House of Prayer leader dies
WASHINGTON ---Bishop S.C. Madison, who led the United House of Prayer for All People, an affluent black denomination with several churches in North Carolina, including one on East Market Street in Greensboro, has died. He was 86.
Madison was the third leader of the denomination, which is based in the District of Columbia and has 1.5 million members and 150 branches in 25 states. During his tenure, he erected more than 100 sanctuaries throughout the country, as well as multi-family housing, retail establishments and assisted living facilities.
"We will continue in his legacy," said Apostle H.L. Whitner, pastor of God's White House, the D.C. headquarters of the church. "We will continue to do what we have been doing: that is, giving God the praise."
Comments (2)
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Maybe these folks were/are terrific supporters of the community. But taking such pretentious titles sure makes a lot of people look askance at them, I should think. "Bishop," I suppose I could understand. But "Apostle"?! Come on!
Posted on April 7, 2008 4:25 PM
It must be born in mind, Namtac, that there are many other churches that either use the term, "apostle" itself (Mormons), or consider their bishops in "apostolic" succession (RCC, Eastern Othodox, Anglican). Pentecostal and Charistmatic groups use the term (and title) frequently to descibe a widely respected "anointed prophet." The term is also used in mainline churches, rather loosely, to describe someone who stands out in a prophetic sense; but not as a tilte - "He had an almost apostolic power in his preaching."
I personally would not use the term as a title, as I think the original twelve were the only "official" Apostles. Apostolic succession is OK if it is understood as the continuity of spiritual leadship and authority, and not as an office, as such -certainly not equal to the original Twelve.
I suppose it is often used today as an attempt to grant undue stature and authority to the one so entitled, and could therefore seem somewhat pretentious; especially if one limits the concept and title to the Twelve. But it doesn't really hang me up that much. If good, biblical fruit is being produced generally, I can overlook peripheral issues. But if it were a matter of core doctrine or creedal orthodoxy I would have a problem.
Sounds to me like United House has done some really good things for the Black community - things the public and Church should indeed be doing - and NOT the govenment. I haven't studied the church but it SOUNDS like they are what a true African-American Christian church should be, as opposed to Rev. Wright's UCC.
Only God can judge Bp. Madison. If he was a faithful and orthodox servant, I salute him, and pray for his eternal peace and rest.
Posted on April 8, 2008 8:45 AM