THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (07/19/13)

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications

The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher

The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

Mark and Save Date in your Calendars:

July Is Faith-Based Wellness, Health, Nutrition & Fitness Month

1. TCR EDITORIAL – MY GUT TELLS ME THE SYSTEM WORKED FOR GEORGE ZIMMERMAN, BUT JUSTICE WAS NOT SERVED FOR TRAYVON MARTIN, HIS FAMILY OR FOR THE REST OF US:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20^th Editor of The Christian Recorder

I am going to put a disclaimer upfront. 

I am not a lawyer, never served on a jury, but wanted to serve on a jury. I believe it is the responsibility of U.S. citizens to serve as jurors, if called upon and I believe it is irresponsible for a person to intentionally opt out of serving as a juror and I have a deep respect for those persons who serve as jurors.  I have been twice-rejected to serve as a juror and was disappointed both times because I really wanted to serve as a juror. I consider myself fair and believe that I could be impartial and ethical in listening to the evidence and making a decision on my vote to convict or acquit.

Like many Americans and people around the world, I closely followed the George Zimmerman trial. I listened to the media commentaries on CNN and other television news outlets. I read the articles in The New York Times and The Tennessean. I read about the trial on various websites and spoke with family and friends about the trial and the outcome; whether George Zimmerman would be found guilty or not guilty.

Some of those I spoke with were not happy with some of the commentators who seemed to express the opinion that the defense team was doing a credible job representing their client, George Zimmerman. They were not encouraged by the commentaries about the prosecutors who, at times, seemed subdued. The commentators unanimously excused the prosecutors by saying that they did not have a lot to work with and they were fighting an uphill battle. It also appeared to me that some of the prosecutors’ witnesses were more helpful to the defense than to the state. 

Our conversations almost always addressed whether we felt George Zimmerman was going to walk away a free man or spend a significant amount of time in prison. 

Several of my family and friends shook their heads and expressed the opinion that George Zimmerman was going to walk away from the court house in Stanford, Florida a free man. Their thinking was that no way in Florida; a white-looking man would spend time in prison for killing a black man.  

Some of my other family and friends thought that Zimmerman would certainly spend some time in prison; may not life, 10 – 30 years in prison.

I was with the latter group. My thinking was, certainly they wouldn’t let Zimmerman go scot-free after killing an unharmed teenager and especially when the 911-operator told Zimmerman to remain in his car and not to engage the “alleged thief.”  Certainly, they wouldn’t let Zimmerman go free since he was the stalker and any reasonable person could understand why young Trayvon Martin may have felt threatened. And, even if Trayvon had thrown the first punch, any sane person could understand why he may have done so. He was afraid. Certainly, the evidence that none of Trayvon’s DNA was on the weapon, not on Zimmerman, anywhere would lead to some kind of guilty verdict for Zimmerman.  The more I thought about it, I was certain that Zimmerman was going to be found guilty of murder. And, even if the jurors were naïve, I felt they would have at least been found Zimmerman guilty of manslaughter.

When I listened to the discussion about who was screaming, my gut tells me that it had to be Trayvon, who may have, at that point realized that Zimmerman had a weapon and was prepared to use it. My gut also tells me if I have a gun, I am not going to be screaming; the person without the weapon had better be screaming if he or she sensed that I was prepared to use the weapon.

My gut also tells me that a person who is in training for self-defense or karate training, wants to be in law enforcement  and loses 100 pounds; is not soft; at least, not as soft as some of the defense witnesses were successful in portraying Zimmerman to be.

The inconsistencies in George Zimmerman’s account of what happened and the lies he told about whether or not he knew about Florida’s “stand your ground law” would have raised some red-flags for me, had I been a juror.

Both the prosecuting and defense attorneys avoided raising the issue of race and its impact upon the events in the case. Had I been a juror, I would not have needed anyone to point to race as an issue in the case because I know if Trayvon Martin had been a white youth, George Zimmerman would not have called 911 or stalked him. I wonder how many other persons Zimmerman stalked on that day or during that week.

And, as for race, I also wondered what would have happened if Trayvon Martin had beat up Zimmerman and had wrestled his weapon from him and killed Zimmerman. One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that Trayvon Martin would have been arrested that same evening, tried as an adult, and would be serving a life sentence today.

Well, as I said, I am not a lawyer and I have never served on a jury, but my hope was that George Zimmerman would be found guilty of second-degree murder because I believed he was the stalker; and as a minimum, I thought even in Florida, he would be found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. I never considered a not guilty verdict.

When the decision was read on Saturday night, I was shocked, disappointed, and angry. I thought to myself the legal system has no respect for the life of a black boy who had gone to the store, was returning home, minding his own business, not bothering anyone and then a wannabe cop stalks him and shoots him dead. The wannabe cop walks away from the killing and was not even arrested on the night of the killing. The wannabe cop is eventually arrested, tells inconsistent stories about the events, lies to authorities and goes to trial and is found innocent of all charges by a six-woman jury, which included five whites and one woman who appeared to reporters to be Hispanic; with no blacks or men on the jury.

Sunday morning

Sunday morning I was resigned to the fact that “the system” worked for George Zimmerman.  I didn’t like the verdict, thought it was unfair, but resigned myself to the notion, “that’s life” and “sometimes things go your way and other times, things don’t go your way.”

But that was Sunday morning

Sunday evening, I was watching CNN's Anderson Cooper’s interview with Juror B37 and I was “blown away.”  My notion of “that’s life” and “sometimes things go your way and other times, things don’t go your way” evaporated and I immediately knew that the George Zimmerman trial was travesty against justice.

I became angrier as Anderson Cooper continued the interview with Juror B37. Justice had not been served. I felt badly for Trayvon Martin’s mother and father. I felt badly for young black men and the Zimmerman trial told me that little had changed as it relates to race in America. The trial was an indictment against black people in America.

Juror B37 was disingenuous and it was obvious to me that her motive for serving on the jury was self-serving; not about justice.  When she responded to Anderson Cooper’s question about race and said the jurors never mentioned anything about race, I did not believe her.

According to several news reports, though the jury was sequestered, they were given time to meet with their families. My gut tells me that the Zimmerman trial came up in some of those discussions. 

Juror B37 is the wife of an attorney and she couldn’t be as naïve as she wanted Anderson Cooper and the listening audience to believe. 

In the Anderson Cooper interview, Juror B37 said she did not believe Zimmerman followed Trayvon because of his race. I wonder whose world she is living in!

My gut tells me that she and her husband talked about the case. Living in the Sanford area and all of the news coverage concerning the Trayvon Martin case, how could they not talk about it?  Why would they not talk about it?

My gut tells me that Juror B37 had made up her mind long before the jury deliberations. My gut tells me that Juror B37 is a neighbor who had her mind made up before she was ever called to jury duty.  The way the name "George" tripped off her tongue during her interview with Anderson Cooper gave me the feeling that she may have known George and his family.  I hope the Department of Justice will conduct an investigation of the entire jury selection process. 

I have counseled individuals and families for 28 years in the military, as a civilian pastor, and as a college professor and I have experience dealing with sincerity and disingenuousness.  I did not get the impression that Juror B 37 was sincere.

I almost got the feeling that Juror B37 knew George Zimmerman. I was struck by how she referred to him and my gut tells me that Juror B37 was sympathetic with Zimmerman.  She did not exemplify the same warmth when she referred to Trayvon Martin.

I was also disturbed to learn from media reports that Juror B37 planned to write a book and those reports surfaced within 24 hours of the verdict. I wonder if her motivation to serve as a juror was motivated by greed.  The Trayvon Martin killing and the George Zimmerman trial will certainly be made into a movie and if a person has written a book about the trial and the events leading up to it, of course Hollywood would be interested in the reviewing the manuscript.

The Anderson Cooper’s interview with Juror B37, for me, has raised so much stink around the Zimmerman trial that I believe an investigation should be conducted about the trial and the jury selection; and most certainly Juror B37 and whether she knows George Zimmerman.

George Zimmerman cannot be retried in the criminal system because the Fifth Amendment prohibits double jeopardy.  I understand that, but I would like an investigation of the Zimmerman trial and I hope his case will be tried in civil court. 

One more thing

I am not a lawyer so I do not know the letter or the nuances of the law. I had always thought that juries were made up of 12 individuals. Dumb me, I had never heard of 6 person jury.  The makeup of the jury of 6 women and no blacks blew my mind. 

I had a friend who expressed my thoughts, “Juror B37 reflects the thinking of out-of-touch white women who have been instilled with fear of black people, especially black males.” She went on to say, “Juror B37’s husband is a lawyer... just what kind of influence do you suppose her husband had long before she ever got on a jury?” 

And to put this in perspective

In Florida within the last week Marissa Alexander, hurting no one, fired her gun to scare off her husband who she said was threatening her.  She was sentenced to 20 years behind bars. She didn’t kill anyone, didn’t wound anyone; the bullet went into the wall and she has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. 

And to add insult to injury

Juror B37 told Anderson Cooper that she would trust “George,” as she referred to him, to be a neighborhood watch member in her community.

Common sense tells me that George Zimmerman belongs in prison. My gut tells me that he is already in prison and will spend most of his life in prison, a prison without walls.

And just one more thing

It appears to me that George Zimmerman, not only had a jury of his peers, but he also had a jury of his friends and neighbors. Every criminal should be so lucky!

It’s not all bad news

People from all walks of life; blacks, white, Asian, Hispanic, religious, non-religious, secular, male and female, young and old, rich and poor, civilian and military, U.S. citizens and readers from abroad; and even criminals have expressed absolute surprise and shock at the Zimmerman verdict, which tells me “across the board” people know the Zimmerman “not guilty” decision was absolutely wrong.

The “not guilty” decision did not meet the common sense test and it certainly did not meet “my gut test.”

2. TCR OP-ED - “NOT GUILTY”… REALLY?:

*The Rev. Mark Whitlock

                                              

Approximately 6,000 African American and Latino males are killed in the United States every year.  Five hundred young black men are killed annually in Chicago. Three hundred young black men are murdered annually in Los Angeles.  Last year, on February 26, 2012, the nation learned the name of one; Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman was found “Not Guilty”. Really…Is this happening again?

                                                         

The story of 17 year Trayvon Martin rocked the nation when a seventeen year old son of American soil lost his life while walking home through the gated community.  28 year old George Zimmerman, want to be police officer and president of a small local neighborhood watch characterized Martin as a suspicious character and called the police.  After receiving instructions from the Police Department to stand down, Zimmerman disregard the police instruction by confronting Martin, an altercation ensued and Martin lay dead.    

                     

President Obama, the nation, and the world defined the tragedy as racially profiling, dawned hoodies (it was said that Trayvon’s hoodie made him look like a gang member) and carried Skittles in support of the slain teen. We all were glued to trial….Really!

After almost a year and a half of private, and public protests, a grueling trial and the minds of millions made up, Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges.  Not guilty. Really? This caught some off guard, but those of us who understand injustice is alive and well, it was business as usual.

Reactions to the verdict are as opposite as our commitment to bridging racial inequities and misconceptions.  "Only white life is protected in America," one protester in Washington shouted.”  "Thank God the jury got it right and found George not guilty," Facebook user Pete Habel posted Monday on the "George Zimmerman is Innocent" Facebook page CNN reported. 

When the dust settles and the smoke clears, people of color in this country feel the arrows of racial profiling hitting the red bull’s eye on their backs.  Supporters of Zimmerman continue to believe the judicial system remains unflawed.

Justice was not in the Florida Court Room one Saturday night. The truth is justice for men and boys of color are rarely in the room. How do people living in America continue to devalue the lives of people of color? Equally true, how do people of color continue to devalue the lives of young people living in our communities? We have made a lot of noise about the Zimmerman case…Really! The riots of last week are a reminder of the Los Angeles Watts Riot and Rodney King Riot of years ago. We have not come this far to continue to act solely from anger veil by righteous indignation hoodies.  The fact is no one REALLY wants to face the ugly truths about this country and REALLY wants do something about it. 

Act we must, but let us act wisely. Act to change racial profiling. Act to train our youth and young adults to finish college, graduate school. Act to create jobs instead being depended on someone to hire us. Act to create a just community. Act and Act wisely….Really!!!!

*The Rev. Mark Whitlock is the Senior Minister, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Irvine, California

3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

--To the Editor:

RE: Episcopal Family Bereavement - Passing of former Episcopal Supervisor Helene W. Brookins

On behalf of the 17^th Episcopal Lay Organisation and on my own behalf wish to our heartfelt condolences on the passing on of Supervisor Hellene W. Brookins. May the Almighty God give strength to the family and the church in this moment of sorrow.

Westone Mutale Bowa – President

17^th Episcopal District Lay Organization

4. AME CHURCH URGES CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION IN WAKE OF THE TRAYVON MARTIN VERDICT:

                                               

(Washington, DC) The African Methodist Episcopal Church, like millions of citizens across the country and around the world, is disappointed with the verdict of “not guilty” in the case of State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman. The verdict in this case again says that a young black who has done nothing wrong, walking down a street in any neighborhood can be shot and there is no consequence. While this case is not solely about race, race cannot be excluded.

There can be no doubt that Trayvon Martin was “suspicious” to George Zimmerman because he was a young black man in a hoodie. Attorneys for George Zimmerman stated after the verdict was announced that all George Zimmerman did was defend himself.  The attorneys ignored the fact that Trayvon Martin would be alive today, if George Zimmerman had not followed him and had not ignored the 911 directive to him. To them Trayvon Martin and his life didn’t matter. The verdict in this case again says what George Zimmerman did to Trayvon Martin was proper. It is our concern that other “George Zimmermans” will be emboldened by this verdict. What happened on Saturday night (July 13, 2012) was the American legal system worked, but it did not produce justice. In the eyes of many, particularly African Americans, it was not just “criminal profiling,” it was “racial profiling.” If roles had been reversed, George Zimmerman would not have been profiled and no shooting would have occurred.

In the wake of this tragedy and this case, we call upon the State of Florida to rescind it’s “stand your ground” law which has done nothing more than allow people with guns to become their own "lawmen" and to take the law into their own hands. Lost in all the attention focused on Trayvon Martin, is the fact that other people have been shot under the pretense of “standing their ground” or self-defense. To fail to at least review this law does a great disservice to the citizens of Florida and the nation.

People of good-will across this nation and around the globe, must take a stand against injustice.  To ensure an unbiased investigation, we join the NAACP in urging the Department of Justice to explore the possibility of a violation of Trayvon Martin’s civil rights.  In the interim we call for dialogue in the halls of government, churches, community centers and places where people go to solve problems to continue constructive efforts until justice has been served.  It is imperative to avoid any temptation or instigation of civil unrest as a result of the verdict.  We encourage the Martin family to pursue all legal action to have their rights protected.  We also call upon as many citizens as will to contribute to the Martin family to be able to wage a strong legal action. It is imperative that the death of Trayvon Martin simply not be added to the long list of young Black males unarmed, shot and killed.

Finally, the African Methodist Episcopal Church will work in partnership with other religious, civil and human rights groups to continue mitigating the damage resulting from hundreds of years of injustice against humanity, especially people of color. Our commitment to justice will continue with greater urgency and vibrancy.

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chair, Social Action Commission

Bishop Sarah F. Davis, President, Council of Bishops

Bishop Adam J. Richardson, President, General Board

Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop

5. STATEMENT BY BENJAMIN JEALOUS, PRESIDENT OF THE NAACP:

Statement made shortly after the not guilty verdict was announced

A jury acquitted George Zimmerman. But we are not done demanding justice for Trayvon Martin.

We're calling on the U.S. Justice Department to open a civil rights case against George Zimmerman and have launched a petition to Attorney General Eric Holder. The petition says:

The Department of Justice has closely monitored the State of Florida's prosecution of the case against George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin murder since it began. Today, with the acquittal of George Zimmerman, it is time for the Department of Justice to act.

The most fundamental of civil rights—the right to life—was violated the night George Zimmerman stalked and then took the life of Trayvon Martin. We ask that the Department of Justice file civil rights charges against Mr. Zimmerman for this egregious violation.

Please address the travesties of the tragic death of Trayvon Martin by acting today. Thank you.

Sign the Petition: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/open%2Da%2Dcivil%2Drights%2Dcase?source=mo&id=71224-19159238-%3D7ysrwx

6. NAACP STATEMENT IN THE ACQUITTAL OF GEORGE ZIMMERMAN IN THE KILLING OF TRAYVON MARTIN:

(Orlando) The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People released the following statement on the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin:

NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock:

“Today, justice failed Trayvon Martin and his family,” said Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP. “We call immediately for the Justice Department to conduct an investigation into the civil rights violations committed against Trayvon Martin. This case has re-energized the movement to end racial profiling in the United States.”

NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous:

“We are outraged and heartbroken over today’s verdict,” said Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP. “We stand with Trayvon’s family and we are called to act. We will pursue civil rights charges with the Department of Justice, we will continue to fight for the removal of Stand Your Ground laws in every state, and we will not rest until racial profiling in all its forms is outlawed.”

NAACP Florida State Conference President Adora Obi Nweze:

“We lost a young man due to senseless violence, but justice did not prevail,” said Adora Obi Nweze, President of the Florida NAACP State Conference. “Last year we pushed for the arrest of George Zimmerman and a thorough investigation and trial. Today, we are still called to act. No one should be allowed to use this law to commit a senseless crime again.” 

###

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.  You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our five “Game Changer” issue areas here.

7. AN OPINION ON TRAYVON MARTIN:

*The Rev. A.  Iona Smith Nze

Like so much of the nation, I am shaken, outraged, and grief-stricken by the verdict of not guilty in the trial and acquittal of George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin.

My heart yearns for a justice that was not served; a justice we now understand cannot be served in a basic court of law, and I pray for the kind of justice in this and every situation like it, that only God can mete out upon the guilty and blood-stained hearts of those who sin against God. Yet, I praise God as the God of second and third chances so that we can work to right our wrongs.

As for the verdict, I pray for the members of the jury, that their judgment was based on the parameters of the law and not the political swell of reckless injustice toward black boys and men.  If not, the strong and unwearied cries of the prophet Jeremiah warn ““Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.” (Jeremiah 16:16 KJV)

 It is outrageous that in the 21st century, in the United States of America, it is still not safe for black men or boys to venture outside their homes. It is outrageous that a casual wardrobe of a sweatshirt and jeans, heavily marketed at one time, by the Gap, as a perfectly acceptable wardrobe for American youth - has been so caricatured, that every black boy and man who dons this wardrobe is considered a criminal, looking for trouble. 

What is the value of human life, of Trayvon’s life or the life of the black teenager recently shot at a gas station over the volume of music coming from his car? Will we one day drive down highways and neighborhood streets to see the dead carcasses of black men laid up on the side of the road because all we can think to do is wring our hands in anguish?  Vigilantes, random angry men with guns, and their families, have been killing our babies for generations. When is enough, enough? 

Parents of black and brown boys, like the Martin family, must sober up, walk the tightrope and teach a regimen of wise behavior to their sons and daughters.  “We shall overcome” is not yet, and in the current climate, our parental wisdom at best will only optimize the possibility of survival to adulthood but neither protects, nor guarantees the safety of their passage from here to there.

As a mother, a daughter, an aunt, a cousin and a pastor, I believe we can do better than this in safeguarding our youth. We must do better than this. Women of God, preach it from your pulpits, on the sidewalks, in the community centers, and at bible study, Use social media wisely. Encourage eye contact and daily in-person conversation with your children, teach wisdom to your youth while on vacation and across the kitchen table.  But for God’s sake, don’t just stand there wringing your hands and wondering what more you can do.

Live it in every area of your life. This is no time to settle for less - from your neighbors or your nation. We can do better, but it will take all of us - especially those of us who are black to keep our children safe. 

It has been 50 years since the struggles that brought us the (recently overturned) Voting Rights Act along with other Civil Rights legislation. We acknowledge that the law is limited. But there is still one thing I don’t believe we’ve done with any earnestness.  Let us move immediately to build a movement to change this nation's soul. May God be with us all.

*The Rev. A.  Iona Smith Nze is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Ellendale, Delaware

DOJ: File civil rights charges against George Zimmerman.

 Sign the petition

8. UMC STATEMENT ON ZIMMERMAN VERDICT:

The General Commission on Religion and Race Interim General Secretary and Board President Respond to George Zimmerman Verdict

Posted on July 18, 2013 by GCORR

The following is a joint statement from GCORR Interim General Secretary Bishop Linda Lee and GCORR Board President Bishop Minerva Carcaño.

As our nation continues to struggle with issues of relationship and race, life and death, justice and injustice, people of Christian faith have an opportunity to exemplify the spirit of Christ.  The death of Trayvon Martin, the acquittal of George Zimmerman, the admitted use of the “N” word by TV chef Paula Deen, and the ongoing disproportionate unemployment and incarceration of and violence against young African-American and Latino men make it more important than ever for people of faith to model ways different from the world’s way of division and violence.

 As United Methodists we have proclaimed that “we recognize racism as sin and affirm the ultimate and temporal worth of all persons.  We rejoice in the gifts that particular ethnic histories and cultures bring to our total life.”¹ Yet, the reality according to the Bureau of Justice is that blacks are 1.7 times as likely as whites to be victims of violent crimes and more than twice as likely to be victims of aggravated assault. Even more alarming are the imprisonment rate for black males, which is more than six times higher than that of white males,²  and the homicide victimization rate for blacks, which is equally six times higher than the rate for whites.³

The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church states that “violence and, more particularly, violence to children and youth is a primary concern for United Methodists.”⁴ As United Methodists we have said that, “We recognize and deplore violence which kills and injures children and youth…we call upon the church to affirm its faith through vigorous efforts to curb and eliminate gun violence.”⁵ However, it is one thing to make a statement and another to make that statement our reality.  This is a critical time to consider how we as United Methodists are going to follow through in our beliefs.

One way for us to move from words to action is for our congregations to work together to build new relationships in our communities and our churches.  Building new relationships with people we perceive to be different, even threatening or frightening to us, can be transformative. Creating spaces and opportunities for people to sit face-to-face with one another in holy conversation about what we are burdened by and what we hope for is an excellent starting place.

GCORR is committed to fulfilling its mandate to equip the church to be more relevant, related and engaged with local communities and communities around the world.

In his book Community: the Structure of Belonging, Peter Block describes the simple and often overlooked process of having conversations with our neighbors.  He reveals the power of this simple beginning to bring about necessary change that benefits all.  Block states:

The key to creating of transforming community, then, is to see the power in the small but important elements of being with others.  The shift we seek needs to be embodied in each invitation we make, each relationship we encounter, and each meeting we attend.  For at the most operational and practical level, after all the thinking about policy, strategy, mission and milestones, it gets down to this:  How are we going to be when we gather together? (p. 10)

How are we going to be when we are together?

At the same time we must continue to actively and intentionally address the systemic racism and injustice in our society and in the Church. GCORR is committed to creating institutional equity and justice.  This can be done by speaking the truth, challenging all expressions of racism and injustice, staying at the table when the conversation gets uncomfortable or even painful and believing that, with God, change is possible. With God’s help we can become a community where all experience justice and peace.

_____________

1) The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church: Social Principles Par.162. (2012). Nashville, TN: The United Methodist Publishing House.

2) Truman, J.L., & and Rand, M.R. (2010, October). Criminal Victimization, 2009. Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin, NCJ 231327.

3) Homicide Trends in the U.S. (2011) Retrieved May 11, 2011 from: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/homicide/tables/vracetab.cfm

4) The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church. (2012). Nashville, TN: The United Methodist Publishing House.

5) The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church. (2012). Nashville, TN: The United Methodist Publishing House.

9. THE SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER STATEMENT:

*Richard Cohen

"They always get away." These were the words George Zimmerman uttered as he followed and later shot Trayvon Martin -- words that reflected his belief that Trayvon was one of "them," the kind of person about to get away with something. How ironic these words sound now in light of the jury verdict acquitting Zimmerman.

Trayvon is dead, and Zimmerman is free. Who was the one who got away?

Can we respect the jury verdict and still conclude that Zimmerman got away with killing Trayvon? I think so, even if we buy Zimmerman's story that Trayvon attacked him at some point. After all, who was responsible for initiating the tragic chain of events? Who was following whom? Who was carrying a gun? Who ignored the police urging that he stay in his car? Who thought that the other was “one of them," someone about to get away with something?

The jury has spoken, and we can respect its conclusion that the state did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. But we cannot fail to speak out about the tragedy that occurred in Sanford, Florida, on the night of February 26, 2012.

Was race at the heart of it? Ask yourself this question: If Zimmerman had seen a white youth walking in the rain that evening; would he have seen him as one of "them," someone about to get away with something?

We'll never really know, of course. But we can seriously doubt it without assuming that Zimmerman is a racist in the conventional sense of the word.

Racial bias reverberates in our society like the primordial Big Bang. Jesse Jackson made the point in a dramatic way when he acknowledged that he feels a sense of relief when the footsteps he hears behind him in the dead of night turn out to belong to white feet. Social scientists who study our hidden biases make the same point in a more sober way with statistics that demonstrate that we are more likely to associate black people with negative words and imagery than we are white people. It's an association that devalues the humanity of black people, particularly black youth like Trayvon Martin.

George Zimmerman probably saw race the night of February 26, 2012, just like so many of us probably would have. Had he not, Trayvon probably would be alive today.

The jury has spoken. Now, we must speak out against the racial bias that still infects our society and distorts our perception of the world. And we must do something about it.

         

*Richard Cohen is the President, Southern Poverty Law Center

10. STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:

The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy.  Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America.  I know this case has elicited strong passions.  And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher.  But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken.  I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son.  And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities.  We should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis.  We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how we can prevent future tragedies like this.  As citizens, that’s a job for all of us.  That’s the way to honor Trayvon Martin.

11. THE COALITION TO STOP GUN VIOLENCE (CSGV) STATEMENT ON VERDICT IN ZIMMERMAN TRIAL:

Washington, DC—There can be no doubt after the Not Guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman that murder has now been legalized in half of the 50 states.

The traditional presumption in the law—from the advent of the Hebrew Bible through the creation of Roman law, English common law, and American law—has been that if you could spare human life, it was incumbent upon you to do so. With the “Stand Your Ground” law, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its partners in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) have turned 3,000 years of jurisprudence on its head. Now you can provoke a fight, and if losing that fight, kill the person you attacked.

Turning the other cheek is supposed to be a sacred virtue. But by removing the duty to retreat from a confrontation in public when one can safely do so, the “Stand Your Ground” law allowed George Zimmerman to stalk and kill an unarmed teenager and walk away a free man. That’s a tragedy, because there can be no doubt that Zimmerman could have avoided a confrontation with Trayvon Martin on the evening of February 26, 2012.

The NRA’s law represents a dangerous and unprecedented escalation in the use of force in the public space, allowing individuals to kill when they merely fear “great bodily harm” (i.e., a fistfight, shoving match, etc.). The concept of responding with proportional force has been obliterated. In this case, the “harm” done to Zimmerman, by whatever source, was so minor that EMTs didn’t even offer him treatment minutes after the shooting.

Americans should also question why Zimmerman was allowed to carry a loaded gun in public in the first place. He has been previously arrested for assaulting a police officer and placed under a restraining order for a domestic battery involving a former fiancée. Again, Zimmerman had the NRA to thank. Their “Shall Issue” law in Florida awards concealed carry permits to individuals with minimal screening/training and removes any discretion law enforcement might have in approving applicants.

The message to would-be killers is now clear. You need not fear carrying your gun in public, or using it. If you do, just make sure you are the only one remaining to testify about the nature of the confrontation in question.

As much as the gruesome mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, the acquittal of George Zimmerman is confirmation that the American promise of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” will continue to be squandered until the NRA’s pernicious stranglehold on our legislatures is broken. Lawmakers in states with “Stand Your Ground” laws should immediately repeal these cancerous blights on American values, law and tradition.

12. WILBERFORCE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT:

 By Breaking Dayton Daily News Staff

Wilberforce University President Patricia Hardaway has announced she will retire from the nation’s oldest historically black college in December.

In an e-mail Monday to the Wilberforce community, Hardaway said she will retire effective Dec. 31.

She has served as Wilberforce’s 19th president since 2009, replacing the Rev. Floyd Flake, a former congressman and leader of one of country’s largest churches in Queens, N.Y. She joined the university as provost in 2007.

“It has been my privilege to collaborate, partner and join with you in fulfilling this great mission to educate men and women at my alma mater,” she said in the e-mail.

The university said it is in the process of appointing a presidential search committee.

— Staff Writer Meagan Pant

Read More: http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/local/wilberforce-president-announces-retirement/nYtQy/

13. AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LAY ORGANIZATION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:

From the desk of Ethel Marie Wallace-Jenkins, a concerned member

My Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Forty (40) years ago I attended my very first Connectional Lay Biennial in Miami Beach, Florida.  There were very few young people in attendance, but those of us who were present felt welcome and participated in the Sessions, both, educational and business.  Attending this Biennial as the First Episcopal District Director of Lay Activities was euphoric and also a humbling experience.  As a young person, I was given the opportunity to team teach with James Wade, another young adult, who is now a General Officer in this great Church of ours. 

Reminiscing, I thought this was it.  As young adults we had discovered a diamond in the rough; a Connectional Organization striving for inclusiveness by opening its arms to us.  I envisioned young adults becoming an intricate part of the organization and the official leadership of the Lay Organization.  We rejoiced in the fact that as young adults we did not have to join or work in a separate organization and transition into a parent body at a later date.  We were told how much our involvement was needed in all levels of lay work.  This involvement would guarantee that the Lay Organization would continue to grow and implement the work that the General Conference commissioned the Organization to do.  We were young but we were adults; we were well trained, ready, willing and able to serve.

My heart is grieved as I pen these few words because as I see it, here we are forty years later and, we haven’t made much progress as it relates to young adult membership and/or involvement in the official leadership positions of our Organization.  We are blessed with well trained, active, qualified and Christian young adults working/serving within the AMEC.  We have entered a Third Century of Service.  The world has changed through the use of modern technology and electronic-learning.  Our young adults are advancing and a majority of them specialize in this computer driven age.

Now is the time for the CLO to address and put into action a workable plan of how we can sincerely engage our young adults, and encourage them to fully participate in the Lay organization, at all levels.  We must welcome our younger members by embracing their ideas and the use of the technology that accompanies them.  We need to ensure that they, too, will feel the pride reflected in membership by playing an intricate part in an inclusive, age sensitive organization.

Keep Praying, Keep Smiling, and Keep the Faith

14. BISHOP DAVID R. DANIELS AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORAL DEGREE BY LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SOUTHERN SEMINARY:

Bishop David R. Daniels, Presiding Prelate of the 15^th Episcopal district was selected by the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary faculty to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree at the commencement ceremonies in May.

Bishop Daniels was selected for the special honor through the faculty's awareness of his stellar record as a pastor and bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Liberia and as an outstanding alumnus of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University. He was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

The degree was conferred upon Bishop Daniels on May 25^th at the seminary’s annual commencement ceremonies in Columbia, South Carolina.

Bishop Daniels received his Master of Divinity degree from the rant Theological Southern Seminary in 1985. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, from Allen University and studied at the University of South Carolina.  In 2002, the AME University in Liberia conferred to him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa.

Bishop Daniels is the presiding prelate of the 15^th Episcopal District which encompasses the Southern part of the Republic of South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.  He is married to Irene Moifoi Daniels.  She serves as the Episcopal Supervisor of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) and the Young People’s Department (YPD) of the 15^th Episcopal District.  Together they are the proud parents of three daughters, Danica Rwysayma, Davida Renee and Lesha Mardea.

Ralph Winter a successful movie producer who has produced multiple record-breaking box-office hit movies was also award an honorary degree; the Doctor of Human Letters. Winter’s movies include the X-Men series, Fantastic Four series, and Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes, as well as Academy Award nominated Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.  He has worked for Walt Disney Pictures, Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks, Paramount Pictures and 20^th Century Fox as a producer working in television and film with award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Mr. Winter is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.

15. JERRY TURNER, JR. CONFIRMED AS SECTION CHIEF/ HEALTH CARE PROGRAM MANAGER, HIGHEST EXECUTIVE STATUS WITH THE STATE OF WISCONSIN:

Jerry Turner, Jr., has been confirmed and has secured a permanent status as a Career Executive for the Department of Health Services of the State of Wisconsin.  Jerry was promoted to the position of Section Chief (Health Care Program Manager) in June 2012.  He was confirmed based on a two-year probationary trial period and his outstanding leadership performance in the Milwaukee Enrollment Services. Mr. Turner last year of probation has been waived.

Mr. Turner has now secured the highest executive status with the State of Wisconsin.  He is one of only seven African American men to have this leadership status among 25000 state employees. 

He currently manages the Long Term Care/Elderly, Blind and Disabled section of Milwaukee Enrollment Services.  He is responsible for the eligibility of income maintenance for over 50,000 persons in Milwaukee.

Jerry Turner is the former president of the Connectional YPD, 3rd Elected Connectional President of the Richard Allen Young Adult Council and he currently services as Director of Lay Activities of the 4^th Episcopal District.

Congratulatory remarks may be sent to Mr. Turner at: Jerry.Turner@dhs.wisconsin.gov 

16. ST. STEPHENS AME/OMT PARTNERS WITH HCAM IMPLEMENT AFFORDABLE CARE ACT IN BALTIMORE COUNTY:

(Baltimore, Maryland)  St. Stephens AME/Office Management and Technology (OMT) has been awarded a grant to work with HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) to implement the Affordable Care Act and help thousands of uninsured Baltimore County residents access affordable health care during the State’s open enrollment period – October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014.

In April, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange selected HCAM as the “Connector” for the central region to help uninsured residents in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County learn about, apply for and enroll in health insurance. HCAM selected St. Stephens AME/OMT as one of its partners to carry out this work in Baltimore County.  St. Stephens AME/OMT will hire Assisters to provide outreach and education and facilitate enrollment of uninsured residents in Baltimore County into Medicaid and the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP).

“St. Stephens AME/OMT is extremely honored to partner with HCAM to help implement the Affordable Care Act in Maryland,” said Rev Dr. William A. Gray III, Pastor of St. Stephens AME Church. “We are a faith-based organization and our mission includes serving the community outside the walls of our church.”

“We are excited to be working with St. Stephens AME/OMT,” said Kathleen Westcoat, HCAM’s President and CEO. “Their deep connections in Baltimore County and expertise working with vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations will help ensure that all populations in the Central Region are reached, including those with limited English proficiency, disabilities or those who may be in underserved communities.”

17. THE 10^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SPRING CONVOCATION:

The Rev. Salatheia Honors

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie opened the 2013 Spring Convocation at St. Paul (Greenspoint) under the theme Help, Hope and Healing.

The convocation featured the inaugural Future Inc. Golf Tournament, the crowning of the 2013 Queen Esther candidates and a celebration of Bishop McKenzie’s birthday.

Bishop McKenzie opened the spring gathering with a call for the church to break the cycle of domestic violence and be a “source of help, hope and healing.”

“There comes a time when the church needs to tackle tough issues,” she said. “We can’t pretend that domestic violence involves someone else and not us. We are talking about those in the household of faith.”

“Domestic violence is alive, well and living in households of our members and the broader community surrounding our citadels of faith. Women, children, the elderly, and men are suffering silently behind closed doors from patterns of emotional, physical and economic abusive behavior from people they live with,” said Bishop McKenzie. “As a church, we need to do more than become informed about this tough issue. We need to look for ways to help provide hope for those who are suffering behind closed doors.”

Guest preachers to the Spring Convocation were Dr. Harold Mayberry of First AME Church Oakland, California; Bishop Walter Scott Thomas of New Psalmist Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland; and Dr. Walter Malone, Jr. pastor of Canaan Christian Church located in Louisville, Kentucky. Evangelist Mary Griffin of Wesley in Houston was the morning Praycation teacher.

One of the highlights of the convocation held May 15-18 was the Future Inc. Golf Tournament. About 30 teams – with varying degrees of golfing experience- played 18-holes at Oakhurst Golf Club.  The event raised nearly $30,000 to fund Future Inc., a non-profit organization that will offer competitive grants to aid small-membership congregations with improvement projects.

Golfers enjoyed the day.

“I had not played golf in more than 10 years,” said Pastor Marjorie Hamilton Scott, who played on the Heart To Heart Hospice Team. “It was a wonderful day. There was plenty of positive energy and wonderful fellowship. I am already looking forward to next year.”

Pastor Roderick Dawson of St. Paul said he was pleased with the level of business sponsorship for the tournament and player participation.

Worship services during the Spring Convocation were held at St. Paul’s recently built multi-purpose facility that was dedicated earlier this year by Bishop McKenzie. Volunteers were on the grounds daily to open doors for visitors, give directions and offer warm greetings.

The Rev. Dawson said they wanted to make sure that visitors to the campus received the best level of hospitality.

“We wanted everyone to have a memorable experience,” he said. “It was St. Paul’s desire to make sure every need was met.”

The meeting included sessions led by experts in the field of domestic violence with an opening plenary session conducted by Jerrilyn Hayes who gave the congregation statistical information about domestic violence and  how churches can be involved in identifying problems and working with victims.

On Friday night the district celebrated Bishop McKenzie’s birthday early with a cupcake celebration. The bishop received an outpouring of gifts.

Dr. Mayberry preached a message using Tamar’s rape (2 Samuel 13:1-22) and the family’s reaction to the violence saying, “It is time to heal the family.”  The sermon ended with an emotional altar call and prayer led by Bishop McKenzie for family healing.

Bishop Walter Thomas used the text Matthew 28:16-20 to preach “It’s Time to Go to Work.” Bishop Thomas said there were some lessons that the disciples had to learn on their own. He said Jesus’ disciples asked themselves the said questions that we have related to ministry: “How strong is evil and are we a match for it.”

“Are we a match for what we’re up against? Rome has fought battles all across Mesopotamia. All we have is some fishermen and a carpenter from Galilee,” preached Thomas. “The great weapon of the adversary is anxiety you can’t do great work being anxious.”

“Satan does not have power over your ministry, the future, over your church. Evil does not have power it thinking it has. You just keep give it power,” he said.

Pastor Walter Malone preached the closing worship service. The title of his message was “Can God Trust You with Great” (Exodus 19:6 and I Peter 2:5). Malone preached that God has chosen us to expand the kingdom. He said the church should become synonymous with the kingdom. Malone said when the church becomes the kingdom it doesn’t wait for people to come to it but it (the church) goes out and takes the city.

 “If all you want is privilege then you corrupt the idea of being chosen. God not only embraces us but God employs us. God has given us a Kingdom assignment.”  God said, “It’s nation-building time. Every church ought to make an impact, if you are working with a Kingdom mentality.”

An additional highlight of the convocation was the Queen Esther extravaganza. Queen Esther is a stewardship initiative of the 10^th Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society. Fifty one candidates vied for the coveted Queen Esther crown for their church category.  The following candidates raised the most money for their church category and were crowned as queens:

Church Category 1 - Denise Moore Lightfoot, Anderson Chapel, Killeen

Church Category 2 - Virginia Jackson, Allen Chapel, Bryan

Church Category 3 - Virginia Erving, Israel Chapel, Port Arthur

Church Category 4 - Mary P. Burton, Lee Chapel, Dallas

Church Category 5 - Darlene Williams, St. James, Weimer

A highlight for the evening was the Royal Promenade as the five queens strolled down the aisles wearing their crowns and royal blue queen robes.  They were received with cheers from the congregation.

18. THE NOTABLE NECESSARY NORTH DISTRICT OF THE ILLINOIS CONFERENCE:

The North District of the Illinois Annual Conference Church School Convention assembled in Quincy, Illinois, under the leadership of Presiding Elder Tyson Parks at the Frederick Ball Community Center June 7th and June 8th at Bethel AME Church.  Rev. James Hailey served as the Host Pastor of the Church School Convention, and Sis. Brauder Smith served as the North District Superintendent.

The Church School Convention theme was “From Membership to Discipleship.”

The Church School Convention opened on Friday morning with registrations at 9:00 a.m. followed by a powerful worship service that included the youth of the district participating in devotion. 

Brother Mason Parks of New Journey AME Church brought the Word of God to the Church School Convention. His message title was "Joining the Winning Team, Team Jesus.”  Jesus is looking for commitment. Sometimes, young people fall victim to their parents, older siblings, or guardians’ bad habits or addictions; such as, alcohol, drugs, gangs, abuse and neglect. But, Joshua and the children of Israel made a choice to serve the Lord.  Once you decide to serve the Lord, you must lead by example. It is easy to say you are saved, but what are your actions showing?  Youth must learn to function in school and life as a Christian among the lost. Once you are committed and representing right, start recruiting those in your circle.  For example, as Andrew did with Peter in John 1:40-42. Once Andrew found Jesus, he recruited his brother and brought him to Jesus. You don't have to beat friends or family members up with the word.  Just invite them to worship service and allow God to do the rest.

 Afterward, we began our sessions of workshops with each instructor teaching on the subject from membership to discipleship. It was a wonderful day in the Lord to have everyone on one accord. Each instructor had prepared the lesson for his/her age group, and it was evident that each instructor had spent time with Lord through prayer, studying, and meditation. We all came with excitement to teach God's people.  The focus scripture was Matthew 28:19:20. 

The instructors for the Church School Convention were: the Rev. Elaine Walters of Ward Chapel, adults; Sis. Brauder Smith of St. Peter, superintendents and teachers; Brother Tyson Parks of Allen Chapel, Galesburg, ages 15-17; Sister Jackie Robinson of Gaines Chapel, ages 11-14; and the Rev. Lynn Morris of Ward Chapel, ages 6-10. Each instructor had one goal in mind to transform the lives of the North District from membership to discipleship.  As the District Superintendent, I would like to report lives were changed during our Church School Convention, and the process is being continued at the local church.

The Rev. Elaine Walter taught the adults. 

Sister Brauder Smith shared information with the church school superintendents and teachers of the North District about a booklet that was assembled to help superintendents and teachers to understand their roles.

Brother Tyson Parks taught the teenagers.

Sister Jackie Robinson communicated with children ages 9 through 11 years old. 

The Rev. Lynn Morris agreed to teach youngest age at the convention.  She motivated the children through creative movement to music to teach the theme of “Making Disciples.”

After each teacher had spent time transforming each person from membership to discipleship, we had lunch and the spirit of God was moving among each person since all the classes were taught on the same subject from membership to discipleship. After lunch the Rev. Hailey arranged for free time for the adults and youth at the Kroc Center Salvation Army.  We had several different options for fun: swimming, basketball, weight lifting, game room, etc.

At 6:00 p.m. we had dinner at Bethel AME Church. At the 7 pm the North District Apollo Theater opened with a wide range of worshipping experiences: singing, praise dancing, Bible facts commercial, violinist presentation, spoken word, and a comedian acts.  The Holy Spirit was present during Talent Night moving from person to person.  We closed Talent Night on one accord worshipping the True and Living God.

On Saturday morning, we opened the convention with an illustrious worship service with the youth.  The Bible Bowl consisted of nine teams in Division I and 6 teams in Division II.  Each team did a remarkable job answering the questions, and Ward Chapel won the trophy in Division I and Division II.

The North District would like to thank the Rev. Elaine Walters, Brother Mason Parks, Brother Tyson Parks, the Rev. Lynn Morris, and Sister Jacqueline Robinson for teaching God’s people. A special thank you goes to Sister Ileta Smith and Brother Roddy Lynch.

Sister Brauder Smith

North District Superintendent 

19. THE MIDWEST SOUTH DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT DAY IN THE HUTCH:

*The Rev. Dr. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme

During a teleconference call with the Pastor of the Midwest South District on June 6, 2013 at 7:00 p.m., the Reverend Steven A. Cousin, Sr., Presiding Elder of the Midwest South District of the Midwest Conference made a plea for our sister church, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. The Pastor is the Reverend Steven Shepard who also serves as Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Wichita, Kansas.  The Midwest Conference is part of the Fifth Episcopal District, where Bishop T. Larry Kirkland is the Presiding Prelate, and the Midwest South District consist of about 30 churches.

 In the course of the discussion Presiding Elder Cousin requested Rev. Dr. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme, pastor of Cain Grant A.M.E., Church, Kansas City, Missouri to serve as Chair of the Midwest South District Development Day. A committee was formed, the Rev. Penny Pitchford, pastor of Grant Chapel AME Church, Kansas City, Kansas volunteered to serve and the Rev. Steven Shepard also was part of the committee since he was the pastor of the sister church. The goal was to raise the spirits and funds for Bethel AME Church, and encourage the Hutchinson community. The event was held July 13, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

According to sources, the community of Hutchinson, Kansas is the largest city in Reno County, Kansas. Its population is 42,142, 2011; 4.3 percent African Americans.  The city is known for salt mines since 1887 nickname Salt City but locals call it Hutch. It is a 3-1/2 hour drive from Kansas City, Missouri.

The MWSDDD committee was given a charge to accomplish the task at hand to help our sister church who had fallen on hard times.  Dr. Aseme conducted a three-way called meeting with the committee members. Pastor Shepard requested that the program be community-driven and ecumenical oriented.

In trying to fulfill the expectation of the charge given to the committee along with sticking to the vision of Pastor Shepard, Dr. Aseme led the committee in reaching out to the different components of the community to ensure our mission would be accomplished. For that reason, three prominent African American leaders were selected to be honored: Dr. Mildred Edwards, Ph. D., Executive Director of Kansas African American Affairs Commission in the Office of the Governor of Kansas; Dr. Hence Parson, Ph. D., Department Chairperson at Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, Kansas; and Mr. Darryl Pope, President of Hutchinson’s local chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People since 1967. Another added element to assist our effort in keeping with encouraging the Hutchinson community was to recognize an organization. Therefore, the Christian Soup Ministry, Inc. was selected as the community organization that has made meaningful contributions to the community.

As plans were being organized, the excitement could be felt and others volunteer to reach out and help. And that resulted in a press release was sent to the local newspaper company and the Mayor’s office. Therefore, Councilwoman Jade Piros de Carvalho, At Large presented a Proclamation declaring July 13, 2013 being Midwest South District Development Day in Hutchinson, Kansas was presented to Ms. Beulah Walker, an officer of Bethel.

Each preacher had five to seven minutes to proclaim the word. It was very powerful as each had their own styles, gifts, deliverance and presence in presenting the Word of God, they were as follows: the Rev. Nicole Pledger, Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, Sedalia, MO; the Rev. Rufus Draper, St. John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Hutchinson, Kansas; the Rev. Helen Benton Harris, St. Luke A.M.E. Church, Liberty, MO; the Rev. Bridget Mitchell, St. Matthew’s A.M.E. Church, Boonville, MO; Minister Anthony King, an Associate minister, at Tabernacle Temple Church Of God In Christ, Wichita, Kansas; Rev. Dr. Betty Hanna-Witherspoon, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, Missouri; and the Michael Williams, Second Missionary Baptist, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Also joining us was the Rev. William Green, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas who graced us with his presence and financial support for the MWSDDD for our sister church. 

Ms. Albertine Jennings agreed to serve as the Director of Music for this great event. She is a member of Grant Chapel AME Church in Wichita, Kansas where the Rev. Carieta Grizzel is the pastor.

It was a joyous day in hosting the first Midwest South District Development Day in Hutchinson Kansas.

After the funds were raised, a donation of matching funds was given to Bethel AME Church, Hutchinson, Kansas. 

The following churches financially supported the  Midwest South District Development Day: Cain Grant AME Church, Kansas City, Missouri; St. Paul AME Church Wichita, Kansas; St. Luke AME Church, Liberty, MO; Grant Chapel AME Church, Kansas City, Kansas; St. Matthew’s Boonville, Missouri; Ebenezer AME Church, Kansas City, Missouri; First AME Church, Kansas City, Kansas; Ward Chapel AME Church, Kansas City, Missouri; and Second Missionary Baptist Church, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and St. John CME Church; all three of Hutchinson, Kansas.

A lovely reception was hosted for those who wished to partake in a delicious meal prepared by the members of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Hutchinson, Kansas. We feasted well! We are hoping to visit other sister churches in a similar manner in raising funds and encouraging them to keep serving the risen Savior.  I count it an honor to be able to serve as Chair of the first Midwest South District Development Day.

*The Rev. Dr. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme, Chair of the Midwest South District Development Day

20. MENTAL HEALTH: CLERGY JOB OFTEN EQUALS STRESS:

A UMNS Report

By Kathy L. Gilbert*

Almost 50 percent of United Methodist clergy who answered a survey conducted by the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits said their jobs stressed them out.

Answering God’s call shouldn’t be bad for your health.

But for about half of all ordained United Methodist clergy, it is.

Close to 50 percent of United Methodist clergy who answered a survey conducted by the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits said their jobs stressed them out.

Five percent suffer from depression, 26 percent report at least some functional difficulty from depressive symptoms and 47 percent experienced hostility in their congregations.

To show some perspective, for matched U.S. adults used as a benchmark, only three percent suffer from depression and 12 percent report difficulty working, taking care of things or getting along with others.

The survey also found United Methodist clergy have a higher percentage of physical conditions including obesity (40 percent), high cholesterol (51 percent), borderline high blood pressure (prehypertension) (11 percent), asthma (17 percent) and pre-diabetes (9 percent).

Emotional and mental health issues exacerbate physical conditions, said Kelly Wittich, manager of health and wellness at the Center for Health, United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits.

“If you look at our disability claims for clergy, you see that mental health ends up being a much higher reason (for resigning) than in an average workplace setting,” she said. “These are mental health issues extreme enough to keep people from continuing.”

It’s just the job

Some of the stress risks are systemic, Wittich said. A report by the Church System Task Force in 2011 identified 13 key factors that differentiate between healthy and unhealthy individuals.

Stressors that seem to come with the job include trouble maintaining a healthy work/life balance, frequent appointment changes and relocations and existential burdens of ministry — feeling obligated to carry the weight of others’ emotional and spiritual burdens or overwhelming needs.

A built-in stressor is The United Methodist Church’s itinerant system, which moves pastors from church to church in their conferences. “Think of how stressful it is when you have to move … to leave a support network, routines and have to start from scratch,” Wittich said.

Other stressors range from striving to live a healthy lifestyle while surrounded by high-caloric, fat-saturated potluck dinners to problems with living authentically and failing to live according to deeply held personal values and beliefs.

Compassion fatigue

“The very acts that get clergy rewarded in their ministry can also be the very things that wreak havoc on their family, personal, physical and spiritual lives,” said the Rev. Sheri S. Ferguson, executive director of the North Alabama Annual (regional) United Methodist Pastoral Care and Counseling Center.

“The very acts that get clergy rewarded in their ministry can also be the very things that wreak havoc on their family, personal, physical and spiritual lives.” — The Rev. Sheri S. Ferguson

Ferguson cites one study of psychologists that points to four factors that contribute to burnout: being young, having low income, engaging in little personal psychotherapy and feeling overly committed to clients.

“These factors certainly apply to clergy,” she said.

Ferguson said clergy could do specific things to prevent compassion burnout and mental health problems.

“Clergy need support/accountability systems where they can talk about the demands of ministry in a confidential environment,” she said.

Other healthy tips include having hobbies, nurturing humor and working to keep a balance between work and family. She also suggests clergy should participate in worship outside of the place where they are the leader.

Game changers

The Church Systems Task Force report identified four areas that, if changed, would have a positive impact on clergy health:

Adjustments to the itinerancy and the appointment systems

Emphasis on a good match between the clergyperson and the congregation; acceptance and use of clergy gifts and graces

Spiritual support for the clergyperson from someone other than the district superintendent

Revisions to the district superintendent role to better support clergy

In addition to a change in the “system,” congregations also need a paradigm shift in their expectations for their clergy, Ferguson said.

“I don’t think a lot of the folks in the pews realize or think of their clergyperson as a human who has the same vulnerabilities as all of us,” Wittich said.

“I don’t think a lot of the folks in the pews realize or think of their clergyperson as a human who has the same vulnerabilities as all of us.” — Kelly Wittich

Some tips for congregations include:

Make sure your clergyperson is taking time off for Sabbath and vacation. Don’t schedule meetings every night of the week. Give pastors time to spend with their families.

Welcome new pastors and their families. Be the emotional support for them instead of just expecting it from them.

Handle conflicts in a loving, Christian manner.

“This is a long-term process, and it really requires the whole denomination to stand up and take notice and do something about it,” Wittich said. “You want more for your clergy and congregants than for them to not to be depressed but (also) for them to be emotionally healthy. It’s moving from wanting them to survive a mental or physical health issue to wanting them to really thrive.

“Can you imagine if every leader of the church were emotionally thriving, what an impact that would have on the mission of the church?”

*Gilbert is a multimedia reporter for the young adult content team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn.

**Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service

21. GETTING TO ZERO: FOR YOUNG ADULTS AND THOSE ALMOST…:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

Aren’t you sick of it? Just sick and tired? Aren’t you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Gone too soon.

This week’s column is dedicated to Trayvon Martin, one that is gone who we know about. And, it is dedicated to all whose names we do not know. It is a tribute to all those who die too soon from senseless, unfortunate or preventable events. It is dedicated to those whose futures are snuffed out or whose potential is diminished by greed, anger, bigotry, apathy, ignorance, religiosity or violence.

The 2011 HIV report from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) shows that from 2008-2011, for the demographic groups of young adult Americans ages 20-24 and 25-29, the number of new diagnosis of HIV infection increased. This is while new diagnosis of HIV infection for other age groups decreased or remained stable.

What does this mean? Does it mean that this young adult age group is more aware, so to know their status they are getting HIV counseling and testing (HCT) more? Or, does it mean that young adult Americans are having more sexual intercourse or sexual contacts that allow possible exposures to the few fluids that can transmit HIV? 

Does it mean that because of choices they make more frequently, individuals in these age groups are more vulnerable to HIV infection--? Many are looking for how to earn or eek out a living. Many are in an exploration time at one of our nation’s college campuses. Many are in the life phase of early independence from home expectations and parent or guardian rules. Some are new parents themselves. Most are aware of looking for love or life partners. They may be interested in stable relationships or have time only for “hook ups” for physical gratification or hanging out with someone who seems fun, attractive or to care in an alcohol or other substance driven high moment of blurred judgment.

Are they more aware and thus getting tested more, or are they experiencing more exposures from unprotected sexual engagements?

Probably both!

In 2013 even with anti-viral drugs available and proven effective ways to use them, if HIV infection is unknown and unchecked, it still eventually leads to AIDS. HIV infection can be a chronic manageable disease only if HIV infection (HIV+ status) is known and medical care and life-style changes are consistently in place. Both of these are necessary to stop virus production and immune system destruction to slow progression to AIDS.

HIV infection is preventable. Progression to AIDS for someone who is diagnosed with HIV infection can be slowed. To not do so can be fatal, sooner or later.

For those gone too soon for whatever reason, and for those who are closest to them, those who must go on without the presence of their loved one. For the potentials that are never realized, the gifts that never grace the world, the precious life force gone- too soon.  For all these, this week we observe 3 minutes of silence…  

*The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School and Adjunct Faculty at Payne Seminary. She served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, MI for seven years before primarily focusing on global HIV/AIDS ministry. Currently, she serves at Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan in the 4^th Episcopal District while continuing HIV/AIDS research in parts of Zambia and the USA.

22. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013 FASTING & PRAYING - EZRA 8:21-23:

Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington

Basic Need

Tom Clancy’s popular novel, Clear & Present Danger, describes the risks and challenges involved in the uncertain world of international espionage.  The chief character, Jack Ryan, is thrust into a new CIA assignment where his superiors have intentionally left him in the dark about ongoing covert operations in Columbia, South America.  The novel spins a thrill-a-minute plot with intrigue, political deception and high-stakes actions by Ryan in his efforts to eliminate a powerful Columbian drug cartel.  Most of us, if given the choice, would choose not to engage in risky covert operations because the probability of death is too high to compensate for the joy of the moment.  Since we are normally risk-averse creatures we look for assistance to help us manage or avoid the risk and uncertainty.  The Adult Church School Lesson for July 21, 2013 looks at how Ezra copes with risk and uncertainty in his return trip to Jerusalem.  Much like Jack Ryan, Ezra looks at danger in the eye and doesn’t blink.  Buckle up, this lesson is not for the faint hearted.

Basic Lesson

A little background for today’s lesson is needed before we look at the key takeaways. Ezra Chapter 7 records the events of the second return of the exiles under the leadership of Ezra.  The story in Ezra 7 begins in the seventh year of Artaxerxes (458 B.C.). There is a "gap" of fifty-eight years between chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra.   Our lesson text in Ezra 8 describes the journey back to Jerusalem.  In verse 21 we find Ezra fulfilling his priestly duties by proclaiming a fast to prepare his colleagues for a safe journey.  The fast was a ceremonial cleansing where consumption of food and drink is temporarily abstained in order to have one’s mind, body and soul ensconced with God’s will.  This specific petition is necessary because the possessions of Ezra’s caravan had great monetary value.  The roads were frequently traveled by thieves and robbers so the danger of theft, assault and death were real.  Ezra looked to God for safety since he felt embarrassed asking King Artaxerxes for a military convoy of protection to guide the Jews back to Jerusalem. (Verse 22)  Ezra knew that best way to manage the risk of his travel was to have the dual strategy of fasting and praying.  In verse 23 we discover that God heard Ezra’s prayer and granted that request of safety.

Basic Application

I have been a frequent flyer for over 35 years.  Yet every time I board a plane I make it a point to pray for safe travels not only for my flight but other flights originating in my city. State, country and across the globe.  Aviation technology is remarkable but it does carry with it unforeseen risks, e.g., engine failure, terrorism, high-jacking, turbulence, etc. A first year college student thousands of miles away from home must face the risk of not having his home base.  Young soldiers accept their military orders understanding the risk of the operations. Prayer and fasting represent the dual strategy to keep our focus sharp and our priorities in the right order.  Jesus once instructed us that certain activities (exorcism) are only possible with fasting and prayer. (See St. Matthew 17:21)  Danger and risk are omnipresent.  God doesn’t want us to be driven by fear of the unknown.  We can be effective risk managers when we put our trust in Him to lead and guide us and say as David proclaimed in Psalm 23: 4 - “Yea though I walk thru the valley of Death, I will fear no evil, thou art with me, the rod and thy staff comfort me.”

*Brother Bill Dickens is currently the Church School Teacher at Allen AME Church in Tacoma, Washington.  He is currently a member of the Fellowship of Church Educators for the AME Church.

23. MEDITATION BASED ON HEBREWS 13:1-8:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing these thoughts on a typically hot South Carolina summer day, but I’m doing so in comfort because of air conditioning.  I’m blessed to enjoy an air conditioned home, car and office, and consider it to be a major emergency if the “AC” breaks down.

It now amazes me that I didn’t live in an air-conditioned home until I was married, that my first two cars weren’t air conditioned and that my home church wasn’t either until I was in my twenties.  My elementary and high schools and my first college dorms weren’t air conditioned, and I thoroughly enjoyed high school and college summer band practice on oppressively hot and humid days when you could almost cut the humid air with a knife and when we consumed salt tablets like candy in the days before “Gatorade.”

I have vivid and pleasant memories of the days when air conditioning was a luxury rather than a necessity and when we beat the heat with electric fans, open doors and windows and big, screened porches, but I now know how good an air conditioned environment feels and have no desire to go back to what used to be.

“What used to be” can understandably become a broadly tantalizing memory when we face present day aggravations, stressors and frustrations.  We understandably long for the simpler and easier days of our youth, but our memories can be made deceptively pleasant and inviting by the passage of time - I spent the “simpler and easier” days of my youth in a very unequal and racially segregated south - I don’t want to go back to that!

The “good old days” are often best remembered by recalling not what we did but what the Lord did for us and how the Lord brought us through our tough times.  When we realize that we made it to the present day not by our luck, skill or talent but by God’s grace, we’ll gain a new perspective on life and a new appreciation for God’s power.  We’ll face the demands of the present age - not wishing that we could go backward, but in joyful anticipation of what happens when we have the faith to let God lead us forward.  We’ll understand why the hymn writer Isaac Watts said, “Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the same.”

Get Ready for Sunday, and have a great day in your house of worship!

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Ezekiel Habersham, Retired Presiding Elder, California Conference, Fifth Episcopal District. The Rev. Ezekiel Habersham founded Wright Chapel AME Church, San Francisco. He pastored Williams Chapel AME Church in Oakland, CA; Campbell AME in Denver, Colorado and Wayman AME in St. Louis, Missouri.

He was the Husband of Beverly Habersham former WMS Conference Officer, Director Fifth District Health Initiative and the Father of Rev. Carolyn Habersham, Pastor of Greater Turner Chapel AME Church, Greensburg, LA.

He went home to be with The Lord on Sunday, July 14, 2013.

Funeral Services for Reverend Ezekiel Habersham, Retired Presiding Elder, Fifth Episcopal District will be held:

Monday, July 22, 2013; 11:00 a.m.

St. Paul AME Church

2024 Ashby Avenue

Berkeley, CA 94703

Phone: 510 848-2050

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent:

Mrs. Beverly Habersham

1975 Gentle Creek Blvd.

Fairfield, CA. 94534

Email: bevhab@comcast.net

Or

The Rev. Carolyn Habersham: Revhabersham@aol.com

Services Entrusted To:

Fouche's Hudson Funeral Home

3665 Telegraph Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

Telephone: (510) 654-8558

Fax: (510) 654-5542

Email: info@fouchesfuneralhome.com

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Phillip Samuel III on Monday, July 8, 2013. He was a retired educator and the beloved uncle of the Rev. Joy Lynn Gallmon, pastor of New Mount Pisgah AME Church in Lake City, FL; 11th Episcopal District's Director of Christian Education and the Connectional Chair of the Fellowship of Church Educators. Please keep the Rev. Gallmon and her family in your prayers as she serves as the eulogist for her uncle's service. The Following information has been provided regarding the funeral arrangements:

Funeral Services:

Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

1126 East Silver Springs Blvd.

Ocala, Florida 33311

(352) 622-3244

WAKE: Friday, July 12, 2013 at 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Little Chapel United Methodist Church

2381 SE 73^rd Street

Ocala, FL.  34480

(352) 351-5125

Services Entrusted To:

O. B. Samuel Funeral Home

3501 West Broward Blvd.

Williston, FL 33312

Tel: 352-528-3292

The Reverend Joy L. Gallmon may be reached

Telephone: (386) 752-1830

Email:  JoyrevJ@aol.com

26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sherry Grant-Blake, the niece of the Rev. Howard L. Grant, Presiding Elder of the Newark District of the New Jersey Annual Conference. 

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Viewing - 9:00 a.m.

Funeral - 11:00 a.m.

St. John's Baptist Church

525 Bramhall Ave.

Jersey City, NJ 07304

Phone: 201-433-7780

Cards, expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Howard L. Grant

96 Harper Avenue

Irvington, NJ 07111

27. CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator

AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net  

Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/  

Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)

Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)

Cell: (615) 403-7751

Blog: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220  

28.  CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.

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