The one responsible for providing protection of the various constitutional entities of the church is the greatest threat to their existence and well being. Local churches and pastors are leaving the Church of God in Christ. They are leaving because they see no benefit in laboring to develop a strong congregation whose assets are vulnerable to the intrusion of those who have contributed nothing to its well being, or establishment. We cannot allow a reign of terror to plague the Church of God in Christ. Pastors walk in fear.
Bishops walk in fear.
Leaders fail to function in their constitutional prerogatives because the present Presiding Bishop, and his staff, assume dictatorial control over every branch of the life of the church. By intimidation, ridicule, and emotional brutality they seek to batter down every trace of independent thinking and every attempt by others to obtain or exercise their rights under the Constitution of the Church of God in Christ. The constitution called for an election of a new presiding bishop at the death of Bishop L. H. Ford. A forceful drive was launched, contrary to the constitution, so that Bishop Owens could immediately take office without an election. Bishop O. T. Jones, Jr., others, and myself pressed for an election to fill the office vacated by the death of Bishop L. H. Ford.