California Bishop Declares Bible ‘Problematic,’ Demands ‘Third Testament’
by David Lindfield
A liberal California-based bishop is drawing sharp criticism after demanding the creation of a “third testament” of the Bible and suggesting that portions of Scripture should be removed because they are “problematic.”
Yvette Flunder, leader of the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland and presiding prelate of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, made the remarks during a recent conference appearance.
The comments are igniting backlash from Christian leaders and commentators.
Bishop Calls Bible ‘Problematic,’ Suggests Removing Passages
Speaking at the 2026 Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Flunder acknowledged her comments would be controversial.
“This is a very dangerous thing that I’m about to say now, … a bit dangerous,” she said.
“I’m of the opinion that we need a third testament because the Bible has become problematic.”
Flunder cited passages from the New Testament, including Ephesians 6:5 and 1 Corinthians 14:34–35, as examples of verses she finds troubling.
“‘Slaves obey your masters as you do the Lord.’ It’s a text,” she said.
“‘Let the women keep silent in the churches and if they have any questions let them ask their husbands at home.’”
While affirming her personal faith, Flunder said she is “completely frustrated” with what she described as the way certain texts portray God.
“But I am completely frustrated with the ways in which the text speaks to the kind of vitriolic God that makes those kinds of things,” she said.