This
week's
topic:		 What is your opinion of the United Baptist Convention USA, Inc. following its vote to continue the presidency of the controversial Rev. Henry Lyons?



Name: Kathleen
Email: purdyk@eagle.stark.kl2.oh.us
Response: It is very tempting to use the scripture and the pentecostal practice of leaving Jesus to right all of the wrongs. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and tells us in the word of God that we are to forgive our brothers that sin against us. The word also tells us to shun evil. The practices that Rev. Lyons use in order to lead his life is contrary to the word of God. We must continue to pray for his family and his church and the followers that he represents by way of removing him from his position. He doesn't need to remain in a leadership position for God's sake. God don't need nobody!! as many preachers today delivers that message. Let's continue to pray, as instructed by our walk with God, but let's be BOLD on what having the Holy Ghost really means! Let's stand on the Word and use our "power" to say, " No, you can't stay a leader, but only God can leave you out of Heaven!" Let's not become so bothered by the ills of the world that we must let sin, such as this, prevail. God is in control. Let God do his work with Rev. Lyons as Rev. Lyons begins to adjust to starting over as a new man, with a new heart and a deeper fear of the Lord especially in these last and evil days. To God be the Glory!


Name: Ken
Email: i2fine4u@aol.com
Response: Suppose Judas Iscariot had elected not to impale himself, and suppose he had approached the eleven other Apostles and said, "Fellas, I made a mistake. Can you forgive me? Oh, and, since you will, being Christians and all, you won't mind giving me my old job back as treasurer will you? Giving Judas the benefit of the doubt and accepting his tepid confession as an expression of genuine repentance, how or why, in the name of heaven and good sense, would the Apostles' forgiveness of Judas require reinstating him as fiduciary manager? Yet, given the working definition of "forgiveness" among Christians recently -- never mind the Bible's actual teachings on the subject -- one would think this is precisely what the Christian ethic of forgiveness would have necessitated. This scandal involving Rev. Henry Lyons is an example of just such confused thinking and self-serving theology. According to the Rev. E. V. Hill, who headed the ethics commission that studied the matter, Lyons' role as president and leader of their church should not be called into question because Lyons "asked forgiveness." Hill added, "That's why we're called Christians. We're great forgivers." This sentiment is sloppy, to say the least. But beyond the moral insult are two critical issues such an explanation raises: I cannot understand, as a rational Christian man, why Hill and those defending this reckless decision believe forgiveness entails the restoration of trust. Forgiveness is the removal of debt. One no longer holds another morally in debt, or even materially depending upon the sin, for a transgression. For example, to tell an employee who filched a thousand dollars from the cash register that in light of his repentance (which in Christian theology precedes remission) he may go free, that the debt will be overlooked and the store will not seek to prosecute, is forgiveness in full. However, to go beyond that and retain the thief as an employee -- as a cashier perhaps! -- is NOT demanded by the ethic of forgiveness. The onus in that case is upon the person seeking trust. He must prove himself worthy. (And to make someone a steward of that with which he has demonstrated he cannot be trusted is not forgiveness....stupidity maybe, but not forgiveness). The other question curiously raised by the Lyons case is: if he did nothing wrong -- and certainly to have voted to cease investigating the "whole matter" this must have been the board's finding -- why did he need forgiveness? If the reports that he misused church money to buy expensive cars, jewelry, and real estate for three women other than his wife are false,then what, pray tell, did Lyons mean when he admitted making "mistakes"? It seems this is not a case of forgiveness but of camouflage. The members of the convention deserve better.


Name: George
Email: gkwebb@aol.com
Response: The Church couldn't do it, so Caesar will do it for them. Henry Lyons will be sittin' in Leavenworth Prison within the next 18 months, all because the ministers, like the L.A.P.D., willfully chose to look the other way when one of their own broke the law. God wants us to stand tall and mount up on wings like an eagle, not bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich.


Name: George Dewey
Email: deweyg@grsoc.gordon.army.mil
Response: I feel that Reverend Lyons should not have been re-elected as The National Baptist Convention President. He has disgraced the office that he now holds by spending money that belongs to others. I am a God fearing man but man himself has to fear GOD especially a man of the cloth. My mother was a life long Baptist and because of scandals like this one she now attends the Methodist church. I belieive in the church but I find that most people like Reverend Lyons are in charge. Hopefully he will see where he went wrong and testify his sins before God calls him home.


Name: Solomon Landers
Email: Numberup@worldnet.att.net
Response: The letter from "Concerned," with the URL for Florida's St. Petersburg Times (www.sptimes.com/News2/Lyons/default.html) presents a wealth of the local information on this issue. It is said that Blacks are the most forgiving people on the face of the earth. Unfortunately, this has allowed us to be taken advantage of by self-promoting charlatans. Not that it is particularly relevant, but I have no reason to Baptist-bash. I was baptized at 12 years old in Washington DC's First Baptist Church of Deanwood, Reverend Andrew Allen was Pastor. The Baptist religion is part of my family's heritage. Therefore, my interest is the preservation of the integrity of that tradition. Actions such as that of Rev. Lyons sully the good name of the faith. Every week, new allegations of wrongdoing. Perhaps not all of it is true. But the aggregate of evidence does not look good. When will we stop protecting those who misuse our trust, and hold them accountable for their misdeeds? Forgive, yes! Follow -- NO!


Name: Concerned
Email: kevind@richmond.infi.net
Response: For the good of the National Baptist Convention, Dr. Henry Lyons should have stepped aside in Denver. Since it appears that he will not, his appointed board should temporarily suspend him until the investigation is complete. This will allow the board to remain in power without damaging the credibility of the Convention. By not doing this, the Board gives the impression of some improprieties and lack of integrity by the Board members themselves. They can forgive Dr. Lyons as a Christain, but they have a fiduciary responsibility to the members of the Convention to hold Dr. Lyons accountable for his actions. Now, the board has put themselves in a "no-win" position because they will continually fight each allegation against Dr. Lyons as the investigation unravels. In essense, they have no way out and it certainly appears that Dr. Lyons has mismanaged funds. Other Conventions now have an excellent opportunity to capitalize on this mistake by Lyons supporters. Ultimately, this may be the end to their claim as the largest. Everything you need to know at: www.sptimes.com/news2/lyons/default.html


Name: Reginald M. Green, Jr.
Email: kemetman@iegnet.com
Response: The office of clergy entails a sacred trust If the allegations against Dr. Lyons hold weight, he should resign his post. The integrity of the United Baptist Convention is at stake, not to mention its non-profit status.


Name: nat johnson
Email: aa2659@wayne.edu
Response: On one hand, i see the coverage as part of a continuous agenda which focuses upon leadership in our community. However, this position, should by no means, absolve the minister from personal liability and integrity. Secondly, this is the same organization which failed to endorse the million man march because of its association with farrakhan!


Name: Erica
Email: thomas2@potomac.net
Response: As a lifelong and committed Baptist, I am compelled to speak out on this. Forgiveness is among the most important precepts in Christianity. We also recognize that absolutely none among us are perfect, in either thought or deed. Having said this, I have one question: when are we in the African-American community going to STOP this hero-worship of anyone w/ "Rev." in front of his name? Being a Christian doesn't mean ignoring problems. Talking a/b what whites have gotten away w/ is a weak defense, and in Lyons' case, he does as much harm to the African-American community as some whites. He says the "white media" is persecuting him so much. Every time a person like Lyons gets in trouble, he blames racism. He's not Abner Louima or Geronimo Pratt or millions of African-Americans who can't get a cab or an apartment. News media reporting on his financial misdeeds does not constitute racism. Did the "white media" sign a deed over a house w/ a woman not his wife? Also, what of his "business" dealings w/ rich white men, especially his support of a virtual "funeral company" who's white owned and putting long-standing African-American funeral homes out of business? This is just another example of the lengths we'll go thru to defend a minister who doesn't deserve defending. Yes, God is watching us all, but using that as an excuse as to why we won't demand accountability of our "leaders" is folly. If this was anyone else, you would demand accountability -- the same should be applied toward ministers. I am appalled by not only his actions, but those who would willingly turn a blind eye to his behavior. Lyons, and the organization have no credibility. And people like this have the gall to wonder why "young people" aren't more involved in the church! People know hypocrisy when they see it.


Name: Ravenex
Email: Ravenex@webtv.net
Response: I have often heard the devil goes to church just as well as we do. The horrible thing about it is, when the devil turns out to be the minister--we're in trouble. E-on line, they have a vey interesting background on the reverend; he's been a terribly naughty boy tasting some of the devilish juicy-fruits of evilness. Instead of being the shepherd who feeds and leads, he became a disciple of Beel-zebub. Beel-zebub has been called the prince of demons; Jesus identifies him with Satan. I don't know the Reverend Henry Lyons, but, I advise him to show contrition to GOD and ask forgiveness. He cannot continue to use God's Word for his personal gain! (bad move Rev.) Repent while you can!!!!!


Name: Kelly
Email: katkins@denver.daxxes.com
Response: I think that people need to realize the we are all human, we all make mistakes. I don't condone the misdeeds of any man, let alone a man of God, but ours is not to judge. Judge not, lest ye be judged. The fact that Rev. Lyons has been upheld by his congregation is the last word. The foundational principle of Christian living is to forgive and to love your fellow man! This is a perfect opportunity for a lot of us to put our animosity in perspective. It's sad to see so many AA's act so quickly to oust a fellow brother, but it's good to see those who stood by him.


Name: Nnamdi Nzingha
Email:
Response: If their investigation revealed that he had not done the things the media has reported, I say they did the right thing. Now, if they ignored the facts, or explained them away, they are only making a mockery of their organization!!!


Name: Tarris
Email: tharris@plcmc.lib.nc.us
Response: I find it ironic that we expect Christians not to forgive the sinner. The fundamentals of Christianity is based on forgiveness. Whether Lyons is morally wrong or right. Whether he is spiritually corrupt or not. Does not this judgement rest with the Lord? However, as an ever watchful, somewhat judgemental person in the 90's I am amazed at the decision.


Name: Learning
Email: hasbookf@.com
Response: If Mr. Lyons feels that he should not step down, then he should not. If Mr. Lyons feels that he can continue his role as a Reverend, then let him. Mr. Lyons is the only one that will have to pay for his mistakes just like everyone else. Life is to short to be judging Mr. Lyons or people like him. Let us all put our energy elsewhere like education, controling diseases, homeless people, BLACK on BLACK crime and other major things that is effecting African Americans. signed Learning


Name: Searching for the light.
Email: jwillis@bbnplanet.com
Response: It is funny how the saying; "What you do in the dark, comes to the light". You know, it is a shame that a government that has said, throughout HI(S)tory, how dumb founded and illerate we as a people are and instead of us leading our own demise, that they constantly place things in our communtity, to destroy us. Nothing the government does, to destroy our existence, should come to a surprise to anyone. I strongly believe that what the powers that be have done to others, will not go un-noticed or forgotten by thee Almighty GOD. So, for those who try to destroy us, I have a messege. "NO MATTER, WHAT YOU DO TO END OUR DEMISE, YOU WILL NEVER SUCCEED. AS YOU SEE THROUGHOUT HISTORY, THE NUMBERS YOU KILL ARE INVALID, BECAUSE OF THE ONES YOU'VE MISSED; BECOME GREAT".


Name: k.leonard
Email: k8wra1@juno.com
Response: If they were dumb enough to re-elect him, they deserve him.


Name: Pamela English
Email: penglish
Response: I am not sure if in this case to "to err is human and to forgive is divine". If you are put in charge of an organization then you should have the organization's best interest at heart and not your own, as far as the money and the alleged affair with Ms Edwards, not to mention the press that Mrs. Lyons recieved for her deeds, how are we to know what the real truth is. I can see that Mrs. Lyons believes in the old saying "Stand by your man". I know that God saw and knows exactly what went on and it is totally up to him to judge. But being the fruit pickers that we are (you will know them by the fruit that they bare) it seems to me that the fruit is rottening on the vine.


Name: Frances Murphy
Email: FrankieLou@aol.com
Response: The people who voted to retain Rev.Lyons are on the inside looking out -- they obviously know more about the situation than we do and have more to lose. Those who do not belong to this church group should take a wait-and-see attitude. There is a lot of money involved here and I have faith that these Baptists will eventially do the right thing.


Name: Nicole Watford
Email:
Response: You know, it's already bad enough that we're stereotyped by white-America. Why feed into the madness? We're looked at, by many, as inferior and incapable of having a position of authority-- and to prove that to be true--how dare you! Reverend Lyons is just another poor example of what one may become once given a title of advancement. (That's when we have to maintain our character even more.) I tell you what, if having a title behind my name could taint my character--I'd rather not have one. We Christians, as a whole, need to be mindful of whom, and who, we say we are. Therefore, we shall stand and not be moved.


Name: Jimmy Lateef Vaughan
Email: jvaughan@ctia.org
Response: This group has done a great disservice to it's members by reelecting Reverend Lyons. In general, leaders need be held to a higher moral standard than those they serve. If I remember correctly, this is the one of the groups that was calling for a boycott of the Million Man March. They should have been using that same energy to get/keep their own house in order. I wish them well.


Name: Solomon Landers
Email: Numberup@worldnet.att.net
Response: I do not think the United Baptist Convention shouldered its responsibilities very well, nor did the Rev. Henry Lyons. To be sure, forgiveness is a Christian quality, but so is holding those in positions of leadership to higher standards. We are all human and prone to err, but more is expected of Christian leaders. The Guide -- the New Testament -- says to avoid even the "appearance of evil." As for the leader or "bishop" [the literal meaning is "overseer"] one must be "blamelesss, the husband of one wife...of good behaviour...not covetous." It is one thing to grant forgiveness; it is another to let a person of tarnished reputation continue to lead the flock. As in the case of politicians, we should demand also that those who lead our souls be selfless and honest in all their dealings. It should not have had to come to a vote. The Rev. Lyons should have been big enough to step down on his own.


Name: Aaron Pretlow
Email: akpret@aol.com
Response: After observing this situation objectively, it seems that the only righteous thing for Rev. Henry Lyons to do would be to respectfully resign from his post. His first priority at this time should be to allow the Church to repair its image and regain the faith of its people with someone at the helm who better represents it by his/her daily actions.


Name: Ms. B
Email: bk.spann@bellsouth.net
Response: How on earth could they do this? Didn't they think of all the poor people who work hard every week and sacrifice to give their Tithes every Sunday at Church? Is the news media including Cybil on the Tom Joyner Morning Show be lying? Please help me understand what's going on, because I am confused. Can this be another "hidden racism" ?


Name: SOUL HEARTED
Email: jwillis@bbnplanet.com
Response: I believe that all Men and Women are destined to face the Almighty Judge that answers to no one and for this "known" fact, I feel that if Minister Farrakhan is wrong for what he stands for, than he shall pay. The government only enforce their will on "Political Powers" that go against their evil laws. How can a country that has "lied to, killed, molested, hung, beat, spit, rapped, tortured, tricked, and stole" from others condemn anyone. I don't believe in the US fair and equal policies, because, as we all know, if you are someone who is deemed to be important, then you can get away with murder in the USA. Is this fair? Ask the Kennedy's.