What Is Decent and In Order at Mount Zion?

Mount Zion has been besieged with rhetoric from the pastor, Rev. Leslie Braxton, about what is “decent and in order.” On June 12, 2005, during Youth Sunday Services, the congregation was once again inundated with verbal attacks from the pulpit directed at the local African American press as well as officers and members who have called for a vote to vacate the pulpit. Is this decent and in order? Rev. Braxton began his remarks by stating it is purging time in Mount Zion Baptist Church.”Now, I want to be clear on some things here. You get some folks as per your constitution who want to put their name on it ‘cuz so far, we have been dealing with cowards who have thrown rocks and hid their hands. And I would love for people to finally allow themselves to be shown for who they are. And I would love to have a meeting and you can vote on me whenever you get ready to.”But when those persons bring their names out, that meeting will not only vote on me, it will vote on you. Because not only does the church call and remove pastors at its pleasure, it also elects and removes officers at its pleasure and extends membership and withdraws it at its pleasure.”So when you call said meeting, I hope you are ready to be voted on in your leadership and in your membership.” Is this decent and in order? A shepherd is called to protect his flock, not remove and scatter it. Instead of the customary Youth sermon, the chairperson of the Trustee Ministry introduced the church lawyer, Raymond Connell. Mr. Connell presented arguments regarding one of the incidents associated with Rev. Braxton’s alleged sexual misconduct while he was pastor at First Shiloh Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York. Is this decent and in order? The subject matter and presentation was totally inappropriate for a worship service. Members and guests were subjected to listening to disparaging remarks about an employee who filed and successfully settled a wrongful discharge lawsuit against Rev. Braxton while he was pastor at First Shiloh. Mr. Connell called the employee incompetent, related information about her personal life, revealed an alleged eating disorder and updated members on her current weight. Is this decent and in order? Ethical and professional standards should dictate a more excellent way. The church lawyer then discussed details of the lawsuit filed by Rev. LaVerne Hall. Members and guests were held captive audience to commentary on her job performance. Rev. Braxton called Rev Laverne Hall’s age discrimination lawsuit and settlement “bogus.” Is this decent and in order? We pray that Rev. Hall will remain strong in the Lord while church leaders viciously attack her character and integrity from the pulpit. We ask that God will continue to shield and protect her from all evil. Also in attendance on Sunday, was an ordained minister who wanted to give a testimony. Unfortunately, he was detained by security and denied the opportunity to speak. Is this decent and in order? Worship Services should be a holy and sacred time for members of the congregation. The use of the pulpit as a secular venue to conduct unsavory church business in the presence of our children and youth is unconscionable and reprehensible. Yes, Mount Zion, it is purging time. You must decide who should be the first to leave.– The Concerned Members Of Mt. Zion