Da' TRUTH posted an apology letter to his fans, friends, family and ministry partners on his website about two weeks ago concerning a recent moral failure in his marriage. And now Cross Movement Records has posted an official statement on their website concerning the situation. Initially we chose not publish anything about it (as we did in the Ambassador situation). But this time is a little different.

The Bible says in Proverbs 22:1 "a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Some, because of their fortune and fame (a paycheck), would rather hide their sins and go on with the show. We have respect for CMR for caring more about their name and taking any losses that come along with the bold stances they take on handling moral failure with their artists. Much respect to Da' T.R.U.T.H. for coming forth - and not that he had to! We're sure it's not easy for them to do by any means, but they see it as a responsible service to those who trust their "brand," and most of all so that the name of Jesus isn't tainted.  How do you right wrong? You confess it, and sometimes openly.

So in other words, we feel disheartened for CMR right now. The official statement addresses Da' TRUTH's situation, but it also comes across as more than that.  It's a prayer request.  It's a plea to not give up on them.  It's somewhat of an apology within itself.

The gravity of the situation no longer just affects the parties involved, but it also affects the body of Christ as a whole.  One thing the statement addresses is leaders in the public eye doing the responsible thing with their ministry and pretty much "sitting down." We commend Da' TRUTH for being bold enough to tell the world what is going on with him - not that he had to. But sadly, many commit the same fault, yet continue in ministry as if nothing ever happened.

At any rate, it can never be easy in these kinds of circumstances, and there will always be those who think you could've done something better or differently.  Ultimately, God knows the heart and we all miss the mark sometimes.

You can read it here on their site, or just peep it below:

Dear brothers and sisters in the faith,

This life is uncertain and refuses to leave us unchallenged.  The world we live in overflows with the sad stories of both sinners and unfortunately saints.  However, in the most unstable times, we can all be strengthened in this truth—that our God remains unchanged by our challenges, unaffected by our failures, and waits poised to help the repentant and contrite.

It is with tremendous sadness and humble disappointment that Cross Movement Records must inform you regarding the suspension of the promotion and forwarding of the artist, minister, and ministry of Da Truth, aka Emanuel Lambert Jr., due to recent findings of moral failure in his marriage.  It is the expressed ambition and demonstrated intent of this label to foster Christian leadership that utilizes the platforms of an artist or musician.  While obedience to the word of God is the high standard for all who name the name of Christ, for the Christian leader, the standards and the consequences are even greater.

We at CMR plead for your prayers for our brother Da Truth whom we sincerely love.  We also ask for your prayers for his wife, his family, his Pastor, his Elders and Church during this very hard time in their lives.  Again we charge ourselves, as well as you to remember Galatians 6:1-10 as we look to not only discipline, and in due time restore, but also “bear one another’s burden’s and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

In addition, we both thank and applaud Da Truth for his letter of confession found on his site, as well as ours.  We declare that in Da Truth’s case, in light of all the circumstances, in light of the authoritative stand by which he preached, and in the case of the Christian leader, this should be the commendable example of the responsible servant.  Though this may not be the requirement or charge of many, blessed are those who submit to the understanding that Christian leaders are accountable to the same degree that they are exalted.  Oh that the Church would witness leaders who are as courageous in the bad times, as they are in good times.  Da Truth once proclaimed (to the point of naming one of his albums) that his life was an “Open Book.”  It is CMR’s sincere prayer in the months and years to come, that the body of Christ and the world would be able to read new chapters that illustrate God’s incredible ability to rebuke, restore, reinstate and revitalize.  It is our belief that the real fruit of repentance occurs without condition or entitlement, as one patiently waits for the Lord’s refurbishment--something that an immediate and deliberate push back to the lights, stage and microphone could undermine.

Furthermore, in recent times and similar circumstances, it has been reported and published by certain media outlets that Cross Movement Records drops artists from its label for such things as what Truth has confessed.  We wish to state for the record that this is untrue and is a misunderstanding of past statements made by us which we apologize now for not being clearer.  When we state that we are “discontinuing the forwarding” of an artist, as we have done previously and are stating currently, we mean that we are rendering the person inactive and not separated from us.  Being that we do not have total authority over all the activities of a person/artist, we are just trying to express that if someone happens to see an artist still current and active in ministry during a  label recommended and church ordered down time, that we are not involved with the acceptance and promotion of such activity.  If ever there arises a reason for CMR and Da Truth (or any of our artists for that matter) to be separated, let us state now that it more than likely will have nothing to do with matters of this sort.

Lastly, we realize that many disagreed with our way of handling these matters in times past and many will do the same now.  Firstly, we would like to affirm that our actions and words then were, and at this present time are, not without accountability.  We have sought counsel from multiple Christian leaders and pastors who have painstakingly wrestled with us in the scriptures concerning these matters.  And though we refuse to engage in the fruitless tennis-volley style of debate through the media and over the internet, we would like to offer some of the scriptures that we have referenced.  Again, please keep in mind that it is the prerogative of this label to forward Christian leaders who also understand these expectations when they accept the platforms they are given.  Therefore, please read the following with this context in mind:  1 Cor. 5, 1 Tim. 3:1-13, 1 Tim. 5:17-24.  It is also our goal in the coming year to forward a fruitful format that will help bind those that are hurting, give understanding to those who are confused, and strengthen those who are trying to continue in the ministry for Christ.

In conclusion, with the untimely death of one of the original Cross Movement group members, Enock, aka Juan James (October 17, 2009), and the struggle to heal our brothers, 2009 has been the most trying, overwhelming, mentally, physically, and emotionally draining year for us to date.  Please continue to remember us in your prayers.  We would like to thank all those who have prayed for us and shown their support throughout this year.  It means more than can be expressed.  Though it is not our view in this matter to credit Satan for all of the adversity that has risen,  we are at the same time not ignorant of his schemes and how he would love to not only cripple leaders, but also discredit the whole of an entire Movement (past, present and future).  As before, even with all of the CMR Family's credibility at stake, we remain resolved at CMR along with all of its artists/ministers to continue steadfastly 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.

-Cross Movement Records