Reports have also surfaced against Bishop Peter Wren, Sr. of Birmingham, AL. A woman the Wren family identified as Tiffany Youngblood and a former member of Wren’s East Birmingham COGIC, has begin publicly telling a story alleging Wren was an adulterous sexual predator (among other things) who had manipulated multiple women in his congregation into sexual relationships. But on Jan 14th, Wren’s son posted the following response to Youngblood’s allegations on Black Preaching Network:
“On December 27, 2009, a blog and/or discussion board posted a letter from a member ID (Anchored Soul) concerning the Sexual Misconduct in COGIC. Judging by the content and after further research, the writer is Tiffany Youngblood, originally from Union Springs now living in Birmingham, Alabama. Ms Youngblood moved to the City of Birmingham in search of a place to stay, worship and work while she attended college. Ms. Youngblood attended the church where I pastured [sic] and after some time we realized she needed a place to stay. She befriended my family and eventually moved into our home. For a period of (2) two years she stayed with my family, providing her a roof over her head and food to eat; worked at my place of business, providing her with revenue to support herself. In just a little while she would show a forming motive, after consumptions of alcohol, she would make advances at me. After rebukes and repeat attempts, I put her out of my home. She became angry and left the church and now is seeking ways to destroy my character by spreading these horrible lies. Tiffany Youngblood, it is my recommendation that you seek some type of Psychiatric help and if these lies continue it leaves me no choice but to take legal actions against you because of Slander and Deformation[sic] of Character.” [source]
Another woman, Sandy Woodgrave, came forward January 15th with similar accusations and hinted that there were more Wren victims who have remained silent.
“I also come as a victim of Bishop Peter Wren Sr. You confide in him some of your intimate secrets seeking spiritual guidance and he then takes those same secrets and guide you into unwarranted sexual advances and also his bed. I was too young and naïve to see through the deceit because like most innocent souls, we seek love and acceptance no matter what form.”
But will COGIC officials take notice and enact their alleged “zero tolerance” policy?
Its unknown at this time whether COGIC officials have investigated the matter as part of their sexual misconduct review board/committee. But Wren remains pastor of the church and bishop of Alabama 3rd jurisdiction.
What’s the meaning and application of “blameless”?
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:5-9
Its important to remember that a bishop is a purely voluntary administrative position in the church (crossref Eph 4:11) and is subject to the qualifications set forth above and in 1 Tim 3. Thus, if an individual no longer meets the qualifications —especially for sexual misconduct— they should at the very least be relieved of their duties until allegations against them are found to be completely false. The main goal is to protect the flock of God, not to ensure some nepotic religious dynasty.
Visit ReportCOGICAbuse.com to report clergy abuses.
Gay Christian Movement Watch 