The Right Reverend 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
1. TCR EDITORIAL
– THE FLAG DIDN’T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH SOUTH CAROLINA’S HERITAGE:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
South Carolina State Senate and the South Carolina House of
Representatives voted to remove the “flag of the Army of Northern
Virginia" from the capitol grounds of South Carolina.
Let’s set the record straight
The Battle flag of Virginia was not the only Confederate flag. There
were several Confederate flags, but the Battle flag of Virginia was the flag
embraced by the Ku Klux Klan and other racist groups.
I am thankful for the vote of the legislators led by South Carolina
Governor Nikki Haley to remove the "flag of the Army of Northern
Virginia." I refer to the flag as the flag of the Army of Northern
Virginia because that’s what it was and is today, not the Confederate flag.
There were at least three flags of the Confederacy: the "Star and
Bars," the "Stainless Banner," the "Blood Stained
Banner" and others.
What some of the folks who defended the flying of the Confederate flag
on public land on the capital grounds in Columbia, South Carolina referred to
as the Confederate flag apparently were not aware, or were ignorant of the fact
that the "flag of the Army of Northern Virginia” had little or no historic
connection to South Carolina. I doubt there was any connection of the
"flag of the Army of Northern Virginia” to South Carolina. The flag had no
connection to South Carolina.
What the defenders of the flag called the Confederate flag was the
battle flag of Robert E. Lee's army unit, the Army of Northern Virginia.
I am amazed that many of the good people of South Carolina fought so
hard to keep the flag of the Army of Northern Virginia in place as if the flag
was imbedded in the history of South Carolina.
It wasn't.
Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was a long way from Rivers
Bridge, Honey Hill, Grumballs Landing and even Fort Sumpter, where the war of
rebellion started.
Except for Fort Sumpter, very few have heard of Rivers Bridge, Honey
Hill or Grumballs Landing. Oh, Civil War
battles were fought in those locations.
If my memory serves me correctly, in my study of American History in
high school and college, no significant battles were fought in South Carolina
that influenced the Civil War one way or the other.
I don't recall studying about any of South Carolina's Civil War
battles at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or the U.S. Army War
College.
Of course the war started in South Carolina at Fort Sumpter because
the leadership in South Carolina chose to defy the Union rather than risk
losing their hold on slavery.
I am appalled that some of the defenders of the Battle flag of
Northern Virginia want to convince themselves and others that the flag
represents "Heritage, not Hate."
The battle flag of Northern Virginia has been an instrument of racial
hatred. The Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacists groups embrace "flag
of the Army of Northern Virginia” with vigor and rabid racism.
I commend the present leadership in South Carolina for having the
courage to vote to remove the flag from public property. It took the murder of
nine innocent lives to prick the consciences of the nation and the people of
South Carolina.
There is no country in the world that would tolerate honoring and
respecting people who rose up against the nation and lost.
Germany does not allow the image of the swastika and Nazism. The
Germans and the other European nations work hard to erase the image of Nazism
and the image of the swastika from their psyche.
Apparently General Robert E. Lee himself distanced himself from the
symbols of a Civil War and it’s reported that the "flag of the Army of
Northern Virginia” was not flown at his funeral. He saw the flag and other
Confederate images as disruptive to the healing of the nation.
It was during Reconstruction that the “good ole boys” embraced the
image of the "flag of the Army of Northern Virginia” as one of their icons
to frighten newly freed slaves.
In our great country, we allow people to display symbols of hate and
divisiveness and we are probably the only nation that tolerates the symbols of
racism and inequality. We have allowed “losers” to manipulate the psyche of a
large segment of our population. Other nations attempt to “cleanse” themselves
of the undesirable behavior of those who function in opposition to the national
good.
In the United States we have coddled bad behavior to “keep the peace.”
We have elevated those who sought to do our nation harm.
For instance
We have military bases named after Confederate Generals. They led a
rebellion and we boldly honor their memories.
If the South had won the Civil War, there would be no Fort Grant, Fort
Sherman, Fort McClellan, Fort George Meade or Fort Sheridan.
The South lost the war and the names of the leaders should have been
relegated to the history books. Instead many of their leaders have been honored
with military installations named in honor and memory of their rebellion. Fort
Hood, Fort Lee, Fort Jackson, Fort Bragg, Fort Pickett, and Fort A.P. Hill are
just a few of the military installations named after Confederate generals.
It's amazing and mind boggling that our largest Amy military
installations are named after Confederate generals: Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort
Jackson and Fort Lee.
I am not suggesting that we change the names of our military
installations, but let’s not play people for fools. The "flag of the Army
of Northern Virginia” AKA the “Confederate Flag” should never have been allowed
to fly in any public place. It should have been removed from the South Carolina
capitol grounds years ago. The flag should be furled.
The image of the "flag of the Army of Northern Virginia” or any
Confederate images should not be tolerated in this age of enlightenment.
The image is offensive and it’s time for people of good will to demand
that it be removed from public places and removed from state flags. It’s time
for the United States of America to eradicate racism and the images of racism.
Unfortunately, racism is a part of our history and there is no denying
that racism was a reality, not only in the south, but across the nation.
In this age of enlightenment, the vestiges and images of racism need
to be in museums, in attics, in history books, but not flying in the public
places as constant reminders of blatant racism and disrespect of a significant
portion of our population.
The State of South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley and its legislators
are to be commended for taking a courageous step in removing the "flag of
the Army of Northern Virginia” from its capitol grounds.
The flag is being furled and that’s as it should be!
2. TCR OP-ED - WHY I SUPPORT POSTHUMOUS ORDINATION STATUS FOR MRS. JARENA
LEE:
*The Rev. E. Velma Grant
The Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) newspaper edition on
Friday July 12, 2013 featured an article entitled "Russian court convicts
a Kremlin critic posthumously," which piqued my interest.
If the Russian government can be audacious enough to confer
such a charge posthumously on an individual whose only crime was to criticize
the bureaucracy then the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) can
certainly be audacious in conferring posthumous ordination status on Mrs.
Jarena Lee.
Conferring posthumous ordination status on Jarena Lee does
not diminish or overlook the obstacles and barriers that prevented Mrs. Lee
from being duly recognized by the AMEC. Neither does conferring posthumous
ordination status absolve the AMEC leaders from the sexist discrimination that
Mrs. Jarena Lee endured from the hands of those called by God to ministry or
even those regarded as non-clergy.
Posthumous ordination presents the church with a historic
opportunity to rectify an obvious act of discrimination that prohibited or
denied women the right to obey God’s calling into ministry. Some might argue
that such prohibition, which denied women the right to pulpit ministry, was the
norm for those times; others might also argue that the prohibition was actually
in defiance of God. If Jarena Lee and other women answered the call to ministry
in obedience to God then it can be reasoned that those who opposed or denied
the fulfillment of their calling were actually defying God.
The AMEC is now afforded an opportunity to celebrate and
honor the achievements of one who was not daunted by naysayer or man’s
intentional oversight but brave enough to trust God. Jarena Lee trusted God
enough to travel hundreds of miles to preach the Gospel to those who were
willing to hear the good “Word.”
The argument that “it has never been done before” will not
pass muster because as the Church of Christ (paraphrasing Philippians 4: 13) we
can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Posthumous ordination
would be recorded as an official ecclesial apology as well as an act of
goodwill moving forward.
This act should not be construed as just an effort by one
individual or the AMEC component, Women in Ministry (WIM) but it should be
viewed as a concerted effort by the leaders and members of the AMEC. Let the
history books (or online archives) reflect the unity of the AMEC in bestowing
posthumous honor to a woman to whom honor is due.
The actions and events of the past cannot be erased or
undone but there is a way to acknowledge the wrong that was committed by
denying Jarena Lee the full nature of her call to ministry. Richard Allen and even those who gathered to
hear the sermons of Mrs. Lee acknowledged her homiletics gift but because
ordaining women was not considered the norm for that era of time she could
proceed no further than traveling from region to region preaching to the
masses.
Conferring posthumous ordination status acknowledges the
above wrong and denial of Mrs. Lee as well as makes a statement to current and
future generations of women that the
AMEC is intentional about ending the practice of sexism and discrimination in
the church.
The AMEC should be grateful that Mrs. Jarena Lee loved God,
the AMEC, embraced her call to ministry despite the many challenges and denials
that she faced in those days. She was a model of persistence and tenacity and
is a pioneer who is truly appreciated by modern day female and male preachers.
While it might be unusual or the first time that an
individual has been convicted of a crime posthumously, posthumous conferment is
not unusual or impossible. Below are a few examples of individuals that were
awarded posthumous recognition or conferment in several disciplines or areas of
life.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences regularly
confers posthumous awards to female and male actors in both the competitive and
honorary categories. Actor Heath Ledger who died in January 2008 received the
best supporting actor Oscar award posthumously in that same year for the movie
The Dark Knight.
The Philippine government conferred a posthumous
Congressional Medal of Achievement to one of its leaders who died tragically in
an airplane accident in 2012. Government
leader Jesse Robredo died on August 12, 2012 but was recognized by the
Philippine government with posthumous honors for his work and
"immeasurable contributions in promoting good governance and practicing
the tenets of a real democratic and participatory government” (Sun Star
Wednesday September 12, 2012- www.sunstar.com).
In May 2013, at its
257th Commencement Service, Penn State University conferred
posthumous Ph.D. to a Vietnam War veteran. While working on his doctoral
dissertation at Penn State, Lieutenant Colonel Mortimer O’Connor was called
into active duty and died in Vietnam on April 1, 1968.
The request for posthumous degree conferment was requested
by the soldier’s son, Brian O’Connor who read his father’s work and made the
determination to seek honor for the academic work of his deceased parent.
Although the University’s academic leaders from the School of Arts &
Sciences (SAS) deemed the dissertation project not fully completed, because of
the volume of work already finished along with much academic discussion, the
request was honored. On Monday May 12, 2013, “At SAS Commencement, O’Connor was
awarded a Ph.D—In Faculty, which restores a scholar to what, would have been
his or her class. He is officially a graduate of the Class of 1968” (Penn
Current, May 16, 2013).
In May 2012, President Barack Obama awarded a posthumous Medal
of Honor to a soldier who was dead more than four decades prior to the
conferment. Army Specialist Leslie H.
Sabo, Jr. died during the Vietnam War at the age of 22 in the year 1970 but was
recognized and honored by the President many decades after his death in
Cambodia. “The nation's highest military
honor, the Medal of Honor is awarded for risk of life in combat beyond the call
of duty. Sabo's medal is the 247th
awarded, and the 155th presented posthumously, for action during the Vietnam
War” (www.army.mil) - May 16, 2012)
In June of this year, President Obama again awarded
posthumously the Congressional Medal of Honor to two World War I veterans.
Private Henry Johnson (an African American soldier from Harlem) and Sergeant
William Shermin (a Jewish soldier from New Jersey) were both recognized 97
years after their service (on the battlefields) in France on behalf of the
United States of America. Referring to
the courageous service of both men, President Obama said, "They both
risked their own lives to save the lives of others. It's never too late to say 'thank
you.'"
President Obama also reflected on the treatment and silence
surrounding the heroic acts of many valiant African American soldiers. He
shared “America can't change what happened to Henry Johnson. We can't change what happened to too many
soldiers like him who went uncelebrated because our nation judged them by the
color of their skin and not the content of their character. But we can do our best to make it right.”
And, most recently, the Honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney one
of the Mother Emanuel 9 who was murdered on June 17, 2015 will be awarded
posthumously awarded the Doctor of Ministry Degree by Wesley Theological
Seminary. The Rev. Dr. Pinckney was the pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church in
Charleston.
The AMEC cannot change the circumstances surrounding the
denial of Mrs. Jarena Lee and many others who were refused recognition or
ordination to serve the church as clergy but the church can pause for a moment
“to make it right.” Posthumous
conferment would be most appropriate if the AMEC affords Mrs. Jarena Lee the
status of such ordination at the 50th Quadrennial of the General Conference. This would be most historic because the
church would be returning to the birthplace of African Methodism in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. What a fitting tribute that would be to not only
Mrs. Jarena Lee but also to the first bishop of the AMEC, Richard Allen who
recognized the gifts of Jarena Lee and allowed her to preach despite the church
not officially acknowledging her calling and ministry. It is never too late to
make amends for past wrongs and the time would be right in 2016. Let the Church say Amen!
*The Rev. Velma E. Grant is President, Women In Ministry 6th
Episcopal District and an Associate Minister at First Saint Paul AME Church in
Lithonia, Georgia
3. TCR OP-ED - PASTORS CONFUTATION TO THE
SUPREME COURTS RULING ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has been elevated on
a national platform due to church shootings, church burnings, and the murder of
the Emmanuel Nine who were shot as they sat in a Bible Study at Emmanuel A.M.E.
In Charleston South Carolina these scurrilous acts have compelled the church to
be a voice of reckoning, reason, and change, the entire cosmos now, knows the
position of the A.M.E. Church on police brutality, black on black crime,
racism, and other social justice concerns.
However; Now that we have the attention of the world there is no better
time like the present for the A.M.E. Church to make a national statement about
our biblical position on the Supreme Court Ruling on Same Sex marriage.
On June 26, 2015 the Supreme Court ruled in what some are
calling an Historic ruling to legalize same sex marriage the courts ruled that
states cannot ban same sex marriages married same sex couples will now enjoy
the same legal rights and benefits as married heterosexual couples and will be
recognized on official documents such as birth and death certificates.
Although I am disappointed in the ruling by the Supreme
Court I am not astonished, the legalizing of marijuana, open carry, and now
same sex marriage has become societal norms that creates a penchant that is
antithetical to biblical values, theological tenets, and moral principles, I
believe it establishes what can become a vitriolic tenor for this country.
The church needs to be loving but firm in her position on
same sex marriage, and articulate with a resounding voice that we will not
compromise our convictions and that according to the Bible marriage is between
a man and a woman Genesis 2:23
"The man said this is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh and for
this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife
and they shall be one flesh."
As a citizen of this great nation I have an undefiled
deference for the Supreme Court and our system of Jurisprudence however,; as an ordained Minister in the
African Methodist Episcopal Church and Proclaimer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
I cannot participate in any law that redefines marriage, to do so in my opinion
would be unethical.
Therefore I am emphatic in my position that I will not
officiate over a sex same union I will always acknowledge and respect the law
but I will not engage in something that goes against the tenets of a sacred
institution like the bond of marriage.
The Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams is the pastor of Smith
Chapel AME Church in Dallas, Texas and serves as the Chair Religious Studies
Program at Paul Quinn College
4. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
-- Emanuel AME Church shooting prompts Duke Energy to
invest in diversity programs
Duke Energy will
donate at least $100,000 to expand a diversity leadership program at Furman
University in response to the Emanuel AME Church...
Charleston church
shootings prompt Duke Energy to invest in diversity programs
Read more:
-- Allen University establishes scholarship honoring
church shooting victims
For complete
coverage of the shooting at Emanuel AME Church, including ... photo galleries
and more, go to postandcourier.com/church-shooting.
-- Wilberforce University among the top 10 colleges and
universities in retention and graduation rates.
5. MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE HAS EMERGED FROM BANKRUPTCY -
THE CASE IS CLOSED & THE FUTURE IS WIDE OPEN:
On June 15, 2015,
after 34 months of hearings, deliberations, promises made and broken and
several genuine heroic gestures, United States Bankruptcy Judge Ellis-Monroe
issued a final Order and Decree closing the Chapter 11 reorganization
bankruptcy case of Morris Brown College.
Here is the Order!
The emergence of
Morris Brown College from bankruptcy has not been a “crystal stair.” There are people who hoped, and others who
expected, that Morris Brown College would be forced to liquidate all of its
assets in bankruptcy and close the doors of this historic institution forever. However, Morris Brown College’s discharge
from bankruptcy, with a clear path for regaining its accreditation, is a direct
result of great faith, strong leadership, planning, charity and sacrifice by
many people, beginning with the Right Rev. Dr. Preston Warren Williams II. This article provides a detailed and
chronological record of some of the challenges, accomplishments and reasons why
Morris Brown College emerged from bankruptcy.
On Wednesday, July
18, 2012, Bishop Williams was seated as a member of the Board of Trustees of
Morris Brown College and elected its Chairman by the members.
Three weeks later,
on August 6, 2012, Morris Brown College received an official legal Notice of
Foreclosure from Valstone Partners, an asset management firm and the largest
creditor of Morris Brown College, indicating that in less than a month
(September 2, 2012) the college administration building, the historic Founders
Hall and the open area in front of those buildings would be sold at a sheriff’s
sale.
On August 10, 2012,
the Board of Trustees convened an emergency meeting and made the following
important decisions:
The Board:
Appointed Renardo
(Rick) Hicks, Esq. as its General Counsel;
RESOLVED - that the College files or cause to be
filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy
Code;
RESOLVED – that the college engage the Philadelphia
law firm of Dilworth Paxson LLP (Anne Aaronson, Esq.) as general bankruptcy
counsel to represent and assist the College in carrying out its duties under
the Bankruptcy Code – and engage John
Moore, Esq. as its local bankruptcy counsel.
On August 25, 2012
Morris Brown College filed a Chapter 11 Petition for Reorganization in the
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia at Docket
No. 12-71188-BEM. The filing of this
Petition had significant and immediate impact on the circumstances of Morris
Brown College, including:
Causing an
immediate and permanent stop to the pending September 2, 2012 foreclosure sale;
Causing an
immediate stop to all litigation against Morris Brown College – including
litigation in which the AME Church was sued as a Defendant and claimed to be
the “alter ego” of Morris Brown College; and,
Preventing any new
law suits from being filed against Morris Brown College without first securing
the express permission of the bankruptcy court judge.
At the time of the
filing, the total of secured and unsecured debt of Morris Brown College
exceeded $34 Million Dollars.
In support of its
Petition for Reorganization in Bankruptcy, the Trustees of Morris Brown College
developed and implemented three extraordinary working groups:
A Debt Reduction
Committee – Consisting of attorneys, CPAs and other professionals working
directly with vendors and creditors to erase, rework or re-negotiate the
existing debt of Morris Brown College;
A Strategic Planning Committee – Composed of educators,
administrators, business executives and strategic planners – charged with the
responsibility of evaluating existing programs and developing new academic and
social programs strategies, structures
and approaches; and,
A Resource
Development Committee – Consisting of Insurance and Financial professionals,
educators, attorneys and alumni – charged with identifying and securing long
and short term sources of funding and for the development of a formal Financial
Plan for submission in the Morris Brown College reorganization bankruptcy.
As a result of the
hard work of these Committees, several important things happened:
On November 4, 2013
the AME Church, with the approval of the General Board and the Council of
Bishops, paid $7 Million Dollars to remove Valstone Partners from the position
of the largest secured creditor of Morris Brown College and took over their
claim in the bankruptcy proceeding. The
Church also provided another $500,000 to Morris Brown College as operating
capital, with the expectation that all of these funds would be repaid out of
funds secured by the College in its Plan of Reorganization.
On December 22,
2014 Morris Brown College filed its Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure
Statement in the US Bankruptcy Court. These documents provide a detailed record
of Morris Brown’s history, business, operations, historical financial
information, properties, projections for future operations, risk factors and a
summary and analysis of the Plan of Reorganization.
The central concept
used to generate capital for the payment of debt to and generate funds for
distribution to creditors within the bankruptcy was the sale of property
outside of the bankruptcy under a provision of the bankruptcy code called
Section 363. Through this process,
Morris Brown College sold approximately 30 acres of property to Invest Atlanta
and Friendship Baptist Church for $14.7 Million Dollars. Thereafter, The New Morris Brown College began
its operation in the Administration Building, the Griffin Hightower Building,
Fountain Hall, and the land located in front of those buildings, approximately
6.5 acres. It is important to note that
Morris Brown’s sale of property for $14.7 Million Dollars enabled the College
to wipe out the entire $35.3 Million Dollar debt mentioned above.
The details
concerning the allocation of those funds in the bankruptcy are public
information.
Here are some of the highlights:
The A.M.E Church
received a total of $10.5 Million Dollars in cash – even though the amount
requested and received from the A.M.E. Church by Bishop Williams was only $7.5
Million Dollars. This initiative enabled
Morris Brown College to repay an additional $3 Million Dollars in cash loaned
to the college under previous administrations and leaves the AME Church with an
additional deferred secured interest in Morris Brown College of $1 Million
Dollars if paid early, and $3 Million Dollars if paid later.
Administrative
claims, including lawyers, accountants and the United States Bankruptcy
Trustee, received more than $1.7 Million Dollars.
The US Department
of Education received $1 Million Dollars.
And priority claims
from teachers and administrators, as well as unsecured claims by vendors
received about $500,000, or half a Million Dollars.
The approved Plan
of Reorganization also requires, among other things, that the Sixth Episcopal
District will continue its financial support of Morris Brown College and
contribute annually $249,000 (or $20,000 per month) to the College for
operating expenses for the next several years.
Over the past two years, contributions from The Sixth Episcopal District
have enabled the College to pay nearly $500,000 in back taxes (state and
federal) insurance premiums, utility bills, salaries and other ongoing
operating expenses.
In addition, the
approved Plan of Reorganization included several strategic planning and
substantive program changes adopted by the board of Trustees of the College,
including:
A priority program
emphasis on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics has been
adopted. MBC is creating courses,
majors and degrees in these areas which train our students for success and
careers in STEM areas.
A priority emphasis
on educating United States Veterans, particularly those returning from recent
combat in places like Iraq and Afghanistan has been adopted. MBC is developing and implementing programs
to assist with the application, entry, academic support, counseling, graduation
and job placement of our US veterans.
Co-Operative
Education programs, where students engage in work/study shall be emphasized and
implemented. Morris Brown has begun to
reach out to local and national industry leaders to develop programs and
courses to prepare our students for internships during college and employment
after graduation.
Also, now that the
bankruptcy proceeding has ended, Morris Brown College has officially embarked
upon a path of facility, program and operational improvements intended to
secure re-accreditation within 18 months.
Morris Brown
College could not have emerged from bankruptcy without the generous support of
alumni, the Sixth Episcopal District, the AME Church, Inc. and personal
contributions from trustees, faculty and administrators. Their collective efforts made this
happen! Until such time as it receives
its re-accreditation, and qualifies for federal student aid, Morris Brown
College cannot rely on student tuition for any significant portion of its revenue
and must continue to aggressively seek revenue from a variety of other sources,
including corporate gifts, Foundations, Trustees, Alumni, Facility Rentals,
faculty & Staff, the AME Church Community and Friends and Family.
On behalf of the
Morris Brown College Board of Trustees, the administration, staff and students,
THANK YOU, and May GOD continue to bless you and Morris Brown College.
The road that led
to this result was certainly not paved with “yellow bricks.” In fact, the
experience of Morris Brown College is more like the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes:
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light
So boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now —
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
“Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes (1922)
6. EIGHT WORDS FROM JACKSONVILLE BISHOP REVERBERATE IN
AME CHURCHES ACROSS NATION:
*Mark Woods
Of all that has
been said in the week since the Wednesday night massacre in a Charleston
church, it's hard to top the poignancy and power of eight simple words.
Seven of the words
are said every Sunday at many of the 7,000 African Methodist Episcopal churches
"The doors of
the church are open,” ministers say.
The eighth word was
added as part of a litany written for the first Sunday after a young white man
walked into a historic African-American church, spent an hour in a Bible study,
then pulled out a gun and killed nine people.
"The doors of
the church are still open."
These eight words
were not said by the ministers. They were in the refrains of the people.
Ministers said hate
and evil left a trail of blood.
The people said,
"The doors of the church are still open."
Ministers read the
names of nine victims.
The people said,
"The doors of the church are still open."
Ministers said,
"The evil one wanted a race war, instead there came an outpouring of love,
sympathy and tears from white people; fervent prayers offered for him by black
people ...”
The people
responded, "The doors of the church are still open."
They said it six
times during the litany, louder and louder each time, so that by the final
refrain there was no need for the exclamation point after the words in their
bulletins: "O God, we declare and decree, the doors of the church are
still open!"
I bring up these
words, not just because of their power, but because the litany was written here
in Jacksonville by Bishop Adam J. Richardson.
He grew up in Tampa
and went to Florida A&M University, where he was head drum major of the
marching band. In 1996, he became the 115th bishop in the AME Church’s 200-year
history. In 2012, he came to Jacksonville to lead the 11th District, which includes
more than 400 churches in Florida and the Bahamas.
After the
shootings, the church’s national leaders asked him to write a litany. He says
he used the process as “a way of thinking my way through issues,” including
what to do next.
He said some people
talked about locking church doors. Some mentioned requiring membership buttons.
Some considered armed guards.
“Our message always
has been peace and love and faith,” he said. “To have people armed to the teeth
while you’re trying to declare that message seems to be in the opposite
direction of who we say we are as believers.”
In his litany, he
also included five words, to be said by the ministers that were used by Martin
Luther King Jr. 52 years ago at a service for girls killed in a Birmingham
church bombing: Unmerited suffering is still redemptive.
“The church never
said there should not be, or would not be, any suffering,” he said. “The issue
is whether or not the suffering has any meaning.”
His litany clearly
had meaning for many who read it or said it. He heard from quite a few
ministers. One at Bethel AME in Philadelphia, where the AME Church started,
sent him a text with a photo.
The historic
church, its doors open wide.
*Used with
permission of Mark Woods, Metro Columnist for The Florida Times-Union in
Jacksonville, Florida mark.woods@jacksonville.com.
7. REPORT FROM THE 2015 ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL
BOARD AND COUNCIL BISHOPS:
*John Thomas III
(13th Episcopal District)
From June 30-July
1, 2015 AME clergy and lay leaders gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana for the
Annual Meeting of the General Board and the Council of Bishops. Under the
leadership of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Sr. (President of the General
Board) and Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr. (President of the Council of
Bishops and Host), the various departments, agencies and Episcopal Districts of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church gathered to give the annual stewardship
report of their work. Additionally, breakfasts were held by
CONN-M-SWAWO+PKs, Turner Theological Seminary and the AME Women In Ministry
(WIM).
The opening plenary
session was called to order promptly at 9 a.m. on June 30th by
Bishop Vashti McKenzie, 1st Vice President of the General
Board. Bishop Norris was unable to
attend due to his successful kidney transplant.
The devotion was
conducted by members from the 7th Episcopal District with a brief
homily from the Rev. Carrie Grady centered on Psalm 3. In homage to the nine martyrs of Mother
Emanuel, the litany “The Doors of the Church Are Open” was recited and a
rousing rendition of “The Old Ship of Zion” was led by the Rev. Randolph
Miller. After the roll call, the assembly was addressed by Senior Bishop John
Bryant who asked those assembled: “So, what are we going to do now?”
Presiding Elder
Norvel Goff stood in for Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and gave sentiments
from the 7th Episcopal District reminding the Board that the world
received a lesson in “AME 101” and those who did not know the Church do know us
now.
Host Bishop Julius
McAllister extended greetings and Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram (2nd
Vice President of the General Board) acknowledged the various dignitaries of
the Connectional AME Church. The “AME
App” was presented to the General Board by Ms. Marcia Fugh Joseph and Ms. N.
Cajetta A Stephens. The AME membership
card is fully online and all members are being encouraged to sign up for it via
the AME Church website. Ms. Suzette Webb, granddaughter of Bishop Howard Thomas
Primm, presented a book she had written to the AME Church and provided it free
via Amazon Kindle if it was downloaded that day.
Later on the
evening of June 30th, the 8th Episcopal District
presented the Investiture Service for Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
At the beginning of
the service, the processional was lead by clergy holding up photos of the Nine
Martyrs of Mother Emanuel, Bishops General Officers and Members of the Judicial
Council.
During the service,
United States House of Representatives Assistant Minority Leader, the Honorable
James Clyburn gave remarks.
Bishop McAllister
expressed a profound sense of thankfulness for all those who had encouraged him
during his ministry.
After the formal
investiture, Bishop James L. Davis preached a stirring sermon from 2 Timothy
1:5-7 entitled, “A Legacy of Faith.” He
encouraged the denomination to ‘stir up the gifts’ with which we have been
endowed.
Following the
service, a reception was held featuring a sumptuous sampling of Louisiana
delicacies.
Wednesday June 25th
was devoted to the closing Plenary Session and the Commission reports.
Devotions were lead by the 7th Episcopal District.
Adopted
recommendations follow at the end of this report.
An update on the
Bicentennial Celebration was provided. For more information, persons are
encouraged to visit http://2016generalconference.org.
Bishop Vashti M.
McKenzie announced that this year’s Anvil would be a digital compilation of
sermons on social justice from all living Bishops. Persons with relevant tapes/videos are
encouraged to contact her office.
The $10,000 in the
Anvil Fund for this year will be distributed to the families of the Charleston
Nine.
A Press Conference
was held and Bishop Reginal T. Jackson read the statement from the AME Church.
Bishop Bryant also gave remarks.
Following the Press Conference, the General Board reconvened for its final
business. While not action items, the assembly was updated on two key issues
impacting AME educational institutions:
1) The final sale
of land for Morris Brown College is complete. The Connectional Church has
received over $10 million of the $14 million owed and is the school’s sole
creditor.
2) Wilberforce
University successfully submitted the action plan requested by the Higher
Learning Commission and is awaiting its final determination on accreditation at
some point later in July.
The following
persons were memorialized: Bishop Vinton Anderson, the Rev. Dr. Anderson Todd,
and the Rev. Carl Hunter.
The General Board
will next convene in 2016 in April in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the
Quadrennial Budget Meeting with Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram as host.
Recommendations approved by the General Board from its
Commissions
Commission on Statistics and Finance (Bishop John R.
Bryant, Chair)
CFO:
Bishop John White
of the 18th Episcopal District was authorized to seek funds to purchase a new
Episcopal Residence in Maseru, Lesotho.
Episcopal Districts
4, 8,10, and 12 were authorized to raise funds to exceed the 35% as stated in
part VII, section 1, D of the Discipline.
SADA requested that
an outstanding loan balance of $129,000 be forgiven.
CIO
1) The General
Board will go on record encouraging every AME to download the AME Mobile APP
and the AME Meeting APP.
2) The General
Board will encourage every AME to register for and activate the official AME
Membership card for use as a marketing and branding effort and demographic data
collection method for our Church.
3) Explore with the
Publishing House the feasibility of offering the electronic version and print
copy of the 2016 Doctrine and Discipline as a package deal for one price and whether
or not preorders can be taken for the same at the 2016 General Conference.
Commission on
Church Growth and Development (Bishop McKinley Young, Chair)
1) That in
preparation for the 2016 General Conference, that we strengthen the AME Church
Prayer Ministry
a) Support proposed legislation to
rename the Connectional Prayer Ministry to the “Bishop Sarah Frances Davis
Prayer Ministry”, in honor and memory of the 126th Bishop of the AME Church.
b) Encourage every Presiding Bishop to
identify an Episcopal District Prayer Leader, who will serve and coordinate
prayer events directly impacting the life of the General Conference.
2) That each
Presiding Bishop be encouraged to name/appoint an Episcopal District
Coordinator for Evangelism by the end of the 2015 series of annual conferences
and submit said name to the Department of Church Growth & Evangelism (prior
to the 2016 Annual Evangelism Seminar).
3) That presiding
elders, pastors, stewards, class leaders and local church leaders subscribe to
the Secret Chamber and consider giving “gift” subscriptions to friends and
relatives, as a vehicle for evangelism in encouraging daily devotional reading
and spiritual growth.
4) That bishops,
presiding elders, pastors and laity answer the question raised by Senior Bishop
John Richard Bryant: “What Are WE Going to Do Now?” by attending and
participating in the 2016 Annual Church Growth Seminar and Black Lives Matter
Symposium -- with intentionality geared towards vanishing Black male presence
in church, black on black crime, police aggression, and other injustices
impacting local communities and AME congregations.
5) That every
episcopal district, presiding elder district and local AME Church embrace,
expand, utilize and support “Electronic Evangelism” which includes, but is not
limited to:
a) Every episcopal district, presiding
elder district and local church creates and maintains an up-to-date webpage –
b) Every episcopal district, presiding elder
district and local church maintain a Facebook (Social Media) Evangelistic page
–
c) Every episcopal district, presiding
elder district and local church create Electronic (Evangelistic) Prayer Lines and Teleconference Bible Studies,
Daily Inspirational Text Messaging, and
Online & Text Giving, where it is feasible.
6) That the General
Board and General Conference Commission, in conjunction with the Department of
Church Growth and Development create a universal, EVANGELISTIC media message
(tagline) that clearly conveys to the entire nation and global community: who
we are, what we are all about and what we hope to accomplish while in
Philadelphia.
7) That every
presiding elder district, pastor and local congregation engage Intentional
Evangelism for sharing the Gospel, particularly with regards to training and
equipping volunteers to reach the “unchurched” via creating tracks and other
evangelistic materials that are easy reads, points people to salvation and
making a life changing decision for Jesus Christ.
Commission on Christian Education (Bishop John F.
White, Chair)
1) That the Vincent
F. Foster trust be approved as a permanently restricted fund for the
Department.
2) That Christian
educators at each level, and congregants sign-up for the Daily Spiritual
Vitamins.
3) That each Church
School initiate a Young Adult class using iStudyGod Lessons.
4) That each
Episcopal District will support TEACH, Inc. as a non-profit partner with the
Department of Christian Education for character, resource, and leader
development.
5) That each Church
School be encouraged to subscribe to The Journal of Christian Education.
6) That each
Episcopal District be encouraged to incorporate the Disciple Bible Study
Series.
7) That local
Christian Education Departments be encouraged to have a class for youth
utilizing the Program of Religious Activities with Youth's curricula this
conference year.
8) That Church
School teachers be encouraged to attend and complete the Revised Church School
certification program by June 2018.
Commission on Social Action (Bishop Reginald T.
Jackson, Chair)
Collaborate on
campaign to “Face Race,” which will include, but not be limited to:
- Encouraging
policy to eliminate income inequality, especially for those now surviving at
the poverty level spotlighting the fact that although 13th Amendment
to the US Constitution abolished slavery, there is de facto slavery with mass
incarceration.
- Other practices
that lead to servitude are human sex trafficking and any physical, mental,
spiritual or mind controlling tactics.
- Conducting
research re Haitian and Dominican mass expulsions the United States which put
their lives at risk and divides families.
Commission on Publications (Bishop T. Larry Kirkland,
Sr., Chair)
Publisher
1) The entire AME
Church be encouraged to order and use the AME literature and supplies from the
AMEC Sunday School Union. We can also
print your district's annual conference schedule booklet.
2) Recommend we
consider offering Sunday School literature, disciplines, and related items in
languages other than English.
3) We discuss what
the demands are for resources for members in Districts 14-20 and then strategize
ways reduce cost for shipping.
Editor, The
Christian Recorder
1) Significantly
increase the numbers of subscribers for the print edition of The Christian
Recorder.
2) Provide
subscription grants for free Subscriptions of The Christian Recorder for all
honorably retired itinerant elders.
3) That bishops,
presiding elders, pastors and laity aggressively support and require all
persons involved in ministry with the church to subscribe to The Christian
Recorder. 4. A major "scrubbing" of the TCR subscription list for 2015 gives 4,200 subscribers (Districts
1-13) and 40 for Districts 14-20. There
is a need to maintain accurate and up-to-date subscriber database to combat
returned papers that result in excess postage.
Historiographer/Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review
1) Increase
research staff by soliciting volunteers from across the Connection.
2) Continuance of
work to build viable Connectional Archive and an archival staff to assist in
locating, collecting, cataloging and maintaining AME archival material.
3) Intensified
solicitation of articles, sermons, opinion pieces for the AME Review.
4) Move all AME
Review subscriptions to online to save money on returns.
5) Convene the
Adams-Coleman Williams Distinguished AME Scholars Guild in an AME Position
Paper Web Conference to discuss the 1976, 1988, 1994 and subsequent papers and
initiate a process of presenting and possibly publishing current papers by
2016-2017.
Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges and
Schools (Bishop Preston Warren Williams, Chair)
No recommendations.
Commission on
Ministry and Recruitment (Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Chair)
-- That the Board
of Examiners has at least one lay person.
Commission on Health (Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Chair)
1) Adoption and
support the Connectional Health calendar at all levels.
2) Link District
websites to www.AMEChealth.org for
online health calendar and ongoing health information and resources.
3) Ensure a
Commission Director is in a place at all levels and in all Episcopal Districts
to promote health Calendar activities, programs and resources available from
community partners.
4) Promote the
Annual July Faith Based Wellness, Health, Nutrition and Fitness month.
-- Support the last weekend of July Annual Faith Based Wellness, Health,
Nutrition and Fitness Weekend.
5) Support August
as Clergy and Clergy Family Wellness and Self-Care
Month
6) Promote the
dissemination of the Connectional Health Commission--‐AME Health Monitor Magazine, a free publication.
We are requesting
that Bishops and Supervisors submit "health and wellness” quotes to The
Connectional Health Commission--‐AME Health Monitor Quarterly Magazine, a free publication
Support the free
distribution of the magazine to local churches by providing addresses of local
churches through the Office of the Chief Information Officer and requests from
all levels. Please complete the postage paid reader appreciation card.
7) Reaffirm of the
Health Commissions advocacy for the implementation of Disaster Preparedness
protocols, including Preparedness Drills and Safety Checks. Recommendations and
Church Safety Tips can be found www.amechealth.org as well as links to the FBI
Active Shooter Event Quick Reference Guide.
8) Adaption of the
Resolution regarding persons who are differently challenged.
9) Promote and
acknowledge the need for the awareness of Mental Illness concerns especially as
it relates to disasters and trauma.
Commission on Annuity Investments and Insurance (Bishop
James L. Davis, Chair)
- That all persons
enrolled in the AMEC Retirement Annuity Plan be encouraged to participate at a
minimum of 12% of annual salary as mandated in the AMEC Book of Doctrine and
Discipline.
- That all eligible
pastors and lay employees enroll in the Social Security Program an begin to
earn the 40 Quarters necessary to qualify for Social Security and
Medicare/Medicaid benefits at the minimum age of 62. This is an important component of every successful
financial retirement testimonial.
- That the Online
Reporting System (ORS) be used by all Presiding Elders in the submission of
their respective Retirement Annuity and Insurance Reports to the department as
required by the AMEC Book of Doctrine and
Discipline.
Encourage the
participation of laypersons that work full time (20 + hours) in our churches to
join the Retirement Annuity Plan. For
the laity participation is voluntary.
Encourage pastors
to max out their contribution participation in the plan.
Note: Currently you can contribute up to $17,500.00
per year by:
(1) Voluntary
Contributions
(2) Local Church
Contributions and thru 403 (b) contributions
Commission on Global Witness and Ministry (Bishop
Vashti M. McKenzie, Chair)
No recommendations.
Commission on Global Development (Bishop Paul J.M.
Kawimbe, Chair)
The Global
Development Council would like to thank the General Conference Commission for
retaining the General Conference support for Districts 14-20 at the 2012
levels.
The Global
Development Council would like to commend Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe for his
leadership of the GDC.
The Global
Development Council would like to commend Bishop David R. Daniels for hosting
the 2015 GDC meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.
Commission on Economic Development (Bishop David R.
Daniels, Chair)
We recommend that a
district-owned insurance using the fourth district insurance company as a
model.
The Rubber Farm
District-owned
businesses-using the 9th Episcopal District as a model
Commission on Women in Ministry (Bishop Clement W.
Fugh, Chair)
1) That the General
Board recommends to the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference a
resolution offered by AME / WIM to posthumously elect and ordain Jarena Lee, an
itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
2) That for the
remainder of the Annual Conferences, the Annual Conferences be intentional with
respect to parity and equity in the election of women as ministerial delegates.
3) Local Elders
comprise approximately 60% of all women in ministry. We recommend that:
-- Women who meet
the age requirement be encouraged to pursue the itinerant track
-- local ministers
and persons who serve as supply pastors, who are pastoring a congregation a
year or more, should receive full benefits.
4) AME Women In
Ministry recommends and whole-heartedly supports the election of women to the
Episcopacy in 2016. As we head toward the 50th Quadrennial Session
of the General Conference that will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we
support the letter of Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams, dated May 15, 2015, entitled Never Again! Dr. Jamye Coleman called
for the need of more women on the Bench of Bishops. The Bench of Bishops should
never be devoid of women. It is estimated that women in ministry throughout the
Connection comprise 46% of all ministers and women comprise over 80-85% of the
congregations of our Zion. We have five women running and six positions that
are open for the election of Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Parity and justice demand women be given their rightful position and place on
the Bench. It would truly be a tragedy if the African Methodist Episcopal
Church in 2016, the 200th Anniversary of the formal establishment if
the AME Church failed to elect women to the Episcopacy. God created us all,
male and female, to do God’s work.
Commission on the Lay Organization (Bishop William P.
DeVeaux, Sr., Chair)
No recommendations
Special Committee on Strategic Planning (Bishop Vashti
M. McKenzie, Chair)
The Ad Hoc Committee on Strategic Planning
recommends that an Ad Hoc Committee to the General Board to develop a plan for
an AME Justice Center in one of our colleges or universities that will convene
scholars and experts to produce writings in the areas of Political Justice,
Criminal Justice, Environmental Justice, Economic Justice, Health-Care and
Education Justice. The center can also be a site to train the next generation
of activists, crises counselors and public policy influencers. Training could
also be available for both clergy and lay in public policy, social justice and
community engagement.
*John Thomas III is
a Ph.D candidate at the University of Chicago
8. DIRT TO DESTINY:
*The Rev. Ronda
Littleton Johnson
-- Saint James AME
Church, "One Church, Two locations" - Newark & South Orange, NJ
What a remarkable
journey being undertaken by the Reverend Ronald L. Slaughter, Senior Pastor of
Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church!
Many could argue that this undertaking is not just a journey, but a
sojourn because it comes at a time when some might question the building of
another church in this area. Conversely,
it is undeniably about fulfilling the promises of God as well as renewing God’s
covenant with us. It is indeed quite a
daunting task and much like Nehemiah, Pastor Slaughter has risen to the
occasion. Dirt to Destiny is not just
about building a new place of worship, but about renewing our covenant with
God. Dirt to Destiny is not just for a
select few, nor is it for those who are established in the church, but it is
for everyone! This new building is an
absolute necessity to further the advancement of God’s kingdom here on earth. Within the confines of the mission of Saint
James AME Church, building families and making disciples, it is mandatory that
it be inclusive to all in the community.
Much like Nehemiah,
Pastor Slaughter has seen the disparity among the congregants in this community
and he prayed and fasted long before God gave him a new vision for His
people. Recognizing that much of the
population attending the church could not worship, he sought a way to include
them. From the oldest members to the
youngest was his primary consideration.
Pastor Ronald L. Slaughter has begun the work that Nehemiah began many,
many centuries ago. The house of God
must be inclusive and Phase I of “Dirt to Destiny” is evidence that he is on
the right track.
To appreciate the
validity and understanding of God’s direction one only needs to look at the
facts that led to the purchase of the land.
A portion of the property needed for the new building was owned by the
Newark Public Library, and they had received the property from the estate of
Mrs. Renee Stark-Steed. The price of 591, 593, and 595 Martin Luther King Jr.
Blvd was set at $375,000.00.
Miracle #1—back in
January, 2015, Saint James began its campaign to raise the $375,000 over the
next 100-150 days. At that time, Saint
James made the initial deposit of $50,000.00 down in January 2015 to hold the
contract, firmly believing that God would make it happen.
Miracle #2—without
borrowing any money or obtaining a loan, Saint James acquired the properties
located at 591, 593, and 595 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd for $375,000.00 on July
8, 2015!
So, on July 8,
2018, Pastor Slaughter, several stewards and trustees and young people
accompanied him. Pastor felt it was
important to have youth with him at the closing so they could bear witness to
God’s promises coming to fruition. Also,
it was an incredible learning experience for the youth to have first hand
knowledge as to what happens at a closing.
In addition, Pastor Slaughter felt strongly that the youth should have
their own story to tell 40 years from now about how they had been invited to
the table and were at the signing when the church closed on the property that
would house their future place of worship.
Miracle #3—after
the closing, the seller’s attorney, Mr. Busch and Newark Public Library
Director, Mr. Paul Pattwell, decided to share with those assembled how the
proceeds from the sell would be spent.
This is when God blew everyone’s mind.
For the first time we discovered that the bequeath proceeds from the
sale of the property, according to the estate of Renee Stark-Steed, would be
divided between the following organizations:
The United Negro
College Fund
The NAACP
Scholarship Fund
The Hale House
Center Inc.
The Library must
buy specific artifacts, prints, painting and other forms of art depicting black
women in America, adding them to the Newark Public library
The Library must
establish an endowment to purchase books and other print materials that explain
or detail the lives of black women in America
It is now evident
that Saint James did more than just acquire property for a new church; but by
purchasing this property on July 8, 2015, it is actually sowing the seeds of
life back into the African American Community through these
organizations—History of African American Women, UNCF, NAACP, Hale House Center
and the Newark Public Library.
It is evident that
our "Dirt to Destiny" campaign is of God because no one but the
seller’s attorney and God knew where the money was to go, or how it was to be
spent! It is one thing to have the
vision, it is entirely another to have it materialize right before our very
eyes. In the words of Bishop James L.
Davis, "we are showing up for work and God is blowing our
minds."
Please keep Saint
James African Methodist Episcopal Church in your prayers as we are now
preparing to embark on Phase II.
*The Rev. Ronda
Littleton Johnson is an associate minister at Saint James AME Church
9. THE ONLY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO CLEAN UP RACISM
IS RADICAL HUMILITY, LOVE, AND THE COMMITMENT:
*The Rev. Anya
Marsalek Leveille
June 30, 2015
On Sunday, June 21,
four days after nine people were murdered at Mother Emanuel African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Charleston; I had the great privilege of preaching the Word
of God at New Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jamestown, less
than an hour away. How did I, a white person, earn this honor? Well, fourteen
years ago, I became a member of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church. Seven years ago, I
answered God’s call to preach and began the journey into pastoral ministry. And
last August, I was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church and was
assigned by my Bishop and Presiding Elder to serve as the pastor at New Emanuel
AME Church. In a sense, I got to preach that day because I kept showing up.
The terrible event
at Emanuel has brought this idea of white people showing up at black churches
into the spotlight. It’s not common. In the normal scheme of things, when we’re
not shocked and grieving, it doesn’t happen much. Some black churches have
white visitors regularly; most don’t. Very few have white members. I am one of
two white AME pastors among the more than 500 AME pastors in South Carolina.
I’ve sometimes had
white church leaders tell me that they’re disappointed that black people don’t
come to their churches, because their churches would welcome them with open
arms. I ask them what their motivation is for wanting black worshippers in
their congregations. Is it just to validate the white churches’ proclamations
of openness? And if not, if the motivation is that you want worship on earth to
look more like worship in heaven, with people of all ethnicities together, then
why don’t you go to a black church? Why ask them to be the ones to leave their
comfort zones and venture into unfamiliar territory? Why not take that
initiative yourself?
Some white people
may have believed that it would be awkward, that they would not be welcomed in
a black church. I hope that the circumstances surrounding the tragedy at
Emanuel have demonstrated how ridiculous that belief was. If a racist terrorist
intent on destruction has experienced more of AME hospitality than you have,
what does that say?
In the days after
the shooting, people showed up. If you prayed, thank you. In that first
terrible week, I and many other AME clergy felt ourselves genuinely sustained
by the prayers we knew were being lifted for us. If you attended vigils and
marches and funerals, thank you. The images of Charlestonians of all
ethnicities grieving together and supporting one another were beautiful and
inspired hope. If you showed up, thank you.
But don’t stop now.
Part of white privilege means that you now have the option to disengage, to
pull back from the ongoing conversation about race and racism in America and
from the hard work of building a more just society for all people. You have the
choice to post your selfies from the vigils and pat yourself on the back for
being #CharlestonStrong. And nothing will change. If we all go back to our own
racial and political corners and talk amongst ourselves, nothing will change.
We will have squandered this opportunity, as our President so eloquently said,
to experience God’s grace.
The truth is that
racism still permeates our nation. Some wonder how this can be true so long
after the end of slavery and legalized segregation. Think of it like this—when
an old chemical plant shuts down, one that operated before the idea of
environmental regulations, the land it’s on doesn’t cease to be polluted. The
contamination remains until special hazmat crews come to clean it up. The toxic
sludge of racism continues to contaminate our society. Its pollution lingers in
our schools, our courts, our police departments, our government offices, our
banks and businesses, and yes, in our churches. The half-life of hatred is
long; it won’t just go away.
The good news is
that we can all join the clean-up crew. The only special equipment we need is
radical humility, love, and the commitment to keep showing up.
The Rev. Anya
Marsalek Leveille is the pastor of New Emanuel AME Church and lives in
Charleston, South Carolina
10. A HISTORICAL ACQUISITION: EBENEZER AME CHURCH OF
RAHWAY PURCHASES A PIECE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY:
The 1882 City of
Rahway, New Jersey map, showing The Colored School and Colored Church (a.k.a.
Ebenezer-Rahway).
On Thursday July 2,
2015, under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Erika D. Crawford, , pastor
of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Rahway, New Jersey purchased
the a parcel of land known as 261 Central Avenue in Rahway. The acquisition of
this property is of great historical and cultural significance to this
congregation, the African American community and the African Methodist
Episcopal Church because it was the location of the first Public School for
"Colored Children" in the City of Rahway.
Although Rahway was
home to at least three Public Schools by the mid 1800's, slavery had not truly
ended in the State of New Jersey and the nation was on the cusp of a Civil War.
In spite of being "free," children of color in Rahway they were not
welcome in the Public School system, thus, "freed" people of color
found it extremely difficult to educate their children.
In 1856 [1], in
response to this injustice, the Putman Family of Rahway established a
"School for Colored Children" with financial support from the Friends
(Quakers), who paid all of the school's expenses including the salary of the
teachers.
Historical records
indicate that the Friends (Quakers) were very supportive of persons of color
and that the Free African Society in Philadelphia, from whence the AME Church
evolved and were allowed to meet in the Quaker African School House when the
meetings became too large to meet in Richard Allen's home.[2]
Therefore, it is of
no surprise that the first colored school in Rahway was organized by the
Friends (Quakers) and strategically located at 261 Central Avenue (then 59
Central Avenue) approximately 75 feet from the "colored church" -
Ebenezer AME Church, albeit across town from the Quaker Meeting House.
Established in 1826
by 30 "freed" families of color, Ebenezer was the first
"Colored" Church in the City of Rahway, and one of very few AME
Churches between Philadelphia and New York City at that time. In 1829, when the
land for Ebenezer on Central Avenue was purchased, the signers of the deed
signed their names with an "X" because they were illiterate. Although
illiterate, their vision for African Methodism and African Americans in Rahway
made the acquisition of this school all the more significant for the
congregation.
According to
historical records, Miss Martha (Matilda) Putnam (b. 1836 - ??) was the school
Principal/Teacher. The school averaged an enrollment of approximately 35 pupils
and was housed in an 1830s one-story, one-room red brick building with a gable
roof, 2/2 sash windows with stone sills, and a fieldstone foundation.
After the closing
of the school in the late 1800's [3], the building was turned into a
one-bedroom home. In the 1930s, an addition was added on to the one-room school
house which included a kitchen and bathroom, followed by the addition of a
front porch. In spite of its change in use, much of the structural and
architectural integrity of the building has remained intact, making this 185
year old building the oldest standing schoolhouse in the City of Rahway.
After the school
was closed, a philanthropist, Mrs. Lucy H. Eddy (b? - March 1879), who lived in
the neighborhood, established the "Rahway School for Colored Children
Trust Fund." Following her death and after a court battle [4] the books
and other artifacts from the school were donated to the Rahway Library.
Members of Ebenezer
with Pastor Crawford and Mr. Shipley - Town Historian, in front of the Rahway
School for Colored Children.
Ebenezer is excited
about the opportunity to reclaim and preserve this great history and welcome
persons and organization to share any additional information or history of the
school. Together with the officers and members of Ebenezer, Pastor Crawford is
prayerfully discerning the best way forward for this historic site, as they
give serious consideration to restoring the school for use as a "Heritage
House" for African American History in Rahway, New Jersey.
The pastor,
officers and members of Ebenezer would like to offer special thanks and
appreciation to Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate; RSI Bank of
Rahway for funding the restoration project and Mr. F. Alexander Shipley, Rahway
Historian.
Note: The Rahway
Map of 1882 lists the names of surrounding businesses and churches in detail
while referring to the school as simply "Colored School," and
Ebenezer AME Church as simply "Colored Church."
*This is the second
property acquisition for Ebenezer under the four-year leadership of the Rev.
Dr. Erika D. Crawford.
________________________________________
[1] Some records
say the school was started in 1865; however he building is present on the 1856
City of Rahway map, suggesting that it may have been established earlier.
(Rediscovery of Rahway, F. Alexander Shipley; Robin J. Shipley; and Linda A
Bragdon. 1976)
[2]Annals of the
First African church in the United States of America, Now Styled the African
Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, in Philadelphia (Philadelphia, 1862), The
Library Company of Philadelphia
[3] The school is
not listed in the 1883-1884 Merchants Directory, so it must have closed due to
the integration of schools or establishment of government funded public schools
for students of color.
[4]Reports of cases
decided in the Court of Chancery, the Prerogative Court, and on appeal in the
Court of Errors and Appeals of the state of New Jersey by the New Jersey Court
of Chancery, New Jersey. Prerogative Court New Jersey and the Court of Errors
and Appeals.
11. A STATEMENT OF THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS OF THE
CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CONCERNING THE CME CHURCH'S POSITION ON
THE SUPREME COURT DECISION ABOUT SAME SEX MARRIAGE:
July 2, 2015
The Supreme Court
of the United States has ruled that nothing in the Constitution of the United
States forbids same sex marriages. It
has opened the door officially to same sex marriages all across the United
States.
The Supreme Court
has issued a judicial decision. However,
as the College of Bishops, we remind you that the Constitution provides for a
separation of Church and State.
The official stance
of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church on same sex marriage is stated in
the Social Creed, adopted by the General Conference:
Marriage shall be
defined as a union between a man and a woman and under no circumstances shall
the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church either perform same sex marriages or
bless same sex unions [THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, REVISED 2010, page 38].
Specifically, we
believe that same sex marriages are contrary to biblical teaching and the CME
Church’s DISCIPLINE. Therefore, our
clergy are not only admonished against performing or blessing same sex unions,
but a CME minister who performs a same sex marriage or blesses a same sex union
is in violation of the DISCIPLINE of the Church and subject to disciplinary
action. Furthermore, no property of the
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church can be used for any same sex marriage or
celebration.
We recognize that
the above conclusions are heavily weighted on the legal side, but these
statements must be made for clarity.
However, as pastors ordained and sent by God, we also recognize that we
must continue to prayerfully consider the issues of human sexuality, human
marriages and unions, the theology of grace, the theology of love, and what it
means for the Church to embody and express God’s grace and to be the active
symbol of God’s continuing love in the world.
We must continue to
explore what it means to be proactive Christians, demonstrating love for all
people and extending the same grace that God has extended to us.
Respectfully and
Prayerfully,
The College Of
Bishops of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
12. RETIRED GENERAL OFFICER, DR. DENNIS DICKERSON
REAPPOINTED BOARD MEMBER OF THE “COMMITTEE TO VISIT THE HARVARD DIVINITY
SCHOOL”:
The Reverend Dennis
C. Dickerson, Ph.D., James M. Lawson, Jr. Professor of History at Vanderbilt
University and a retired General Officer in the African Methodist Episcopal
Church has been reappointed to a second two year term, 2015-2017, as a member
of the Committee to Visit the Harvard Divinity School. The Board of Overseers
of Harvard University through the Office of Governing Boards asks appointees to
commit to campus visits and to follow-up conference calls to address
developments at the divinity school.
13. WOMEN’S DAY 2015 -- OAK GROVE AME CHURCH – DETROIT,
MICHIGAN -
Dr. Robert
Brumfield, Pastor
On May 17, 2015,
Rev. Teresa L. Fry Brown, Ph.D did more than raise the roof at “The Grove,” she
set the house on fire as the Woman’s Day Preacher! The Women’s Day Choir
ignited the fire with opening praises of “Call Him Up.” The Sermonic selection, “Use Me” stoked the
embers and made the preaching ground sowable.
Dr. Fry Brown’s text “Use Your Own Words,” was taken from Numbers 27:1-7
and encompassed the Woman’s Day theme of “Preparing for the expansion: Building
on a Solid Foundation by Applying God’s
Word to Your Life!” The spiritual leader
of the Ministry to Women is the Rev. Pamela Whitesell with First Lady Sharon
Brumfield as the Ministry to Women Advisor.
Together with the Ministry to Women Committee, this day proved to be a
blessing for all who were present.
Dr. Fry Brown serves
as an Associate Minister at New Bethel AME Church in Lithonia, Georgia and is
currently a Professor of Homiletics at Emory University. She is a prolific author and has earned a
doctorate and two masters, but her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology
magnifies her anointing and gift which sets her apart as one of the great
orators of African Methodism in this modern day. Dr. Fry Brown commanded our attention from
the moment she stood in the pulpit until the benediction was pronounced. She began the preaching moment by telling us
she was an introvert except when God shows up and says ‘It’s Show Time.’ And indeed the presence of Spirit of God set
ablaze the Praise and Worship of all those who were present May 17!
Dr. Fry Brown’s
text selection led the worshippers through an Old Testament passage that is
rarely the focal point of any preaching moment, let alone a Women’s Day
message. In the text Dr. Fry Brown expounded upon the 5 daughters of
Zelophehad, who despite the challenges of their contextual existence, found the
courage to use their words and raised their voices to challenge the social,
cultural, and political injustices that limited the viability of their
existence. They sought Moses for
reparation of their father, Eleazar’s inheritance since he had not sinned
against God. Moses went before God and
the Lord declared they were justified and caused the inheritance to pass to
Zelophehad’s daughters in light of the fact that there were no sons. These five women changed the course and welfare
of not only the women of their time, but their courage to speak up and out
benefited the lives of all those living in the community.
Dr. Fry Brown
brought the Word declaring it was time for people to use their words to be
change agents; that God gave us words because He wants to hear from us when no
one else wants to hear what we are saying.
She proclaimed it is time to take the gag out of our mouths and it is
timeout for allowing others to speak for us.
She challenged us with the Word and proclaimed that we needed to sing
our own songs, pray our own prayers, author our own stories, articulate our own
visions and star in our own productions.
She declared that we stop being ecclesiastical muppets and saying Amen
every time the preacher says “Say Amen;” but say Amen when the Holy Spirit
moves us to say Amen.
By the time she
stepped out of her shoes and came out of the pulpit in stocking feet, the Holy
Spirit was totally unleashed and the church was on fire as she boldly
proclaimed “This Word has power, shelters us in a storm, saves and revives us,
is unmerited and unspeakable love, and a balm in Gilead. Use your Words to enlarge your
territory. Use your words like the daughters
of Zelophehad.”
Oak Grove was
blessed beyond measure that Sunday morning when the Holy Spirit used Dr. Teresa
L. Fry Brown’s words to edify the Word of God for all the listening children of
God.
14. METROPOLITAN AME INVITED COMMUNITY TO ECUMENICAL
PRAYER VIGIL FOR THE CHARLESTON AME TRAGEDY:
*The
Rev. Aisha Karimah
Bishop
William Phillips DeVeaux- Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District,
Presiding Elder Ronald E. Braxton and Presiding Elder Louis-Charles Harvey of
the Washington Conference joined the Rev. William H. Lamar IV, pastor of
Metropolitan AME Church in calling the community to prayer immediately
following the horrific massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston,
South Carolina. Responding to a community's grief, concern and outrage;
historic Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in the nation’s
capitol opened its doors and pulpit for community prayer. Pastor Lamar said, “This is an opportunity
for us to join in peaceful solidarity and prayer as the nation mourns the
victims of the South Carolina tragedy.”
People
from all walks of life, religious leaders from all denominations and faiths
joined elected officials and a diverse community to raise its collective voice
in prayers, scriptures and songs of hope, love, and remembrance. The overflow
crowd heard prayer of historical remembrance; prayer for healing for Mother
Emanuel AME Church family; prayer for healing in Charleston and for the people
of South Carolina; and, prayer for the beloved community. Everyone joined the
Unity Choir, led by Marty Austin Lamar, Metropolitan’s Director of Music and
Worship Arts in singing, "Lift
Every Voice and Sing," "Great is Thy faithfulness" and
"Total Praise."
A
powerful punctuation to the prayer vigil were poster size photos of each
murdered victim of the Charleston nine, carried down each aisle throughout the
church sanctuary for everyone to see. The posters with the images of the slain
martyrs were up held high in front of the sanctuary and then held outside in
front of the church.
The
one hour vigil was filled with emotion while offering comfort and challenging
the nation to begin a different narrative that honestly addresses today’s
racial divide.
Metropolitan
AME Church, referred to as the "Cathedral of African Methodism" was
founded in 1838. Metropolitan has a long history of social justice activism
from mid-19th century abolition of slavery to today’s advocacy around the
issues of homelessness, AIDS education, voters’ registration, the pipeline to
prison and Black Lives Matter.
*The
Rev. Aisha Karimah, Associate Minister, Metropolitan AME Church
NAACP
Applauds South Carolina State Legislature for Voting to Remove Confederate
Battle Flag:
(Washington,
DC) -- Today, the South Carolina House of Representatives voted 94-20 to remove
the Confederate battle flag from public spaces including state Capitol grounds.
Later today, Governor Nikki Haley is expected to sign the bill into law. In
light of this monumental victory, the NAACP released the following statement:
By
President Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President & CEO:
“The
NAACP applauds the South Carolina legislature for voting to remove the
Confederate Battle flag – one of the longest standing symbols of hatred and
exclusion -- from public spaces and state grounds today. The confederate battle
flag as a symbolic stain of racism has been dismissed from the state capital
grounds and may now be deposited to a museum.
This flag should be studied and no longer honored. This legislative
decision affirms the 15 years of collective advocacy of the NAACP on both the
national and state level to bring down the flag, in particular our 15 year
economic boycott of the state that was joined by the NCAA and UAW. As we head
to Philadelphia for our 106th Annual Convention this Saturday, we can now
consider an emergency resolution to lift the economic boycott of the
state. Today, South Carolina ushers the
state and our country into a new era -- one of unity and inclusion at a time of
such profound tragedy. By removing the flag, South Carolina not only denounces
an odious emblem of a bygone era but also honors the lives of nine students of
scripture who were gunned down in a church, including that of Rev. Clementa
Pinckney, the former South Carolina state senator. We applaud Governor Nikki
Haley for her leadership and moral courage by changing her position and
supporting the flag removal in the aftermath of tragedy. This decision will make South Carolina more
welcoming and affirming of all people irrespective of their skin color."
By
Dr. Lonnie Randolph, NAACP South Carolina State Conference President:
"Today,
the South Carolina legislature did the right thing—one that is profoundly
American – by taking down the Confederate battle flag. I applaud South Carolina
state senators, members of the House of Representatives and Governor Nikki
Haley for their commitment and support to the citizens of South Carolina and
the citizens of this country. Fifteen years ago, the NAACP launched
longstanding boycott against the state until the battle flag came down.”
15. ALUMNUS
COMPOSES MUSICAL SELECTION FEATURED DURING CHARLESTON VICTIM’S FUNERAL:
Author:
Lois G. Russell
Release
Date: Jul 02, 2015
Dr.
Gregory McPherson, 1980 alumnus of Alabama State University and renowned
composer, created an original work featured during the funeral of Charleston
shooting victim, the Hon. Clementa Pinckney and viewed by more than 200 million
people worldwide.
Alumnus
Dr. Gregory McPherson described his selection to write a musical composition to
be featured during the nationally televised “Life Celebration” for the
Honorable Clementa Carlos Pinckney on Friday, June 26, as a humbling
experience. Pinckney, a pastor and South Carolina legislator, was one of nine
people who were shot and killed during a prayer service at Emmanuel AME Church
(Mother Emmanuel) in Charleston.
McPherson said his original composition was
commissioned by the White House Office of Public Engagement, the Pinckney
family and the 7th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church.
“I
had to write that piece in less than two days,” said McPherson. “I didn’t get
notice from the White House, the AME church and Pinckney family until Tuesday
morning that they were encouraging me to go ahead and develop a piece. They
support the work because of its archival significance, and a copy goes to the
White House, a copy goes to the state house, a copy goes to the family archives
and also to their foundation, and to the archival activity of the AME church.”
He
said he was informed by NBC this week that his composition was viewed by more
than 200 million people worldwide.
McPherson
has had close ties to the Pinckney family and the Mother Emmanuel congregation,
having served as a musician there for several years. He explained his
motivation for the composition, titled “The
Requiem of Repose, Permit Now, Oh Lord: My Soul to Enter.”
“The
composition was written not only to celebrate the life of Min. Pinckney, but
also the other eight people who were murdered at Emmanuel,” McPherson said. “In
creating the work, my determination was to paint an aural landscape and
tapestry that would be considered honorable and credible. I was inspired by the
Holy Bible and the Torah, to embrace the essence and foundation of the
Judeo-Christian lineage of the Black Church. Many of the themes found in this
work are reflective of the numerous motifs found in the Purim, the Negro
Spiritual, Black Codes, African and Jewish Modes, and Southern Blues.”
McPherson
added that the opportunity to compose the piece was a meaningful experience.
“It’s
very humbling to be selected to engage in this effort as a black composer, and
it is also historically significant -- continuing the legacy and long list of
continued contributions made by many other black composers long before me, thus,
adding to the commitment that we must maintain for the music in the entire
African cultural Diaspora, ” McPherson said.
McPherson’s “Requiem” was performed by a
talented ensemble during Pinckney’s funeral, including fellow ASU alumnus
George “Spike” Nealy II (‘83), percussionist and assistant director of bands at
South Carolina State University; Deri K. Grissett, saxophonist, who is the
director of music, bands and production at Montgomery’s Bellingrath Middle
School; Monica Hargrave, principal harpist for the Greenville Symphony
Orchestra; Dr. Peter Lester Felder II, tenor, director of choral activities at
Allen University; Dr. Angela S. Blalock, mezzo soprano, assistant professor of
voice at Benedict College; Jan-Marie Christy Joyce, viola, principal violist
for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra; Yurly Bekker, violin, who is the
concertmaster for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra; and Kyaunnee Chirae, an
award-winning lyric soprano.
A 1980 graduate of ASU (BFA degree), McPherson
credits his alma mater with building on the educational foundation he received
from his parents and grandmother.
“I
have been very privileged to learn and matriculate in some of the most
celebrated academic environments, including the beginning of what I sincerely
consider the very ethos of my higher education experience -- my undergraduate
days at an HBCU (Alabama State University), a critical environment where I
received the rest of the ‘keys’ to life,” McPherson said.
McPherson has held several positions during
his career as an educator and director of choir, band and orchestra, and his
musical genius has earned him both national and international prominence as a
highly sought after composer, arranger, performer conductor and producer. He
was selected as the American composer for one of the musical tributes when
Nelson Mandela was freed from a South African prison, and he was commissioned
to do a second original work upon Mandela’s death.
McPherson also has worked with a laudable list
of entertainers and gospel artists, including Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan,
Wynton Marsalis, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Bon Jovi, Boyz II Men, Peabo
Bryson, Edwin Hawkins, Thomas Dorsey, The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams,
Hezekiah Walker and The Sounds of Blackness.
McPherson
currently is a senior research associate for the Global Health & Humanities
Summit at the Emory University School of Medicine. He also is the founder and
music director of the African Urban Legacy Orchestra in Atlanta.
As
an educator, Dr. McPherson has taught at the University of South Florida, Texas
College, Washington State University, Alabama State University, Berklee College
of Music, The University of Massachusetts, and a lecturer at Boston College,
Harvard University, Kobe University and The New England Conservatory of Music.
McPherson
earned a BFA from Alabama State University and an MM from the University of
South Florida, with additional studies at Harvard University as well as the New
England Conservatory of Music with noted black composer and author, George Russell
on the Lydian Chromatic Concept for Tonal Organization. He is also the
recipient of three Honorary Doctoral Degrees, with numerous awards, citations
and laureates for his many contributions in various areas of his expertise and
work in education and children's music. He's been an active consultant for
several articles and text reviews on music performance, Gullah & African
Folklore, African-American music history, orchestral and vocal composition and
arranging, jazz and modern music studies, and music education. McPherson has
completed a new book on the roles and responsibilities of African-Americans in
today's music industry titled "A Black Face in Today's Music Business,”
taking a clear, open, analytic view on many problems in entertainment, thus, offering
suggestions for possible solutions.
McPherson
holds memberships in Alpha Kappa Mu and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Societies, is a
life member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Fraternity for Men in Music
and is a brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. His active professional
associations include the IAJE, MENC, ACDA, NANM, AES, NASM, AGO, GMWA, and he
has an artistic endorsement with YAMAHA Synths & Musical Instruments,
Yamaha Music Corporation of America.
His
current research model titled “Mixed Media Rehabilitation” is an Arts Therapies
Alternative to Pharmaceuticals, and partners with the NIH, CDC, Johns-Hopkins
University, Emory University, Mercedes-Benz, the Motown Alumni Association,
Berklee College of Music, the Smithsonian Institute, and many others.
Dr.
McPherson has spent much of his life working to enhance the lives of young
people accepting the challenge from and becoming an advocate with Dr. Marian
Wright Edelman and the National Children's Defense Fund. He's also worked with
Montgomery Public Schools in Alabama as Choral Director at Walter T. McKee
Junior High School where he completed research for a textbook for secondary
music teachers and students likewise, on urban and rural-urban music education
with the Berklee College of Music Media Group as its publisher. Recognized by
the Alabama Music Hall of Fame as one its Distinguished Music Achievers,
McPherson is considered by many as one of the world's most formidable creative
artist.
16.
THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
– The
Lord props us up on every leaning side
I think we can all agree that times are
difficult. There are so many people out
of work and families are struggling to make ends meet. Even those who had not been particularly troubled
during previous down turns in the economy are now tightening their belts. Families are holding on a little tighter to
the money they earn. Vacation spots are
reporting a decline in revenue because families are not going as far as they
once did. The church is also seeing a
considerable difference in tithes and offerings raised on Sunday mornings. Obviously ten percent of less income equates
to less offering, however, the financial climate seems to have created a nervousness
that moves families to contribute less than ten percent to the church.
Our military is stretched thin. Families are concerned that their loved ones
are in harms way and the feelings of hopelessness are exacerbated by the fact
that there seems to be no end in sight. Men and women are now on their third
and fourth deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan.
Children are missing their parents.
Parents are missing critical parenting opportunities. Grandparents have been over taxed trying to
fill in. Recently we have even seen
mothers risk going to jail for not meeting deployment schedules rather than be
forced to turn their children over to foster care.
We can hardly pick up a news paper or turn
on the television without reading or seeing reports of bank robberies,
shootings, muggings, child abductions / molestations and criminal domestic
violence. There is a political fight
over how to correct the economy and how to get everyone health care. There are so many concerns that dictate how
we feel, how we live and how we face our responsibilities.
In the midst of all the stress and strain I
find solace reminiscing about my old home church. Ebenezer AME Church on Bethel Street in
Hagerstown Md. was the church “on the hill.”
I remember many of the old saints.
The mothers of the church took care of all of the children. I remember a spanking from each. The men of the church were solid. Interestingly, I don’t recall a name for the
group of men who attended to the physical and financial concerns at Ebenezer
however; I do recall what a “right of passage” it was to be old enough to be
counted among them.
One of my fondest memories is that of
Brother Joe praying. Brother Joe never
missed a Sunday. I can’t tell you what
Brother Joe did for a living but I can, without hesitation, tell you who
Brother Joe lived for. Most Sundays the
pastor called on Brother Joe to pray. As
far back as I can remember at some point in Brother Joe’s prayer he would ask
God to “prop us up where we were leaning.”
For years I heard Brother Joe ask God to prop us up. Over the years, as I have traveled, I have
heard other variations of the same prayer Brother Joe prayed. “Lord please prop us up where we are
leaning.”
As I lament over the plight of our economy,
military, community and world situation I have come to better understand
Brother Joe’s request of God. I remember
as an Army Recruiter going to a home in the country to speak with a family. I couldn’t help but notice two four by four
posts wedged between the side of the trailer and a boulder that appeared to be
holding the trailer up straight.
Curiosity getting the best of me I was compelled to ask the “home owner”
what purpose these posts served. The man
of the house said to me “Sergeant, this old trailer has been here for a long
time.” He said, “Before me it belonged
to my daddy. It has withstood a lot of
changes in the weather. This old trailer
is still standing after all of the snow storms and strong winds.” The man said to me, “There came a time when
we noticed the trailer leaning to one side; Momma wanted to move but I wedged
those two four by fours in, propping it up and they have supported that leaning
side ever since. We believe it will hold
up through many more storms.”
We are so very much like that trailer, we
have been around for a long time. We have withstood a lot of life's storms. We
have lived through the good financial times and the bad. We have withstood a lot of bad weather in
life. When you think about it we have
withstood a lot of hard times but we are still standing too. But every now and then the pressure causes us
to bend. There are times when life’s
storms will rage so that we find ourselves leaning to one side. In those times we find ourselves leaning we
should not give up. Those times when the
weight of our concerns is forcing us to lean we need to call out to God asking
Him, “Lord please prop us up where we are leaning.”
Even the strongest among us get to leaning
sometimes. Physically we might be worn
down leaning because of our infirmities.
Emotionally we might be worn down leaning due to the heartache or
heartbreak. There are times we find
ourselves leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. Some of us might find ourselves leaning
toward anger or bitterness. There may be
times we find ourselves leaning toward hatred or jealousy. The winds of life may even have some of us
leaning toward cussing.
When the storms are raging in our lives and
the strong winds of trouble cause us to lean, call out, “Lord please prop us up
on every leaning side.”
God, like the four by fours wedged between
the trailer and the boulder will brace us so we will stand tall against
whatever winds blow our way.
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.,
is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, S.C.
17. GETTING TO
ZERO: ZAMBIA PROGRESS IN 2015:
Dr.
Oveta Fuller’s Column will resume next week.
*The Rev. Oveta Fuller Caldwell, Ph.D. is
an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of
Michigan (U-M) Medical School, Associate Director of the U-M African Studies
Center and an AMEC itinerant elder and former pastor. She lived in Zambia for
most of 2013 to study HIV/AIDS prevention among networks of religious leaders.
18. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JULY
12, 2015 - NO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPT OFFICIALS - MICAH 3:5-12:
*Brother Bill Dickens
Introduction
In Proverbs 6:16-19 King Solomon opined
there were seven things that God hates.
They are:
--
Haughty eyes
--
Lying tongue
--
Hands that shed innocent blood
-- A
heart that concocts wicked schemes
--
Feet that rush into evil
-- A
false witness who delights in lies
-- A
person who stirs up dissension
God hates these behavioral traits because
they corrupt our moral and civic responsibilities to Him and our neighbor. Our culture is heavily influenced by those
who have been granted authority to make decisions that impact on our
welfare. This fiduciary trust implies
that voters put their trust in elected officials who in turn conduct themselves
in a manner that promotes the general good.
When this fiduciary relationship is violated the inevitable consequences
will result in chaos, confusion and crisis.
The Adult AME Church School lesson for July 12, 2015 examines the
fiduciary crisis during Micah’s ministry.
While the media highlights many fiduciary breakdowns in our world our
lesson confirms the Biblical truth that “there is no new thing under the sun.”
Bible
Lesson
Micah’s oracle in Chapter 3 is clear and
convicting. The spiritual and political
leaders in Judah and Israel have been derelict in their duty to dispense
justice and compassion to those they agreed to serve. Economic transactions are based on a corrupt
quid-pro-quo by those in charge seeking illicit gain. “Prophets” are espousing pseudo-truths about
peace and fulfillment. Judges dispense
justice for bribes and priests only teach for the “right price”. The conduct of the spiritual, economic and
political leaders promotes corruption and violates the sacred, fiduciary trust
between leaders and followers. God is
not pleased with such aberrant behavior.
Choices and consequences go hand in hand. Punishment will be exacted on the nations by
condoning such behavior. The message is
unmistakably clear – God will not tolerate corruption.
Bible
Application
In looking over the course of history in
both the USA and abroad, corruption is seemingly a normal quality displayed by
too many. Whether the corruption occurs
in the court room halls of justice,
state capitols, Wall Street circles or sacred sanctuaries, the outcome
is the same – leaders failing to execute their rightful duties to those they
represent. St. Luke 12:48 admonishes
believers that “too much is given much is required”. When we are put in a position of influence
the expectation is that we will reciprocate by elevating those around us not by
selfish gain or self-aggrandizement but by humility, sacrifice and
patience. Corruption is non-partisan. Corruption transcends, race, gender or
religious affiliation. Corruption
however can be stamped out.
Constituents must hold their leaders accountable. By holding leaders accountable this represents
the first important step that the status quo is unacceptable. Change, with God’s endorsement, is a positive
step in the right direction.
*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 African Methodist Episcopal Church
19. MEDITATION
BASED ON PSALM 46:
*The
Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I’m
writing this week’s Meditation before heading off to the Seventh Episcopal
District of the AME Church’s Christian Education Leadership Congress in
Florence, SC after a few trying weeks for the AME Church.
In
the past few weeks, the Reverend Clementa Pinckney and eight members of Mother
Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina were gunned down by a racist
in their Bible Study, Mount Zion AME Church in Greeleyville, SC - which was rebuilt
after a fire started by the Ku Klux Klan destroyed the church - was again
destroyed by fire, and the Reverend Dr. Gregory Grooms, a good friend, able
pastor and superb Theologian - departed this life.
All
of those in the Seventh Episcopal District will take those realities with us
when we meet this week, but we’ll still formally begin the week’s activities in
worship, singing the Doxology that’s commonly used to call God’s people to
worship in the AME Church - a short hymn that begins with the words, “Praise
God from Whom all blessings Flow.” We’ll
do so because regardless of life’s unexpected twists and turns, God is still in
control and is worthy of our praise.
Remember
that AME Church worship tradition when your life takes unexpected twists and
turns. Sickness, sorrow disappointment and trouble will touch all of our lives
sooner or later - things that make us feel like doing anything but praising the
Lord.
When
we remember, however, the words of the Psalmist who said that God is our refuge
and strength and a very present help in our troubled times, we can exhale, step
back and offer praise for God’s presence in our lives, God’s power that changes
us for the better, God’s peace that is ours in spite of our stormy times and
God’s love that never fails to cover, comfort and reassure us.
Take
the time to count your blessings and praise God every day, regardless of
circumstance. You’ll find new strength,
experience new joy, see new possibilities in life and find new meaning in the
words of the Hymn that says, “Many things
about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know Who holds tomorrow and I
know Who holds my hand.”
This Meditation is also available as a Blog
on the Beaufort District’s Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org
Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BeaufortDistrictAMEC
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
20.
EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Prayer request for Bishop Frederick Hilborn
Talbot and Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot as they celebrate their 57th
wedding anniversary on July 11th.
Prayer request also for the Reverend
Dorothy Millicent Morris of Guyana, South America, first female Presiding Elder
in the AME Church as she celebrates her 103rd birthday on July 21st. She was appointed to the presiding eldership
by Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot in 1973.
Well-wishes can be emailed to:
Bishop Frederick H. Talbot: fhtalbotn@aol.com -
Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot: sisti684@aol.com -
Or mailed to:
Bishop Frederick H. and Dr. Sylvia R.
Talbot
92-B Smithfield
Frederiksted, VI 00840
--
Congratulations to the Reverend Brandon A. A. J. Davis, Pastor of St. Andrews
AME Church - Youngstown, Ohio and the immediate past president and the former
Connectional Committee Chairman of the Connectional RAYACs.
The Reverend Brandon Davis received the
Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. His
dissertation was entitled “Social Change Within the AME Church through the
Ministry of Bishop Joseph Gomez.”
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: rev.davis1@gmail.com.
*Dr. Derek Anderson, Immediate Past
President, Connectional RAYAC
21.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Fourth Episcopal District is sad to
announce that on Monday, July 6, 2015, at 10:30 am, The Rev. Flennoy M. Travis
transitioned from labor to reward. Rev.
Travis served as the former pastor of Green Memorial, now Robinson
Chapel-Chicago and later served as an assistant minister at Wayman AME,
Chicago.
The following are the arrangements for Rev.
Flennoy M. Travis:
Visitation:
Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wallace Broadview Funeral Home
2020 W. Roosevelt Rd. Broadview, IL. 60155
Wake:
Thursday, July 16, 2015, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00
a.m.
St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal
Church
Celebration of Life:
Thursday, July 16, 2015, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00
Noon
St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal
Church
3042 W. Washington Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612
The Rev. Clinton E. Ward III, Officiating
Interment (Burial) immediately following
the funeral:
Mt. Glenwood Cemetery
18301 Glenwood-Thornton Road
Glenwood, IL 60425
In lieu of flowers, please send any
expressions of condolence to his beloved wife:
Ms. Susan Travis
4923 W. Quincy
Chicago, IL 60644
The Rev. Clinton E. Ward III, M.Div.,
senior pastor of Wayman AME Church
22.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This communication comes to share that the
Rev. Oradell Winfrey, the sister of the Rev. Roy Smith, has passed. The Rev. Roy Smith is the pastor of the Beech
Hill and New Seminary AME Church in Stephens - Arkansas, in the West Arkansas
Annual Conference, 12th Episcopal District.
Arrangements for Rev. Oradell Winfrey:
Family Hour will be at Robinson Mortuary on
Friday, July 10, 2015, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
A Celebration of her life will be held
Saturday, July 11, 2015, 11:00 a.m.:
Hoover United Methodist Church
13 and Cedar Street
Little Rock, AR
Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Robinson Mortuary
1201 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Drive
Little Rock, AR 72201
501.371.0111
The family will be at 2415 Johnson Street
in Little Rock.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. & Mrs. Roy Jones
301 Jones Loop
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Telephone: (870) 246-4366
23.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully We Share the Following
Bereavement Notice:
We are saddened to announce the passing of
our friend and Brother, The Reverend Cornelious Hollinshed, Pastor of the
Princeton Circuit, Hot Springs District, West Arkansas Annual Conference of the
12th Episcopal District. The Rev. Hollinshed went home to be with
the Lord at 9:30 a.m. on July 7, 2015. His wife, Virginia Hollinshed is an
amazing woman of faith and God has kept her through the power of prayer. Please
continue to pray for the Hollinshed family.
Family Hour and Viewing
Friday, July 10, 2015
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Visitors Chapel AME Church
319 Church Street
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901
The Rev. Gregory C. Nettles, Pastor
The Rev. Randolph W. Martin, Sr., Presiding
Elder
Funeral Services and Celebration of Life:
Saturday, July 11, 2015
1:00 p.m.
Visitors Chapel AME Church
319 Church Street
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901
Telephone: (50) 623-2765
The Reverend Gregory C. Nettles, Pastor
The Reverend Randolph W. Martin, Sr.,
Presiding Elder
Bishop Samuel L Green, Sr., Eulogist
24.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of
the Rev. Dr. Gregory Allan Grooms, Sr., the husband of Mrs. Minnie Grooms, and
the Pastor of St. Phillip African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lancaster
District, Columbia Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the
AME Church. Dr. Grooms was a graduate, a
former professor and the Chaplain at Allen University, Columbia, SC.
Please note the following:
Celebration of Life Services:
Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
Reid Chapel AME Church
704 Gabriel Street
Columbia, SC 29203
Telephone: (803) 786-0701
The Rt. Rev. Julius H. McAllister,
Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District Sr., Eulogist
The Rev. Carey A. Grady, Pastor
The Rev. Joseph Postell, Presiding Elder
Lancaster District
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Minnie Grooms and Family
44 Delane Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
Funeral Services Entrusted to:
Leevy’s Funeral Home
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Telephone: (803) 771-7799
25.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully We Share the Following
Bereavement Notice:
Our deepest condolences and sympathy is
expressed to the Rev. Marco Delilly and family, Pastor of Vinton Anderson
Cathedral AME Church in Eerste River, in the death of his niece, Keisha Manuel,
a grade 12 scholar and member of AME Hope in Kraaifontein who died with her
friend Nekieta Holly, also from the same area. The two youth were caught up in
gun cross fire as they were on their way home.
Members of the Allen Christian Fellowship
are devastated and members of the 15th Episcopal District mourn the
loss of the two young women who were vibrant and well-loved.
Our condolences go to their families. May
their souls Rest in Peace.
Messages of sympathy and condolences may be
emailed via:
26.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Third Episcopal District regretfully
announces the passing of the Rev. Dr. Edward Smith, husband of the Rev. Roberta
Smith, Local Elder at St. Paul, Charleston, West Virginia.
Homegoing Celebration will be held Monday,
July 13, 2015:
Viewing: 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing Service: 12:00 Noon
Ebenezer Baptist Church
1530 3rd Avenue
Charleston, WV 25387
Phone:
(304) 346-8374
Interment:
Veterans Cemetery at Institute WV
Final arrangements entrusted to:
Preston Funeral Home
812 Donnally St.
Charleston, WV 25301
Telephone:
(304) 342-1179
Fax:
(304) 345-5047
Condolences can be sent to:
The Rev. Roberta Smith
202 Dubois Street
Dunbar, WV 25064
27.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE
The Third Episcopal District regretfully
announces the passing of Mr. James Willie Powell, the father of Mrs. Ruby
Kilpatrick who is the wife of the Rev. Clifton Kilpatrick, pastor of St. Paul,
Zanesville.
Homegoing Celebration information is as
follows:
Viewing: Friday, July 10, 2015 from 6 – 8
p.m.
Funeral: Saturday, July 11, 2015 beginning
at 11:00 a.m.
Berry and Gardner Funeral Home
1300 George F. Sims Ave. (34th Avenue.)
Meridian, MS 39301
Telephone: 601-485-8521 (24 hours)
Condolences can be sent to:
Mrs. Ruby Kilpatrick
1945 Dunzweiler Drive
Zanesville, OH 43701
Email: ruby.ease1945@yahoo.com
28.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Third Episcopal District regretfully
announces the passing of Mrs. Eula Williams Bennett, the mother of Mrs. Vel
Hux, South Ohio Conference MSWAWO + PKs President and the wife of the Reverend
James Hux, Retired Itinerant Elder.
Homegoing Celebration information is as
follows:
Viewing: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 6 -
8 p.m.
Funeral: Thursday, July 16, 2015 beginning
at 11:00 a.m.
Rock of Jesus Missionary Baptist Church
3940 18th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Velvette Hux
732 Beckley Farm Way
Springboro, OH 45066
Email: huxtabels@aol.com
Or
The Family of Eula Bennett
2444 14th Ave. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
29.
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora
L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC
Clergy Family Information Center
Telephone:
(615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone:
(615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell:
(615) 403-7751
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
30. 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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