Bishop Wooden Gives Pastor Jamal Bryant a Public Correction Over Wife’s Revealing Dress

In a sermon that has quickly become a viral talking point, Bishop Patrick Wooden did not hold back in addressing Pastor Jamal Bryant’s controversial defense of his wife’s revealing dress.

The dress, described by Wooden as a “flesh-colored dress” mixed with black, created the illusion that Bryant’s wife was nearly naked, a choice that the bishop found deeply inappropriate for public church-related events.

Bishop Wooden began by praising his own wife for dressing like a “first lady,” embodying modesty and dignity that he believes every pastor’s spouse should uphold.

He then sharply criticized the lowering of standards he sees in the church today, calling out Pastor Bryant for publicly endorsing the dress by saying he bought it and dismissing critics as uninformed.

Wooden questioned Bryant’s judgment and asked rhetorically where Bryant had been to consider such attire acceptable.

The bishop made it clear that his issue was not with Bryant’s wife personally but with Bryant’s decision to present her publicly in such a manner.

He argued that this choice reflects poorly on Bryant himself and sends a message that undermines the respect due to a wife and a marriage.

Wooden painted a vivid picture of the “world of men,” explaining that men interpret a revealing outfit on a married woman as a signal that something is wrong in the marriage, implying the husband is not fulfilling his role.

Drawing from nearly four decades of pastoral experience, Wooden stressed that modesty is biblical and necessary for maintaining honor and respect within the church community.

He reminded listeners that clothing that gives the illusion of nakedness belongs behind closed doors—intimacy reserved for the privacy of marriage, not public display.

Wooden’s sermon also included a striking cultural comparison, noting that even high-class escorts often dress more modestly than what Bryant’s wife wore.

This provocative analogy underscored his point about appropriateness and the sacredness of public ministry roles.

Throughout his message, Wooden balanced stern critique with moments of humor and personal reflection, especially when mentioning his own wife’s modesty and the respect she commands both publicly and privately.

He emphasized that a husband should protect his wife’s dignity and not lead her into situations that invite public scrutiny or ridicule.

The sermon has sparked widespread debate about the responsibilities of religious leaders and their families in upholding moral standards, the role of modesty in faith communities, and the tension between personal expression and public perception.

Supporters of Wooden applaud his courage to speak openly about what he sees as a spiritual and cultural decline, while critics argue that his comments may be overly harsh or judgmental.

Bishop Wooden concluded by urging prayer and spiritual reflection for all involved, emphasizing the need for guidance in navigating the complex challenges of ministry and public life.

His message serves as a reminder that leadership carries not only privilege but also accountability, especially when it comes to setting examples within the church and broader society.