The Seventh-day Adventist Church has recently fired a pastor from the Bronx over marital rape approval.

Former Pastor Burnett Robinson reportedly drew criticisms after saying that husbands may rape their wives. He made this remark during his sermon on Saturday, Nov. 13. 

Robinson was the former pastor of the Grand Concourse Seventh-day Adventist Church. He served the Adventist church for nine years.

Former Pastor Approves Marital Rape

According to Religion News Service (RNS), Robinson explained the role of wife to her husband.

During his sermon earlier this month, he said that wives must submit themselves to their husbands.

"I want you to know upfront, ladies, that once you get married, you are no longer your own," he preached. "You are your husband's. You understand what I'm saying?"

According to him, he saw a court trial on TV where a woman filed a rape case against her husband. He went on saying, "I would say to you gentlemen, the best person to rape is your wife."

Church Removes Robinson From Ministry

RNS reported that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is quick to address the issue. Following the report of the news outlet, the SDA put the former pastor on administrative leave.

SDA communications consultant Kevin Lampe, later confirmed the removal of the pastor. Lampe bared that Robinson cannot serve in the denomination for he is no longer a pastor.

He also disclosed that church officials prohibit Robinson from preaching in any Adventist church.

Church Officials Apologize, Seek Forgiveness

Meanwhile, the Greater New York Conference (GNYC) of SDA apologized for the pastor's remarks. It also revealed that Robinson had already tendered his resignation.

The Conference said that it acknowledges that his sentiments have affected many people.

"The views he expressed are wrong and not accepted by our church," the Conference said in a statement. "Rape and sexual assault of women are crimes and should always be treated as such."

The Conference further stressed that it would keep on educating and counseling its pastors. Apart from that, it will also extend its efforts even among the seminary students and staff.

The GNYC said that these sentiments are "abhorrent and unequivocally unacceptable."

According to GNYC, the SDA condemns these rhetorics or any behavior against women. It pointed out that these remarks continue to promote violence against women.

The Conference seeks forgiveness from those who were harmed by Robinson's claims.

Additionally, the GNYC added that it would continue to ask for God's intervention in its advocacy.

It reportedly strives to become "strong advocates on behalf of survivors." The Conference aims to help those who are suffering from abuse and violence.

About Greater New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

As per its website, the GNYC is located at 7 Shelter Rock Rd in Manhasset, New York.

Moreover, the website said that the Conference serves more than 30,000 Adventists. The GNYC reportedly oversees more than 180 churches and companies. 

The Conference also takes pride in its diverse community, with members using various languages. Aside from that, it also administers different ethnic groups.

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