Talbert W. Swan II

Talbert Wesley Swan II (born April 24, 1965) is an American 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 Pentecostal–Holiness 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] The National Council of Churches ranks it as the fifth largest Christian denomination in the U.S.[2] Swan is the fourth leader of the Jurisdiction and oversees COGIC congregations in the province. He serves the denomination as Assistant General Secretary and Senior Advisor to Charles Edward Blake, Sr., the Presiding Bishop.

His Grace, The Right Reverend,

Talbert Wesley Swan II
Bishop of Nova Scotia
ArchdioceseCanada
DioceseNova Scotia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Nova Scotia, Canada
AppointedJune 6, 2016
InstalledNovember 10, 2016
PredecessorRoderick Wilson
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
Springfield, Massachusetts
NationalityAmerican
DenominationChurch of God in Christ
ResidenceSpringfield, Massachusetts
ParentsFred Allen Swan, Sr., DeLois Fason Swan
SpouseCynthia Ann Davis Swan
ChildrenWhitney Alexandra, Shannon Shaylisa, Eryca Denise, Tyler Kenneth, Trae Arthur, Drystal Marie, Talyn Mary, Talbert Wesley, Lezine Byoune, Micah Nazir
Previous postAuxiliary Bishop of Greater Massachusetts (2014–2016)
Alma materHartford Seminary, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and Harvard Divinity School
MottoBLESS HIS NAME
Styles of
Talbert Wesley Swan II
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Grace
Religious styleBishop

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."[3].

Biography

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.[4]

Ordination and early career

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.[5] 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.[6]

Career 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.[7] His appointment was ratified by the General Assembly and he was consecrated bishop on November 9, 2014 during the 107th Annual Holy Convocation.[8]

On June 6, 2016, Blake named Swan the third bishop of the Nova Scotia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.[9] 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.[10] He has advocated for police reform, voting rights, and community responsibility.[11] He received the Rev. Dr. William A. Jones Award from the National Action Network, a civil rights organization founded by Rev. Al Sharpton[12] and the NAACP James F. Hennessey Award for his work in civil rights advocacy.[13]

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.[14] The Valley Advocate noted that this led to a revitalization of the organization and its voice on critical community issues.[15] Swan outlined the priorities of the branch as taking a renewed focus on education, health, economic empowerment, political action and social justice advocacy.[16]

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.[17] 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.[18] Mayor Albano said that the call to Swan "borders on crisis" and announced the formation of a community coalition to deal with racial tensions.[19]

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,[20] Bradley was fired by the Springfield Police Commission.[21] 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'[22] and threatened to burn Swan's church down if he refused to drop the charges against Officer Bradley.[23] Eckmalian was charged with a civil rights violation and was sentenced to probation and community service.[24] Under an agreement with prosecutors, Eckmalian was also ordered to undergo sensitivity training in race relations and to continue alcohol treatment.[25] 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.[26]

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.[27] 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."[28] Asher was eventually arraigned on assault charges,[29] 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.[30] More than a decade later, Asher was again caught on video repeatedly beating subdued suspect Melvin Jones with a flashlight.[31] 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.[30]

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.[32] 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.[33] 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.[34]

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.[35] 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."[36] 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.[37] Swan has called for police accountability and the implementation of civilian police oversight.[38] Calling police departments where civilian review boards only serve in an advisory capacity "a joke," Swan has urged for boards with statutory authority.[39] He has called for cruiser cameras and recorders to provide additional accountability.[40] 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."[41]

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.[42] 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."[43] 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.[44]

Swan is a 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.[45] 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.[46] The book presents Swan's analysis on school violence and several models of education.[47] 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.[48] 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.[49] Swan was appointed by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey to her Advisory Council on Racial Justice and Equity[50] and by Springfield City Council President Orlando Ramos to the Committee on Police and Community Relations.[51]

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.[52] 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.[53]

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.[54] 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.[54]

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.[55] Swan then contacted the U.S. Department of Justice who assigned an investigator to consider if voting rights laws were being violated.[56]

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.[57] 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.[58] 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.[59]

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 disparaged 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.[60] 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.[61] Swan persisted regarding the placement of the monument and challenging the city regarding their investigation of the murders.[62] 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.[63]

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.[64] Swan again endorsed Patrick in his 2010 bid for reelection and hosted Patrick at an Urban Town Hall Meeting at his church in Springfield.[65] 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,[66] Republican U.S. Senator Scott Brown agreed to meet.[67]

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."[68] Taking issue with her opponent Scott Brown's heavy focus on calling her Native American heritage into question, Swan supported Warren.[69] Swan's meeting with Warren also garnered support for her by other prominent clergy.[70]

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."[71] Swan played a similar role in vetting the positions of candidates for Hampden County District Attorney and[72] Hampden County Sheriff.[73] 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."[74]

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.[75] He is the editor of the controversial book Closing the Closet: Testimonies of Deliverance from Homosexuality,[76] 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."[77] 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?"[78]

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."[79] 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.[80] 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.[81] 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.[82]

Other activities

Swan was a speaker at the Massachusetts sister march to the People's Climate Movement march held in Washington DC in 2017.[83] He noted that climate justice and racial justice are closely related and that the most vulnerable and maligned populations get hit hardest by climate change.[84] 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[85] a board member of the Conference of National Black Churches, a coalition of the seven largest African American denominations,[86] and the author of several books.[87]

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.[88] After being banned for two weeks, Swan's account was reinstated by Twitter. Swan gave credit to the advocacy of thousands of his followers, whom he said, tweeted to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Twitter Support, signed petitions, emailed, telephoned and pressured Twitter to reinstate his account. [89]

gollark: That is a moronically beelike argument.
gollark: Probably? I never checked.
gollark: Why not Haskell?
gollark: Why not Chez Scheme?
gollark: Also, I checked, and it looks like JPEG XL is actually inevitable, due to the ability to losslessly recompress existing JPEG images more efficiently.

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  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-03-24. Retrieved 2017-04-19.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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  9. Goonan, Peter. "Talbert W. Swan II appointed to bishop post in Nova Scotia, Canada", Springfield Republican, June 8, 2016
  10. Republican, The (January 13, 2017). "Photos, video: Springfield MLK Jr. ceremony highlighted by Bishop Talbert Swan again taking helm of local NAACP". masslive.com.
  11. Vannah, Tom. "Real Talk", Valley Advocate, June 25, 2014
  12. Caron, Matt. "Bishop Talbert Swan receiving National Action Network honor", wwlp.com, April 27, 2017
  13. McGlaughlin, Susan. "Greater Springfield NAACP President Talbert Swan receives award at 96th annual NAACP dinner held at Chez Josef", Springfield Republican, May 15, 2014
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  18. Mcauliffe, Michael and Malley, Carol. "White officer linked to call: City's police apologize to blacks," Springfield Union News, July 6, 1996 A1.
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  20. Mcauliffe, Michael. "DA says call didn't break any state law," Springfield Union News, July 12, 1996, B1.
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  26. MacQuarrie, Brian. "Racism's Cutting Edge", The Boston Globe, August 1, 1996, Front Page.
  27. "Police treatment of blacks focus of rally in wake of taped incident," Nashua Telegraph, June 28, 1997, p3.
  28. Kelly, Ray. "Ministers decrying 'silence'", Springfield Union News, April 12, 1997, Front Page.
  29. Flynn, Jack. "Officer arraigned in assault case", Springfield Union News, B1.
  30. Turner, Maureen. "Asher Conviction Offers a "Glimmer of Hope", Valley Advocate, May 5, 2012
  31. 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
  32. "Springfield Police Get their fax straight", Fitchburg Sentinel And Enterprise, July 20, 2000, p 15.
  33. Turner, Maureen. "Getting the Fax Straight," The Valley Advocate, August 24, 2000, 4.
  34. 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.
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  38. "Swan Calls For Two-City Police Commission". Retrieved May 2, 2020.
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  40. "Should Police Cruisers Have Cameras?", Valley Advocate, February 27, 2014
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  44. Goonan, Peter. "Michael Dunn Florida murder case: Local NAACP President Talbert Swan II decries justice system following mistrial", Springfield Republican, January 14, 2014.
  45. Stacom, Don. "Schools Move to Add Security", Hartford Courant, December 7, 2001.
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  54. Goonan, Peter. "Plaintiffs offer to withdraw ward suit," Springfield Union News, November 18, 1997, A1
  55. Turner, Maureen. "Vote of No Confidence", Valley Advocate, January 29, 1998
  56. 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.
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  59. "Justice Department to Monitor Elections in California, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas". www.justice.gov.
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  63. Johnson, Patrick. "Grand jury indicts serial killer Alfred Gaynor for 4 additional murders", Springfield Republican, October 21, 2010
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  65. DeForge, Jeanette. "Springfield residents quiz Gov. Deval Patrick about casinos, police brutality", Springfield Republican, April 8, 2010
  66. Rizzuto, Robert. "Springfield NAACP leader Talbert Swan calls on Sen. Scott Brown to reconsider invitation for "town hall" meeting," Springfield Republican, January 27, 2012
  67. 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
  68. 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
  69. Levenson, Michael. "Black clergy in Boston endorse Warren", Boston Globe
  70. Rizzuto, Robert. "Elizabeth Warren gets endorsement from Archbishop Timothy Paul Baymon following meeting with black clergy in Springfield", Springfield Republican, August 6, 2012
  71. Rizzuto, Robert. "Rep. Ed Markey's Senate campaign gets consideration from Rev. Talbert Swan, black clergy in Springfield", Springfield Republican, February 19, 2013
  72. Barry Stephanie. "Hampden district attorney candidates field questions at NAACP forum in Springfield", Springfield Republican, June 26, 2014
  73. Young, Shannon. "Hampden County sheriff candidates talk hiring practices, need for change in NAACP-sponsored debate", Springfield Republican, June 28, 2016
  74. Young, Shannon. "Bishop Talbert Swan, black leaders take aim at Hillary Clinton's 'religious freedom' stance", Springfield Republican, November 1, 2016
  75. Lindsay, Jay. "Black conservatives oppose gay marriage Reject parallels with civil rights movement", Boston Globe, November 29, 2003
  76. Talbert w. Swan, II (July 2004). Closing The Closet: Testimonies Of Deliverance From Homosexuality: Swan, Talbert W.: 9780971635524: Amazon.com: Books. ISBN 0971635528.
  77. "Activist Wayne Besen Criticizes New Ex-gay Book - Ex-Gay Watch". exgaywatch.com.
  78. "Editor of Landmark New Book Detailing Testimonies of Deliverance from Homosexuality Responds to Gay Activist's Criticism".
  79. Brownback, Sam. From Power to Purpose: A Remarkable Journey of Faith and Compassion, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007, 85.
  80. Sprigg, Peter. Outrage: How Gay Activists and Liberal Judges are Trashing Democracy to Redefine Marriage, Washington, DC: Regnery Publishing, 2004, 53.
  81. Lindsay, Jay. "Black conservatives oppose gay marriage Reject parallels with civil rights movement", The Boston Globe, November 29, 2003.
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  85. http://www.iotaphitheta.org/about/leadership/grand-executive-council
  86. "The CNBC - Faith Into Advocacy". thecnbc.org.
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  88. Roman, Elizabeth (August 30, 2018). "Bishop Talbert Swan permanently banned from Twitter for 'hateful conduct'". Springfield Republican.
  89. Johnson, Patrick (September 4, 2018). "Twitter lifts 'permanent' ban on Springfield Bishop Talbert Swan's account". Springfield Republican.
Church Of God In Christ Titles
Preceded by
Roderick Wilson		 Bishop of Nova Scotia, Canada
2016–Present		 Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by
None		 Auxiliary Bishop of Greater Massachusetts
2014–2016		 Succeeded by
–
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