Denomination Backs Embattled Leader

Denomination Backs Embattled Leader

The National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., is retaining Henry Lyons as its top leader despite allegations of adultery and financial impropriety.

On July 17, Lyons, president of the 8.5 million-member denomination, met with 500 leaders and ministers of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. to answer questions about his personal life and finances. Lyons, 55, emerged from the meeting with a vote of confidence from the leaders. Since 1994, he has been president of the National Baptists, the largest black denomination in the country. Lyons appeared before the group after his wife, Deborah, had been charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to a $700,000 house that Lyons co-owns with business partner Bernice Edwards. The home sustained $30,000 in damages.

The incident involving the alleged arson has led to Lyons facing allegations of adultery and to questions about his wealth. “I categorically deny that Ms. Bernice Edwards and I were carrying on an affair,” Lyons said at a July 11 news conference.

Lyons described the residence that is deeded in his and Edwards’s name as a “guest house for developing corporate relations and receiving national and international visitors.” Lyons also is president of Revelation Corporation, a for-profit business venture of five black denominations (CT, Feb. 3, 1997, p. 72).

Lyons appeared with his wife at the news conference and criticized media outlets for questioning his “living well.” Lyons owns two Mercedes-Benzes and one Rolls-Royce.

On August 4, Lyons announced that he was severing business ties with Edwards, whom he called a “family friend.”

Copyright © 1997 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also in this issue

The Geography of the Imagination: Christian fiction can take us anywhere - from the rural South to New Babylon. But some trips are more rewarding than others … The annual fiction issue explores the geography of the imagination.

Our Latest

News

Space Force Hymn Lifts Prayer to the Heavens

Southern Baptist chaplain says God prompted him to write song for the newest branch of the US military. 

Beijing, Let My Daughter Come Home

Power Without Integrity Destroys Us

Evangelicals helped elect Trump. Can evangelicals also hold him accountable?

The Bulletin

Sultan of Swing

The Bulletin addresses the election of Donald Trump.

What Another Trump Presidency Means To Evangelicals Around the World

Christian leaders from Nepal to Turkey greet the US election results with joy, grief, and indifference.

Our Faith’s Future Depends on Discipleship

The Lausanne Movement’s State of the Great Commission report details where and how Christianity is growing. 

News

Trump’s Promised Mass Deportations Put Immigrant Churches on Edge

Some of the president-elect’s proposals seem unlikely, but he has threatened to remove millions of both undocumented and legal immigrants.

God Is Faithful in Triumph and Despair

I voted for Kamala Harris and mourn her loss. But I want to keep politics in its proper place, subordinate to Jesus.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube