The war on women’s fashion is being fought right under the churches roof. For years, women have been policed in church settings for their appearances. A simple Google search of “what should women wear to church” returns back hundred of results from sites trying to “help” women fight off the temptation and wandering eyes of men in the place of worship. The concept of decency and holiness is one that oftentimes can be hard to process for many. What is acceptable in the house of the lord? Should people not be able to come as they are? According to Juanita Bynum, the answer is no.
Juanita Bynum is an American gospel singer, author, and pastor from Chicago, Illinois. The conservative leader was described by The New York Times as “the most prominent black female television evangelist in the country.” Bynum has gone viral over the years for comments made on several topics. She once confessed to her own substance use and relationships with men and women in a V-103 interview. “I’ve been there, and I’ve done it all,” she told the station. “I’ve been with men, I’ve been with women. All of it.” Some believe it’s this last part that has her so critical of women and their church appearance. Twitter users speculate that it’s actually Bynum who finds women in Fashion Nova dresses distracting and not the deacons she is so concerned about in a live rant.
In the clip, Bynum says she does not understand how women with no stockings and “thong-y” stringy shoes could possibly lead in praise and worship. She finds an issue with women that have their legs all “greased up.” “What kind of message are you trying to send us? Because to me, that looks like someone that’s got a h– spirit.” Bynum goes on to say that these types of women have the potential to seduce a deacon and could just approach one in a corner and “get it on” because she probably is not wearing undergarment.
Juanita Bynum said she’s tired of y’all coming to church in Fashion Nova dresses with no panties on! pic.twitter.com/bHndjGMggc
— ᴅᴏʟʟᴀʀ (@callmedollar) December 19, 2021
One person blamed the pastor of shaming women and wondering why young poeple are leaving the church. “And they wonder why younger people are leaving the church.” It’s not Christ that’s the problem, it’s his self-appointed, sinful messengers.” Another pointed out, “There is no male accountability in Black Christianity.” Of course, many fans also brought up her past experiences with other women.
Bynum famously divorced her ex-husband, pastor Bishop Thomas Weeks III, after claiming he put his hands on her. Some criticized Bynum and believed that she was using the divorce as leverage to amplify her visibility. Following the divorce, the prophetess claims she detoxed to get rid of internal and external toxins. She also held a ‘sacred ceremony’ where she wore her wedding dress. During the ceremony, Bynum rewrote her ten commandments and declared her past will only be used to pass on lessons about her experiences.
