With sadness, I must stop posting on this board permanently. I have been instructed by those who are in field of mental health and law enforcement.

Two individuals on this board have called my small town in rural montana this week within two days of each other. One of these individuals called because he did not believe what I posted regarding a speaker and called individuals in my town. One has to assume he also used my name when he was checking.

The other individual called the newsroom of my small town checking on a speaker that I had posted a post about. This individual also has written me privately with an email that was intimidating and attacked my character and reputation of which I have a copy and will keep for my protection.

The behavior of these two individuals border on obsession and have crossed the line of forum ettiquette and have become potentially threatening.

For those reasons I have been instructed to leave the board and to keep all private email sent to me from these individuals.

I am deeply saddened for I have met wonderful friends around the world and I will always value the friendships. But posting on this board for me is not safe.

Please continue to lift high the cross of Jesus, focus on ways we can help our great denomination, share good news, and reach out to one another. My private email will be changed this afternoon.

I love you all. I want to make if absolutely clear, that our moderator Rev. Harper did not ban me from the board, he is my fifth district brother whom I love and look forward to seeing him at mid-year.

There is NOTHING that can silence me from preaching the gospel of jesus Christ, I will not quit, God will continue raising up new voices.

Again I hope you all understand. But at this point, I can say not more. I am deeply loved in my town, and very protected. We are a small town and people watch out for me and my daughter, that is why when professioaals have instructed me to leave the board.

I will miss all of you.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

Answers

We will miss you and your knowledge and wisdom.

My prayers are for you, your daughter, your safety, and your ministry.

To the people who have threatened my sister and her family:

1. I hope you have all the blessings you need; You have touched God's annointed, and you will pay (God's Word; not mine).

2. Get help while you can.

3. Leave this board now. It is obvious that it is too mature for you to handle.

4. Don't threaten anyone else on this board.

It is truly a sad day on the 'Net.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

God bless you Sis. Rogers. I am so saddened by your departure. We will miss your joy and intellect. To those who called threatened etc. shame on you.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

God bless you Sis. Rogers. I am so saddened by your departure. We will miss your joy and intellect. To those who called and or threatened etc. shame on you.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

Well, well, well. This is certainly the season for "celebrity trials" so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that I too would be eventually involved in one. Since their appears to be a "rush to judgement" I need to make sure my rights for due process are respected. I work with lawyers daily so this is how I must proceed. An accusation has been made that someone (me perhaps) has exhibited intimidating and character-assassination like comments in private email exchanges. My plea: NOT GUILTY! With regards to the charge about calling the newsroom at the Bozeman Chronicle to get clarification about a local story, my plea is: GUILTY!

I'm sorry but I don't recall where I need to seek permission from Rev. Rogers about making a phone call in the privacy of my own home. Last I checked I am a responsible adult, taxpayer, husband, father, meticulous worker and Servant of the Lord. How I choose to exercise my time, provided it is done responsibly, is my business and doesn't require approval by anyone. The "explanation" that Rev. Rogers offers for her decision to leave this MB as directed towards me (just connect the dots) is simply unwaranted. I have had a few private email exchanges where I shared my disagreement about some issues but that is no different from private exchanges I have had with other posters on this board. However, in no way have I been rude, discourteous or "intimidating" or attacked her character or reputation. The difference between other posters I communicate privately with and Rev. Rogers is they chose to respect privacy and confidentiality and not try to manufacture some public spectacle.

I have had public and private disagreements with folks for over 25 years of my professional life. A lot of us preach the virtues of tolerance but where is it being displayed when you are "summoned" to think like the status quo? I understand that if you "dish it out" you have to be thick-skinned to "take it". I want to make this perfectly clear. Any accusations made about me as being intimidating or attacking her character are patently false! I have never used profanity towards her in my communications nor have I even with the slightest suggestion made boorish comments which could be construed as being "intimidating" or attacking her character. I always try to exhibit tactful but firm communications be they public or private.

I am deeply disturbed that a few private comments, but not intimidating, I have made are now being made public. If anyone desires to read exactly what I wrote in those email exchanges I will be more than glad to share them with you in a private email exchange since now my integrity has suddenly been challenged. Rev. Rogers is a great talent for the AMEC. I will continue to pray for her pastoral ministry. However, I will not sit back and allow reckless and unfounded accusations directed towards me continue without an appropriate and reasoned response. Rev. Rogers states that "The behavior of these two individuals border on obsession and have crossed the line of forum ettiquette and have become potentially threatening." I simply ask what evidence exists to support the above assertion? How has my forum ettiquette created an atmosphere of potentially threatening her? Not only am I also not guilty of that accusation but it is simply nonsense with no corroborating evidence.

If I am indeed not the person coyly refered to in Rev. Rogers note, I sincerely apologize and ask for public forgiveness. QED

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

You know, I've been reading this post over and over for the last 15 minutes or so and it boggles the mind. Right now I am so angry I could spit and on the other hand my heart weighs very heavy. Why does it have to come to this?

There are builders and there are detractors. The builders are the ones whom believed God and built the church of Allen on God's promise. Thank God Allen did not lower himself to fall into the gossiping and intrigues like old women. The detractors are ones who do nothing themselves, but strike out at those who are trying to do for others. As I read in another post - nothing more than a crab in a barrel. I am sorry because I am angry. Still, God is in the midst and I ask Him for healing- now.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

I for one will certainly miss Rev. Rogers comments on this board, and will be in prayer for her family and ministry. I called a friend in Bozeman to verify some information regarding a post on our BB. I also sent an email to a Staff Writer at the Bozeman Chronicle and copied Rev. Rogers; and forwarded two articles regarding the MLK celebration that painted Bozeman in a positive racial climate written by Bozeman Chronicle Staff Writers, one white writer and one apparently black writer. Those articles were mentioned on this board with directions on how to reach them. I disagreed with Rev. Rogers on occassion but never engaged in personal attacks.

Some of you may notice that I always try to study the background information before I reply to a post or initiate a topic; arguing my points vigrously but never engaging in name calling or attacks on one's integrity. I also try to give the location of any source documents that may support or deny my conclusions.

As Bible students, and having lived in this world, we can make acase for many different opinions using the same source material. For example, we have many Christian Denomination with diverse beliefs all claiming the Holy Bible as the source and Christ as the founder. That is also true in secular discussions. An example would be the practice of standing when the Gospels are read aloud. This has become the practice of the day in Texas. I assume this has its orgins from the book of Ezra when they stood all day I believe as the scriptures were read and interpeted. I personally do not believe it is proper to stand for the Gospels and remain seated for the Old Testament because I believe the Old and New Testaments contain the written word of God. However those who wish to stand may do so and those who wish to remain seated may do that all respecting the word of God in his way. BUT, when the worship leader signals and From All that dwells below the skies . . ." rings out, off those seats and on your feet! [thats a joke!]

We will miss Rev. Rogers, God speed to her in all her endeavors. And if the Lord leads her back, I will welcome her with open arms.

Be Blessed.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

Brother Dickens, I am glad that you admitted that you were the one accused in Sis. Rogers posting; however, no one knew who she was referring to, and none of us would have guessed that it was "you". Brother Dickens, you are actually correct in your description of yourself. You never appear to be intimidating or "life threatening"; you disagree but never appear to be utterly disagreeable. For folks who have a "pie in the sky" mentality and want everyone to agree with them and see things their way, I guess you would appear to be intimidating, but that is not the case with me. I feel quite comfortable with difference and even conflict. I welcome email-based arguments and when I get tired of going back and forth with folks, I just place their email address in the "block email" section of my address book, that is all. I pray God's speed for Rev. Rogers and I hope this experience does not squelch her enthusiasm.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

Frankly, Bro. Dickens and Parson Paris, I was also quite surprised to see how intense the both of you were in "fact" checking the story from Bozeman. I found this particularly interesting when in reading the posts from Rev. Rogers where she appeared to be sincerely concerned about safety issues.

She has posted about her city many times over the years, on how wonderful it is and also about some of the racism she has encountered. Although both of you had every right to execute the actions you performed, I thought you failed to sense her anxiety about this issue.

Jesus calls us to be greater than "right" he calls us to be compassionate understanding and just. This is not a celebrity trial Bill it is a sad commentary on how we interact with one another.

Although I have NEVER received disturbing correspondence from either of you, I have experienced some of the horrific emails that can spawn from this Discussion Board. It has been some of the most vile and offensive filth I have ever read.

Many times it has come from RP supporters who chastise me for insulting the great white father as they call him. It does not bother me as much as it annoys me. However, I am a man and my environment is not as potentially hostile as Rev. Rogers may perceive hers to be.

Does this also end the AME Herald? Bill since you are contributor perhaps you can answer that.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

Brother Dickens and Brother Paris were and are within their rights to fact-check exactly the way they did. More of us need to stop accepting information at face value and we need to verify facts, stories and figures. That is just a part of being intelligent and "somewhat" free in America. How does one know that when one "fact-checks" someone that they will then be insulted and offended by the fact that their "facts" were not accepted at face value? As a side note, people are paid upwards of $50 per hour to do exactly what they did. I think everyone should do it. Do not take anything that I say at face value; verify the facts.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

I hope Bishop Bryant will move you out of that place and send you to a larger place you deserve a promotion

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

Rev. Rogers,

Keep the faith. I will miss you. I hope to see you at an AME event soon.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2004

As the often odd-man out I'd better put to rest the suspicions I know some must harbor and say I had nothing to do with any of this. I don't normally e-mail people at home unless they've e-mailed me first.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2004

Harold -

I don't know the answer to your question about the status of the AME Herald. That decision is ultimately the responsiblity of the publisher and editor, Rev. Rogers. Due to recent developments I have submitted my resignation as a contributing columnist for the AME Herald. I sincerely pray for continued success of the AME Herald. QED

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2004

Sis Denise,

I don't know if you'll see this, but if you do please look at some other Christian discussion boards. There's a bunch out there. One I've found is a cut above is www.godchasers.net. I haven't visited it for a while, but your e-mail does not have to be displayed unless you volunteer it. Hopefully that'll keep away any hate mail.

Note: They don't talk about race or politics much there. In fact you likely won't know what race the participants even are. The focus is spiritual subjects.

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2004

Sister Brewster made an interesting comment. Brother Dickens and Rev. Paris were just trying to find out the "facts." Just what facts were they trying to find out? From what I understand from Rev. Rogers' post she was concerned about what would happen after Dr. Kennedy left town. I am curious, and if you do not mind responding, what exactly were you looking for?

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2004

Mary -

If you re-read the posts I submitted under the title "My Impressions of Dr. Kennedy" you will find that I have already provided the basis for my inquiry and my fact finding mission. It's important that you read ALL posts so that you will fully understand the matter in its entirety. I find it curious how Rev. Rogers initial response to my phone call to the newsroom was greeted with humor yet somehow it was suddenly transformed into a symbol of intimidation and inappropriateness. I understand and respect Rev. Rogers concerns however, that is NOT material to this case. What is material is my freedom to pursue what I feel is important to me regarding something that I consider to be unclear. Afterall, not only do I have the freedom to make a call from the privacy of my own home I am still within my liberties to ask a question, though unanswered, which was germane to her impression of the speaker. This latter point appears lost in the fog of obfuscation and this (wo)man-made "controversy". QED

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2004

Bill--

I don't think you will ever understand why Rev. Rogers feels the way she feels. You did not understand the reason for her anxiety in the first place. You questioned her labeling of Dr. Kennedy as "conservative" when she clearly stated that her issue was the N- word and how the aftermath of someone saying it is pop culture and no longer derogatory in a community where African Americans are few in number and the environment is hostile.

Perhaps he does not merit as RP might say the label "conservative" but I think it was extremely insensitive of you and Paris to start calling that community and I can understand how Rev. Rogers might feel "threatened" by your zealous need for the latest news from Bozeman.

You are absolutely correct when you assert your right to use your phone to call whomever you wish for whatever you want, but I hope in the future you might also consider the ramifications of such bizarre behavior.

This is a sad event in our community and I pray that healing will take place and we will love all of our neighbors as we love ourselves.

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2004

Brother Dickens...

I think the world of you and pray God's blessings on you and your family, but from your entry it was all about YOU and YOUR rights, etc. Yes, they all belong to YOU. But we are a family and community. One day, I pray, it will be about US and OURS. God bless!

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2004

To the person who said she deserves a promotion for what. for some juvenile antics on a web page that bishops don't even respond to. This is the mess that makes me mad. If bill did something to her she is the one who is now putting on the board instead of resolving this by themselves. Message boards are never erased I think all persons involved should consider what they are doing. A couple of months ago a person was on here rose a pretty good and true statment about an individual who deserves that kind of treatment. Then we turn around and let others do it. This board is full of hypocrits with nothing better to do.

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2004

Harold/Mary -

I seem to recall several incidents in the Holy Writ where Biblical personalites had differences which led them to go in seperate directions. Paul and Barnabas (Book of Acts) and Jacob and Laban (Genesis) immediately come to mind. In both cases I seem to recall the parties had an amicable parting and went on with their respective work. The present situation betwen me and Rev. Rogers is no different. I have wished and pray for continued success in her endeavors.

Now, let me see if I understand your criticisms. You object to my behavior as constituting threatening and selfish actions even though I have flatly rejected such charges due to non-existent evidence and pointed out that I am within my rights to make a private phone call to the newsroom. Your indictment against me has been expanded to include "community insensitivity". The plausibility of these charges against me would be easier to make if my called was placed to the home of Rev. Rogers. When I read the online version the next day after the lecture I didn't call Rev. Rogers' private home and banter her with coarse language about why the story did not run. That would have been inappropriate and rather silly since she is not the managing editor of the newspaper in Bozeman. Instead, like any rational and reasonable person I went directly to the source, by phone, to understand why the story was not published on the website.

I received the information concerning the lecture I was seeking and thanked the person for his assistance. I do not understand how my non-covert action is suggestive of community insensitivity. Since my integrity has been publicly challenged, I , like Job before me, must defend myself since no one else has volunteered to protect my due process and neither should they.

Defendants seek to maintain their innocence in the precence of accusations. The proverbial concern about 'us' or 'our' is not applicable here because I, not you, have been singled out for alleged malfeasance. Did my call to the newsroom incite a race riot? Even if it did can you or anybody else provide forensic proof that my private call is the cause for community unrest in Bozeman, MT? I will remain civil in my dialogue at all times. Unfortunately in matters like this we can't have a social outcome with "both sides being wrong" or "both sides being right". I am either guilty of the alleged malfeasance or I am innocent of the accusations. I remain steadfast with the latter and exonerate myself completely. QED

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2004

I'm not sure I understand all of what went on here, but I'd like to address the issue of defending oneself. The older I get the more I learn it's not worth it most of the time. We're here to please God, not man.

So don't let it get to ya Bill. State your position in good conscience, and as long as you're sure God isn't mad at you, press on. Others may make accusations, but let God be your defender.

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2004

I had not intended to respond to the questions but perhaps it is in order. First, at no time did I communicate with Rev. rogers except to forward two articles that I though indicated the racial climate in Bozeman. I contacted the appropriate individuals to verify the allegations made in the post and I assume that is what made Rev. Rogers angry. She was very angry because she posted a response on the board that indicated she was "through" with me. That wording bothered me a bit because it could have implied that there might have been some relationship outside the confines of the board. At the beginning of her ministry (Church), i made a small contribution and had my congregation make acontribution also; no strings attached.

My response to her was public and with love: "As long as God is our Father, Christ our Redeemer, and man our brother, I will not be through with you; The eternal God is our refuge." The meaning I was trying to convey was that as long as God is God, followers of Christ Father can never be "through" with each other and that we were tied by a common love for God and the AME Church. She responded positively to that and I closed the matter.

All of us are free to think, act, and post as long as it remains in the bounds of decency.

I expect everyone to verify any information that I post before they respond to what I've said. For example, I posted the status of three killers of the black man in Jasper: One doing life without the possibility of parole and the other to on death row awaiting execution. I posted that as evidence that Texas is a state where black folk can expect justice from the system. I'm sure that anyone who would argue otherwise would verify the facts first. That is the situation here. I tried to verify the facts and privately sent my findings to Rev. Rogers.

Be Blessed

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2004

Frankly, I am sick of this entire string. The division, the name- calling and the constant bantering back and forth, is in my humble opinion most disturbing, to say the least. I have not always agreed with what others on this board say or do, but I respect their individual right to say and do it in whatever way they choose.

Individualization is evident throughout the entire creation of God. Each galaxy, each star system, each star, each planet, every snowflake, every leaf, every grain of sand, every grain of hair and every thumbprint is different from any other He has made. If God has shown such a high regard for individual differences, it is time we learn to do the same.

The one thing that has drawn each of us to this board is our deep love and devotion to Christ, but nothing in this sting seems to me to be Christ-like or akin to Him. Jesus himself has said that others would know we are His disciples, not by what we say or do, but rather by loving one another as He has loved (John 13:35). “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”. It is time to put an end to this lest by our words and actions, we “Crucify Him anew”.

The enemy is subtle and cunning, always seeking whom he may devour and destroy. His prime target is the Church, where he constantly seeks to bring division, malice and strife. He only succeeds when we allow him to divide us and break our bond.

I am reminded of a great hymn of the Church—AMEC Hymn #312.

JESUS, great Shepherd of the sheep, To thee for help we fly: Thy little flock in safety keep; For O! the wolf is nigh.

He comes, of hellish malice full, To scatter, tear, and slay; He seizes every straggling soul, As his own lawful prey.

Us into thy protection take, And gather with thy arm; Unless the fold we first forsake, The wolf can never harm.

We laugh to scorn his cruel power, While by our Shepherd's side; The sheep he never can devour, Unless he first divide.

O do not suffer him to part The souls that here agree; But make us of one mind and heart, And keep us one in thee!

Together let us sweetly live, Together let us die; And each a starry crown receive, And reign above the sky!

Apart from Bill Dickens and a few others, I have not personally met any person on this board. But I can truly say that in my heart, I have the greatest love and respect for every one of you. So lest you think my comments are directed to any one person who posted here. Let me hasten to assure you that this is not the case. For this reason I have even hesitated to make a response. My plea is that we honor Christ, by showing love to all— so that others may see Christ alive in us in all we say and do.

Make no mistake of it, the WOLF is always nigh. But, "the sheep he never can devour, unless he first divide".

Together let us sweetly live, Together let us die; And each a starry crown receive, And reign above the sky!

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2004

Hello Rev. Rogers,

I don't know the specifics of why you are leaving this board but in my spirit, I suspect that your leaving will be temporary. As I suspected, the father of lies whose mission is to kill, steal, and destroy has devised another ruse to disrupt this board. God works in mysterious ways, I am going to pray for the health and protection of your spirit, soul, and body. I know that nothing good or bad can happen unless God allows it. I also know that ministers frequently suffer severe attacks from the enemy. Dr. Charles Stanley of IN TOUCH ministries said that after a period of difficult testing or tribulation that God always has a blessing for his children.

Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus, please forgive me before I approach the throne of grace and mercy. I pray father that you will regenerate Rev. Rogers spirit and protect her from dangers seen and unseen. I pray that you will give her peace of mind, clarity of vision, a balanced schedule, and continued determination to pursue your will for her life. I especially pray that she will feel the presence of your Holy Spirit in these times. I pray heavenly Father that her faith in you will never fail. I pray that she will return back to this board with greater faith to tell the world about you. I ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Jazzman

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2004

I too will miss you Pastor Rogers, Keep the Faith and Look to Jesus and don't the opinion of others discourage you. Bro. Bill I know you have a strong faith, hang in ther and don't apologize for your HONEST OPINION> God gave ua all one.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2004