Bishop Winans Clarifies Viral Church Donation Video

You might have seen a video circulating online showing Bishop Marvin Winans seemingly calling out a churchgoer over a donation. Well, the beloved gospel star and pastor is now speaking out to set the record straight about the incident that occurred at his Perfecting Church in Detroit.

Setting the Record Straight

The viral footage shows Bishop Winans holding up two checks from a woman, totaling around $1,200, and questioning the amount. He appeared to be asking for a donation of “$1,000 plus $1,000.” The situation quickly sparked backlash, with many interpreting his actions as rebuking the congregant.

However, speaking with ABC 7 News on Wednesday, October 22, the 67-year-old pastor explained that the video was taken out of context. He clarified that the incident happened during the church’s designated “day of giving,” and he was calling members up in specific increments to manage the flow of donations efficiently.

A Matter of Misunderstanding

According to Bishop Winans, the woman involved, Roberta McCoy, accidentally stepped into the wrong line for the amount she intended to donate. He emphasized that his intention was simply to correct the line order, not to shame the member. “I told everybody to listen and come when you call, and that’s all that was,” he stated.

Roberta McCoy, a member of Perfecting Church for over 13 years, corroborated the Bishop’s account. She confirmed that he did not rebuke her, but rather made a correction based on the instructions given for the donation lines. She also mentioned that Bishop Winans has since apologized to her for the misunderstanding.

Context is Key

This situation highlights how easily videos can be misinterpreted when taken out of their original context. Bishop Winans’ explanation suggests a procedural correction rather than a reprimand, aiming to maintain order during a significant church event.

It’s a reminder that behind every viral clip, there’s often a story that needs a bit more explanation. The focus now shifts back to the ministry and the positive work being done at Perfecting Church.