MEMPHIS, Tennessee (AP) — G.E. Patterson, the presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ and a minister for almost 50 years, died of heart failure on Tuesday, the church announced. He was 67.The predominantly black Protestant denomination, headquartered in Memphis, claims 6 million members worldwide and traces its origins to the 1870s.

The church said in a statement that Patterson died at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis.

Patterson was hospitalised in January for an undisclosed illness and told his followers in 2005 that he had prostate cancer.

At the church’s annual Holy Convocation in November, he said he had considered stepping down as leader of the denomination but changed his mind after an outpouring of support.

“If my body being afflicted can get us back to where God wants us to be, then I’m willing to suffer,” said Patterson, who then received a standing ovation.

In January, he won the traditional male vocalist of the year honour for his “Singing the Old Time Way Volume 2” at the 22nd annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.