Friday, September 10, 2010

Two Pentecostal Denominations Speak Out

Today, the Church of God of Prophecy and the Church of God, both with International Offices in Cleveland, Tennessee, released a large ad to the media taking a position on the controversial Koran burning. Church of God of Prophecy General Overseer Randall Howard, and Church of God General Overseer Raymond Culpepper released the Ad and statements today.

“Most of you are no doubt aware of the congregation in Gainesville, Florida which recently announced their intentions to publicly burn a copy of the Muslim book, the Koran. The activity, scheduled for September 11, has drawn international attention and been the subject of numerous op-ed columns, articles and forums across all spectrums of religious beliefs.”

“Neither the Church of God of Prophecy nor the Church of God ordinarily take a public stand on issues that cross our culture on a daily basis. However, on occasion, some events or actions generate an inordinate amount of questions, which beckon a statement, or at least an opinion, from this movement. This is particularly the case when the issue at hand is not so crystal clear.”

Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center, the independent church which planned the action, has withdrawn their intentions and will now not burn the Koran on September 11. Prior to the announcement, the Church of God of Prophecy and the Church of God had jointly purchased a full-page advertisement in the Cleveland Daily Banner and the Chattanooga Times Free Press which simply stated, “Burning the Koran does not exalt Jesus Christ.” The ad included information regarding the Church of God and the Church of God of Prophecy which partnered on the advertisement.

“Although we had the option to cancel it (the ad), I believe the ad gives the Church of God and the Church of God of Prophecy the opportunity to represent Jesus Christ and sends a message that we are engaged in and concerned about our society," Culpepper said.