In a bold and impassioned address, gospel singer Cece Winans has called out leaders within the Black Church community for behaviors that she claims are leading congregations away from the true teachings of God. Her statements come in the wake of several high-profile scandals that have shaken the foundation of the Black Church.
“If it doesn’t look like God, it’s not God. If it doesn’t sound like Him, it’s not Him, because He never changes,” Winans declared. “There’s a lot of changing going on, and I kind of got an attitude about it.”
Winans’ comments reflect a growing frustration within the Black Church community regarding the moral failings of some of its leaders. Notably, she alluded to past controversies involving prominent figures like Bishop Eddie Long, who faced allegations of sexual abuse involving young male church members. Long’s denial of the accusations and subsequent out-of-court settlements left many questioning the church’s handling of such serious allegations.
The gospel star emphasized the importance of accountability, both for church leaders and their followers. “I want to make a promise to you guys: with influence comes responsibility,” she said. “Generations live, Generations… I want to commit to you guys and to the Lord that I will remain holy.”
Winans urged her audience to hold her and other leaders accountable if their actions or words do not align with biblical teachings. “If you ever see anything that I’m doing or saying and it doesn’t line up with the Word, I need you to run. Don’t say, ‘Oh, we love her.’ No, hurt my feelings because you standing for Holiness will straighten me up.”
Her remarks come at a time when the Black Church is grappling with the fallout from various scandals. Comedian Katt Williams, in an interview with Shannon Sharpe, hinted at more revelations to come in 2024, involving figures like TD Jakes.
The Black Church has not been immune to leaders whose actions contradict the teachings they preach. The case of Bishop Carlton Pearson, who promoted a controversial doctrine of inclusion, led to significant controversy and his eventual excommunication from The Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops. Pearson’s teachings, which suggested that everyone would go to Heaven regardless of faith, were seen as a dangerous departure from traditional Christian values.
Winans’ call to action is a reminder of the need for integrity and accountability within the church. She pointed out the troubling trend of church services resembling secular nightclubs more than places of worship, citing examples like Mike Todd’s Easter Service and Bishop William Murphy’s New Year’s Eve service.
“Black churches must hold their leaders accountable because in most cases they are the ones who allow the devil to creep in,” she asserted. “Jesus sat with sinners, but he didn’t sin along with them. Jesus’ purpose of meeting with sinners was to preach the Good News to them, to draw them out of sin and not dance in sin with them.”
As the Black Church faces these challenges, Winans’ message serves as a call for a return to true biblical principles and a rejection of behaviors that lead congregations astray. Her emphasis on accountability and holiness underscores the need for church leaders to exemplify the teachings they profess and for congregants to demand integrity from those who lead them.
