Jump to content

Talbert W. Swan II: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Reverted 1 edit by 199.212.68.125 (talk) to last revision by Suffusion of Yellow
Tags: Twinkle Undo Reverted
Undid revision 1054720998 by LakesideMiners (talk)
Tags: Undo Reverted possible BLP issue or vandalism
Line 52: Line 52:
}}
}}
'''Talbert Wesley Swan II''' (born April 24, 1965) is an [[United States|American]] [[prelate]] of the [[Church of God in Christ]] serving as the [[Bishop]] of the [[List of Jurisdictions of the Church of God in Christ|Nova Scotia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction]] in [[Canada]]. The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is a [[Holiness Pentecostal]] [[Christian denomination]] with a [[black church|predominantly African-American]] membership with more than 12,000 churches and over 6.5 million members in the United States.<ref name="Courey2015">{{cite book |last1=Courey |first1=David J. |title=What Has Wittenberg to Do with Azusa?: Luther's Theology of the Cross and Pentecostal Triumphalism |date=26 February 2015 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-0-567-65631-5 |page=227 |language=English|quote=The controversy led to the emergence of three-step Holiness Pentecostal denominations (the Church of God, Cleveland, TN; the Pentecostal Holiness Church and the Church of God in Christ) and two-step, Finished Work denominations (the Assemblies of God and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada).}}</ref><ref name="Anderson2004">{{cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=Allan |title=An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity |date=13 May 2004 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-53280-8 |page=47 |language=English|quote=Those who resisted Durham's teaching and remained in the 'three-stage' camp were Seymour, Crawford and Parham, and Bishops Charles H. Mason, A.J. Tomlinson and J.H. King, respectively leaders of the Church of God in Christ, the Church of God (Cleveland) and the Pentecostal Holiness Church. Tomlinson and King each issued tirades against the 'finished work' doctrine in their periodicals, but by 1914 some 60 percent of all North American Pentecostals had embraced Durham's position. ... The 'Finished Work' controversy was only the first of many subsequent divisions in North American Pentecostalism. Not only did Pentecostal churches split over the question of sanctification as a distinct experience, but a more fundamental and acrimonious split erupted in 1916 over the doctrine of the Trinity. ... The 'New Issue' was a schism in the ranks of the 'Finished Work' Pentecostals that began as a teaching that the correct formula for baptism is 'in the name of Jesus' and developed into a dispute about the Trinity. It confirmed for Holiness Pentecostals that they should have no further fellowship with the 'Finished Work' Pentecostals, who were in 'heresy'.}}</ref><ref name="Foundation">{{Cite web |title=Our Foundation |url=http://www.cogic.org/our-foundation/ |publisher=Church of God in Christ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312130022/http://www.cogic.org/our-foundation/ |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref> The [[National Council of Churches]] ranks it as the fifth largest Christian denomination in the U.S.<ref name="nccyearbook10">{{Cite web |title=Catholics, Mormons, Assemblies of God growing; Mainline churches report a continuing decline |url=http://www.ncccusa.org/news/100204yearbook2010.html |last=National Council of Churches |date=February 2, 2010 |access-date=March 8, 2010}}</ref> Swan is the fourth leader of the Jurisdiction and oversees COGIC congregations in the province. He serves the denomination as Assistant General Secretary, Clerk of the General Board and Director of Social Justice Ministry under the leadership of Bishop [[John Drew Sheard, Sr.]], the Presiding Bishop. He was a Senior Advisor to former Presiding Bishop [[Charles Edward Blake, Sr.]].
'''Talbert Wesley Swan II''' (born April 24, 1965) is a [[Black Supremacist]] [[prelate]] of the [[Church of God in Christ]] serving as the [[Bishop]] of the [[List of Jurisdictions of the Church of God in Christ|Nova Scotia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction]] in [[Canada]]. The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is a [[Holiness Pentecostal]] [[Christian denomination]] with a [[black church|predominantly African-American]] membership with more than 12,000 churches and over 6.5 million members in the United States.<ref name="Courey2015">{{cite book |last1=Courey |first1=David J. |title=What Has Wittenberg to Do with Azusa?: Luther's Theology of the Cross and Pentecostal Triumphalism |date=26 February 2015 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-0-567-65631-5 |page=227 |language=English|quote=The controversy led to the emergence of three-step Holiness Pentecostal denominations (the Church of God, Cleveland, TN; the Pentecostal Holiness Church and the Church of God in Christ) and two-step, Finished Work denominations (the Assemblies of God and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada).}}</ref><ref name="Anderson2004">{{cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=Allan |title=An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity |date=13 May 2004 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-53280-8 |page=47 |language=English|quote=Those who resisted Durham's teaching and remained in the 'three-stage' camp were Seymour, Crawford and Parham, and Bishops Charles H. Mason, A.J. Tomlinson and J.H. King, respectively leaders of the Church of God in Christ, the Church of God (Cleveland) and the Pentecostal Holiness Church. Tomlinson and King each issued tirades against the 'finished work' doctrine in their periodicals, but by 1914 some 60 percent of all North American Pentecostals had embraced Durham's position. ... The 'Finished Work' controversy was only the first of many subsequent divisions in North American Pentecostalism. Not only did Pentecostal churches split over the question of sanctification as a distinct experience, but a more fundamental and acrimonious split erupted in 1916 over the doctrine of the Trinity. ... The 'New Issue' was a schism in the ranks of the 'Finished Work' Pentecostals that began as a teaching that the correct formula for baptism is 'in the name of Jesus' and developed into a dispute about the Trinity. It confirmed for Holiness Pentecostals that they should have no further fellowship with the 'Finished Work' Pentecostals, who were in 'heresy'.}}</ref><ref name="Foundation">{{Cite web |title=Our Foundation |url=http://www.cogic.org/our-foundation/ |publisher=Church of God in Christ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312130022/http://www.cogic.org/our-foundation/ |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref> The [[National Council of Churches]] ranks it as the fifth largest Christian denomination in the U.S.<ref name="nccyearbook10">{{Cite web |title=Catholics, Mormons, Assemblies of God growing; Mainline churches report a continuing decline |url=http://www.ncccusa.org/news/100204yearbook2010.html |last=National Council of Churches |date=February 2, 2010 |access-date=March 8, 2010}}</ref> Swan is the fourth leader of the Jurisdiction and oversees COGIC congregations in the province. He serves the denomination as Assistant General Secretary, Clerk of the General Board and Director of Social Justice Ministry under the leadership of Bishop [[John Drew Sheard, Sr.]], the Presiding Bishop. He was a Senior Advisor to former Presiding Bishop [[Charles Edward Blake, Sr.]].


Swan is also the National Chaplain of [[Iota Phi Theta]] Fraternity, Inc. and the host of a radio talk show, The Spoken Word. He is a [[Civil and political rights|civil rights]] activist and the president of the Greater Springfield NAACP. Criticized by some as a "rabble rouser," ''[[CTNow|Valley Advocate]]'' journalist Maureen Turner wrote, "If Springfield has moved one inch towards rectifying its racial problems in the past year, it is fair to say a full three quarters of that inch is the result of sustained efforts by the Rev. Talbert Swan II."<ref>''Valley Advocate'', "Best of Springfield", 1997</ref>
Swan is also the National Chaplain of [[Iota Phi Theta]] Fraternity, Inc. and the host of a radio talk show, The Spoken Word. He is a [[Civil and political rights|civil rights]] activist and the president of the Greater Springfield NAACP. Criticized by some as a "rabble rouser," ''[[CTNow|Valley Advocate]]'' journalist Maureen Turner wrote, "If Springfield has moved one inch towards rectifying its racial problems in the past year, it is fair to say a full three quarters of that inch is the result of sustained efforts by the Rev. Talbert Swan II."<ref>''Valley Advocate'', "Best of Springfield", 1997</ref>

Revision as of 18:52, 11 November 2021

His Grace The Right Reverend

Talbert Wesley Swan II
Bishop of Nova Scotia
File:Bishopswancathedra.jpg
ArchdioceseCanada
DioceseNova Scotia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Nova Scotia, Canada
AppointedJune 6, 2016
InstalledNovember 10, 2016
PredecessorRoderick Wilson
Previous post(s)Auxiliary Bishop of Greater Massachusetts (2014–2016)
Orders
OrdinationAugust 15, 1991
by Louis C. Young
ConsecrationNovember 9, 2014
by Charles Edward Blake, Sr.
Personal details
Born (1965-04-24) April 24, 1965 (age 59)
Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
DenominationChurch of God in Christ
SpouseCynthia Ann Davis Swan
Children10
Alma mater
MottoBLESS HIS NAME
Styles of
Talbert Wesley Swan II
File:Nova Scotia Bishop Coat of Arms.png
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Grace
Religious styleBishop

Talbert Wesley Swan II (born April 24, 1965) is a Black Supremacist prelate of the Church of God in Christ serving as the Bishop of the Nova Scotia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in Canada. The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is a Holiness Pentecostal Christian denomination with a predominantly African-American membership with more than 12,000 churches and over 6.5 million members in the United States.[1][2][3] The National Council of Churches ranks it as the fifth largest Christian denomination in the U.S.[4] Swan is the fourth leader of the Jurisdiction and oversees COGIC congregations in the province. He serves the denomination as Assistant General Secretary, Clerk of the General Board and Director of Social Justice Ministry under the leadership of Bishop John Drew Sheard, Sr., the Presiding Bishop. He was a Senior Advisor to former Presiding Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr..

Swan is also the National Chaplain of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. and the host of a radio talk show, The Spoken Word. He is a civil rights activist and the president of the Greater Springfield NAACP. Criticized by some as a "rabble rouser," Valley Advocate journalist Maureen Turner wrote, "If Springfield has moved one inch towards rectifying its racial problems in the past year, it is fair to say a full three quarters of that inch is the result of sustained efforts by the Rev. Talbert Swan II."[5]

Early life and education

Talbert Swan was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is of African American descent. He attended Van Sickle Junior High School in Springfield, Springfield Central High School and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. He earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Western New England University, an Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies from Charter Oak State College before attending the Hartford Seminary where he earned a Master of Arts in Theology. Swan earned graduate certificates in Faith Based Community and Economic Development from Harvard Divinity School and attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Divinity in Urban Ministry.[6]

Career

Ordination and early ministry

Swan was ordained as an Elder by Bishop Louis C. Young on August 15, 1991. Swan served as youth minister at the Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ before founding the Solid Rock Church of God in Christ in 1994. In January 2009, the Solid Rock and Spring of Hope Churches merged and Swan was installed as pastor on May 31, 2009.

Swan has served the Church of God in Christ in the Office of the General Secretary since 2001. During that time he served as: Special Assistant to the General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary for Statistics, and currently as the Assistant General Secretary/Administration.[7] Swan also serves the denomination as Clerk of the General Board, Associate White House Liaison, and Senior Advisor to Presiding Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr.[8]

Ministry as bishop

On April 3, 2014, Swan was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Greater Massachusetts Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction by Charles Edward Blake, Sr., Presiding bishop, and the General Board of the Church of God in Christ.[9] His appointment was ratified by the General Assembly and he was consecrated bishop on November 9, 2014 during the 107th Annual Holy Convocation.[10]

On June 6, 2016, Blake named Swan the third bishop of the Nova Scotia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.[11] Swan oversees all member churches in the Nova Scotia province as well as congregations in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. He officially received his episcopal assignment during the 109th Annual Holy Convocation on November 13, 2016.

Advocacy

Swan is the President of the Greater Springfield NAACP, currently serving in his fourth term.[12] He has advocated for police reform, voting rights, and community responsibility.[13] He received the Rev. Dr. William A. Jones Award from the National Action Network, a civil rights organization founded by Rev. Al Sharpton[14] and the NAACP James F. Hennessey Award for his work in civil rights advocacy.[15]

Defeating his rival by a three-to-one margin in the 2011 election for president of the Greater Springfield NAACP, Swan's election reportedly created anticipation of a resurgence of social activism in the region.[16] The Valley Advocate noted that this led to a revitalization of the organization and its voice on critical community issues.[17] Swan outlined the priorities of the branch as taking a renewed focus on education, health, economic empowerment, political action and social justice advocacy.[18]

Police reform

Swan, a longtime advocate for police reform, first came to national attention in the wake of receiving a harassing telephone call from Joseph Bradley, a Springfield, MA police officer. Bradley made the call from the Public Safety office of Western New England University and mocked the burning of black churches in the south. The call was made July 2, 1996, the day Swan was hosting a service to raise funds to assist southern churches that had been burned.[19] After confirming that the racist call was made by Bradley, Springfield Deputy Chief of Police Daniel Spellacy apologized to Swan, his congregation, and the African American community, and Mayor Michael Albano vowed that the city would not tolerate such racist acts.[20] Mayor Albano said that the call to Swan "borders on crisis" and announced the formation of a community coalition to deal with racial tensions.[21]

Although District Attorney William M. Bennett did not charge Bradley with a crime stating that it did not appear that a state law was broken,[22] Bradley was fired by the Springfield Police Commission.[23] In the wake of the Bradley's firing, Swan received another harassing call from George Eckmalian, a sergeant in the Army National Guard. Eckmalian, calling from an American Legion Post, said he spoke for the 'White Aryan Race'[24] and threatened to burn Swan's church down if he refused to drop the charges against Officer Bradley.[25] Eckmalian was charged with a civil rights violation and was sentenced to probation and community service.[26] Under an agreement with prosecutors, Eckmalian was also ordered to undergo sensitivity training in race relations and to continue alcohol treatment.[27] Deeming it the "House of Hate," the Boston Globe did an exposé on the Springfield Police Department stating that "its menacing tone has resonated with people of all races." In the front-page article, featuring Swan pictured at his church and detailing the racist telephone calls to Swan by Officer Bradley and Eckmalian, Swan contends that swift action in response the calls he received were only due to his high profile and the media response. He opined that appropriate action on minority complaints was not characteristic of the department.[28]

Responding to the dismissal of assault charges against white police officer, Jeffrey Asher, who was caught on video kicking a handcuffed Roy Parker in the head, Swan organized a rally attracting hundreds, that was held across from Springfield City Hall.[29] Citing the reluctance of those in leadership to condemn Asher's actions because of Parker's prior criminal history, Swan condemned the silence of elected officials and clergy. He noted that "an open condemnation of this incident is long overdue" and that "the silence of those in leadership is shameful."[30] Asher was eventually arraigned on assault charges,[31] but was eventually cleared of the criminal charges. The Police Commission suspended him for one year and ordered him to undergo "sensitivity training." Asher's suspension was reduced to six months by a labor arbitrator, with Asher receiving $20,000 in back pay.[32] More than a decade later, Asher was again caught on video repeatedly beating subdued suspect Melvin Jones with a flashlight.[33] After the conviction of Asher on assault charges, Swan urged Hampden District Court Judge Maureen Walsh to take into consideration Asher's troubled history and its effect on the public.[32]

Swan was the recipient of a racist fax by Springfield Police, a charge denied by the department. Swan reported that he received a fax laced with racial slurs and a warning to "leave our Police Department alone." In spite of the denial from the department, the telephone number displayed on the fax was that of a police department fax machine.[34] The Springfield police launched an investigation into Swan, accusing him of sending the faxes to himself. District Attorney William Bennett met with Swan and asked to issue an apology to the Police Department. Swan refused and viewed the actions of the department as the latest in a series of harassing acts dating back to the racist telephone call received from Officer Joseph Bradley.[35] Noting that Swan had made enemies "both among the old guard in the black community and among whites who don't appreciate his efforts to shake up a system that works pretty well for them," Valley Advocate Editor Tom Vannah opined that the rumors regarding the fax incident, although unproven, may have been "damaging enough to undercut the work" Swan's tried to do.[36]

Swan sought an independent investigation into the controversial 2011 shooting of 18-year-old Tahiem Goffe by a Springfield policeman, which was investigated by the Springfield police and ruled justified by the local district attorney.[37] Swan urged District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni called to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the incident, "to ensure that proper police procedures were employed and that the investigation will not be compromised."[38] Swan argued the need for independent investigators in any cases involving a shooting by a police office. He noted that historically, the office of District Attorney has not been an effective instrument for insuring transparency.[39] Swan has called for police accountability and the implementation of civilian police oversight.[40] Calling police departments where civilian review boards only serve in an advisory capacity "a joke," Swan has urged for boards with statutory authority.[41] He has called for cruiser cameras and recorders to provide additional accountability.[42] Swan was critical of an arbitration ruling in 2014 that continued to block the use of body cameras in certain Massachusetts cities. Noting that video cameras in cruisers promote officer safety and public accountability, Swan said those cities were "a little behind the times in terms of the advancement of this technology."[43]

Swan weighed in on several high-profile cases involving police shootings. After George Zimmerman was acquitted of the murder of 17 year old Trayvon Martin, Swan helped to organize the 'Justice for Trayvon Martin' rally, part of a 100-city vigil that was held across the country.[44] Swan met with Massachusetts legislators to rally opposition to 'Stand Your Ground' legislation in the House of Representatives. Stand Your Ground was used as Zimmerman's defense in the killing of Trayvon Martin. Swan noted that we "should be encouraging non-violence and the de-escalation of conflicts when a safe retreat can be made."[45] The legislation was not passed. After a partial mistrial was declared in a Florida murder case for the shooting death of teenager Jordan Davis, Swan noted that it marked another example of failed justice involving a young black victim.[46]

Swan is a former police chaplain for the Springfield Police Department. In 2005 he organized the Rev. Theodore N. Brown Anti Gang Initiative. The effort was named in honor of Rev. Theodore Brown, a school counselor who was murdered by 17 year old Corey Ramos.[47] In honor of Brown, Swan wrote a book, Addressing Violence in Springfield Schools: We Cannot Allow the Death of Rev. Theodore N. Brown to be in Vain.[48] The book presents Swan's analysis on school violence and several models of education.[49] The anti-gang program trained street workers who frequented gang 'hot spots' trying to break through to young men and women involved in gangs, drugs, and violence or being drawn into such activity.[50] Swan has worked with police departments and coordinated meetings at his church with witnesses to crimes in efforts to foster regular communication with law enforcement.[51] Swan was appointed by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey to her Advisory Council on Racial Justice and Equity[52] and by Springfield City Council President Orlando Ramos to the Committee on Police and Community Relations.[53] Swan was appointed to a three year term beginning in 2021 as a member of the Commission on the Status of African Americans, a commission created by the landmark Massachusetts Police Reform law.[54]

Voting rights

Bishop Swan was the lead plaintiff in a 1996 federal lawsuit against the city of Springfield, MA seeking to declare the at large representation system unconstitutional on the grounds that it diluted the votes of African Americans, Latinos, and other communities of color. The lawsuit sought to change the all at-large election of the city council to one including ward representatives. It also sought an injunction against the current voting scheme.[55] Referring to Springfield's at-large city council as a "bastion of privilege that systematically excludes residents from Springfield's poor and non-white neighborhoods," the Boston Globe brought national attention to Swan's efforts to replace the voting system in a featured article picturing Swan in front of his church.[56]

A successful signature drive placed the question for ward representation on the November 1997 ballot. On election day, 58 percent of the voters were in favor of the question, which called for eight ward seats and three at-large seats.[57] Although the ballot question received a majority vote, it fell short by 15,000 votes of the required number to become law. Swan, on behalf of the plaintiffs, offered to drop the lawsuit if city councilors agree to honor the will of the electorate and implement the ward system.[57]

In January 1998 Mayor Michael Albano again filed legislation with the city council to change to a ward system but it twice rejected the proposal.[58] Swan then contacted the U.S. Department of Justice who assigned an investigator to consider if voting rights laws were being violated.[59]

Eventually, Mayor Charles V. Ryan and City Councilor Jose Tosado proposed a home-rule amendment that would expand the council to thirteen members including eight ward and five at large seats. The home-rule petition was adopted by the City Council 7–2, and was later passed by the State Senate and House and signed by the Governor. On election day, November 6, 2007, city residents voted 72% in favor of changing the all at large election of the City Council and School Committee to one including ward representation.[60] On November 3, 2009, Springfield held its first ward elections in 50 years.

In October 2011, Bishop Swan joined with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, the ACLU and City Councilor Zaida Luna to send an urgent request to the US Department of Justice for intervention in the City of Springfield regarding widespread voter rights violations.[61] The group cited multiple incidents and areas of noncompliance with the Federal Voting Rights Act and the Department of Justice's 2006 settlement order with the City of Springfield. Teams from the US Department of Justice and the US Attorney General's office arrived in Springfield on November 8, 2011.[62]

Unresolved murders of black women

Bishop Swan challenged the Mayor and police department regarding the murders of four black women in the Western Massachusetts region. Media reports of the victims described them as drug users and police seemed to have no leads regarding their assailants. Swan and other activists accused the police department of not pursuing their cases as vigorously as other victims because they were poor and black. Under pressure from the community, Mayor Michael Albano authorized unlimited funds for overtime for police to solve the murders.[63] Swan organized an effort to erect a stone monument honoring the life of the four victims and other women of color whose murders were unsolved. After receiving approval from the Springfield, MA Parks Department, Swan was told that he would need to receive approval from the Springfield, MA Historical Society to erect the monument in the triangle of Mason Square, an historically African American neighborhood where most of the victims lived, The Historical Society required Swan to get approval from the four surrounding neighborhood councils. Failing to get the approval of one of the councils, Swan's request was denied.[64] Swan persisted regarding the placement of the monument and challenging the city regarding their investigation of the murders.[65] Mayor Albano, using executive authority, allowed the monument to be erected outside the Springfield District Court and Alfred Gaynor was eventually arrested, convicted, and sentenced to four consecutive life sentences.[66]

Political activity

In 2006, Swan was one of several clergy that endorsed Deval Patrick for Governor of Massachusetts. After his victory as the first African-American governor in the history of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Patrick selected Swan as one of the speakers at the Interfaith Prayer Service preceding his Inaugural.[67] Swan again endorsed Patrick in his 2010 bid for reelection and hosted Patrick at an Urban Town Hall Meeting at his church in Springfield.[68] Swan was again selected to speak during the Interfaith Prayer Service preceding Patrick's second Inaugural.

After initially refusing to meet with Swan and constituents from the NAACP,[69] Republican U.S. Senator Scott Brown agreed to meet with them.[70]

In August 2012, Swan met with Elizabeth Warren in a closed session with other clergy hosted at his church. Swan noted that clergy had a responsibility to meet with candidates to "ascertain their veracity, political competence, ability to effectively manage crises and inspire confidence through outstanding leadership and their ability to produce tangible results that serve the needs of our constituents."[71] Taking issue with her opponent Scott Brown's heavy focus on calling her Native American heritage into question, Swan announced his support for Warren.[72] Swan's meeting with Warren also garnered support for her by other prominent clergy.[73]

Upon U.S. Senator John Kerry's confirmation as Secretary of State under the administration of President Barack Obama, Ed Markey sought Swan's support in his bid to win the vacated senate seat. Swan organized a meeting between Markey and area clergy and noted that the meeting was "substantive and informative."[74] Swan played a similar role in vetting the positions of candidates for Hampden County District Attorney and[75] Hampden County Sheriff.[76] During the 2016 presidential election, Swan reportedly joined more than two dozen national black leaders in challenging Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's stance on issues related to so-called "religious freedom."[77]

Same-sex marriage

Swan made national headlines in 2003 by taking issue with the comparison of the fight to legalize same-sex marriage with the civil rights struggle.[78] He is the editor of the controversial book Closing the Closet: Testimonies of Deliverance from Homosexuality,[79] a book that details the testimonies of 23 individuals, including Darryl L. Foster and Alan Chambers, former president of Exodus International, claiming to no longer be homosexual as a result of their religious experience. Gay activist Wayne Besen criticized the book and accused Swan of taking material from his booklet, Finally Free, stating, "I am horrified that this book pilfered 'Finally Free' and twisted the original idea to support ex-gay propaganda."[80] Swan, responding to Besen's criticism, noted "First, I never even heard of his work 'Finally Free' until I read his obviously angry critique of 'Closing the Closet', therefore, how could I have 'pilfered and twisted' something I have never read nor ever knew existed?"[81]

According to Sam Brownback, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Kansas, Swan is among a growing number of African American leaders speaking out and "working to prevent promoters of same-sex marriage from hijacking the civil rights movement."[82] Peter Sprigg, author and Senior Fellow for Policy Studies at the Family Research Council quoted Swan as stating that homosexuals will never face the kind of profiling African Americans face.[83] Swan has opposed the comparison between the civil rights movement and the fight to legalize same-sex marriage noting that blacks were lynched, denied property rights, and declared inhuman.[84] Even after the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same sex marriage across the United States, Swan held that the history of enslavement of African-Americans could not be compared to gay struggles.[85]

Suspension by Twitter

Swan's Twitter account was suspended in August 2018 for what Twitter executives termed unspecified "hateful conduct." Swan stated that he believes this was for a May tweet in which he used the term "coon" in reference to black conservative Candace Owens.[86] After being banned for two weeks, Swan's account was reinstated by Twitter. Swan gave credit to the advocacy of thousands of his followers, who he said, tweeted to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Twitter Support, signed petitions, emailed, telephoned and pressured Twitter to reinstate his account.[87]

Other activities

Swan was a speaker at the Massachusetts sister march to the People's Climate Movement march held in Washington DC in 2017.[88] He said that climate justice and racial justice are closely related and that the most vulnerable and maligned populations get hit hardest by climate change.[89] Swan is a member of the Grand Council and the National Chaplain of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., one of the largest predominantly African American fraternities in the nation[90] a board member of the Conference of National Black Churches, a coalition of the seven largest African American denominations,[91] and the author of several books.[92] Swan also serves as a member of the Diversity Leadership Committee and Advocacy Coordinating Committees for the American Heart Association.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ Courey, David J. (26 February 2015). What Has Wittenberg to Do with Azusa?: Luther's Theology of the Cross and Pentecostal Triumphalism. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 227. ISBN 978-0-567-65631-5. The controversy led to the emergence of three-step Holiness Pentecostal denominations (the Church of God, Cleveland, TN; the Pentecostal Holiness Church and the Church of God in Christ) and two-step, Finished Work denominations (the Assemblies of God and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada).
  2. ^ Anderson, Allan (13 May 2004). An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity. Cambridge University Press. p. 47. ISBN 978-0-521-53280-8. Those who resisted Durham's teaching and remained in the 'three-stage' camp were Seymour, Crawford and Parham, and Bishops Charles H. Mason, A.J. Tomlinson and J.H. King, respectively leaders of the Church of God in Christ, the Church of God (Cleveland) and the Pentecostal Holiness Church. Tomlinson and King each issued tirades against the 'finished work' doctrine in their periodicals, but by 1914 some 60 percent of all North American Pentecostals had embraced Durham's position. ... The 'Finished Work' controversy was only the first of many subsequent divisions in North American Pentecostalism. Not only did Pentecostal churches split over the question of sanctification as a distinct experience, but a more fundamental and acrimonious split erupted in 1916 over the doctrine of the Trinity. ... The 'New Issue' was a schism in the ranks of the 'Finished Work' Pentecostals that began as a teaching that the correct formula for baptism is 'in the name of Jesus' and developed into a dispute about the Trinity. It confirmed for Holiness Pentecostals that they should have no further fellowship with the 'Finished Work' Pentecostals, who were in 'heresy'.
  3. ^ "Our Foundation". Church of God in Christ. Archived from the original on March 12, 2013. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
  4. ^ National Council of Churches (February 2, 2010). "Catholics, Mormons, Assemblies of God growing; Mainline churches report a continuing decline". Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  5. ^ Valley Advocate, "Best of Springfield", 1997
  6. ^ "About Our Senior Pastor". Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ.
  7. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-03-24. Retrieved 2017-04-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. ^ "Leadership". Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  9. ^ Johnson, Patrick. "Rev. Talbert Swan of Springfield named bishop in Church of God in Christ", Springfield Republican, June 19, 2014
  10. ^ Berry, Conor. "Springfield Pastor Talbert Swan II consecrated bishop in the Church of God in Christ", Springfield Republican, November 14, 2014
  11. ^ Goonan, Peter. "Talbert W. Swan II appointed to bishop post in Nova Scotia, Canada", Springfield Republican, June 8, 2016
  12. ^ Republican, The (January 13, 2017). "Photos, video: Springfield MLK Jr. ceremony highlighted by Bishop Talbert Swan again taking helm of local NAACP". masslive.com.
  13. ^ Vannah, Tom. "Real Talk", Valley Advocate, June 25, 2014
  14. ^ Caron, Matt. "Bishop Talbert Swan receiving National Action Network honor", wwlp.com, April 27, 2017
  15. ^ McGlaughlin, Susan. "Greater Springfield NAACP President Talbert Swan receives award at 96th annual NAACP dinner held at Chez Josef", Springfield Republican, May 15, 2014
  16. ^ Turner, Maureen. "A New Pulpit", Valley Advocate, July 28, 2011
  17. ^ Staff, Valley Advocate (December 21, 2012). "2012 Valley Advocate Halos and Horns".
  18. ^ Rizzuto, Robert. "Springfield NAACP President Talbert W. Swan II outlines priorities", Springfield Republican, September 24, 2011
  19. ^ Mcauliffe, Michael. "Blacks called to action on church fires", Springfield Union News, July 3, 1996, B4.
  20. ^ Mcauliffe, Michael and Malley, Carol. "White officer linked to call: City's police apologize to blacks," Springfield Union News, July 6, 1996 A1.
  21. ^ Stephenson, D.L. "Racial crisis possible says Albano", Springfield Union News, July 22, 1996, B1.
  22. ^ Mcauliffe, Michael. "DA says call didn't break any state law," Springfield Union News, July 12, 1996, B1.
  23. ^ Hunger, Kate. "Springfield dismisses officer for prank call to a black minister," Boston Globe, July 17, 1996.
  24. ^ Gilbert, Camilla. "Race Matters," Emerge Magazine, November 1996.
  25. ^ Goonan, Peter. "Legion head appalled at racist call," Springfield Union News, July 18, 1996.
  26. ^ "National Guardsman pleads guilty to racist call," Nashua Telegraph, November 28, 1996, p 30.
  27. ^ "Man sentenced for racist threat", Boston Globe, November 27, 1996, B3.
  28. ^ MacQuarrie, Brian. "Racism's Cutting Edge", The Boston Globe, August 1, 1996, Front Page.
  29. ^ "Police treatment of blacks focus of rally in wake of taped incident," Nashua Telegraph, June 28, 1997, p3.
  30. ^ Kelly, Ray. "Ministers decrying 'silence'", Springfield Union News, April 12, 1997, Front Page.
  31. ^ Flynn, Jack. "Officer arraigned in assault case", Springfield Union News, B1.
  32. ^ a b Turner, Maureen. "Asher Conviction Offers a "Glimmer of Hope", Valley Advocate, May 5, 2012
  33. ^ Johnson, Patrick. "Videotape of white police officer beating black suspect prompts clergy to call for Springfield Police Department to restore confidence", Springfield Republican, January 8, 2010
  34. ^ "Springfield Police Get their fax straight", Fitchburg Sentinel And Enterprise, July 20, 2000, p 15.
  35. ^ Turner, Maureen. "Getting the Fax Straight," The Valley Advocate, August 24, 2000, 4.
  36. ^ Turner, Maureen and Vannah, Tom. "26 Pols You Should Know: A roster of the rogues, the righteous and the rabble rousers who shape Valley politics", Valley Advocate, September 14–20, 2000.
  37. ^ Sullivan, Jack. "Clearing the cops: Do district attorneys rubber-stamp police use of deadly force?", Commonwealth Magazine, January 15, 2014
  38. ^ Turner, Maureen. "Investigating the Springfield Police Department", January 15, 2012
  39. ^ Turner, Maureen. "Investigating the Springfield Police Department," Valley Advocate, January 19, 2012.
  40. ^ "Swan Calls For Two-City Police Commission". Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  41. ^ Epp, Henry. "NAACP's Talbert Swan: Springfield Police Review Board 'Is A Joke'", New England Public Radio, December 11, 2014
  42. ^ "Should Police Cruisers Have Cameras?", Valley Advocate, February 27, 2014
  43. ^ Lucas, Dave. "Should Body Cameras Be Required For Police Officers?", WAMC Northeast Public Radio, December 5, 2014
  44. ^ Zeitlin, Hugh. "Western MA residents hold rally for Trayvon Martin", Western Mass News, July 20, 2013
  45. ^ Turner, Maureen. "Standing Against 'Stand Your Ground'," Valley Advocate, May 19, 2012.
  46. ^ Goonan, Peter. "Michael Dunn Florida murder case: Local NAACP President Talbert Swan II decries justice system following mistrial", Springfield Republican, January 14, 2014.
  47. ^ Stacom, Don. "Schools Move to Add Security", Hartford Courant, December 7, 2001.
  48. ^ results, search (28 November 2002). Addressing Violence in Springfield Schools: We Cannot Allow the Death of Reverend Theodore N. Brown to be in Vain. Trumpet in Zion Publishing. ISBN 0971635501.
  49. ^ Dobbs, G. Michael. "Brown Remembered in Book", The Reminder, January 8, 2003.
  50. ^ Lowney, Mary Ellen. "Activists target gang 'hot spots'", Springfield Republican, May 20, 2005, A1.
  51. ^ Banks, Adele M. "Police Chief To Black Churches: 'We Can't Do This Without You Guys'", Huffington Post, January 11, 2015.
  52. ^ "Racial Justice and Equity Council Members" (PDF). Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  53. ^ Goonan, Peter. "Springfield City Council names committee to explore improvements in police-community relations", Springfield Republican, February 16, 2007
  54. ^ "Section 3:72 - Commission on status of African Americans, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 3 § 72 | Casetext Search + Citator".
  55. ^ Spencer, Buffy. "At-large elections challenged," Springfield Union News, January 14, 1997, B1
  56. ^ Emery, Theo. "Turf battle: Springfield groups launch fight for at-large council seats," Boston Globe, August 10, 1997
  57. ^ a b Goonan, Peter. "Plaintiffs offer to withdraw ward suit," Springfield Union News, November 18, 1997, A1
  58. ^ Turner, Maureen. "Vote of No Confidence", Valley Advocate, January 29, 1998
  59. ^ Turner, Maureen. "A Small Step Uphill: Feds agree to examine whether Springfield election rules unfairly hinder minorities", Valley Advocate, December 24, 1998. Swan also requested assistance from the department in the federal lawsuit, alleging that the at-large system "was adopted and is being maintained purposefully to dilute, minimize and cancel out the voting strengths of blacks and Latinos."<Goonan, Peter. "Voting rights group seeks intervention", Springfield Union News, January 25, 1999, B1.
  60. ^ Rivais, Larry. "Ward representation brings change to voting in Springfield municipal election", Springfield Republican, August 9, 2009
  61. ^ "Press release" (PDF). www.springfieldinstitute.org. 2011. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  62. ^ "Justice Department to Monitor Elections in California, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas". www.justice.gov. 7 November 2011.
  63. ^ Spencer, Buffy and Flynn, Jack. "Mayor vows help in probe of slayings", Springfield Republican, February 14, 1998
  64. ^ Spencer, Buffy. "Dispute flares over victims monument", Springfield Republican, February 17, 2017
  65. ^ Appleton, John. "Memorial to slain women debated," Springfield Republican, May 3, 1999
  66. ^ Johnson, Patrick. "Grand jury indicts serial killer Alfred Gaynor for 4 additional murders", Springfield Republican, October 21, 2010
  67. ^ Paulson, Michael. "Religious leaders embrace Patrick", The Boston Globe, December 30, 2006, A1 Metro.
  68. ^ DeForge, Jeanette. "Springfield residents quiz Gov. Deval Patrick about casinos, police brutality", Springfield Republican, April 8, 2010
  69. ^ Rizzuto, Robert. "Springfield NAACP leader Talbert Swan calls on Sen. Scott Brown to reconsider invitation for "town hall" meeting," Springfield Republican, January 27, 2012
  70. ^ Rizzuto, Robert. "U.S. Sen. Scott Brown agrees to meet with Springfield NAACP leader Talbert Swan after initially saying no," Springfield Republican, January 27, 2012
  71. ^ Rizzuto, Robert. "Elizabeth Warren to meet with Rev. Talbert Swan in Springfield, visit Westfield, Pittsfield during two-day campaign swing in Western Massachusetts", Springfield Republican, August 4, 2012
  72. ^ Levenson, Michael. "Black clergy in Boston endorse Warren", Boston Globe
  73. ^ Rizzuto, Robert. "Elizabeth Warren gets endorsement from Archbishop Timothy Paul Baymon following meeting with black clergy in Springfield", Springfield Republican, August 6, 2012
  74. ^ Rizzuto, Robert. "Rep. Ed Markey's Senate campaign gets consideration from Rev. Talbert Swan, black clergy in Springfield", Springfield Republican, February 19, 2013
  75. ^ Barry Stephanie. "Hampden district attorney candidates field questions at NAACP forum in Springfield", Springfield Republican, June 26, 2014
  76. ^ Young, Shannon. "Hampden County sheriff candidates talk hiring practices, need for change in NAACP-sponsored debate", Springfield Republican, June 28, 2016
  77. ^ Young, Shannon. "Bishop Talbert Swan, black leaders take aim at Hillary Clinton's 'religious freedom' stance", Springfield Republican, November 1, 2016
  78. ^ Lindsay, Jay. "Black conservatives oppose gay marriage Reject parallels with civil rights movement", Boston Globe, November 29, 2003
  79. ^ Talbert w. Swan, II (July 2004). Closing The Closet: Testimonies Of Deliverance From Homosexuality: Swan, Talbert W.: 9780971635524: Amazon.com: Books. ISBN 0971635528.
  80. ^ "Activist Wayne Besen Criticizes New Ex-gay Book - Ex-Gay Watch". exgaywatch.com. 6 September 2004.
  81. ^ "Editor of Landmark New Book Detailing Testimonies of Deliverance from Homosexuality Responds to Gay Activist's Criticism".
  82. ^ Brownback, Sam. From Power to Purpose: A Remarkable Journey of Faith and Compassion, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007, 85.
  83. ^ Sprigg, Peter. Outrage: How Gay Activists and Liberal Judges are Trashing Democracy to Redefine Marriage, Washington, DC: Regnery Publishing, 2004, 53.
  84. ^ Lindsay, Jay. "Black conservatives oppose gay marriage Reject parallels with civil rights movement", The Boston Globe, November 29, 2003.
  85. ^ Banks, Adelle M. "Black clergy walk a fine line between religious liberty, discrimination", Washington Post, July 17, 2015
  86. ^ Roman, Elizabeth (August 30, 2018). "Bishop Talbert Swan permanently banned from Twitter for 'hateful conduct'". Springfield Republican.
  87. ^ Johnson, Patrick (September 4, 2018). "Twitter lifts 'permanent' ban on Springfield Bishop Talbert Swan's account". Springfield Republican.
  88. ^ Steele, Brian. "Hundreds march for climate justice in Springfield", Springfield Republican, April 30, 2017
  89. ^ Goudreau, Chris. "Figures … New England In Climate Change's Crosshairs", Valley Advocate, May 15, 2017
  90. ^ http://www.iotaphitheta.org/about/leadership/grand-executive-council
  91. ^ "The CNBC - Faith Into Advocacy". thecnbc.org.
  92. ^ "Amazon.com: Talbert W. Swan: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle". www.amazon.com.
Church of God in Christ Titles
Preceded by Bishop of Nova Scotia, Canada
2016–Present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by
None
 Auxiliary Bishop of Greater Massachusetts
2014–2016 		Succeeded by
–
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Talbert_W._Swan_II&oldid=1054721101"