Controversy Continues

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Wednesday 7th November 2007

Gospel star Donnie McClurkin lashed by gay rights lobby

CONTROVERSY continues to surround gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin, who on 16th November is visiting the UK to participate in London's Gospel Gathering event, about his inclusion in the Embrace The Change concert tour in aid of black politician and presidential candidate Barack Obama. McClurkin, who gives testimony of having been delivered of homosexual orientation by the Spirit of God, has been singled out for virulent attacks by gay rights groups. Fox News reports that a letter to Obama from the National Black Justice Coalition complains that Obama's concert is being headlined by "gospel music's most openly homophobic artists; the most volatile of which is the Rev Donnie McClurkin. Your willingness to share a stage with Rev Donnie McClurkin is alarming and, frankly, deeply disappointing. Rev McClurkin has consistently disparaged gay men and lesbians, spread half-truths and unproven theories about our lives and has shown a willingness to work with those who would use the rights of gay Americans as a wedge issue to divide black families for their own cynical political objectives."

Also booked to perform on Obama's gospel concert tour is Mary Mary, one of whom said of homosexuality: "I feel how God feels about it ... but I still love them. ... I don't agree with the lifestyle, but I love them. They have issues and need somebody to encourage them like everybody else - just like the murderer, just like the one full of pride, just like the prostitute; everybody needs God."

Despite pressure on Obama from left-wing web logs and gay advocacy groups to remove the controversial performers from the programme, he has not done so; however, he issued a statement distancing himself from the reverend's views. "I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity and rights of all other citizens. And so I strongly disagree with Rev McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as president of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division." CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Reader Comments

Posted by Hopal Coleman in bloomfield,CT @ 22:02 on May 4 2010

Pastor Mcclurkin, Gods Word is Truth, LIfe to all those who Believe, He sent his only Begotten Son to die for all of us, but we must continue to preach the truth. God'S word not Pastor Mcclurkin. Once the blood Cleanses us were Clean thaughts and temptattion may come but he's already made away of escape.



Posted by Barbara Brown in N.W. WDC @ 17:45 on Oct 19 2009

Hello Rev. McClurkin I am so blessed to have read some of your sermons on line. I thank God for your life and how the way you have touched mine. If possible I would like to one day meet you in person. I pray for you everyday just like I pray for my Pastor Rev. Terry D. Streeter. Please respond to my message and continue to pray & have a blessed life, I also admire the way you care about others.



Posted by pauline in kenya @ 09:25 on Jul 20 2009

go on pastor donny. the truth will always be bitter. im glad that you are standing for gods word regardless who it is which means you cannot comprise. go on and may god give you more boldness.



Posted by william in UK @ 20:47 on Apr 20 2009

I salute you Donnie. The Lord is not done with you. Keep yourself focused on our Lord Jesus Christ. I share the same burden of a gay identity. My life is upside down. Even my biological Father thinks i am gay and yet it was his own brother who took revenge by us as children. Deep down, i know that i am not gay and i believe that. God is my refuge and strength. To those out there who share this burden with me, lets just keep praying and God will answer our prayers. God Bless you Donnie for making the first move.



Posted by Yolanda Jackson in Illinois @ 05:04 on Jul 26 2008

I must say, it is very disheartening to hear the comment that was made, by senator Obama, regarding his stance in the protection of gays and lesbians. Being afro-american, would love to see a black man, as the president of the US, but if the rights that are being spoken of, are to protect, and legalize same sex marriages, than I would be lead to refer to Galatians 3:28, when entering the polls this fall.



Posted by Giselle Johnson in Trinidad and Tobago, @ 21:24 on Jul 11 2008

It does not matter what Pastor Donnie McClurkin sexuality is, what matters is YOUR relationship with God.

" For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"

We was not put on this earth to condemn anyone. I say, before you decide to talk about soneone false, take a deep look inside yourself. You too might have something that you are ashamed about that nobody knows about.

Everybody has their trials and tribulations that they have to deal with.

Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, kindness, Meekness.

"God loves you inspite of what you have done."



Posted by Lolita Jenkins in Utica N.Y. @ 02:14 on Feb 18 2008

How interesting I find it that Obama makes the statement of being tolerant to homosexuality and not causing division. People dont reolize that they are alredy divided(seperated) from God when they choose this lfestyle and can only be restored by repentance from the same. until seeing this statement from Obama he had my vote but in light of this I must take a closer look at the content of this mans knowledge of the word of God since he has made referance to having some relationship with the word of God. I applaud Pastor Don for is holy boldness and loyalty to Gods word and not mans unconfirmed ideas of His word.
May God continue to speak through His yeilded vessels. God speed Pastor Donnie God speed
sighned, removing the beam that I may help with the speck


Reply by ROZ in TEXAS @ 05:56 on Oct 9 2008

The revelation I received from the Lord is that "the king's heart is in God's hand and He turns it like the watercourses, whichever way He wills...Proverbs 21:1". We must seek God as to who He wants us to vote for as President. Regardless of where they stand on any given issue,...if my people who are called by my name will humbe themselves and pray, seek my face, & turn from their wicked ways, THEN...2Chronicles 7:14. There is nothing too hard for God! Don't be distracted by the hype or lack thereof.

[report abuse]


Posted by Thotho in JHB @ 06:25 on Nov 26 2007

Lesbian and gay community - I urge you to be tolerant of other people's views. Donnie is a Christian and he lives by the principles of the Bible which he strongly believes in. If the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, then he believes in that. Please do not bash him because he is supporting his views. Listen to him and be open-minded, he says he does not hate gay people but hate the sin homosexuality.


Reply by Lonnice Prayer in USA @ 17:56 on Dec 19 2007

Bless you Pastor Mcclurkin,

Please stay encouraged and keep preaching what thus said the Lord. You are not alone in this. You have the true sold out saints praying for you. And I commend you for doing what God has chosen you to do. Don't faint it gets better. Your help is closer than you think. Please hang in there. Love you.

Sis Lonnice Prayer

[report abuse]


Posted by Felisa in South Carolina @ 03:44 on Nov 25 2007

The situation with Senator Obama and Donnie McClurkin and the gay activist is just tiresome. Ok, Reverend McClurkin has his views about homosexuality like anyone else in this world. He has based his decision on the Word of God. So, if people, gay activist or whoever wants to condemn him for his beliefs go ahead and do it, but be prepare to deal with God… If Reverend McClurkin is not being truthful about his words and actions, then he has to answer to God, not anyone else. He never claimed he was a homophobic, he says that homosexuality is a choice and it is abomination to God, and the Word of God says the same thing. So if anyone has a problem with Reverend McClurkin, take it up with God.
Senator Obama’s camp booked Reverend McClurkin, Mary Mary, and Pastor Hezekiah and these are people of God. I would be more concern about them portraying an image like they were children of God, but not following His word and His ways by accepting societies “norm”. As a child of God we are told to be truthful, even expose the truth. No one is perfect, but we strive to be the best person that we can be according to God’s will and ways and not according to this world.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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