Freshly Appointed Pastor Met with Controversy at Historic Abyssinian Baptist Church
Fresh off the selection of a new senior pastor, Harlem’s historic Abyssinian Baptist Church is facing a deep divide. A dozen members of the influential Black congregation tell the I-Team they represent dozens more who believe the new pastor was chosen in a flawed process, set up to unfairly favor one candidate.
New Pastor Faces Criticism
Last Sunday, Rev. Kevin Johnson officially took over both administrative and spiritual leadership of the century-old church on West 138th Street. Over the years, Abyssinian has hosted governors, senators, and presidential candidates, while playing a prominent role in the nation’s civil rights movement. Among those on hand to celebrate the new pastor’s installation: Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–NY).
Criticism Over the Selection Process
But Johnson’s ascendency to the pulpit of one of the nation’s most powerful African American churches has frustrated some members who say his choosing was pre-ordained by a biased selection committee, that handed him a victory with too few votes from rank-and-file church members.
The Process Under Scrutiny
“We had fourty-seven candidates or so. Fourty-six were overlooked because we circumvented the process,” said Jasmine McFarlane-White, an Abyssinian member who said she’s attended the church since she was 2 years old.
Interpretation of Church Bylaws
According to church bylaws, “a majority vote of the members in good standing” is needed to elect a new pastor. Critics of Johnson’s selection interpret that to mean the new pastor must earn support of 51% of all members eligible to vote, not just a majority of those who chose to vote.
Voting Figures Spark Controversy
According to a record of the vote provided by critics of the process, fewer than half of Abyssinian church members voted in the June election. In an up or down vote, Rev. Johnson received 672 yes votes – 55.6% of the people who cast ballots. But that amounted to just 25.3% of the 2,655 church members who were eligible to vote.
Opponents Seek Accountability
Some members, like Dr. Kevin McGruder, are calling for the process to be re-examined and potentially restarted.
Supporters Speak Out
Supporters of Rev. Johnson, including Delsenia Glover, who was married by Johnson, argue that the election process was fair and that the church is moving forward.
Conclusion
The rift between Abyssinian church members highlights the importance of transparency and inclusivity in church leadership selection processes.
FAQs
Q: Was Rev. Johnson’s election tainted?
A: Some members, who claim to represent dozens more, believe the election was flawed and that Johnson’s selection was pre-ordained by a biased committee.
Q: Did Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, the former pastor, hand-pick members of the search committee?
A: Yes, according to Rev. Calvin O. Butts IV, his father hand-picked the members, but they were subsequently approved by the Abyssinian deacons.
Q: Are critics calling for Rev. Johnson’s removal?
A: Some opponents of Rev. Johnson’s selection are calling for his removal, while others simply want the process to be re-examined or restarted.
