The Ambassador Dropped from Cross Movement Records....

[BigMike07]

due to moral failure in Marriage

CMR's Ambassador Statement


Dear   Body of Christ,

It is with much grief, severe disappointment and an overwhelming fear of the Lord that Cross Movement Records is sad to announce that we will be discontinuing the forwarding and promotion of the Artist and Minister, The Ambassador AKA William “Duce” Branch, due to recent findings of moral failure in his marriage.  It is CMR’s past, current and prayerfully, future position that living in moral compromise is unacceptable and never allowable in the lives of any of the ministers that we co-labor with.   We continue to hold up the teachings of Christ as the standard for all Christians and especially those in Christian leadership and public ministry.  Although it is a rare find these days, discipline is still one of the true marks of the true Church.

That being said, we also know according to Hebrews 12:6 that “whom The Lord loves He disciplines.”  So we know that our beloved brother Duce is under the Lord’s loving care (Hebrews 12:5-11).  We at CMR solicit your prayers for him as he begins the uphill climb of restoration through the process of repentance.  We also ask that you remember his wife and children in your quiet time with our Lord as well.  We are reminded by Galatians 6:1, that we are to work toward the restoration of our dear brother in due season and also to do such in the spirit of meekness, considering ourselves lest we also be tempted.

Lastly, some that have had this circumstance announced to them through other sources have begun to suggest some type of cover-up or a sweeping under the carpet by CMR because of a slight delay in this statement versus the announcement that has already happened in William Branch’s church.  This is the farthest thing from the truth.  This matter was unbeknownst to CMR and upon discovery we have taken the proper time to speak with the Lord, The Ambassador, his church leadership and many other Christian leaders regarding this issue.  After seeking wisdom and allowing the appropriate amount of time to make sure we had all the issues in full consideration, we have come forward as quickly as we were able to after completing this process.

In conclusion, we apologize for the effect that this may have on many who have followed and supported The Ambassador, Cross Movement and Cross Movement Records for many years.  Despite this unfortunate occurrence, CMR and all of its artist/ministers continue committed, our resolve unaffected, with the mission of making the message of the Cross known to the world.  Again, we ask for your prayers as we keep our hands to the plow, heal our wounded and worship the God of our Salvation.  We remain Christ’s and your servant.

Sincerely,

John Wells

Pres/CEO

Cross Movement Records/ Issachar Media

Disappointed cause he just performed at my church about a month ago...prayin 4 him and his fam

[under13]

Never heard of the dude.

What ever happened to just being 'sat down'?

[BigMike07]

Never heard of the dude.

What ever happened to just being 'sat down'?

LOL I know

[nessalynn77]

I respect them for it.  They are not a church, so they wouldn't sit him down.  But they care about the image their label portrays to fans, especially youth.  I appreciate that, because nowadays, nobody cares including the church.

[lordluvr]

If every record company followed their lead, there wouldn't be much to listen to on the radio.

[sjonathan02]

If every record company followed their lead, there wouldn't be much to listen to on the radio.

Indeed.

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I can understand them dropping him for his actions, but is it really necessary for them to put his business out in the streets like that?  It's almost as if they want to turn others against him as well.  So what if "other sources" were reporting whatever, just drop him and let that be that as it is mainly between him, his wife/family, and God.  It is still about business because of the contractual obligations he had.

Could it be that The Ambassador was just "keeping it real" in regards to hip-hop?  Please refer to the earlier thread regarding the aforementioned subject.

[nessalynn77]

I can understand them dropping him for his actions, but is it really necessary for them to put his business out in the streets like that?  It's almost as if they want to turn others against him as well.  So what if "other sources" were reporting whatever, just drop him and let that be that as it is mainly between him, his wife/family, and God.  It is still about business because of the contractual obligations he had.

Could it be that The Ambassador was just "keeping it real" in regards to hip-hop?  Please refer to the earlier thread regarding the aforementioned subject.

Either way there'd be a backlash.  People would be demanding an explanation and blasting them for dropping him without saying anything.  It was already out there, their fan base was already hearing the story, so they explained their stand.  I can dig it.

[robdown]

neva heard of the dude, but i hope him and his fam get thru this.

[blessedwoman]

I love cross movement...a regular supporter of the group. Saddened to hear this, but everyone goes through at some point in time and I will be praying for him and his family...we're supposed to lift one another up.

At least they didn't tear him down, I respect them for that

[T-Block]

Dang, The Ambassodor was like my #2 favorite gospel rapper. Definitely the best man of The Cross Movement group. Sad to hear about this, but glad the company did the right thing. That's exactly how I would run my company, anything unGodly gets axed.

[gtrdave]

This is freaky.
Today I've been watching the "truth behind hip hop" video series from minister G. Craige Lewis.
Because I'm curious about stuff, I did a search on minister Lewis and found this link:
http://www.centerforyouth.org/page.aspx?id=162047
Which contains a reference to William Branch criticizing minister Lewis.
Coincidence? I think not.

Yet I digress...Mr. Branch has sinned and can be restored IF that's the path that he chooses. Cross Movement has a circle of influence and no doubt this will negatively impact that influence.

[BigMike07]

Yea he just did a concert at my church, and he really ministered, I was more than dissappointed wit this news, but I still think he can make a come back, I mean if pastors can get away with inpregnating under age girls at his church, than I am sure he can overcome this if he TRULY repents and turns...Will be praying for his fam, especially his kids

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

This is freaky.
Today I've been watching the "truth behind hip hop" video series from minister G. Craige Lewis.
Because I'm curious about stuff, I did a search on minister Lewis and found this link:
http://www.centerforyouth.org/page.aspx?id=162047
Which contains a reference to William Branch criticizing minister Lewis.
Coincidence? I think not.

Yet I digress...Mr. Branch has sinned and can be restored IF that's the path that he chooses. Cross Movement has a circle of influence and no doubt this will negatively impact that influence.

G. Craig Lewis presents more of his opinion than fact.  I have posted a couple of threads concerning him and his presentations.  This cat(Ambassador) may have gotten caught and fallen, but how many gospel singers, writers, musicians, ministers, etc are doing the same if not worse and he never goes after them simply because they follow a more traditional route?  It has been said that Lewis' main beef is that he attempted a career in the industry and no one took him seriously because he was whack.  Also, he berates gospel hip-hop because of the "wordly" elements he deems it uses, but he turns right around and offers his version of gospel hip-hop on his site.  Please don't get me going on this cat.

[gtrdave]

I was just sayin'...