The following statement was released regarding the New York State Supreme Court’s judgement in dismissing a lawsuit regarding the pastor chosen to take over stewardship of Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church, in the wake of the passing of Rev. Calvin Butts.
“We are deeply disappointed by the New York State Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss our case. While we respect the authority of the Court, we do not agree with the outcome, nor do we believe it reflects the gravity of the concerns we brought forward in good faith and in great detail.
Our lawsuit was never about undermining the church or its spiritual mission. It was about accountability, transparency, and the right of members to raise serious questions about governance, process, and spiritual harm without fear of retaliation or silence. We came to the Court because every opportunity for resolution within the church had been closed to us, as we outlined in our petition.
The dismissal of this case does not resolve the underlying issues that compelled us to act. Those issues remain and because of this decision, The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a deeply vulnerable institution. And the cycle of marginalizing, intimidating and pushing out the voices of those who speak out will not only continue, but it will become a permanent stain in the fabric of a church that once stood for justice.
We pursued this action not just for ourselves, but out of love for The Abyssinian Baptist Church and a belief that institutions rooted in faith and justice must also be willing to confront hard truths. Accountability and faith are not in conflict; they are inseparable.
Though the Court has declined to hear our claims, we remain steadfast in our commitment to integrity, to one another, and to the principles that first drew us to Abyssinian. We will continue to speak the truth as we know it, to support others who feel silenced, and to seek paths toward healing, reform, and justice. And ultimately, we know that God will prevail.”
Statement by: Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason, Dr. Kevin McGruder, Jasmine McFarlane White, Clarence E. Ball III, Plaintiffs
