together with leaders and members of the predominantly
black COGIC in Memphis under the theme, “Pentecostal
Partners: A Reconciliation Strategy for 21st Century
Ministry.” For decades, the PFNA had been an all-white
organization. However, in the early 1990s, key leaders
began to dialogue on ways to heal the racial divide,
which led to a defining moment in October 1994. As a
consequence of the meeting 25 years ago, the PCCNA
replaced the PFNA, signaling inclusiveness of all races and
ethnicities.
When blacks and whites convened 25 years ago, no
one realized the significance of the dynamic taking place.
It became more than a moment of historical significance;
it served as a divine object lesson in the unifying power
of Pentecost.
During the original meeting, Charles E. Blake,
African-American bishop of the West Angeles Church of
God in Christ in Los Angeles, urged attendees, “We must
commit to be brothers and sisters or forget it all right
now.” Then, with his voice filled with emotion he said,
“We cannot wait or delay any longer.”
A spontaneous standing ovation and concerted
prayer followed. Then what followed was an unplanned,
unexpected, and unprecedented act of humility and racial
reconciliation. White pastor Donald J. Evans of Evangel
Temple Assembly of God in Tampa, Florida requested
permission to wash the feet of Bishop Ithiel Clemmons, a
general board member of the Church of God in Christ. In
turn, Blake asked to wash the feet of Thomas E. Trask, AG
general superintendent.
Moved to tears, participants in the dialogue bowed on
the concrete floor of the Dixon-Meyers Hall to ask God’s
forgiveness for past racism and intolerance. An utterance
in the Spirit and an interpretation affirmed that two
major long-separated streams now had come together
in unity. The miracle of Memphis brought Pentecostals
back to the roots of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring early in
the 20th century.
Capturing Heritage
Following this backdrop, Blake, presiding COGIC
bishop, cited a statement made by Bishop B.E.
Underwood, general superintendent of the International
Pentecostal Holiness Church, during the 1994 event: “One
of the most dramatic aspects of the Azusa Revival was the
breaking down of racial barriers in the midst of a racist
American society.” The statement, “The blood has washed
away the color line” has often been quoted since.
Reflecting on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at
Azusa Street in 1906, Blake noted that, despite this
dynamic movement in unity of the Spirit that transcended
the shameful racist culture into which it was born, in
subsequent years the Pentecostal church succumbed to
the pressure of media attacks. With few exceptions, all
signs of racial unity had disappeared by 1914.
---
“What a difference it would have made during the civil
rights movement in America if all the children of the
Pentecostal revival had stood together as a shining
example of what God can do to solve the problems of
racism and discrimination,” Blake stated.
---
Blake noted that in more recent years there has been
a resurgence of racial animosity, resulting in shootings
and other violent acts. The rise of white nationalism has
ushered in an era of serious and perilous times.
“As people of faith, it is imperative that we renew our
commitment to reconciliation, that we shout the message
of love and reconciliation in every venue from the local
church pulpit to the places of power in the national
government,” Blake implored.
Blake urged the PCCNA to make a strong, unequivocal
statement decrying words and actions in opposition to
racial reconciliation.
“This is another God moment, and we cannot afford to let
it pass,” Blake declared. “I beg you, take the initiative to pour
the healing balm of love into moral and spiritual wounds
that endanger the nation that we all cherish. This can be the
greatest hour of the PCCNA, and it can be an opportunity to
reaffirm our commitment to our founding principles.”
A Tsunami
Focusing on the history of the early Pentecostal
outpouring at Azusa Street, PCCNA President Jeff Farmer
stated that, in 1906, a Pentecostal tsunami rushed across
the continent through a hunger and thirst for God. Among
Christians in holiness and deeper life movements, the
central teaching of this visitation from God focused on
the baptism in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking
in tongues.
Continued on page 11
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