Erica of gospel duo Mary Mary:“The moment I heard what happened to Prophetess Bynum, my sister Tina and I began praying for her. I was very emotional because I do consider her a friend. It’s truly devastating because no matter how you slice it no one deserves to have another person put their hands on them for any reason.
Often people think because we are in the Christian community that we are exempt from life happening or make the assumption that if you’re a Christian and capable of doing certain things then you must not be as connected to God as you claim to be. The reality is that life happens, but while it is happening God is your saving grace because only He can heal and repair your spirit. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that you enter into a euphoric state of existence. Sometimes, bad things do happen to good people, but Jesus gives you the ability to deal with things and see you through. Whether you call yourself a preacher or not, you must suffer the consequences of your actions.
Sometimes you don’t see a person for who they really are. He or she could be the nicest and sweetest person one day and then act completely different the next. My advice to any person who is in a relationship with someone who shows their true self is don’t bother making excuses for their actions—believe them and run.
There’s a scripture in the Bible that says God won’t give you more than you can bear. Prophetess Bynum is an extremely strong woman and she will make it through and her ministry will be even more powerful because of her experience. Because if you never go through something how can you minister to the next person about how to handle a similar situation? I just want Prophetess to know we love her and are praying for her.”
Richard Smallwood, Gospel singer
“My heart goes out to Prophetess Bynum and I want her to know that I’m praying and keeping her spirit lifted. I am also praying for Bishop Weeks because I know that this will be a difficult time for him and I pray that he receives the healing and assistance he needs so that he doesn’t ever do this again. Honestly, I was shocked when I heard what happened because I know them both. A lot of people tend to look at preachers as deities or supernatural and don’t believe they have the same pains fears, problems, or issues. In fact, they do but the only difference is that they were called by God to do what they do. Remember, Christians are not perfect beings—we have flaws and issues. Too often, Black people are too embarrassed to seek help and sweep their problems under the rug. I believe there’s always an underlying cause for someone’s behavior. My understanding is that any type of abuser was once a victim of abuse or grew up witnessing abuse.
Regardless of what some might think because of Prophetess Bynum’s public ministry, she is a victim and I hope that people won’t be judgmental because what happened certainly isn’t her fault. Spousal abuse is so prevalent that it doesn’t matter what your station or status in life is. It’s something that the church and Christian communities need to stop shying away from and address.”
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
“Although the news is unsettling, we are prayerful for all parties involved and their support systems. We know that good comes out of everything when God is present. She is in our prayers and we are thinking of her and her family. We pray peace of mind for her as she recovers. Right now we need to respect her privacy, however the subject matter allows for a greater healing on a mass level. It’s really an opportunity to contribute to healing.”
—Mary Mary’s Erica
Richard Smallwood
Although the news is unsettling we are prayerful for all parties involved and their support systems. We know that good comes out of everything when God is present. She is in our prayers and we are thinking of her and her family. We pray peace of mind for her as she recovers….Right now we need to respect her privacy, however the subject matter allows for a greater healing on a mass level. It’s really an opportunity to contribute to healing. —Platinum-selling gospel group Trin-I-Tee 5:7
Compiled by Nazenet Habtezghi and Kenya Byrd
Photo Credit: Columbia/Sony BMG
Mary Mary