Couple walks out during anti-gay sermon
dcagenda.com reports:
Jon Mack and his partner, Michael Garrett, said their one-year tenure as members of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Northeast D.C. came to an abrupt end last week.
The two gay men said they were startled and deeply hurt when Bishop Alfred Owens, the church pastor, appeared to be sending them and other same-sex couples a blunt message Jan. 3.
“Sex is only pleasing to God in the marriage bed, and the marriage bed is a man and … a woman!” Owens shouted from the pulpit, with hundreds in the church pews shouting their approval, according to accounts by Mack and Garrett.
Owens’ remarks are also captured on a recording of his sermon made available last week on the church’s web site.
“If marriage wasn’t between a man and a woman, you wouldn’t be here because two men doing it don’t produce no kids,” Owens said. “And two women doing it don’t produce no kids! It’s all about family,” he said as members of the congregation continued to clap and cheer.
“During this homophobic rant, me and my partner got up and walked out,” said Mack, 28.
Mack and Garrett, 32, contacted DC Agenda about their decision to walk out on Owens’ sermon and are believed to be the first gays to publicly disclose their departure from a church that activists say has a large number of closeted gay members, mostly black.
“What hurt me more than what he said is how the congregation yelled and agreed with him,” Mack said. “It showed me that people that don’t even know me hate me just because of my sexuality.”
Mack and Garrett said they were aware of reports that Owens had previously made anti-gay remarks during his sermons at Greater Mount Calvary, which boasts a membership of more than 6,000 people. But the two noted they were attracted to the church’s charismatic, highly animated services, which include performances by several different choirs.
Owens previously drew media attention in 2006 when, in one of his recorded sermons on the Sunday before Easter, he referred to gays as faggots.
“It takes a real man to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior,” he said in the 2006 sermon. “I’m not talking about no faggot or no sissy. … Let the real men come down here and take a bow — all the real men. I’m talking about straight men. … Praise God that you’re straight.”
His references to gays in the sermon prompted LGBT activists to ask then D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams to expel Owens from a mayoral task force on faith. In response, Owens issued an apology, which prompted Williams to announce he would retain the minister on the faith task force.
Garrett said his initial reaction upon hearing Owens’ hostile references to gays in the Jan. 3 sermon was to blame himself for continuing to attend Greater Mount Calvary services, despite the reports from friends and acquaintances that Owens is hostile to gays.
“Since going there for the past year, I never heard anything out of the way like that,” Garrett said. “So a lot of it was inspirational up until that point. And it kind of took me aback. … And then due to the fact that Jon and I are together and we’re going to see about getting married in D.C., it really was like, ‘Why am I supporting this person? How come I couldn’t see this beforehand?’”
Mack and Garrett, who live in Bowie, Md., said they now plan to worship at Covenant Baptist Church in Southeast D.C, which bills itself as an LGBT-affirming congregation. The church’s husband and wife co-pastors, Dennis and Christine Wiley, served as leaders of a coalition of clergy in support of same-sex marriage in D.C.
The two men said they’re hopeful that other gays will leave Greater Mount Calvary and other churches whose pastors and congregations are hostile toward or unwelcoming of LGBT members.
“I was depressed and actually thought about suicide,” Mack said. “I kept thinking, ‘What’s the point of going on if God hates me and I’m going to hell anyway?’ and ‘Why does God hate me?’
“My hope is if this is put in the paper or in the media and it deters one person from attending Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church so they never have to feel how I felt [that] Sunday, then I’ll feel as though I’ve accomplished something,” Mack said.
Leaders of three D.C. Christian churches with mostly gay congregations have called on gay members of churches such as Greater Mount Calvary to consider joining their congregations. The leaders are Rev. Abena McCray, pastor of Unity Fellowship Church; Bishop Rainey Cheeks, pastor of Inner Light Ministries; and Rev. Dwayne Johnson, pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington.
April 27, 2010 at 4:11 PM |
The most devastating part to me is when Mack said “I was depressed and actually thought about suicide”. “I kept thinking, ‘What’s the point of going on if God hates me and I’m going to hell anyway?’ and ‘Why does God hate me?’
This is why this pastor shouldn’t have waited so long to choose to take a stand for what the Word of God so clearly states about homosexuality. I have to say if the pastor would have done this to begin with this whole article would probably have gone in a whole other direction hint: true salvation? God does not hate him, He hates the sin that’s in him and that goes for every man and woman.
Let the sifting begin!!!
April 7, 2010 at 2:27 AM |
Way to go Bishop Owens too bad it took a year!
April 4, 2010 at 5:48 AM |
way to go Jon Mack, even though it took a year, Gay couples you can run but you can’t hide!
March 1, 2010 at 2:38 AM |
The more we talk about a thing whether it is a good thing or a bad thing, the more power we give it. It is time for the members of the Body of Christ to pray that the will of God be done on earth as it is in Heaven and remember to preach(proclaim) the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes and receives it.
Peace!
January 31, 2010 at 8:15 PM |
Oh yeah, the pastor is gay alright. And that is why the gay couple had the nerve to come to this church for acceptance to marry because the gay folk from the pulpit to the door is blatently present.
January 26, 2010 at 4:37 PM |
i just dont understand why gay ppl go to church anyway
January 26, 2010 at 12:22 AM |
The Bible says the word is God is like a two edge sword…
It only cuts when something in you is not in agreeance with the Spirit and Truth of God. The word brings life and light, that preacher was speaking the truth to set set these people in bondage FREE. That was the trick of the enemy causing them to become offended so he could keep them wounded and blinded, thus keping them in bondage.
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered.
January 26, 2010 at 3:58 AM |
you said it!
January 25, 2010 at 7:22 PM |
Don’t let the Leadership off the hook so fast… When those “things” join the church that should have been dealt with out the gate. In new members class 101. It took them a whole year to preach this message? I’m just thinking outside the “building” lol.. good grief. Homosexuals that join a church can’t stay there, unless they want deliverance. They would have been better out joining Empowerment Temple… (grinning, showing all the teeth! – GSATT) Sad.. sad.. both of them, lord save em!! looking like two poopoo-warriors!
January 25, 2010 at 7:22 PM |
The Holy Spirit does the drawing…If Owens is Spirit led and not “performing”, then the Lord’s will be done. The Word is powerful on it’s own, we don’t need performances and the like. Sadly a lot of so called preachers get up in themselves and who will be drawn or changed by that? That may be why it took a year for them to leave or they were plants.
January 25, 2010 at 6:46 PM |
They would have left already if they were at my church and if they were still there it was either they had gone deaf, they were dead or they repented, but no way could or should one sit under a ministry for an entire year in sin, no matter the sin and it took a year for your sin to be called out, no way Jose. Someone is slacking off on the job.
January 25, 2010 at 6:19 PM |
We hate sin, not the sinner, we are all sinners saved by grace. Preach the word in season and out of seaon, when its poplular and when its not popular.
January 27, 2010 at 5:01 PM |
You sure do know what to say because that”s all it comes down to.
January 25, 2010 at 2:02 PM |
This is interesting: “from a church that activists say has a large number of closeted gay members, mostly black.”
You don’t sit in church for a “whole year” and act like nothing is wrong as you ENTERTAIN your congregation and then out of the blue one day call gays sissy’s and fagots without ever saying anything or talking to them about their sin during that year. Don’t get me wrong, something needed to be said but sometimes when we delay for too long and decide to do something it can get messy.
I wonder how many homosexuals could have at least been helped had he/they done something or said something earlier. But then again I don’t attend the church, so there’s a possibility that some of them may have been touched to change or get help.
In this last hour we really need to get it together and help people, encourage people, pray for people, and even rebuke people if necessary.
If homosexuality is the worse sin then they need the most help and the most prayer. In know not all want it but there are many that do.
And as for the suicidal comment by one of the homosexual men, that is a typical sign of the rejection and insecurity that most gays feel. Yes, there are straight people that feel that way but with gays it’s seems to be across the board if not magnified.
Let us keep one another in prayer.
January 26, 2010 at 2:33 PM |
Sherise,
Amen.
January 27, 2010 at 5:06 PM |
trust they knew what the word said about the life style they chose to live. So tell me when is it ok to address it.
You need balance do not over compassion and at the same time do not have any compassion at all. I reconize you because it use to be me. love ya
January 25, 2010 at 1:54 PM |
I believe homosexuals will sit themselves in “churches” just to see if pastor’s “DON’T” make them feel uncomfortable. That’s the church they stay in “and tell two more friends”. All blantant homosexuals should end up at the same place if God’s leaders are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
January 27, 2010 at 5:07 PM |
you are so right because if you are comfortable in your sin someone is compromising to get numbers of members or money
January 25, 2010 at 11:09 AM |
I am a leader of a youth ministry here in South Africa and i was blessed last year by getting seven of Elder C.Lewis DVD s and the youth in our church is now on a verge of speaking the truth everywhere it is amazing to find out that many people in South Africa are being leaded by Pastors who want to fill their pockets please i want almost the whole series of the Truth behind hip hop so can someone tell me how can i get them so that i can sell them here in South Africa because i have this in my heart that says young people has to know this so that they can be free from some bondages.
January 25, 2010 at 5:04 AM |
Bishop Alfred Owens preached against gays? has the jury came back with a verdict on him?
January 25, 2010 at 5:41 AM |
You took the words right out of my mouth. I have attended this church before, and my greatest concern was his sexuality. Owens prances around on stage at times in a quite feminine posture, single hand on hip and back bowed back in what looks like flaming form. And this is when he is getting a touch from God and laying hands on people.
I was not saved at the time when I was invited to this church with people I was staying with at the time, and I was not too impressed. An overly demonstrative choir director leads the show along with a slammin’ band. But little spiritual meat being fed or enforced. Good words at times, but nothing to really make a difference if so many living as I could discern naturally so were/and are confortable there in this type of sin.
So many things I saw there were just off. Club Calvary, aka christian youth club which throws parties for young people on weekends serving virgin drinks. secular music blaring through the PA system during video presentations (Jesus Walks, Little John, to be specific). Remember I was not saved, so it was quite disheartening to hear music I danced to the night before in the club in church the next morning. Financially miling the people for major building projects. This church own most of the block, which is not in itself bad, but the way it was acquired I think puts people in need in position to “build” the church edifice’s wealth.
I will knock off, but pray for this man. Something aint stirring the kool-aid at GMCHC.
January 27, 2010 at 5:10 PM |
so shall it be as it was in the days of noah man hearts will become wicked and when you see this abomination in the holy place know that I am is on His way back
January 25, 2010 at 5:02 AM |
I once heard a preacher say, that if a homosexual can come to church week after week and have absolutely NO conviction or desire to change, somewhere that pastor has COMPROMISED. (wink @ G. Craig:).
What’s most conflicting however, is that Bishop Alfred and Co-pastor Susie Owens is known for speaking out heavily on the subject of lesbianism and homosexuals; and yes, their congregation is filled with LGBT’s. The church was dubbed “gay-friendliest” in the D.C. area. I’m from Washington D.C. (as I’ve mentioned in previous post) and am very familiar with Greater Mt. Calvary and the Pastor. I used to attend some of there functions some years back–haven’t step foot in there since due to all the immorality up in your face; still know a few folks who are current members. NOW, there were rumors once upon a time that Bishop too was struggling with his sexuality, hence, the large ‘following’. I don’t know how true it is, so I’m not going to expound on it.
I’m praying for Bishop Owens and his wife that they will continue taking a firm unwavering stand for holiness and preach the uncompromised, unadulterated Word of God; and for the LBGT who are followers or “fans” of this ministry, that their hearts will burn with conviction to either change their lifestyle or LEAVE!
I want to take this opportunity to also give kudos to Pastor Michael A. Stevens, Sr. of University City Church in Charlotte, N.C. While living there on mission (I’ll call it that) part of 08/09, and in need of a church home during that time, I heard this brother on the radio one day speaking out BOLDLY against homosexuality and sin in general. He was accused of gay bashing of course (you know who those folks were), he also made light that he didn’t get invited to many events because of his stand; but he spoke in love and held it up to the word of God. After attending a few services I quickly joined and remained until I relocated back to the D.C. area. (Keep me in prayer people of God as I’m once again in between churches.) My prayer is that Pastor Stevens has not wavered in his convictions and that he is still holding up the BLOOD STAINED BANNER FOR CHRIST!
January 25, 2010 at 12:08 PM |
Oh, one other Pastor who I like to also give recognition to and that is Bishop Harry Jackson, Sr. Pastor of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Maryland. (Suburban D.C.) He spearheaded the move to boldly fight the referendum on the Same-Sex marriage bill here in the District. This man of God along with other soldiers for Christ attended hearing after hearing and stood toe-to-toe with those perverted politicians on the Hill and on the City Council, upholding the Word of God!
God Bless You Bishop Jackson and the many other Ambassadors for Christ for taking a stand for Holiness and being one of the leaders who are not ashamed to proclaim “What thus said the Lord…”!! Hallelujah!!
January 25, 2010 at 4:02 AM |
It’s amazing how these homo’s try to get us to accept their filthy and abominable lifestyles. Then, they have the nerve to say they want to commit suicide because they’re “not” accepted. That’s not why they want to kill themselves. They want to do it because they are tormented by that “spirit” that’s inside them. They will always use that pansy excuse that we Christians are hating on them. What is more sickening is the fact that they can sit up in a church for one full year, and never hear the pastor preach against their wicked behavior. Unbelievable!
January 25, 2010 at 3:48 AM |
“What hurt me more than what he said is how the congregation yelled and agreed with him,” Mack said. “It showed me that people that don’t even know me hate me just because of my sexuality.”
Why is it considered hate when a real man or woman of God preaches what the Bible says about homosexuality? Better yet, why doesn’t the LBGT people start their own “church?” smh
January 25, 2010 at 10:16 AM |
so just because the congregation at the church agreed with what the pastor said (which was truth based on God’s Word), it means that those people HATE you because of your sexuality?
those two men were PLANTS who were SENT by some glbt organization. pawns used by a white-driven gay agenda, which doesnt even represent black gays and don’t serve their cause. these two “victims” are all-too proud to snap that picture when they just look DUMB.
result: FAIL!!!
preach the Word, owens… whether a preacher “struggles” or not or has femme ways, PREACH TRUTH!
January 25, 2010 at 3:45 AM |
Please……….(I really mean it) can someone help me understand why Bishop Owens issued an apology for his homo comment? I understand that those homo guys are not in their right mind, I just need clarity on Bishop Owens apology after the LGBT put pressure on Mayor Williams
January 25, 2010 at 3:48 AM |
doesn’t that picture of the homo dudes look like yuck?
January 25, 2010 at 1:58 PM |
He probably apologized for calling them faggots and sisies …..not preaching against homosexuality. There is s difference I believe. I feel that you can preach against it in love and not hate.Telling them that they are wrong and that there is consequences for their actions and that they can yet be saved and taking a stand against homosexuality is one thing but name calling and finger pointing is why they can’t accept or hear anything we’re saying. If they see hate in you then it will drive them away from Christ instead of drawing them.
January 25, 2010 at 8:08 PM |
Thank you I understand.
January 27, 2010 at 1:34 PM |
He was “sorry” they were offended but he didn’t apologize for the sermon. He said he wouldn’t let the city or anyone else tell him what to preach.
January 25, 2010 at 2:59 AM |
I agree with you Watcher,why is it labled “hate” when someone don’t agree with perversion in the highest degree,and since their called homosexuals and sodomites in the Bible,then that’s what they are period! I’m glad they became uncomfortable,but instead of repenting they left the sermon that might’ve changed them for the glory of God,the one that “said” he was about to kill his self don’t realize that since he ran out on the sermon that possibly could’ve saved his life,satan tried to get’em into hell quick,saints of God keep M.C.H.C.and the pastor in prayer, because we know the defenders of the sodomites will try to rise up against them,but greater is HE that is in us (saints) than he that is in the world.one more thing,the word “homo”really means (same)so to call somebody homofoebic is actually a stupid phrase.
January 25, 2010 at 1:57 AM |
Man that’s just nasssssssssty, two grown men together thinking it is right. Praise God for that pastor and I hope he run all of them out of there. Come as you are, so true, however, a transformation of change must take place. Judgment is coming to AMERICA SOON. People of God we must pray for one another to stay strong in these dark hours, God is EXTREMELY UPSET………………………………
January 25, 2010 at 1:37 AM |
He should’ve just called them “Sodomites”…lol
January 25, 2010 at 1:12 AM |
(“But the two noted they were attracted to the church’s charismatic, highly animated services, which include performances by several different choirs.”)
No surprise here from the above quote…..
(“I was depressed and actually thought about suicide,” Mack said. “I kept thinking, ‘What’s the point of going on if God hates me and I’m going to hell anyway?’ and ‘Why does God hate me?’)
A demon of affectation, sexual perversion and suicide ect.
(“My hope is if this is put in the paper or in the media and it deters one person from attending Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church so they never have to feel how I felt [that] Sunday, then I’ll feel as though I’ve accomplished something,” Mack said.)
What did you feel, conviction to repent?
The enemy might have had them on assignment for this.
January 25, 2010 at 12:30 AM |
i don’t understand how “hate” is interpreted out of basic biology. Two men/two woman cannot produce children… the brothers in question walked out of church like he lied…. like he pointed his finger at them. Certainly (I will admit) there is an implied point that there’s no point to homosexuality — and it’s true… but they were at that church for a YEAR — a church that has an ex-gay ministry, no less. if they’re so pro-gay WHY were they still there in the first place…. the music? According to their website and reputation, Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church is a mainline HOLINESS church (anti-gay…. and they’re not going to change their mind ).
Nevertheless, I have a problem with this victim mentality that gays take on nowdays. If others don’t acquiesce to their plight, they feel like other peoples are pickin on them and they get all bashed and VICTIMY. From what I’ve read in the Bible about what Jesus accomplished in His 3 short years, he didnt really come to bring peace… he shook things up, turned the world on its head and was AUDI. Matthew 10:34 says this same exact thing… since we like to say Jesus came to tolerate everybody and every THING. Not so.
Lastly, the dude who said he wanted to commit suicide…… SIR, REALLY??? that means you had a mental problem whether this “happened” or not.
January 25, 2010 at 12:29 AM |
It took much too long for the Pastor to deliver the message that he should have been delivering from the start. Those in the congregation also should have made a stand long before Jan 3 themselves and, as for the two men who chose to leave that Sunday, they need to look at the bigger picture, God does not hate them, he hates their sin, He does not want any of us to go to nor does he send, place or take any pleasure in any of us going to hell. Our choices however either bring us into relationship with the Lord or seperate us from the Lord. Homosexuality is nothing new, it is a much bigger issue now because we the people of God have failed to occupy until his return. We have sold out for large audiences, big expensive homes, fame, fortune and our own little kingdoms, now the world is falling apart, in need of a savior and we can’t reach them because we sent the message that it was ok to sin. Whatever happened to the portions in the word that called us to be holy, to live righteous, and to love? The truth often hurts, yet it still needs to be delievered! I feel for anyone who claims to be a believer in the only true and living God and has yoked themselves together in the things of darkness. The Church needs to wake up, repent, and move forward and we need to do it soon! One more thing, those congregations that are LGBT friendly are not churches at all, they are lions dens full of demons. I thank God that we are living in these days when you either stand for and with him or you fall for the old okie doke- Wake up Church, wake up!
January 24, 2010 at 11:17 PM |
Sodom and Gomorrah,..this might possibly the most important story for the world of our times,..except of course our Lord Jesus Christ death and resurrection.