The Church Of God In Christ name spat has gone too far
When you have something against another Christian, why do you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter, instead of taking it to other Christians to decide who is right? (1 Corinthians 6:1 – New Living Translation)
Wendy C. Thomas, columnist for the Commericial Appeal in Memphis, TN, sounds the alarm concerning the recent name spat between The Church of God in Christ and New Day, the newest offshoot from the COGIC.
Is the body of Christ big enough for two denominations with like names?What’s in a name, anyway? The COGIC name has been used before, by a Mennonite sect. It’s not like there aren’t nearly a dozen First Baptist churches in Memphis alone.
Shouldn’t both churches be so consumed with winning lost souls and showing God’s love that they don’t have time to sue?
Why won’t New Day give up the COGIC moniker and in the interest of keeping the peace (another Biblical command) find a different name altogether?
The leaders of New Day must be familiar with Matthew 5:40, which says, “If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.”
Says New Day’s Grayson: “We didn’t take anyone to court, we were taken to court. We’re only defending ourselves.”
But just because New Day can defend itself doesn’t mean it should. As it says in 1 Corinthians 6:12, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.”
Speaking of not expedient, attorneys for both sides say the name game will slog through the legal system for months.
Update: More information on the group, Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, to which “Pastor P” refers in his comment below, can be found here:
An Introduction to the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite
Mennonite Historical Society of Canada
[ Full Story @ GoMemphis.com ]
Source: GoMemphis.com© 2004 The Commercial Appeal
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Filed under: Ministries, Law, Church of God in Christ
A name is very important, it immediately identifies you and what you stand for. If Grayson didn’t steal the name, there would be no reason to go to court. As the scripture says “Let all things be done decently and in order”. Bishop Patterson is not going to court to stop New Day from splitting from COGIC but just protecting the name. If this is a new move, as Grayson has said, then get a new name. Seems like Grayson wants to split from the COCIC body but still be associated with it. By the way, there are too many First Baptist churches.
You ask a very good question…Why do christians have to go to court against other christians? The answer is sad, yet simple. Because, believe it or not there are christian who will not listen to reason and who are unfair and unjust! Shocking, yet true. Even some christians in very powerful positions are simply not educated or wise enough to follow the law of the land. They use such terms as “God’s way is the right way” to defer any person who disagrees with them. Certainly, there is room to debate issues and not everthihg can be solved without some kind of arbitration. We have many examples in the bible in which a church official(Saul) beleived that he was doing God’s will in prosecuting this upstart sect of Jesus freaks. Can you imagine what Saul would have said to anyone who challenged him? Many modern day church officials play down the fact that Saul was a God-fearing and religious man, lest they too be thought to be falible. The fact of the matter is, we can ALL be wrong no matter how right we feel in our spirit. The solution? Be open to discussion. Is it possible that someone else could actually know more about something than you? Or, can someone else have a viewpooint about a subject that you never would have seen? As incredible as it seems, no matter your position, you too can be wrong. Many of us beleive that we must be right all the time or the people will think I am weak. The way to avoid such pride is to remain humble, prayerful and to listen to what others have to say about a subject.
As long as you are open and willing to discuss things, the possibility exists that two or three people may come to an amicable decision and avoid the need for a secular court. If you are adamant and unwilling to talk things out because the “bible says so” then you are destined for court.
Who is big enough or great anough to lay a personal or group hold on a name named in God’s word that will never pass away?
Once we as christians remember that we have a religion of salvation and not profir, then we will be able to reason together. The bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil, well think about it, COGIC is a multi-million dollar organization, if they were to share the name with another entity, they would most likely split their profit margin. I have not yet heard that COGIC obtained a copyright to the name at its inception. But, truly, who can think that they own portions of scripture?
Sapphire
1john2:19: They went out from us but were not of us,for had they been of us they would have stayed with us. Everyone that proclaims God is not always of God. Scripture says “do the things that make for peace”. Newday’s leader is practicing what Jesus said and showing love. He is a wolf in sheep’s and letting satan cause him to sow seeds of discord. I judge according to fruits as Jesus instructed. Go Bishop Patterson you are right in your quest for justice.
God bless G.E. Patterson. Here is a godly man trying to do things “decently and in order”. We all need to pray for him and all of our Pastors. To comment to one of the above posters; Do we have a “religion of salvation” or a personal faith in Jesus Christ?
I believe that Bishop Grayson should have found another name. However, everyone is already looking for reasons to call the COGIC an occult, and the members are giving them reasons to do so. Even though the name was thought of by Bishop Mason, there are several groups with the name Church of God in Christ. There are hundreds of churches who have left COGIC, but kept the name. They no longer fellowship with the denomination, but chose to keep the name. The actions of the COGIC are disappointing. The things that I see from members of this group are disappointing. Being that COGIC is one of the most “esteemed” denominations, I believe it will be the first to be judged by God. “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Just another way for the devil to enter in and destroy the church. I believe the Catholic Church would do the same.
I’m praying for Bishop Patterson that God will be with him in this quest.
I would like to respond the the comment made by B.
Courtney on 2-24-2004. I quote, “If Grayson didn’t steal the name…” Factually COGIC plagarized the name from Church of God in Christ
Mennonite. The Mennonites used this name in the 1850’s. I understand that when many of the followers of Patterson (Should be Christ) find out that their name didn’t orignate with them, it causes cognitve dissonance! Didn’t the same thing happen to the Indians when Columbus said he discomvered America? Secondly, shouldn’t the COGIC lose it’s non-profit status? They filed an allegation of “unfair competition”. Wasn’t that law put on the books to help for-profit entities? I didn’t know that we were competiting to Preach Jesus! I leave you with this legal observation. If they Church of God in Christ is allowed to monopolize a generic(legal term) name; I cannot wait to see the law suits that will come from other denominations claiming they had the Baptist, Methodist, etc. name first.
I totally agree with Pastor P, if everyone was to really know the truth, then they would know that the name does not belong to Bishop Patterson. Thank you Pastor P for your knowledge and lets hope others will check the background of this situation before giving comments on something they truly no nothing about.
When one names a person or a thing after someone or something, it’s usually for a good reason. A father or mother names his/her son or daughter after themselves, a aunt,uncle, friend, mother, father, etc… to display love and pride for that loved one. That being the reason for Bishop Grayson wanting to continue his legacy with COGIC, as probably with COGIC United, COGIC International, COGIC of Prophecy…, need I go on???
Saints of God we must be careful of all that we do and we must be prayerful at all times. This is a serious issue between leaders (men of God)that needs to be resolved. The only sure answer is unwavery in our fasting and praying. Asking God to touch hearts and minds of those in conflict and for the mediator(court) to have a ear to hear. It simple when we do it God’s way!!!!
All of this is just another sign for the discerning and not the naive and the undiscerning! This is not the “church” that Christ died for! A bishop, pastor and a deacon’s job is to serve the people——literally! not get rich and live lavish lifestyles while all of these single mothers forsake their own children and homes just so some clown in a robe who is nothing more than a hireling can blow the loot in a civil matter looking out for his own interest and not the interests of his own flock! are we become fools? 1 Cor ch 6 bears witness to this blatant hypocrisy/heresy that is coming from an instutition that is “supposed” to be of God.
THE COGIC IS ALREADY DOING BAD BY DISSING OTHER DENOMINATIONS FOR NOT BEING BAPTISED IN THE NAME OF JESUS. THIS COGIC LAWSUIT IS MINOR.
In regards to what Im hearing and reading concerning the New Day Churchs court battle initiated by Bishop G. E. Patterson who signed the restraining order:
Bishop Grayson did not want a fight. Bishop Grayson did not ask for all of this publicity, nor did he ask to go to court to defend himself for a name that is not copywritten, trademarked, or even used first by the COGIC church founded by Bishop C. H. Mason. All Bishop Grayson wanted was a jurisdiction in Tennessee. As so well stated by Pastor P, he met all the criteria as requested by the General Assembly. Three members of the General Board came to inspect the fellowship of 34 churches (4 more than required), they came, they saw, they spoke, and they went back To the dismay of Bishop Grayson, Bishop Patterson, a man who Bishop Grayson considered his leader and his friend, because of how frequently they conversed and fellowshipped as couples in the local restaurants in the Memphis area, nor the 3 committee members sent, had the nerve to tell him he was turned down for jurisdictional status. He was informally told that unbelievably he was turned down. Bishop Grayson is not a novice, he was consecrated Bishop 17 years ago, a year before Bishop Patterson became a Bishop and a year before he returned to COGIC after leaving and remaining out of COGIC for 13 years. Bishop Grayson didnt cause a scene as COGIC members know we can do; but, he did not stand still, he pulled out to form an organization that stands for what is right. Bishop Grayson was shocked to hear after his elevation to the office of Presiding Bishop of his new denomination, that Bishop Reed (then 91 yrs old & a Bishop in COGIC for 57 years), a member of Bishop Pattersons local congregation returned to church after taking part in that service, by the laying on of hands, was hurt to hear Bishop Patterson during his early morning Sunday service in front of hundreds of people publically landblast Bishop Graysons ceremony. Apparently word had gotten back to Bishop Patterson that Bishop Reed had stated he was 200% for his son, Bishop Grayson; Bishop Patterson according to many who sat in the congregation, said, Anyone who is 200% for my enemy, is not allowed to sit on the platform with me. How does your friend become your enemy because he makes a decision not to fight your decision, but to move forward in ministry? Why didnt Bishop Grayson receive jurisdictional status? Could it have been because one of the Bishops in the Memphis area stated to Bishop Grayson that another jurisdiction was not needed? This Bishop seemed to have been speaking for more than himself. Or could it be politics? It seems like this being election year, it was politically expedient for Bishop Patterson to use the power and influence of his office against the formulation of a new jurisdiction in Tennessee in order to win the election. Meaning that if he made another jurisdiction it would mean he might lose the support of the other jurisdictional Bishops in Tennessee, and if he lost Tennessee, he might lose the election. Ive been a part of COGIC for 24 years. Think about it when the opinions of men take a dominant place, my brothers and my sisters, we need a NEW DAY.
My Brothers and Sisters lend me your ears. Thank God we live in America. We are allowed the freedom of Speech and religion. If that were so, would somebody tell me how could an organization that plagiarized another organizations name, claim to be the originator. COGIC MENNONITES will always be the first organization to have the name. I read in one of the remarks that Church of God in Christ, Inc. was the first Pentecostal with the name. Now who is playing semantics? You say Bishop Grayson cannot use suffix like (New Day), but you can use the adjective, Pentecostal to substantiate your claim of origin. How hypocritical. I leave you with this thought. What If you lived in North Africa and a ruthless dictator exiled you to South Africa. Would you still be an African even though you were not living on the land that you were born and raised on? The place of your heritage and. culture. When Jews were exiled from Israel they became Russian Jews, Ethiopian Jews, and American Jews. They never stop being a Jew. People of God this is not knew. No matter how you try to justit~ Mr. Patterson, He is wrong. Bishop J.O. Patterson would not have handled it like this. I can prove it to you. Read the RESOLUTION RIGHTS TO USING NAME CHURCH OF GOD TN CHRIST (1971). WHEREAS, the unity, peace and ham~ony of the Church is threatened by a dissident group calling themselves the Church of God in Christ, International. Bishop J.O. Patterson had their names taken off the Churches roll and told the people not to associate with them. He did not disobey the word of God and take church people to court. Secondly, the Presiding Bishop G.E. Patterson started an organization called Church of God in Christ Pastors (1970) The charter states: The purpose for which the corporation is organized are: to provide an opportunity of Christian fellowship between Pastors and congregations adhering to the original doctrines of the Church of God in Christ. Any time you have fellowship or meetings of congregations, you have an organization. He tried to organize this organization within the church with Church of God in Christ members, but it did not work and he fled the church and was exile for 18 years. How can he judge Bishop Grayson?
Shame on you for letting yourself be called a Mennonite or Catholic or Baptist or Non-denominationalist or anyhting else but a Christlike-one. Shame on us all for this kind of behavior! It’s gone on too long! Let us aspire to be like Him and become the Sons of God!
Is there any higher calling??
Paul Van
Dear Church or God In Christ and others brother and sisters of the faith. I read all the comments on this subject,we need to pray. Just reading all the comments made me see why the world mark and cry foul in the church. I feel there are to many emotions involved in this issue. We should never take a angry tone in any debate. Love, that’s what Jesus told us to do love each other,if our leaders differ than let God be the judge of them and let us be the christians God desires. I have an opinion and some emotions arise in me also but opinions and emotions never equal salvation. Brothers and Sisters our ways are not God’s ways and our thoughts are not God’s thoughts, so let us not be consume with judging and enter into the meaning of christ and the life he (lives).
p.s. Luke:22:32 we must first be converted before we can save or help anyone. that’s our mission, not this situation.
yes just pray for our leader bishop GE Patterson, now for pastor p. and womenfortruth and donna hodge and brotha thronton,why are you worry about the cogic name anyway or who had the name first. God gave it to Bishop Mason you all can talk and fight all day. and we never dis any other denominations. i been in this church my hole life pastor p. and you act like you hate Bishop Patterson. we all have sin that means you to pastor p.
Dear Min. ?Eddie Mccline:
Shaloam! Just because a person doesnt see things the way you do,doesnt make them a hater! You and I disagree, but that doesnt mean I hate anybody. I hate oppression in any form or fashion. Even though you and I disagree biblically, we must respect each others constitutional rights to speak and believe what one wishes. In your spare time read about the history of the Protestant Church. During the time of Catholicism the Roman Catholic Church had a monopoly of the order of worship and the Bible. The transliteration and translation of the bible was in Latin. Only the episcopal and priest could read and understand the language. The Pope’s word was final.
People like Martin Luther and John Calvin Protested. This is where the name Protestant came from. When men like these stood up and stood out, it brought about a change for all. The bible was translated in the language of the parishoners(KJV). The people could now read the Bible for themselves. Out of this protest came the separation of Church and State. This change had to happen because the church leaders conspired with the political leaders to rub out any that opposed them.
Minister, this matter should have never been taken to a courtroom. God has already made it clear in the scripture and confirmed it in history. God is not going to change or alter his word for you are me. I leave you with this proverb: It is one thing to know the personality of God;
But seek to learn the PRINCIPLES of God. A principle has not respect of person. It is the same every time. Gravity doesnt care if you are black, white, saved or unsaved. If you jump off of a bridge, gravity will bring you down! God’s impeccable word doesnt change, it is immutable!
Min Mccline:
How was your Holiday my brother?
If anyone still writes on here…Let me Know
My Church is now enduring the same battle in a Court of Law. I would love to have some saints opinions and expressions on this matter
I will enlighten you once someone responds as this needs to be known to all.
does anyone still subscribe..If so I have the same issue where I would love some commentary on.
Just found this site. Who does it belong to/