BISHOP WEEKS SAYS ESTRANGED WIFE USED FIGHT TO REVIVE HER MINISTRY: Claims against Juanita Bynum made in new book 'What Love Taught Me.'

     Reports from the Associated Press say that Bishop Thomas Weeks, estranged husband of Evangelist Juanita Bynum, wrote in his new book that she has tried to use their highly publicized physical altercation to revive her own flagging ministry. Weeks made the same admission last December

     The self-published book includes chapters with titles such as “I Would Rather Push You Now Than Punch You Later” and “She Wanted to Be Oprah at Any Cost” and says it was him who suffered physical and emotional abuse in the relationship.

     In the 153-page book, “What Love Taught Me,” Weeks says the August 21, 2007 dispute was nothing more than a continuation of the “heated fellowship” the two ministers engaged in during their marriage. The scuffle between the two in a hotel parking lot landed Weeks in jail on charges he pushed, choked and beat Bynum, and he ultimately pleaded guilty to assaulting her. He is serving three years of probation.

T.D. Jakes: Black Church Unfairly Portrayed

Black megachurch leader Bishop T.D. Jakes expressed pain on Monday at seeing the African-American church portrayed negatively by the media.

The media has painted the African-American church with a “broad, wide-ranging brush” as intolerant of other ethnic groups, divisive, and “filled with hostility,” complained Jakes in his commentary posted on CNN.

But that is just based on “stereotypical ideas” derived from the “extreme and not the norm” of what black churches are.

“Most, if not all, predominantly African-American church doors are open to all, not just to blacks, but to anyone who is seeking a spiritual home, guidance, support, direction, faith and a feeding of the soul in the purest sense,” said Jakes, founding pastor of the 30,000-member The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas.

Jakes’s church, although predominantly African-American, is composed of 20 different nationalities.

He added, “Many of us have worked with other organizations, different cultures and denominations believing that there is more to unite us than there is to divide us.”

Jakes’ comments are in response to the controversy surrounding Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama and his former pastor the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

In recent weeks, sound bites of Wright’s hate-infused sermons have widely circulated on the Internet and through media outlets. Wright’s venomous condemnation of U.S. foreign policies and racism in America caused many to view the black church as a hate- mongering institution rather than a house of God.

It has also cast a shadow on Obama’s campaign as voters question the authenticity of his message of unity and moving beyond what divides Americans.

But Jakes defended Obama and his message of reconciliation and change, and urged Americans to not be stuck on the misrepresentation of the black church when there are more important things to take care of.

“I implore you to not take the words of a few and depict the thoughts, hearts and motives of many,” the influential pastor pleaded.

“As an American I plead with you that we are running out of time. It is critical that we dislodge ourselves from political distractions,” Jakes emphasized. “We must return to the task of looking for the right man or woman who can answer the bloodcurdling cry of a nation that is in search of a leader with a courageous effective plan for the war in Iraq, and the medical, moral, economic and security issues that are being ignored by these distractions. If we do not, we will have done a terrible disservice to our coming generations.”

Jakes called on Americans to get back on track and start listening again to what the candidates’ strategies are to solve the problems in the world.

“My hope is that the church remains a vibrant part of our process, sounding the alarm that warns: America, please wake up out of our sleep!” Jakes wrote.

Michelle A. Vu
Christian Post Reporter

Mia Evans
The 700 Club

CBN.com – A familiar face is lighting up stages across America. Fans of American Idol know his name -– Phil Stacey. He earned an impressive sixth place finish during the 2007 season. Now, he’s emerged on the country music scene with his self-titled debut album...

Phil rocked the stage at the Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Knoxville, TN where thousands of teens gathered for fun and worship. 700 Club Reporter, Mia Evans got a backstage pass to find out how much his life has changed.

Mia Evans: So, was American Idol one of the best decisions you’ve made?

Phil Stacey: It’s kind of funny because I had a buddy in college and I missed his wedding because I was in the Navy. And I was like, 'Is there any way I can make it up to you?' He was like, 'The only way I can forgive you is if you audition for American Idol.' He’s one of those friends who always encouraged you to go out and chase your dreams, pursue your dreams, and everything. But yeah, I’m pretty thankful that I missed that wedding.

Evans: Now you’re here!

Stacey: That’s right.

Since wrapping up a 55-city tour with his fellow American Idol finalists, Phil’s been making music non-stop.

Stacey: I think with every song on this project, there’s a story behind it. It represents something in my life. My faith is the most important part of who I am, so there are several songs about my faith. Of course my relationship with my wife is very important, so there are some songs about her on there. It’s an encouraging record. It’s a happy record, but it’s music from my heart.