed to same sex marriage eventhough those figures are lower than a decade ago.

We have a long way to go before American changes on g, l, b, t rights.
At 10:49 AM, Anonymous said...: My Bishop was not gay bashing. He was sin bashing. The people who were offended were the people committing the sin. How can you come to church listen to the life-changing Word of God week and week, month after month, year after year and never attempt to change your life. Bishop preaches on homosexuality, fornication, selfiness, treating others right, family, leadership, and everything under the sun that the Lord gives him to preach about. There has been numerous occassions where Bishop preached on a subject that convicted me, but I accepted the truth and proceeded with the process of change and deliverance.
If people aren't willing to change their lives and believe that their death-styles -- because it's not a lifestyle -- why continue to come to church? Why? Are you coming to be seen? To pick up something? To turn our young kids out? What are you there for? Gay groups are so organized, your community is so big, why not start your own Church, "The Gay Church" and worship there. Why come to a church that is build on the foundation of the Word and God? I know why, because you want everybody to accept you, and you want everybody to change to fit your death-style. But we are not. We are going to stand on the Word of the Lord.
Bishop loves everybody, and he loves you so much that he wants for you what God wants for you.
At 11:03 AM, Anonymous said...: I think his approach could have been a better one. If you are about saving souls and delivering saints, you should not push or run them away by the words you use in your sermons. The question I think Bishop should be asking hisself is why is it that he have so many homosexuals or using his words "faggots" in his church. But on the flip side, those who attend Calvery that are in the life-style sit there under that teaching, so they really can't complain if they are going to tolerate it. Bishops need to realize that the he has a very large percentage of Gay members, including those on his executive board (deacons, ministers, ect.) and those members are the one keeping in those fine suits and fancy cars. Preach God word and let the word do the convicting.
At 11:26 AM, Research Department said...: If you're going to claim to be a bible literalist, and live your life by Leviticus, then you can't eat shrimp, either. www.godhatesshrimp.com.

You must also agree to be exiled if you have heterosexual intercourse with a menstruating woman [Leviticus 20:18]

You can't touch anything made of pigskin [Levicitus 11:8]

You can't wear clothes that are made from a blend of textiles, under penalty of death [Leviticus 19:19]

prohibits cross-breeding livestock, under penalty of death [Leviticus 19:19]

bans sowing a field with mixed seed, under penalty of death [Leviticus 19:19]

And you must believe in being, literally, put to death of you don't keep Saturday as the Sabbath [Leviticus 24:8]

And that's just Leviticus. There are even more violent and problematic rules in other books.
At 12:06 PM, Troy N. said...: Dear Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr.

Recently I read that your words to your congregation at Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church included the phrase for a request of men and not faggots and sissies to stand up and be accounted for and to be leaders in the church but my understanding is that God's love is for all men and women whomever they seem to be or appear to be.
For you as a representive of God's word to label and categorize any segment of anyone who is a member or nonmember of your church is wrong and goes everything belief and faith in God is about.
The world you and I live in is filled with all types of people and all walks of life each here from a God that you and I both pray to and love dearly. I ask you to preach and teach your congregation God's message of inclusion and love he has always put forth from day one and not one that sees masculinity as a measure that supersedes compassion, understanding and faith.
Today Bishop Owens open your heart to hear those systematically held down for what they seem to be and recognize that their heart beats the same blood connected to the same God we all Love and seek understanding from every day. Thank you.

Yours truly,
Screen Name TroyNotorious
A. Colquitt
email address: troynotorious@yahoo.com
At 12:25 PM, Anonymous said...: To the homosexuals who hate themselves, you and your closeted gay bishop will never be respected by history. You guys are really nuts to attend a place of worship where a man calls you a "faggot." You guys are real "sissies" for being dishonest to women. Perhaps, you ought to do a little historical research about Jesus Christ!
At 12:38 PM, Anonymous said...: Bishop Ownens is a homophobe and unfortunately he preachers hate to a congregation- some of whom are buying his message-

But I truly believe that the District of Columbia will not move backwards but rather forwards in this coming election and we will repudiate the hatred spewed by Bishop Owens and others by electing candidates with the courage to stand up and be counted as decent people.

I believe Bishop Owens no longer even lives in the District and good riddance to him.

I believe that we have to respect the church culture of Washington, DC but that we no longer have to accept hatred as part of it. When ministers use the pulpit to spew hate we must demand that decent people and our politician included speak out agains them. When chuch goes use their attendence at church as an excuse to break the law as they did recently in Logan Circle- its ok to disobey parking regulations becasue we are in chuch- its time to say no.

I remember growing up with hero's such as Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., and others who I could look up to. Now I have Owens, Farrakan, Evans and Wilson who are just an embarrassment.

Let us renew our love for each other in this City and stop the hatred. Remember these words well- "if you don't stand up and defend your brother when they come for him- there will be on one left to defend you when they come for you"
At 12:59 PM, Anonymous said...: Trust me, the bishop might be a closeted homosexual man who dislikes other gay people.
At 2:11 PM, Anonymous said...: Calling someone a disrespectful name is not bashing? He called all homosexual people a "faggot." Therefore, he disrespected James Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, Langston Hughes, George Washington Carver and every other homosexual, dead or alive! Since when in the hell have Jesus or God called someone a sissy? You guys need to realize that the minister is a human being.
At 5:08 PM, Anonymous said...: To God be the Glory for the things he has done, and Bishop A.A. Owens Jr of the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church is doing a great work. When will you write about other religious teachings from others ministries, but I guess you won't because they may just shut this paper down. You do choose your fights don't you?
At 5:59 PM, Anonymous said...: Look there are many churches in the area for people to choose from. With so many churches, there are also a variety of preaching styles to choose. Bishop Owens is a man of God with a direct style, which is exactly the type of preaching that I need. I can't have someone with a patty-cake preaching style. It just wouldn?t work for me. I would still be whoring around, drinking, smoking, clubbing and living in a life of sin. My life is all the better through the ministry of Bishop Owens, Co-Pastor Owens and Elder Brown.

I am aware of that there is a large gay population at my church, and it?s my belief that they are there to get delivered. Why else would you stay if you believe it?s just bashing? Go to another church. Furthermore, if you consider it bashing, then all people who preach about sin are bashers?sex-bashers, drug-bashers, pride-bashers, gossip-bashers, etc.

As another blogger posted, Bishop preaches on all sins. However, homosexuality is the only one that gets talked about in the media. It provides an unfair portrayal of our church. It?s ridiculous.
At 6:40 PM, Anonymous said...: I am a member of GMCHC. I must say that I chose to go to a pentecostal church and in most of pentecostal churches you are not going to get a "patty cake" message, it going to be straight foward and to the point unlike some other churches who "beat around the bush" I do not have a problem with him preaching on the subject of homosexuality but I do disagree on how he presented the sermon. Those words that he used were definitely not of the Holy Spirit. Like said in other blogs Bishop preaches about drinker, liars, exc.... and if you cant the heat and you know that a churches belief is different from what you believe then find a new church and more importantly seek your relationship with GOD.

I do feel that this particular sunday he did get carried away and was not in the word of GOD. Though I was offended/upset about his PRESENTATION of the sermon, I still have still realize how my life have changed from being a part of GMCHC.

A member
At 7:06 PM, Anonymous said...: I was in service on Palm Sunday. Bishop Owens' sermon was on more than homosexuality. In fact, he was stressing that it was more important for those professing to be Christian to take a closer look at themselves and see if they are really "fans" or "followers" of Christ.

It is sad that the small portion of the message that dealt with homosexuals has been so blown out of proportion. What he said was & is in fact biblical. Homosexuality is a sin (1Cor 6:9, Lev. 20:13; Rom 1:26-28; 2Cor 12:21)etc.

Christian ministers like Bishop Owens often mourn over those in thier church who refuse to repent of their sin, because it leads to spiritual death. Others bloggers suggest that my pastor NEVER preaches against other things. How wrong they are. If you've ever visited Calvary on a regular basis, you would know that Bishop Owens rarely preaches on homosexuality, but frequently gets on fornicators, adulterers, liars, gossipers, etc.

He especially hates ANY man who would dare abuse a woman or a child. He preaches HOLINESS or hell. It's that simple. It's Jesus or Satan, there is not in between. You have a choice. As the Bible says, choose you this day whom you will serve.

you DECIDE

Angela
At 7:47 PM, Anonymous said...: Hey Angela, let me provide you with some historical evidence about Jesus Christ, since you think homosexuality is a sin. Actually, I won't even go there but the truth will come at judgement day!
At 7:50 PM, Anonymous said...: FROM A FAGGOT...PAY TAXES!!! THIS ISNT A CHURCH!!!!THIS IS A CORRUPT INSTITUTION!!!!SHAME ON YOU SO CALLED CHRISTIANS FOR ALLOWING SUCH TALK FROM A SO CALLED "HOLY MAN" MORE LIKE A DEMON!!!!
At 9:25 PM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: LET US DROP RELIGION FROM THIS DISCUSSION AND LET US FOCUS ON SECULAR PEOPLE who oppose homosexuality based on the belief that it isjust plain unnatural and contrary to our make up.

How do we address people opposed who do not rely on religion as a basis for their opposition??????

Any comments?

I ask as many of my friends oppose homosexuality because it is in their minds unnatural but never invoke religion!!!!
At 9:53 PM, So lame said...: Wearing shoes and using the telephone is "unnatural" too.
At 10:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Let's drop the whole subject period.

Have you noticed that on all the blogs, the subject that gets talked about the most is the same old thing?

At least out of this we get to hear God's name. At least he is still part of our world. We still praise him no matter what. That's important. We got religion.
At 10:52 PM, Anonymous said...: This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
At 12:16 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: City Paper, Washington Post and everybody else cannot make those $$$ and pay James Jones and others unless they post the most controversial issues that they know will stir up emotions, discussion because to talk about the boyscott who helped your grandma across the street will not sell.

I am a politician and one of the first things you learn in selling yourself is that that you get exposure not over saying nice things but being dumb and pissing people off.

This is America and good news does not sell people.

In sum, if Bishop Owens had not said FAG, SISSIE and FAG again this story would not be here but hell achieved what he wanted and we all played his game.
At 12:25 AM, Anonymous said...: Jonathan, homosexuality is not new. We only existed since the beginning of mankind! I don't know why heterosexuals are so concerned with our sexual orientation. You guys admire William Shakespeare, Alexander the Great, George Washington Carver, Alexander Hamilton, James Baldwin, Leonardo Da Vinci, Socrates, Walt Whitman, Bayard Rustin, Langston Hughes, Tennessee Williams, and many more homosexuals. We are not sexually interested in the opposite sex.
At 6:06 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: To the poster above. Just my point. I was mocking the press for putting $$$ before reality.

Sadly, it is the way of that beast called man who always wants something ongoing to stir up the dirt.

Does it not say bad things in the Bible about gossip mongers?
At 7:23 AM, Jonathan R. Rees said...: Since we live in a Democracy and as a political candidate, I would always vote the will of the majority unless it is patently wrong.

In my area of DC (ward 3), I cannot get a hold on the majority consensus on gay and lesbian issues like same sex marriage and etcetera.

Ward 3 is heavily Catholic and conservative Jews who historically are opposed to any rights to gays and lesbians along with a good mix of Episcopalians and Methodists who are mainly liberal on such issues.

In talking to my six rivals in the ward 3 race about gay and lesbian rights, five of them feel that such is not a major issue like it is in wards 1, 2 and 6.

I doubt in the next four years any serious gay and lesbian issues will come up for a vote on the DC City Council to concern them unless Fenty wins and pushes the same sex marriage issue as promised but I think that would be suicidal in light of warnings not to do such from Congress and our congress woman.

We can debate gay and lesbian rights, the right and wrong of homsexuality and we will be here on CP for the next 2000 years as there will always be people in support and opposition.

My advise to the g,l,b & t activitist is, sit your asses down as it will not happen for a long time to come and to the people who love bashing them, shut up!
At 9:10 AM, Anonymous said...: How sad. This individual presents themselves as a learned religious individual. What they are instead is a low energy, unevolved, immature spirit. It is so sad that they may only realize that when they finally do, "meet their maker." The pain that you so easily hand out to others, "man of god"...may it find its maker.
At 9:32 AM, Anonymous said...: This particular Sunday I had to rascal with myself about attending GMCHC; however I did. Once again I put myself in a place that odvisously don't want "Gay's" in the church. Now let's all be real, if all the gays at gmchc and other churches leave married and the unmarried the church would close. There has been a few good professional men and wowen that were tithers in the past couple of years that has left GMCHC just because of the way "Bishop Owens" talk's about his members. I am sure that there is a way to talk about sin than to just be down right nasty and foul. He has said nasty things in front of innocent kid's. I once heard a little boy ask his grandmother at GMCHC what is "Turning Out" and what is a vagina he could have been no more that 7 or 8yrs of age.
Thats a mess. Personally I love the church. But the Bishop needs to learn to come up out of his flesh and come from the Bible. Yes sin is sin, I am sure many would not agree but I will say No gay man nor lesbian ask to be the way they are, and god made us all. Some of our best song writers, actors,ball players, ministers and "Bishops" are gay to name a few. But I guess like they say you just have to be the right "faggot" to be accepted.......
At 12:05 PM, Anonymous said...: This particular Sunday I had to rascal with myself about attending GMCHC; however I did. Once again, I put myself in a place that obviously does not want "Gay's" in the church. Now let's all be real, if all the gays at GMCHC and other church?s leave married and the unmarried the church would close. There have been a few good professional men and women that were tithers in the past couple of years that has left GMCHC just because of the way "Bishop Owens" talk's about his members. I am sure that there is a way to talk about sin than to just be down right nasty and foul. He has said nasty things in front of innocent kids. I once heard a little boy ask his grandmother at GMCHC what is "Turning Out" and what is a vagina he could have been no more that 7 or 8yrs of age.
That is a mess. Personally I love the church. Nevertheless, the Bishop needs to learn to come up out of his flesh and come from the Bible. Yes, sin is sin, I am sure many would not agree but I will say No gay man or lesbian ask to be the way they are, and god made us all. Some of our best songwriters, actors, ball players, ministers and "Bishops" are gay to name a few. But I guess like they say you just have to be the right "faggot" to be accepted.......
At 1:33 PM, Olu said...: I am a Presbyterian minister. It is a big surprise to me that someone (Mr. /Ms Anonymous) can declare Scott Bolden as anti-homosexual. The recurring anti gay/lesbian diatribe by Bishop Owens and Rev. Willie Wilson has happened on the watch of Mendelson, Fenty and Patterson. They are the current elected leaders of our city, and on their watch Bishop Owens remains on the Mayor's Interfaith Council. On their watch the LGBT clubs have been closed down and prevented from relocating. On their watch two transgender have been killed without any sign of an active investigation of their death. Mr. Mendelson, this city council and the Mayor have officially included Bishop Owens and Rev. Wilson in the city seat of influence. These leaders have failed the LGBT community. Yet, Mr. /Ms anonymous prefer to blame Bolden (and other candidates) for the anti-LGBT sermon of Bishop Owens. The least we can expect is for Mendelson and this council to lead the effort in having Bishop Owens and Rev. Wilson remove from the Mayoral Interfaith council. If they have failed to curb Bishop Owen influence in this term, why expect Bishop Owens and Rev. Wilson to have less influence in the next term of Mendelson. Why expect that Mendelson and the current city council to pay any attention to the LGBT community if you reward them with a reelection.
At 3:06 PM, Anonymous said...: Good afternoon Washington, D.C.,

I belong to a church in Dallas, Texas and received this link from a friend of mine who resides in the D.C. area. To be quite honest, I used to ask myself why Co-Pastor Susie Owens was always speaking at religious conferences throughout the country and her husband (who is not as well known) did not. Well, after listening to some of his statements, I now know the answer to my question. And, what is equally as disturbing, is that the members can condone and support and finance a church like this. Until we show love, rather than hate, kindness rather than meanness - we will always be ill-prepared to minister to a dying world.
At 4:19 PM, Anonymous said...: Just for the record Bishop travels just as much as his wife!!! Know your facts...
At 7:36 PM, Anonymous said...: It really is a shame that such vile hatred can come from a place of worship. Christianity is supposed to be about love, not fear and loathing.

For all you sanctimonious folks who think being "homosexual" is a sin, maybe you should open your eyes and actually READ what the Bible has to say.

You might be surprised at some of the things that are "sins" according to Leviticus. But ahh.... it's convenient to pull out the one line that suits a particular hatred and agenda.

We don't need to look to the Middle East for radical religious hatemongers. We have them right here among us.
At 8:50 PM, Anonymous said...: In spite of all this discussion and acrimony, Greater Mt. Calvary Church does good works for the community. It's a Bible-toting church. The churches, like many, preach against many things.

Pick on the churches that aren't doing anything. What do the conservative churches preach? Have we stumbled on the only churches that do not advance an alternative lifestyle? Or is it the words that were used?

Hopefully there will be something that everybody can agree on and we can all come together on. We may need to do a list of churches that are for and those that do not advance this cause. This is not on everyone's agenda and there are those that are willing to accept and tolerate, but still have different views on what the Bible and God hold true. Nothing we can do about that, but love each other no matter how different or alike.
At 9:07 PM, Anonymous said...: This has gone well beyond tiresome.
At 10:07 PM, Anonymous said...: He knows you guys attend his church. That's why he called you out! That man is calling them disrespectful names and they think it comes from God? Did God call people "faggots." Someone answer that question for me and be direct with your response. I want an answer!
At 9:48 AM, joe said...: First, I let me say that Bishop is not beyond making mistakes. And therefore I think that he like anyone else got excited during his delivery and went too far. But I think the question that needs to be asked is WHAT WOULD JESUS HAVE SAID? Anyone that has read the GOSPEL(s) of Jesus has to understand that his message was never one of condemnation, but rather of love. Even if one believes that homosexuality is wrong what happens to your response the soul of that person. It was Jesus who said "I came for the LOST." It was the religious leaders of His day that took issue with those that followed Him because most of them were "unclean" or just simply not acceptable. I find it hard to believe that Jesus would use the names that Bishop and others like him would use to describe those that participate in such activity. In fact when you look at the scripture He shows not tolerance, but LOVE for the woman who was caught in adultery. He didn't use names that would have only made her feel worse. He never called a slut, tramp, whore. In fact He didn't even call her an adultery. If you really look at the text initially He didn't even deal with her. What He did do was speak to those around her and in essence told them NOT to JUDGE her. Remember He said "he without sin cast the first stone." In other words with the same measure you judge so shall you be judge. If we all would apply that then even when we stand and preach against what we consider to be wrong (whatever that may be) then the love and compassion of God will compel men to repent. It is the GOODNESS of GOd that bring us to repentance.

Finally I must say this because if I don't something bad will happen to me!!!!
I have only visited MCHC once in my life time. And the reason that I have not been back is because it was a very loose place. I recall that some of the brothers sitting in front of me and my friends were having conversation during the service. Something was said over the pulpit and one of the men made a comment about the Bishop being down at the meat market. Now these were his members because not too long after their conversation they got up and went to sing in the choir.

I make mention of that because I think that a leader should TRY to be above reproach before his/her followers. Now if he hadn't set precedence verbally there would be no need for any of the comments to have been made be the members. But because he had and obvious continues to be so dogmatic about it he has set himself up to be judge not only by those outside, but more importantly by those who follow him.

I just think that he and all of our leaders really need to seek God for instructions on how to deal with this issue. I'm tired of hearing that it is wrong. I'm tired of hearing that it is a sin. And yet with all of the condemnation no one has offered any kind of healing or restitution for those they feel are in error. They offered no form of correction for what they teach us is wrong. Stop pulling of the scabs without providing some medicine to heal the wound!!!!
At 1:52 PM, Anonymous said...: A few people who've made comments have suggested leaving that particular church if you do not like what the so-called man of God said. I say "heck yeah!" Let his coffers dwindle. Let his congregation shrink.

That is exactly the reason I moved out of Washington, DC. I was sick of the screwed up politics, the constant black-vs.-white mentality, the gay-bashing preachers, etc. of that wretched city. I'm so glad I moved away and no longer support that city with my tax dollars. When enough of us do that, maybe y'all will realize that your messed-up BS is driving people away. While you're at it, why not elect Marion Barry as mayor again.
At 10:43 PM, Anonymous said...: Washington, DC is a wonderful city and Marion Barry has been good to all people. Stop hating.
At 12:04 AM, Anonymous said...: Anthony Williams, Sharon Ambrose, Phil Mendelson & Kathy Patterson; The inventors of gentrification.

Yeah, bring back the old guard!
At 12:10 AM, Anonymous said...: This very sad, that this had to come out like this. I mean a Pastor should be preaching the word and not downing a human being. First all God loves us all, and that means Even if you have Hom Leb or Str people in church God loves us all. Its the church responsiblity to make sure that we get out lives together before God comes back for the church and his people. Like my Pastor said when we came off the assembly line GOD KNEW US BEFORE WE KNEW OURSELVE BUT HE LOVES US AND IT TAKES REAL CHRISTIAN TO TELL THE TRUTH TO GET A PERSON BACK ON TRACK YOU FEEL ME.
I'M FIRM BELIEVER THAT GOD CAN SAVE AN INDIVIDUAL AND MAKE HE OR SHE WHAT HE WANTS US TO BE. I'M NOT A LICENSE PREACHER BUT LIKE MY PASTOR SAID IF U GOT THE WORD IN YOU THAN SPEAK IT. " TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY" JCOP
At 12:25 AM, Anonymous said...: I've been a member of Greater Mount Calvary for over 10 years. Bishop Owens has always preached out of love, and from his heart. He is a man of great humility, soft spoken, and can be unassuming. He is mostly thoughtful, considering, generous, and extremely sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Additionally, lets not forget about the thousands upon thousands that have received Christ, and that have been delivered under this mans preaching and teaching. Not to mention all the Bishops and leaders from around the world who consult with Bishop on a daily basis. Lives are being changed through the Calvary Bible Institue (CBI) courses. Furthermore, I would dare to say that we've all been in a similar situation, whereas the only way that we could get our loved ones attention was to say something to them that would possibly stike a nerve. The only reason that we may have felt compelled to do it, was because we loved them so much, and we cried over them countless nights. It was as if we were making a plea. Somtimes Bishop can be brash, but I think that when you've walked with the Lord most of your natural life such as Bishop Owens. You learn that telling people the whole truth and nothing but the truth will serve them more than "Sugar Coating." The bottom line is; AIN'T nobody mad but the DEVIL, and "The Truth Hurts." The most important relationship that we ALL should have, is our relationship with our Father in heaven. I've had conversations with people about scenarios like this time and time again. I think that people put too much emphasis on the men and women of God (e.g. Bishops, Pastors, Ministers, Prophets). In my opinion "Thank you Jesus"----"We should always look towards the deliverer for answers in situations such as this, and not the delivery." Because looking at the delivery could possibly encompass words such as "Faggots", and "Punks" which lends itself to disappointment.

Lastly, I would admonish all of you who are in the closet, undercover, or just out of the will of God to really listen to what the Lord is saying through his vessel (Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr.). If you were convicted by the word, then you probably should have been. Remember that NONE of us are promised tomorrow. Yes sin is sin, but God NEVER intended for man to be with man, nor women to be with women. What you perceive as LOVE stems from lust, and wanting to please your flesh. It's just not natural. I don't care what people say, but there IS NO perfect church. If Greater Mt. Calvary is not for you at this time. Pray about it and let the Lord lead you to your chuch home.

I love you Bishop! I myself, have been shocked and awed like the homosexuals who were in attendance. But even in those times, I knew that it was out of love!

Happy 60/40 Bishop - WOW 60 years of life, & 40 years of ministry. I'm so proud of you. You've come this far by faith. Keep leaning on the Lord!!!

My God Bless You All Real Good :-)
Love,

Mr. Ain't Nobody Mad But the Devil
At 5:13 AM, Anonymous said...: Let's remember Jim Jones and Jones town.......
At 10:55 AM, Anonymous said...: I am a proud member of Calvary. GMCHC is the only church I have attended since my relocation here. I prayed and asked God to send me to a church that does not "sugar coat" what the Bible says about living holy & at GMCHC that's what you are going to get. My pastor has preach about stealing, lying, back biting, laziness, being late-work, church, meetings,and etc., love, marriage, dating (woman to man& man to woman), tithing, unity for family, adultery, idolatry, couples living together & not married, and yes homosexuality/gay&lesbian. He preaches Holiness or Hell according to the word of God which is found in the Holy Bible.

Now for those of you who do not know much about GMCHC, we have a ministry to help those who are struggling with Homosexuality. If Bishop was a "homophobic" then this ministry would not be a part of church.

For those of you who are in the closet, you are a punk and a sissy because if you feel what you are doing is not wrong, then why are you hiding???????? Why, because you know it's wrong.

Because of MY wonderful pastor who is celebrating 40 years in ministry and who started out with 5 members and now has a congregation of over 7,000 members, I am a better person. Not a perfect person but a better person. Everyday God is working on me to be that better person.

Lastly, remember only what you do for Christ will last!!!!!

Signed "Q"
At 2:37 PM, Anonymous said...: For those of you who actually believe in the ancient book of myths you call the bible, it is proven that gays are born that way. They do not chose that lifestyle. Leave them alone. Genetically speaking about 10% of the population is gay and as long as women are having babies that will not change.
If you believe in a literal translation of the bible like the earth is only 6,000 years old you need to see a psychiatrist.
At 2:49 PM, Anonymous said...: IT'S A SAD THING IN THIS WORLD THAT GAYS ARE TRYING TO PUSH THEM SELFS ON THE CHURCH AS WELL AS TRYING TO RE-WRITE THE WORD OF GOD THROUGH THEIR LIFE STLYE

THE BIBLE SAID IN THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS IT SPEAK TOWARD THAT LIFE STLYE. I BELEIVE THE BISHOP USE THE WRONG CHOICE OF WORDS BUT HE WAS ON POINT.
At 4:15 PM, Anonymous said...: Come on guys. Don't get your panties in a bunch. If Bishop Owens was supporting gay marriages from the pulpit. Would you like him then?

Get over yourselves and get a life. You're not taking over the church, no matter how much you try. Just deal with the truth. Hopefully it'll set you free from Joe, or whatever his name is.
At 6:11 PM, Anonymous said...: I am not an advocate of such namecalling, but being upset because the Bishop has said a few choice words to describe how bound, psychologically confused, perverted, and disgraeful homosexual can be, and writing a city-published article about "words" and inadvertantly looking over your "way" is obscelete. I suggest that you take the time you allotted to write this article and get to know JESUS. Unlike many people that contributed to this blog, I AM NOT commenting from an ambiguous standpoint. I HAVE been the company of and have observed several diverse groups of who are notorious for downplaying, demoralizing and ridiculing each other. Hence, hoosexuals aren't as "together" as they and those who conjured up this ignorant article seem. Thus, denoting name calling in the bishop's serman is Irrelevant. It appears that whoever satan is using to sit through a 50 minute serman live or via a recording to denounce bishop ONLY in the area of homosexuality implicitly wants him to desist discussing the subject altogether. As the man of GOD that he is, he, unlike many pastors of churches that maybe you and your followers should contemplate joining, will NOT compromise with GOD. Bishop Owens is mandated to preach the gospel whether you agree with it or not. With that being said, it leads to suspisciion of just why you ARE writing? YOUR MAY CHANGE SOCIETY VIEW OF YOUR LIFESTYLE, BUT YOU WILL NEVER HAVE THE CHURCH. THE GATES OF HELL WILL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT. In Adjunct, YOU MAY BE PERMITTED TO WRITE DEGRADING ARTICLES, HOWEVER, YOUR DECIETFUL TACTIS AND ULTERIOR MOTIVES ARE STOPPED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS. As I have stated, I am not an advocate of namecalling, but digging up dirt such as this article and saying things that you would never say to that persons face is of a "faggot" nature. And i use that term dealing in no way of sexual orientation. In saying, your actions are coward and decietful. GET SAVED!!! you are contributing to the signs of the times
At 10:23 PM, Anonymous said...: If homosexuality is such a sin, how come JESUS CHRIST had a homosexual orientation? The truth will set you free!
At 6:52 AM, Anonymous said...: In response to the previous comment, be forthoughtful about always having a defense for your actions by stating unsound illogical reasoning, because as you typed your comment, somewhere in your preconcious it was affirmed that it was off base. That is your ego talking, not your true self. It is apparent that you are searching.
At 11:10 AM, Anonymous said...: On my GOD?!? What has becoming a Bishop done to my brothers, in the faith? I'm going to start this comment/blog out, by saying blessings to God for knowledgable leaders, in this world, now let me finish the beginning statement by saying, Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. ... GET ON YOUR FACE and ask God to direct your path.

Let me just be real for a few moments, Sir,as a Minister/Bishop/Pastor, your ordination is made to LEAD PEOPLE to CHRIST, whether they be Gay, Bi-Sexual, straight, alcoholic, confused or just plain don't know about God. Your demeanor is NOT in order with what God has placed for you. You're in a position to help people and you are doing the exact opposite .. Driving people away from God and/or leaving them confused, you of all people should know that God would not be pleased with that. Now, I will say this, I live in Dallas, Texas and I've heard of you and your church and per my understanding, the homosexual/lesbianism count there, in your sancutary/following is OUTLANDISH. I have fellow brothers/ministers/pastors/associates, in the Greater DC, Maryland and Virginia area (Pastors and Bishops), that describe of your church, with statements of "confusion" and "disarray", within your flock, Bishop, who are you helping?. I also understand that the Gay population, in your church is rising and not falling ... In other words, Bishop ... Once again, Bishop who are you helping to be delivered? That should be the question of the hour? God Bless those that are LOST and under your leadership trying to be delivered from something? As a Bishop myself, it's absolutely appauling to know that a leader is operating in such an ignorant fashion, in orders words to BASH ANY SIN, regardless to what it is. The bible states that NO SIN is greater than the other, if you want to get stupid about this learn your word, Bishop ... Old Testament teaches you that it's a sin to mix fabrics, so are you going to BASH those that mix cotton with silk?

These men that you called up, in your sancutary should feel embarrased to have their leader OPERATING in a level and spirit of IGNORANCE, lack of knowledge and CONFUSION. I will pray for your ministry and your following.
To answer your question, yes I'm a Bishop out of Dallas, Texas with a roster of about 5,400 members and we operate, at my church in the spirit of excellence and ordinance, according to what God what have me to do and when I read this artical, I was alarmed & ashamed to see what your church has been doing. Blessings be unto you, Man of God, no disrepect, you just need to make it back to basics and learn what you original CALLING was. Do you really know what you're doing? Prayers & Blessings be unto you and the people of your flock.
Signed your Confused Brother in the Faith.
At 12:11 PM, Anonymous said...: Actually, JESUS CHRIST may have been a homosexual because of his behavior and certain biblical and historical information. Why don't you try doing the research yourself, before judging me or anyone else. That's what the church may have been trying to hide!
At 1:43 PM, Anonymous said...: Please stop passing judgement - and stay focus on CHRIST for he is not a man that will tell a LIE.
At 1:50 PM, Anonymous said...: That's Bishop Owens church and he can say whatever he would like to. After reading the various comments, we are truly living in our last days.

I'm sure he wouldn't be upset if his congregation decreased. He is there to preach and it may not be what you would like to hear, but the bottom line - Homosexuality is a SIN along with every other SIN that GOD does't ordain.

Signed,
A member of GMCHC who is there to serve the LORD, not MAN.
At 2:07 PM, Anonymous said...: Again, Jesus may have been bisexual or homosexual. The following information comes from religioustolerance.org: Indications that Jesus did have a homosexual orientation:
"In the Gospel of John, the disciple John frequently refers to himself in the third person as 'the disciple whom Jesus loved'." 4 For example, during the Last Supper before Jesus' execution, he describes how the "beloved" disciple laid himself on Jesus' inner tunic -- his undergarment. See John 13:25 and 21:20. Robert Goss, assistant professor of comparative religion at Webster University in St. Louis, LA, noted that Jesus and the beloved disciple: "... eat together, side by side. What's being portrayed here is a pederastic relationship between an older man and a younger man. A Greek reader would understand." 5 Jesus appears to have loved all of his male and female followers in a close, trusting, non-erotic manner. However, the "beloved" disciple appears to be in a special relationship with Jesus; the disciple was "the" beloved. He was in a class by himself.

On the other hand: Some commentators have suggested that it was a common practice in Judea at that time for heterosexual man to lay his head on another's undergarment. Such behavior was common between two heterosexuals in an emotionally close but non-erotic relationship during the first century CE. 6
Jenny Stokes, research director for Saltshakers, a conservative Christian group in Australia, said that there are five words for love in Greek (the language in which the Gospels were written: Agape: spiritual, unconditional love,
Eros: erotic love,
Philia: love between friends,
Storge: familial love.

The Gospel references to "the disciple whom Jesus loved" use the word "agape." 3 Whether the authors originally used "eros" and the word was subsequently changed is open to speculation.

"Jagannath" interprets the Gospels differently. He argues that Jesus may have been bisexual. He wrote: "In the Book of John a word is used eight times that means 'is in love with' with the implication of sexual intimacy. Five times it is used with reference to Jesus' relationship with John. Once it is used to define Jesus' relationship with Lazarus. And it is also used to describe his relationship with Mary and with her sister Martha." 7
During the crucifixion, in John 19:26-28, Jesus is described as seeing his mother and an unidentified man: "the disciple standing by, whom he loved." Jesus probably loved all of his 12 or 70 disciples in a non-sexual manner. But this particular disciple is identified as "the" disciple who Jesus loved. That might indicate a special intimate relationship with one special disciple.
At 12:18 PM, Anonymous said...: I am tired of this mess, look people we have been disrespected as black gay/lesbian people. I never thought I would ever have to address or associate myself with such titles, but the truth is the truth. It saddens me that it has come to the point of having to make a decision of leaving my church GMCHC; But if Bishop don't want us there, we need to leave. We need to start a "StandOut" as of tomorrow (Mother's Day). If truth be told there are too many of us "Faggot's" that hold key positions at GMCHC to just sit around and not be honest about what's going on. We can't keep on supporting a church just because we don't want to change nor be looked at as being who we really are. That goes for the pulpit to the back door. U all know who you are. Nobody pays your bills but you. What really makes me so upset is that this has taken place after Bishops 60th Birthday Banquet that we all paid $100.00 to attend, there where more "Faggot's" there to support him. Don't get me wrong I don't look upon myself as such, yes I am a gay in the closet man' I am just trying to get you all to see how our Bishop sees us and that is "faggot and sissy". Enough is enough. This is not the first time we has said foul thing's about gay's from the pulpit, it is just the first time people are speaking out about the situation.

I remember back in 2004, when Bishop made a comment about one of the Choirs I beleive it was the Sanctuary Choir, having sissy's and faggot's in the choir. Truth be told all the choirs have gays'a and Lesbians.
So do the deacons board, the ministers board, church staff, choir directors, security staff on down to the video ministry. So people I know you love what u do, so do I, but enough is enough.
What the public probably don't know is that Bishop Alfred Owens is not on paid salary he is supported soley by the congregation meaning us "Faggot's" money. Yes he do have some straight people in the church however the "faggot's" outnumber them. A few of my friends for whatever reason received letters earlier this year concerning paying their tithes to the church, and the church wanted an explaination as to why there was not consistency in them doing so. Personally I believe in tithing but the point I am trying to make is that if all the faggot's and lesbians stop and go elsewhere we would make a difference. To the public we have married and unmarried Gay's and Lesbians at GMCHC. No surprise I know but it is true. I pray for Bishop to have peace, but what has happened is wrong, Bishop Owens you have hurt Alot of people and we know you are not going to apologize, however in your alone time you need to ask god to forgive you. I am hurt to the core by years of confusion................

One more thing we have so many mortage projects going on then enough, yes like a dummy I participate, because your record is looked upon for status at GMCHC, sad but true. I would thing that the public would find it interesting that the church owns a house that Bishop Alfred Owens sister lives in right on Rhode Island Ave. The records of the church needs to be looked at with a fine tooth comb.

Sign former Member of GMCHC
At 12:29 PM, Anonymous said...: I am tired of this mess, look people we have been disrespected as black gay/lesbian people. I never thought I would ever have to address or associate myself with such titles, but the truth is the truth. It saddens me that it has come to the point of having to make a decision of leaving my church GMCHC; But if Bishop don't want us there, we need to leave. We need to start a "StandOut" as of tomorrow (Mother's Day). If truth be told there are too many of us "Faggot's" that hold key positions at GMCHC to just sit around and not be honest about what's going on. We can't keep on supporting a church just because we don't want to change nor be looked at as being who we really are. That goes for the pulpit to the back door. U all know who you are. Nobody pays your bills but you. What really makes me so upset is that this has taken place after Bishops 60th Birthday Banquet that we all paid $100.00 to attend, there where more "Faggot's" there to support him. Don't get me wrong I don't look upon myself as such, yes I am a gay in the closet man' I am just trying to get you all to see how our Bishop sees us and that is "faggot and sissy". Enough is enough. This is not the first time we has said foul thing's about gay's from the pulpit, it is just the first time people are speaking out about the situation.

I remember back in 2004, when Bishop made a comment about one of the Choirs I beleive it was the Sanctuary Choir, having sissy's and faggot's in the choir. Truth be told all the choirs have gays'a and Lesbians.
So do the deacons board, the ministers board, church staff, choir directors, security staff on down to the video ministry. So people I know you love what u do, so do I, but enough is enough.
What the public probably don't know is that Bishop Alfred Owens is not on paid salary he is supported soley by the congregation meaning us "Faggot's" money. Yes he do have some straight people in the church however the "faggot's" outnumber them. A few of my friends for whatever reason received letters earlier this year concerning paying their tithes to the church, and the church wanted an explaination as to why there was not consistency in them doing so. Personally I believe in tithing but the point I am trying to make is that if all the faggot's and lesbians stop and go elsewhere we would make a difference. To the public we have married and unmarried Gay's and Lesbians at GMCHC. No surprise I know but it is true. I pray for Bishop to have peace, but what has happened is wrong, Bishop Owens you have hurt Alot of people and we know you are not going to apologize, however in your alone time you need to ask god to forgive you. I am hurt to the core by years of confusion................

One more thing we have so many mortage projects going on then enough, yes like a dummy I participate, because your record is looked upon for status at GMCHC, sad but true. I would thing that the public would find it interesting that the church owns a house that Bishop Alfred Owens sister lives in right on Rhode Island Ave. The records of the church needs to be looked at with a fine tooth comb.

Sign former Member of GMCHC
At 1:37 PM, Anonymous said...: More proof that JESUS COULD HAVE BEEN HOMOSEXUAL. The info comes from religioustolerance.org.

"J Richards" suggested that Mark 7:14-16 shows that Jesus approves of homosexual acts. The critical phrase reads: "There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him..." Richards suggests that Jesus gave great emphasis to this teaching, directing it to everyone. Richards suggests that the sentence refers to dietary laws and also extends to "blood transfusions, medication, organ transplants, and artificial insemination" and to homosexual acts as well. 8

On the other hand, these words have historically been interpreted as overturning the Mosaic law about eating,

Michael Kelly wrote of Jesus' attitude towards a same-sex couple as described in Matthew 8:5-13: and Luke 7:2: "One day a Roman Centurion asked him to heal his dying servant. Scholars of both Scripture and Ancient History tell us that Roman Centurions, who were not permitted to marry while in service, regularly chose a favorite male slave to be their personal assistant and sexual servant. Such liaisons were common in the Greco-Roman world and it was not unusual for them to deepen into loving partnerships....Jesus offered to go to the servant, but the centurion asked him simply to speak a word of healing, since he was not worthy to welcome this itinerant Jewish teacher under his roof. Jesus responded by healing the servant and proclaiming that even in Israel he had never found faith like this! So, in the one Gospel story where Jesus encountered people sharing what we would call a 'gay relationship,' we see him simply concerned about ? and deeply moved by ? their faith and love." Kelly implies that Jesus' sensitivity towards the gay couple might have arisen from his own bisexual or homosexual orientation. 1"

The the last comment, thanks for sharing your information.
At 12:48 AM, Anonymous said...: Not all in attendance were faggots, not all in attendance were gay, not all in attendance were saved, not all in attendance desired to be part of the circus of sexuality. In a word "PASTORAL-CARE". More heat was created by taht portion of the message than light.

I caution Pastor and others to consider those who border on suicide while struggling to understand themselves, and even accept themselves. Preach the word... it is not necessary for You to attempt to bring about conviction [in your flesh], God our Victor will meet out a strategy to deal with every errant heart, including those in the pulpit.

Those of FAITH, pray that healing disperses itself to those who were in attendance who found the immature statement a disrepuption to the assembling of the Saints. We struggle to get there to get a Living Word that will help us traverse the week. Bigotry in the form of hetorosexual pride is wrong. It convicts those who are innocent, by there mere presen


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