THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (04/15/16)

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 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016

The 50^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, July 6-13, 2016

-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17

1. TCR EDITORIAL – SHORTCUTS AND SUCCESSES ARE NOT ALWAYS COMPATIBLE:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20^th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Have you ever noticed that some of our most perplexing problems surface when we decide to take shortcuts or decide to follow our emotions instead of following the established rules?

Experience has taught me that shortcuts are ingredients for failure. Most often shortcuts are taken because we are too impatient or too lazy to follow the established procedures.  

And oftentimes, pastors who take shortcuts have not thought about why the established protocols were put in place and they have not thought about the consequences of the increased possibility for failure.    

For instance, summarily installing stewards without the action of the Quarterly Conference could result in placing unqualified and unscrupulous persons in positions of authority.

Similarly, a pastor who appoints trustees without a vote could result in trustees who are not capable of serving effectively as trustees and could result in legal consequences if a situation arises and it is discovered that the trustees were not elected in accordance with the rules of The Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church.

Leadership requires patience and consistency in following the established rules and protocols that have been put in place for good reasons.

There are good reasons why speed limits are enforced. Speed limits and enforcement save lives and injuries. Also, it is not a good idea to throw gasoline on an open fire.

The rules of The Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church have been put in place for reasons that have been tested over time.

For instance stewards and trustees are amenable or answerable to the Quarterly Conference because it prevents them from being unfairly removed from their positions for unscrupulous or personal reasons.  

The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a global denomination, which presupposes that there are standardized rules and pastors and congregations cannot change the rules on a whim.  In Methodism, local churches do not have congregational meetings to make decisions about the governance of the church.

Here is where I am going with this

Some churches get into difficulty because some pastors and even some laypersons attempt to take shortcuts in order to circumvent the disciplinary requirements and guidelines.  

Sometimes shortcuts are taken because of convenience, disregard for the process, impatience, inefficiency and even ignorance or a lack of knowledge.

For instance, the requirement to make an announcement 10 days and two Sundays prior to an upcoming Church Conference is violated because “someone” forgot to make an announcement to the congregation - that’s most likely inefficiency, but it’s also a lack of commitment to diligently follow the disciplinary process.

Conflict is often the result of shortcuts, because it can lead to a lack of commitment because there are people who want to follow the rules, while there are others who don’t mind bending or breaking the rules. Convenience is another reason for shortcuts.  

Let’s take the example of the election of trustees. Pastors are required to nominate twice the number of persons needed and the members of the church vote to elect half of the number of persons nominated by the pastor.

The election is supposed to be held every year, but some pastors for convenience, simply get a consensus without the nominating process and the same trustees are named year after year without an election.

The “mothers and fathers” of the Church with their infinite wisdom were concerned about “checks and balances” and allowed the pastor to exercise power, but the congregation also had a hand in the process of who would serve as trustees. The wisdom of The Doctrine and Discipline exceeds the wisdom of pastors and laity who want to take shortcuts.

And, speaking about “checks and balances,” the “mothers and fathers” of the church in their infinite wisdom also set the selection of stewards in place, but some pastors and laity, because of convenience, shortcut the process.  

The “checks and balances” process gives the pastor power to nominate twice the number of persons to be elected as trustees and also gives the pastor the power to nominate persons to serve on the steward board who then must be confirmed by the Quarterly Conference.  “Nominate” is the operative word.  

The pastor does not “appoint” persons to the steward board; he or she “nominates” persons to the steward board. The pastor nominates twice the number of persons to be elected as trustees by the church conference.

The pastor’s nomination of stewards and trustees is not, and should not be a “rubber stamp” and presiding elders should not short-cut the process with some kind of mayoral babble of, “I hereby confirm…” The “mothers and fathers” of the church put the “checks and balances” in place.

The duties of trustees are important.  They manage the temporal concerns of the church; they guard the real estate. They are the business leaders of the church.  

If churches, pastors and members, followed the rules of The Doctrine and Discipline of our Zion, some of churches might find “smoother sailing.”  

A shortcut is not a model for successful businesses and it’s not a good model for the church. Rules are made to be followed and rules contribute to discipline and good order.

And getting back to the trustees

If a local church is in disrepair, the lawn uncut, light bulbs not changed; it’s the trustees’ fault and the members of a local congregation are at fault if pastors repeatedly nominate and church conferences keep electing inefficient and irresponsible trustees.

I have visited churches where light bulbs are burned out and the trustees walk past them and apparently don’t give a thought about changing a light bulb. The best story I heard was the trustee who changed a light bulb and submitted a bill to the official board for reimbursement for the light bulb.

Why would a pastor nominate such a person and why would such a person be elected a trustee by the local church!

I am not sure why a pastor would place someone on the steward board or nominate someone to be a trustee who has filed bankruptcy or had his or her automobile repossessed. Some pastors keep reappointing “small thinkers” to local church positions that need “big thinkers.”  They might be nice people, but if they can’t maintain their own financial stability, why would anyone think that they would responsibly handle the local church’s finances.

If a steward or a trustee’s personal finances are always in disarray and they are always broke, why would they be concerned if the local church’s finances are in disarray or if the church is broke? 

Church officers, whose homes are not clean, certainly would not be concerned about their church’s cleanliness; and if they don’t paint their homes regularly, replace their carpet regularly or replace the curtains and draperies in their homes regularly, why would they be concerned about taking care of those things at the church. If they don’t know about deferred maintenance for their homes, they probably have not thought about the importance of deferred maintenance for their church.

A lack or inability to “stay ahead of deferred maintenance” has killed and is killing a number of our churches. If small problems around the church are not addressed, they will turn into big and more expensive problems.

A local church officer who is on welfare or unemployed probably would not be too concerned about giving the pastor or musician a raise and a pastor who can’t get a raise certainly is not too concerned about a presiding elder’s salary.

Trustees are nominated by the pastor and elected at the church conference, but they are answerable to the Quarterly Conference.  

A pastor, who is a leader, knows the importance of placing the right people in the right positions.  Persons who are given leadership positions in the local churches must also have the right mental attitude and the right mental aptitude to fill the positions of leadership.

Local churches need “big thinkers” to fill important local church positions. 

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

-- To the Editor:

RE: Academic requirements USA vs. Districts 14 - 20

I understand the AME church is a global denomination but certain 'rules' can be limiting to us in the "third world." The requirements for ministry in the USA should not be the same as in Africa, the obtaining of a MDiv or M. Th degree is hard and only a portion of our pastors have this qualification, the least they would have would be a diploma from theological seminary, but in the last couple of years the candidates for ministry have been suppose to get a Bachelor of Theology in the field of practical theology. This is still not enough according to the doctrine in terms of the standards in the USA as the institutions are not accredited. The pastors who have obtained the MDiv, I must say, know what they are doing in the pulpit (the name which comes to mind is the late Rev. Dr. Modisapodi. In South Africa, obtaining of MDiv is very hard and if this would be the case most of the candidates for bishopric, which come from South Africa would not make it on the bases of education.

Yours in Christ

The Rev. KA Moloi 

TCR Editor’s Reply: Reference women in ministry - from the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Retired AMEC Historiographer/Executive Director. Department of Research and Scholarship / Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review

Timetable of women’s incremental ordination progress:

- 1948....Local Deacon

- 1956....Local Elder

- 1960....Itinerancy [Deacon & Elder]

This is the timetable of women's incremental progress toward full ordination for which the Rev. Martha Jayne Keys almost single-handedly pressed.

3. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

-- Mother Bethel AME forum takes on social justice challenges

A program Friday at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church marked the 200th anniversary of the AME church and explored challenges ahead for social justice.

Read more: http://www.phillytrib.com/news/mother-bethel-ame-forum-takes-on-social-justice-challenges/article_8647bb72-6a8c-5242-9abd-c5b7522aa5ba.html

-- Morris Brown Receives $900K Grant to Fight Atlanta HIV/AIDS Epidemic

Morris Brown College has received a three-year, $900,000 grant to stem HIV/AIDS infections among African American young adults, its second such award in the last two years.

Read more: http://www.hbcudigest.com/morris-brown-receives-900k-grant-to-fight-atlanta-hivaids-epidemic/amp/

-- Historic Indianapolis black church sold to hotel developer.

A historic black church in downtown Indianapolis has been sold to a developer who plans to build two hotels on the property and its parking lot

Read more: http://www.whio.com/ap/ap/indiana/historic-indianapolis-black-church-sold-to-hotel-d/nq3Y3/

4. HIV STATISTICS:

1 in 6 new HIV cases are in people over 50. African American and Latino have a higher rate for new infections. Medical treatment important and HIV is no longer a death sentence if a person receives medical treatment.

5. TWO GENERAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

1) Election of Bishops and General Officers: Monday, July 11^th at 3 p.m.

2) Consecration Service and Assignment of Bishops: Wednesday, July 13^th at 9 a.m.

6. REPORT FROM THE 2015 ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL BOARD AND COUNCIL BISHOPS:

*John Thomas III (13^th Episcopal District)

       

From April 6-July 8, 2015 AME clergy and lay leaders gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the Final Meeting of the General Board for the 2012-2016 quadrennium.  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 Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram (Host Bishop) the various departments, agencies and Episcopal Districts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gathered to finalize the budget that will be submitted to the General Conference for 2017-2020.  The General Conference Commission met under the leadership of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Jr. in order to finalize logistics and programming.

       

The opening plenary session was called to order promptly at 9:15 a.m. on April 6^th by Bishop Norris. 

After a brief devotional by the 7^th Episcopal District and the calling of the Roll, Bishop McAllister addressed those assembled reminding them that the Church is built to serve the Kingdom of God.  General Board First Vice President Bishop Vashti McKenzie delivered the acknowledgements. 

After approval of the previous meeting minutes, the meeting began in earnest with the presentation of the Statistics and Finance Commission. 

Key observations from the budget were:  1) No increase in the bottom line of $14.3 million and 2) incorporating an increase to the General Conference funds to avoid having to return to the Episcopal Districts during the quadrennium. 

There was vigorous debate around the funding of educational institutions and streams of revenue outside of the traditional collection plate. 

Additionally, several requests were referred to the Commission for inclusion in the budget provided that the bottomline of $14.3 million not change.  (At the time of submission, the final dispensation of these requests had not been made public).  

The budget was approved and the Commission on Statistics and Finance was instructed to evaluate the requests and make the additional adjustments by the General Conference.

The General Conference Commission convened its plenary session after the General Board Lunch. After a brief plenary session, participants broke into various Committee Meetings.  The following day, reports were received from: Programs, Election, Finance, Ways and Means, Transportation, Housing, Bicentennial Celebrations, and Public Relations.  The Chair of the Prayer Committee is in the hands of the General Conference Commission Chair until an assignment is made.  

The Commission reconvened in plenary session on April 9.  General Conference Commission Co-Chair Retired Senior Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr. presided over the reports. 

Elections:  Specific detail to be provided by the General Secretary’s office, however, elections will be conducted electronically in a similar manner to the 2012 Conference--Candidates will be confined to the stage with their sponsors and managers and their sponsoring Bishop.

Public Relations:  The General Conference Opening Worship Service will be livestreamed on the “Word”. Comcast is also an Official Sponsor.  We are in negotiations with The History Channel. There will be one possibly two press conferences depending on the response of the Presidential Party Nominees

Ways and Means: Attendees were advised to procure their own Health insurance.  Additionally, money was requested to help with the Health Commission’s shortfall of $10,000.

Finance:  The General Conference is fully funded and opportunities have been provided for corporate sponsors o address. 

Program: A draft of the program was submitted and will be finalized pending adjustments.  For the General Conference Concert on Sunday, the church is in negotiating with Tasha Gibbs and Karen-Clark.

Housing: The new process of housing being purchased ahead of time has made the rooming process more streamlined and consistent.  

Transportation: Attendees are encouraged to procure their own transportation to the hotel as transport subsidized on the District will be extremely limited.

Bicentennial: See the First Episcopal District’s website General Conference for information on the celebration.  

Prayer: No report given. The Chair to be appointed. 

After the reports, former President William Jefferson Clinton addressed the General Conference Commission and those assembled to thank the AME Church for their stalwart support of his career and to speak for his wife, Democratic Presidential Candidate former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  President Clinton also recognized Retired Bishop Fred C. James 94th birthday on April 7th.  After President Clinton’s comments, the General Conference Commission finished the hearing of reports and adjourned.

*John Thomas III (13^th Episcopal District)

7. GENERAL BOARD 2016:

*The Rev. Velma E. Grant, M.Div., Th. M.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a tightly woven entity, governed by the Holy Spirit yet guided by the Doctrine and Discipline of said named entity. Within the Book of Discipline of the Church (BOD), there are laws that govern the everyday life and administration of the Church, from the local level to the hierarchical leadership. The composition, duties, and admittance of members of the General Board are mandated by the BOD and can be viewed via the downloadable version or via print version. Every member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church should have an interest in making sure that their episcopal representative to the General Board is committed first to God, the A.M.E Church and of course their Episcopal District. That commitment should be evident in being present at General Board meetings, participating in the discussions of assigned Commission meetings, reporting to, and sharing information with their Episcopal Districts.

On April 6, prior to the opening of the General Board session, the Commission on Statistics and Finance met to discuss the draft of the budget to be presented to the General Board on that morning. As an observer to that early morning meeting, I was impressed that committee members were present, in place and ready to handle this important business of the Church. On a side note, it is also evident that this is primarily a male dominated committee with only three females present at the early morning meeting as well as present at the presentation (30 + members?) to the General Board. I am certain that there are females that have accounting and finance degrees and backgrounds that would be an asset to this committee as well as to the Church in general. Each respective episcopal district has to be intentional and inclusive in voting in females as delegates to ensure more female representation on this and on each General Board Commission.

The early morning Commission meeting went well sans the absence of the Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry (due to illness) and due to the leadership of the Chair Bishop John R. Bryant and the Rev. Henry A. Belin, Jr. Commission members expressed concerns about a possible increase in the budget but were assured that there would be no increase (I am not sure if that is still accurate with the final budget presented to and accepted by the General Board since I was not present when such was presented). There were requests for an increase in funds from a few components; three Districts were seeking a financial increase in secondary school funding to which the A.M.E. Church’s Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Richard A. Lewis responded that there will need to be a process to identify the source (or sources) to respond to these increase requests so that there will not be an impact to the current budget. At this meeting it was shared that an increase in funding for the 2020 General Conference would not be sought and would not require a 4% increase. That was certainly a relief and a welcome notion to the ears of the Commission members as well as observers present in the room that early morning.

During that morning meeting, the Rev. Henry Belin, Jr. stated that there are several demographic shifts within the Church and that things have been different all over the Connectional Church, he shared that there will be a budget reallocation between Districts 1-13 after analyzing certain statistical data which might include the Consumer Price Index (CPI), membership data etc. The Rev. Belin said such data analysis was important and necessary in order to send a message to “our people that we care.”

To assuage concerns about unfair allocation and or possible budget increases in some Districts, the Commission Chair, Senior Bishop John R. Bryant (who exhibits such a calm and cool demeanor) voiced the opinion (which might actually be a factual reality)  that small churches pay a larger percentage of the budget than our larger churches. Bishop Bryant asked those present to imagine the shift change if the mega churches would pay 10% of their resources versus the amount each mega church currently submits as their assessment to the budget. He said, “we load a lot on the small churches" and to illustrate that comment he used the offerings as an example. Bishop Bryant said when a $100 offering is requested at church services, “the small preacher pays from his/her own pocket” (love that our Senior Bishop employs the usage of inclusive language) versus the larger or mega church preacher who pays their $100 that is usually allocated in the budget of their respective churches. In his closing remarks to the Commission that morning, Bishop Bryant said “we’ve got to avoid sounding like the Republicans…we do need everyone to pay their fair share…for those who carry enormous weight, we just want to say we care.”

I have discovered that AMEs can be fiercely loyal to the AME Church, contentious in times of disagreements but unified when the matter involves preserving the legacy of this centuries old denomination, such were the vibes at last week’s (April 6-7, 2016) General Board meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 2016 General Board session opened with devotion followed by roll call of active and retired bishops and general officers and board members. Since the 50th session of the General Conference is approximately two plus months away, this General Board gathering did not include the traditional individual Commission meetings of A.M.E. Church components but instead focused on finances and  the upcoming General Conference.

After roll call and the preliminary greetings and acknowledgements from Bishop Richard Franklin Norris (President of the General Board), Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr. (President of the Council of Bishops) and Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie (1st Vice President of the General Board), the morning discussion primarily focused on the proposed 2017-2020 budget presented by the Commission on Statistics and Finance who as noted above had met earlier in the morning.

There were several questions and comments posed to the Commission by several individuals about specific budget line items or categories. Bishop Jackson asked a question about fairness and queried why housing for the 20th District was listed but there was no dollar allocation (a similar question was posed in the early morning Commission meeting). He shared that the 20th District is the poorest District in the Church and that Malawi, which is included in the 20th District, has a yearly average income of $500 (it is unclear to this writer whether this is U.S. or local dollars). Bishop Jackson is looking for the 20th District to be treated fairly. Bishop Jackson is not only the episcopal leader for the 20th District but he is also the Ecumenical Officer for the A.M.E. Church. He shared emphatically that he does not receive two salaries for the two positions but he receives one salary for serving as both Ecumenical Officer and prelate of the 20th District.

Bishop John F. White also shared that contrary to popular belief; he does not get two salaries for serving two episcopal districts but receives only one salary. Bishop White pointed out that the line item for travel for the 16th Episcopal District has been the same for the last three quadrennials and that travel alone needs to be raised. The bishop stated that the 16th Episcopal District covers several countries so it is not possible to personally drive a car from country to country or even within a specific country because of customs, regulations or other factors, hence the request for an increase in travel funds to adequately fulfill the duties assigned as the prelate of the 16th Episcopal District.

Additional concerns about the proposed budget were expressed by the former President of Payne Theological Seminary Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue who passionately urged the body to “understand the realities of our institutions” she then closed with a poignant question that should be food for thought for everyone “how valuable are the A.M.E. schools to our leadership?” In response as the Chair of the Commission on Statistics and Finance, Bishop John R. Bryant notified the body that 21 % (it is actually 22% per handout) of the A.M.E Church’s budget is allocated to education, Bishop said “…for us AMEs, education has always been important.”

Bishop Richard F. Norris followed this discussion with a number of comments and questions as follows: “(1) we need to take a look at our level of funding…we have to be conscious and aware of those who are doing well. At Allen University we reduced, the deficits by 8.2 million dollars…maximize and share with the broader community the positive stuff that we are doing. The year 2015 has been a phenomenal year for Allen. The schools do need more money and we need to find a creative way to help our schools and institutions. (2) This is the first time that we had to pay up front housing for the delegates and alternates…I want to know how much we  saved by paying up front…how much will the District get back? (3) The 403-B has really impacted…has not really saved…how much has it saved the Church? We have lost major percentage of what we should have received if the 403-B worked…it has not worked…it is unfair, inequitable, and ungodly.” Bishop Norris’ statements about the 403-B pension plan struck a chord with others particularly retired Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry who echoed and agreed with Bishop Norris about their disappointments in the earnings of that retirement plan.

Bishop Norris boldly posed questions that are perhaps of concern to others who might not have been bold enough to make the query of the Commission and seek direct and adequate responses. This writer is not sure if the concerns of Bishop Norris about the retirement plan were addressed so feedback cannot be provided in this article. However, Dr. Richard Lewis guided attendees to page six and page four of the proposed budget that was distributed that morning, he stated that “when the 20th District was created no one came to Statistics and Finance…20th District got a part of everybody else… Every District got a rebate…in September 2012 a tax rebate in total amount in excess of $250,000 (?) …not every bishop but every District received a rebate. This year in October, every District will receive a rebate on the tax money.”

Bishop John Bryant followed Dr. Lewis’ comments by sharing “…we’ve been in a cut-back mode…can’t say I wanna keep the budget as is then want to add stuff…This group is so important…trying to use the wisdom of Solomon…how to cut the baby so everybody gets a piece…might be a bad analogy…the issue is where do you place priority?” Bishop McKenzie Young echoed, “We have to right size…make an intelligent decision…”

This writer concurs with both Bishop Bryant and Bishop Young, the work of the Commission on Statistics and Finance are very important to the evangelical, administrative, and missionary success of the A.M.E. Church. To make intelligent decisions that are beneficial to the Church, wisdom, honesty, common sense, are requirements that are needed to prioritize funding efforts. Boldness is also required to know when to agree or disagree with requests with only a limited amount of funding coming from sources that are already stretched financially to the limit.

One of the final questions and perhaps one of the most important questions for the day of the proposed budget was from a young adult General Board member from the Sixth Episcopal District, The Rev. James Alexander, Jr. The question involved the Church’s inclusion of passive income (income derived from other sources or outlets without requiring much effort) in the budget. He shared that many African Americans do not have significant passive income but the A.M.E. Church needs to “seriously consider”  that source of income. The Rev. Alexander, Jr. shared how the organization Goodwill started out as a branch of another Church denomination but presently generates millions of dollars in sales for that denomination. In his final statement he encouraged the A.M.E Church to make investments and said “…we spend a lot of money coming to expensive hotels…a lot of our churches are hurting…our money can make money for itself.” That final remark by the young adult preacher was received with many “Amens” and nods of approval from the members of the General Board and observers in the Convention Hall.

The members of the Commission on Statistics and Finance were certainly on the “hot seat” as they presented the proposed budget to the General Board and the watching observers, they stood for over an hour as questions were posed and responses issued to those queries. This was no easy task but then again, serving as a member of this Commission is not for the faint at heart or weary. Kudos to this group for their hard work, perhaps some will be pleased with their financial decisions, but others might feel ire and displeasure in the development of a viable budget for the African Methodist Episcopal Church now and in the future.

 It is this writer’s hope that the members of the A.M.E Church choose wisely when electing delegates who will serve and represent them on the General Board, be equitable in choosing male and female members, choose individuals who will have the vested interest of the Church and their respective Districts at heart. Choose members who will pose the hard and necessary questions that will elicit responses or changes to make the A.M.E. Church the God directed vehicle that reflects two centuries of progress. Choose members that will find creative outlets to take back and share information gleaned from General Board meetings to their respective Districts. The General Board as stated in the BOD is a very important part of the Church and everyone should understand and appreciate its role and function.

*The Rev. Velma E. Grant, M.Div., Th. M. is Associate Minister First Saint Paul A.M.E Church in Lithonia, Georgia

8. WOMEN ARE IMPORTANT IN THE AME CHURCH.

*The Rev. KA  Moloi

In biblical studies, a lot of individuals who are women are known to serve in pivotal places for the growth of the church. There are Women in the Old Testament that were helpful in helping the Chosen People of God to realise and achieve the mission of God. The women were the “select of God” and examples of these were Ruth, Esther and others. In the New Testament we see Mary, who gave birth to our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

In the AME Church there is promotion of a “congregation and pew,” which lacks division due to race, creed, ethnicity, age and gender. The theological premise of this is seen throughout the Bible, and as a Protestant denomination, it makes sense for the AME Church to base all its doctrine on the Bible and no ‘superstition’ of any kind.

The statement God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Man our Brother, Mankind our Family (an adaptation from the sermon preached by the Rt. Rev Daniel Payne  is one of the simple, yet complex statements, which affirms that we are all equal within the AME Church.

The AME Church is a known as a very traditional church and it follows a strict liturgy and worship style.

In South Africa, we have got the significant people who are our “founders.”  There is a lot of argument about who is the “founder” of the AME Church in South Africa, but most South African church historians would vouch the name Charlotte Maxeke as the “founder” of the AME Church in South Africa. From this we can argue that one of the first persons to be an AME Church member in South Africa was Mother Maxeke.

I was inspired to write this article after reading an article entitled “Between the Spirit and the Word: Reading the Gendered African Pentecostal Bible” written by M Dube. The article is not in any way related or associated with the AME Church, but from it, I have noted the following, which can be applicable, to a certain extent, to the AME Church.

• Most Pentecostal churches in Africa have a tradition of ordaining women and this practice is noted for almost half a century (In the AME church the ordination of women has been longstanding, since 1956.

• The population of women in the (African) Pentecostal church is higher than that of men. In the AME Church, I have observed that mostly we have gotten to the point where women out number men (this is only an observation and not to be interpreted as statistically correct).

• The number of ordained women in Pentecostal churches is lower than the men. In the AME Church, we have got mostly ordained men than women.

The author of this article is notes that in the Pentecostal churches it is the general belief that the Holy Spirit that is poured upon all believers, enabling them to be empowered and to speak and proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1–2); this often creates apparently ‘democratic’ forms of worship and enables some denominations to embrace gender justice.

On the other hand, many Pentecostal churches also believe in the Bible as the inerrant “Word of God” and the Bible is of course, patriarchal and believing in its inerrancy makes room for the side-lining of women.

The sidelining of women adds to the complexity, which exits in some churches for the need for liberation of women (in the context of churches), but unfortunately the solution is not that simple.

The genesis of most churches in the Protestant circle is due to oppression and dissatisfaction of a kind which will lead to formation of a new church, at the beginning stages there is a non-racial, non-sexist environment, but as time goes on, this will change.

Let us take an example of the AME Church in South Africa, the main character in the founding of the church in South Africa was a women, as time went on the females were “left behind” and men took center stage.

Mother Charlotte Maxeke is an example of the females who have shown great leadership in the church and applied her teachings in political scenarios as well.

Another great example of great Christian leadership by a woman is the name Christinah Nku (non-AME).

Mother Charlotte Maxeke was the first women to obtain a B.Sc. Degree from South Africa. There is a Presiding elder’s district, which is named after Mother Maxeke (which is lead by the Presiding Elder, the Reverend TAM Mofokeng); a church in Kliptown (in the province of Gauteng) named in her memory and the University of the Wits’ Academic Hospital is named after her; and for her struggle against apartheid, the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg academic hospital is named after her.

As the AME Church will go to the General Conference this year, we pray for the hand of God to lead us and may we not “judge” a person based on gender, but on their works. May we look at the life of Jarena Lee and note that a woman in ministry can change the world by saving souls.

*The Rev. KA Moloi is a member of the East Annual Conference in the 19th Episcopal District, which is led by the Rt. Rev. PJM Kawimbe

9. BLACK-TIE “GOLDEN AWARDS” GALA TO HONOR CLERGY AND LAY MEMBERS AND TO BISHOP JAMES L. DAVIS AND MRS. ARELIS B. DAVIS:

Birmingham, AL - - The Ninth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will honor clergy and lay members throughout the state of Alabama for their exemplary service to the denomination during the Ninth Episcopal District “Golden Awards” Gala.

The black-tie gala will recognize people in 13 categories who have shared their gifts and talents with great sacrifice in order to support the mission of the AME Church in Alabama. The awards will be given on Friday, April 22, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., at the Daniel Payne Community Plaza, located at 1500 Daniel Payne Drive in Birmingham. The theme for this festive occasion is “Celebrating the Rekindled Vision: Walking in Victory by Faith.” Pre-Gala activities, including a reception and red-carpet greetings begin at 6:00 p.m. The event is open to the public. There is not a cost to attend the celebration.

Additionally, the gala is an opportunity to pay tribute to the Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District, Bishop James L. Davis and Mrs. Arelis B. Davis, Episcopal Supervisor, who are exiting the Ninth Episcopal District for their next appointment in the AME Church. However, Bishop Davis emphasizes that the gala is “a celebration for the people.” “We have been blessed beyond measure to serve God and the people of Alabama for the last eight years,” states Bishop Davis, “but we want to celebrate what the people have done to rekindle the vision as God’s servants in this state. Together, we have been a part of a transformative experience, and I give God thanks for the journey.” Bishop and Mrs. Davis were appointed to the Ninth Episcopal District in 2008. The “Golden Awards” Gala is their last opportunity to share with clergy and lay members in Alabama before the 50^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July. This session marks the Bicentennial of the formation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church as an independent institution, even though its beginning was in 1787 with the Free African Society.

“Golden Awards” recipients were nominated first by members of the AME Church in Alabama. Then, a panel of judges selected the final winners. Clergy and lay members were nominated in 13 categories, such as Administration/Leadership; Shepherd’s Award; Spiritual Fellowship Award, Lay Discipleship Award; Spirit of Compassion Award; and Next Generation Discipleship Award, among others.

The mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed. At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the AME Church evolved: that is to seek out and save the lost, and serve the needy.

For more information about the Ninth Episcopal District “Golden Awards” Gala, please call (205) 326-4499 or visit www.ninthamec.org.

10. AAMES (ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL SCOUTS) IS HOSTING A CAMPOREE FOR 2016:

Want to know what’s being planned for the Boy and Girl Scout troops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in celebration of the denomination’s 200th Anniversary?

For the past few months the AAMES Camporee committee consisting of leaders from around the country, headed by Boy Scout’s Connectional Director - Emeritus - Anthony Franklin Sr. from the 4th Episcopal District has been deeply entrenched in making plans for the “Best Camporee” ever.

Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops of all age and scout levels (along with their leaders and Family) are urged to register and Join this exciting landmark event.  It is open to all AME Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts sponsored by a AME Church and to non-AAMES units that have at least one AME Girl Scout or Boy Scout in their Unit or any Unit that is invited as a guest by an a AME Unit that is registered to attend the Camporee. It will be an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, share and demonstrate all that makes scouting wonderful. What better way to fulfill the commission of preparing our youth as leaders with skills that will serve them for a lifetime?  As they prepare to be Citizen's of the World.

The Camporee will be held from July 3-8, 2016 at Musser Scout Reservation, Pennsburg, Pennsylvania.

Members of the AAMES Executive Team are thrilled to be a part of the planning of this historic great commission. We fulfill this commission in our ongoing commitment to spreading scouting throughout our Connection and the communities of which we are a part by encouraging AME congregations to incorporate scouting into their programs of leadership training and community outreach; and by fostering individual religious growth of youth and adults through the religious recognition program of the AME Church.

In order to celebrate our historic anniversary and the importance of scouting in a safe, fun and unique way, we are offering this “very” affordable camp just in time for summer fun.  The cost for this STEM (Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics) focused opportunity is $100.00 per camper and includes a value packed, fun-filled week of some of the most exciting experiences available to youth. In addition to traditional camping fun, such as swimming, archery, canoeing, kayaking and arts and crafts, participants will also get to engage in environmental sciences, disability awareness, financial literacy, merit badge midways and Journey workshops. Interested in Robotics? We’ll have it! Filmmaking? Lights, Camera, Action!  This is an experience you don’t want your troop to miss.

The AAMES Camporee Committee is requesting leaders to join the committee and serve as Merit Badge counselors, judges, Transportation and Area security teams. With each of your support this will be an exciting opportunity to fellowship. 

To reserve your place, we ask for a Troop Deposit of $100.00.

Registration Payments can now be made online, go to the AME Christian Education Department WEB Site:  http://www.ameced.com/home.shtml

Also, be sure join us on our Second Tuesday of the Month AAMES call-in and follow us on the AAMES Facebook page.

For additional information please contact Clarence Crayton, Director of Boy Scouts at ccrayton@amescouts.org or 202-253-2993; or Vivianne Frye-Perry, Director of Girl Scouts at vfrye-perry@amescouts.org  or 314-223-4605.

11. HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP NAMES DOUGLASS P. SELBY LEADER OF PUBLIC FINANCE TEAM:

Selby leads high-profile airport, pro sports and development work,

O’Neill at forefront of top public-private infrastructure projects

NEW YORK ― April 7, 2016 ― Hunton & Williams LLP announced today that Douglass P. Selby will lead the firm’s public finance team, succeeding John D. O’Neill Jr., who now will lead the firm’s newly formed infrastructure public-private partnership (P3) practice group.

Selby, a partner in the firm’s Atlanta office, serves as bond and disclosure counsel to issuers and as underwriters’ counsel to investment banks for governmental and private activity bonds. As bond counsel for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; disclosure counsel to issuers in Georgia, Florida and Mississippi; and the recipient of multiple Bond Deal of the Year awards, Selby heads a team at the forefront of public finance law’s most complex developments.

“I’m honored to lead the firm’s nationally recognized public finance team as we continue our longstanding commitment to our clients and to our role providing innovative counsel for integral capital improvement projects,” said Selby, who represents entities in financing airports, NFL, NBA and MLS sports stadiums, waterworks and other development projects.

In addition to leading the public-private partnership practice group, O’Neill is managing partner of the firm’s Richmond, Va., office. O’Neill has led multiple high-profile P3 projects, including his current work advising the Virginia Department of Transportation on its $2.1 billion Interstate 66 multi-modal project, one of the nation’s largest P3 initiatives.

“As public-private partnerships gain increasing importance in addressing much-needed improvements to our transportation systems and other critical infrastructure, we have assembled a great team, and, in concert with our public finance group, are well-positioned as a leader in developing, financing and restructuring P3 projects across the United States and abroad,” O’Neill said.

Hunton & Williams’ public finance practice reflects experience in addressing virtually every significant legal issue that affects both governmental financing and tax-exempt financing for private entities. The firm has served as bond counsel, special disclosure counsel and counsel to issuers, underwriters, trustees, credit enhancers and institutional investors in transactions throughout the United States. The firm has been listed in The Bond Buyer’s Municipal Marketplace (Red Book) for more than 50 years. The firm’s nationally ranked multidisciplinary P3 practice group advises on projects involving highways and bridges, toll roads, transit systems, airports, water and sewer facilities, power facilities, telecommunications and fiber-optic systems, schools and mixed-use facilities. With more than 40 project and public finance lawyers, the group regularly collaborates with the firm’s tax, real estate and land use, and environmental lawyers, who are intimately familiar with federal and state-specific statutes and regulations that apply to projects in the United States.

About Hunton & Williams LLP

Hunton & Williams is a global law firm of 800 lawyers serving clients from 19 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. The firm handles transactional, litigation and regulatory matters for a diverse client base, with significant experience in retail and consumer products, energy, financial services, real estate, and privacy and cybersecurity. For additional information visit our website at www.hunton.com. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

12. THRIVING IN THE DROUGHT:

*The Rev. Janice R. Casey

    

Drought is a dry time, a time of death, and a time of unfruitfulness, but even a drought has its benefits. The Georgia Conference of the 6th Episcopal District and most specifically what was traditionally known as the Waycross District is in a drought right now. This reminds me of Dr. Millicent Hunter’s book, “Don’t Die in the Winter.” In it she gives advice about dealing with long periods of adversity that often feel like a Northeast winter. But she emphatically states that God is faithful and there is hope. So whether you liken these times to a drought or to the dry deadness of winter, never forget that God is not dead, He’s yet alive!

    

I advise that we think on the goodness of God and the benefits of the winter drought.

Benefit #1 - God restores the dry and weary land and gives drink to those who thirst. The scriptures direct us to look to God and Him alone as the remedy. The dryness is a catalyst to move us to where we need to be. Psalm 68:6 states that only the rebellious dwell in a parched land. John, in chapter 4, verses 13 and 14 tell us that whoever drinks of the water that I (Christ) will give him shall never thirst, but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.

Benefit #2 - Available to us is the newness of life. Immediately following winter is spring, where the new comes forth elegantly. Rather than yearning for the traditions of old, let’s open our hearts and minds to the power of God doing a new thing. Notice this author said God, and not man. 2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” In this era of the satellite, smart technology, and the power of social media, we have endless possibilities for impacting our communities and taking the gospel to the world. We can be the Richard Allen or Jarena Lee of the 21st Century, or even greater.

Benefit #3 - The best is yet to come. Haggai 2:9 – “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former saith the Lord of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.”

One of the laws of love is that it keeps no record of wrongs. If we are to move forward, we must put on the mind of Christ. Greatness is not in being served, but rather in serving. In so doing God will honor, restore, and heal our churches.

“For if I'd never had a problem, I wouldn't know that He could solve them, I'd never know what faith in God could do. Through it all, let’s learn to trust in Jesus, trust in God, and depend upon His Word."  Andrae Crouch

*The Rev. Janice R. Casey, Itinerant Deacon and a Member of Brown’s Chapel AMEC in White Oak, Georgia

13. MOREHOUSE COLLEGE — ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MUSIC AND DIRECTOR OF BANDS, TENURE TRACK:

The Department of Music at Morehouse College seeks applicants for the position of Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music. This is a tenure track position in the Department of Music. The successful candidate will hold the terminal degree.

Morehouse College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Association of Schools of Music. The Music Department is located in the recently constructed, state of the art, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center. The department is seeking someone who thinks creatively about their teaching, engages in scholarship, and can be committed to the mission of Morehouse College—to develop men with disciplined minds who lead lives of leadership and service by emphasizing the intellectual and character development of its students and by assuming a special responsibility for teaching the history and culture of black people.

Responsibilities include: 1) Direction and coordination of the activities of all bands within the Music Department (Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band); 2) Teaching classes in alternating semesters as assigned by the chair. Courses may include Applied Music, Jazz Improvisation, Orchestration, History of Jazz or Music Appreciation; 3) Availability for and participation in all official ceremonial activities of the College, especially those where the band(s) are needed; and 4) Active engagement in professional activities and scholarly or creative productivity within the designated field.

Applicants must have demonstrated experience in successfully recruiting, developing and maintaining a strong bands program at the collegiate level, inclusive of marching band, concert band and jazz band.  Applicants must have demonstrated success in brass or woodwind instrumental instruction.

The start date for the position is July 2016.

Click here for more information: https://www.jbhe.com/2016/04/morehouse-college-assistant-professor-music-director-bands/

14. MOREHOUSE COLLEGE — ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MUSIC (THEORY) RENEWABLE NON-TENURE TRACK:

The Department of Music at Morehouse College seeks applicants for a non-tenure track, assistant professor or one-year instructor position. Master’s level applicants will be considered for a one-year instructor position. Candidates holding the terminal degree will be considered for a renewable, non-tenure track, assistant professor position.

Morehouse College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Association of Schools of Music. The Music Department is located in the recently constructed, state of the art, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center.

The department is seeking someone who thinks creatively about their teaching, engages in scholarship, and can be committed to the mission of Morehouse College—to develop men with disciplined minds who lead lives of leadership and service by emphasizing the intellectual and character development of its students and by assuming a special responsibility for teaching the history and culture of black people.

Responsibilities include: 1) Teach classes and perform duties as assigned by the department chair. Courses will be primarily in the area of music theory, but may also include class piano, aural skills, and music appreciation, 2) Assist in developing departmental initiatives, including those devoted to curricular design and innovations in teaching, 3) Regularly engage in scholarship related to primary field(s) of teaching and research. The start date for the position is August 2016 and is renewable according to the guidelines articulated in “A New (Renewable) Non-Tenure Track Position.”

The successful applicant will have a doctorate in music theory or related field. Masters degree Candidates will be considered for a one-year appointment only. Applicants must have demonstrated experience as an instructor of music theory.

Review of applications will begin upon receipt of materials and will continue until the position is filled.

Click here for more information: https://www.jbhe.com/2016/04/morehouse-college-assistant-professor-music-renewable-non-tenure-track/

15 A BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTEST THAT HAPPENED 200 YEARS AGO:

The Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith

Some have responded to the reference of “Black Lives Matter” with the phrase “All Lives Matter.” At a recent African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church event, the question of whether black lives matter arose. The current question was actually at the heart of the founding of the denomination two centuries ago. There were several times at the event–the Bicentennial Social Justice Forum -General Conference of Freedom’s Prophets: AMEs Re-Working Trails to Freedom–when participants affirmed that when black lives matter, all lives will matter. The dramatic founding of the AME Church in April 1816 established the oldest independent Protestant African-American national denomination. The church has been committed to faith in Jesus Christ with a focus on black lives that matter.

One Sunday in 1787 (the year the U.S. Constitution was written), Richard Allen and his friend, Absalom Jones, both of African descent, walked out of St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pa. This happened after the church’s white Methodist leadership sought to pull them off their knees in prayer and move them to another part of the church. This account from George F. Bragg (George Freeman), who wrote the AME Church’s history on the occasion of its centennial in 1916, shows the way independent church movements led by slaves and former slaves affirmed the dignity and value of people of African descent at that time.

They, as well as other church leaders of African descent during this period and throughout the 1800s, struggled for independence not only from racist societal practices but also racist churches that contributed to the oppression of people of African descent. This “declaration of independence” was an act of their faith. This transformative movement of faith, despite the challenges of hunger, poverty, violence, and institutional racism targeted toward people of African descent, has empowered the leaders of the AME Church then and now. They had a vision of a unified and connectional fellowship among these Jesus and justice followers and acted upon this vision. The official, historical accounting of the AME Church states that its founder, Richard Allen, claimed the power of the Holy Spirit and a new enlightenment of how Jesus had been manifested anew in the founders’ lives for a moment for unity. This history is not only a story of people of African descent but is also an important ingredient in the earliest moments of freedom movements in American history.

Bread for the World has worked with the AME Church for many years. The church’s mission to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ's liberating gospel through word and deed is consistent with the vision of ending hunger and poverty. Bread for the World congratulates the AME Church on its bicentennial and looks forward to working its members in the future. Visit this link to learn more about the AME story of religious freedom and faith: www.phillytrib.com/religion/ame-church-honors-years-of-service/article_e86f63d3-0657-5d6b-89c6-18da22c63752.html.  And to learn more about recent ways Bread for the World has been working with the AME Church, you can enter “AME Church” in the search bar on Bread’s website at www.bread.org. 

Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan-African church engagement at Bread for the World.

16. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins

Based on Biblical Text: Philippians 3:13-14: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The truth is we are struggling daily. There exists within us an ongoing conflict between our two natures. The Apostle Paul reminds us “even though I’m Paul, the Apostle, I need to confess.” Though I love Christ, and I love God, even though I’m filled with the Holy Spirit, and love to worship the Lord, there exists within me a tug of war. I struggle between doing right and doing wrong. Realizing that we all wrestle with the same problem, Paul, inspired by God, tells us how to deal with this conflict. 

We must come to the realization that the war we are waging is real! Paul points out that we do things that we are actually against and we don’t do the things that we know we are supposed to do. Like Paul we find that we too are confronted with this conflict between good and evil. Paul says, “When I would do good, evil is present.” Clearly Paul is referring to his sin nature producing evil that he didn’t even know he could produce. There is a constant fight waging internally between the old man and the new man. The old man is intent on holding on to sin, while the new man struggles to let sin go.

We are sometimes under the false impression that just because we come to Christ, the old habits and ways of our past somehow disappears. The truth of the matter is that when we come to Christ, we are saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit. But we are still operating in the flesh. That means we still know how to do the worldly things we found ourselves doing before.

Our brain will still produce evil thoughts in us because our new man is still wrapped in old flesh much like new wine in old wineskin. When we were saved, the old man did not move out; he just moved over and he is not going to give up his territory without a fight. We will be tested and tried. The truth is there may be times when our thoughts, words, and actions disappoint even ourselves. We must remain prayerful, and we must keep pressing.

We will find out the hard way that the war we are fighting is revealing. We will discover some things about ourselves. Like the Apostle Paul we will discover our lives are not lived on the Sunday stage all week long. Unfortunately, we will find out just like Paul that we are carnal. That means that we practice some things that we should avoid. We are not as in control as we would like to be. We have a difficult time seeing the sin in ourselves, and an even more difficult time passing judgment on ourselves. We do a horrible job of controlling ourselves.

Paul reminds us that “when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” In other words, the blood of Jesus Christ covers our sin and opens the door to forgiveness for every repentant heart.

The struggle between good and evil reveals the truth about us. We may not see it ourselves, folk around us may not see it but rest assured God sees it. That very fact should be enough to make every one of us thankful for salvation. Satan would love to get us back to our old self, rendering us an ineffective witness for Christ. But we cannot allow Satan to have the victory! We ought to be very thankful for the Lord leading us, protecting us, and guiding us away from sin.

Thanks be to God, the war between good and evil can be rewarding. It might sound a bit strange, however Paul encourages us with the news that there is actually a benefit to the struggle. The benefit is clearly that in the struggle we will find that “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world!” Thank God, we will find we are not struggling by ourselves. We will come to find out that we have the help we need in our weakness; for when we are weak, then (through the Holy Spirit) we are strong. When we are on the battlefield, we are not alone, God is on our side. “If God be for us...” The more we struggle the stronger we become.

Wrestling with this old flesh of ours, helps us to discover that the Holy Spirit is our sword. Thankfully even while Satan is working to pull us apart, Christ is already putting us back together. There is in fact a war going on inside, but the victory is ours. We are being pulled from side to side, but we find ourselves getting stronger with the Lord’s help. Eventually we will find ourselves at the point where we are praying, “Lord, save me now!” Why, because the new man in us desires to draw closer to God. The sins that we used to enjoy will become thorns in our flesh, and we will eventually notice them fleeing far from us. The day will come when we will be able to say, like Paul, “I’m forgetting what’s behind me, and I’m reaching for what is before me; I’m pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.”

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina

17. GETTING TO ZERO: VIEWS FROM THE TRENCHES

*Dr. Oveta Fuller and Payne Theological Seminary student co-authors

Introduction

        

The Christian Recorder readers know about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campaigns of “Act Against AIDS” and “Doing It” and about resources available as part of these campaigns (1). In addition to these, efforts are occurring in multiple ways to stem the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS.

One unique approach is a science-based course required for Master of Divinity (M.Div.) candidates who matriculate through Payne Theological Seminary (PTS). The new “Views from the Trenches” series started here periodically will share excerpts written by students in the CM-243 at PTS. The essays are completed as part of assigned topics throughout the week long intensive course. Excerpts in this series are provided anonymously with permission. The PTS student co-authors are AMEC clergy or officers from across the USA. They are in different stages of ministry preparation or service—from seasoned pastors, to those in the itinerant or local ordination process, to those who serve as lay leaders or officers in their churches.

Below are some thoughts written for the CM-243 class “What Effective Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS: A global Perspective” by one M.Div. student during March 2016.

Q. What do you think are the major obstacles to effectively addressing impacts of HIV/AIDS?

In order to provide an answer to this question, research was conducted. I did not possess much information on AIDS/HIV. I do know that the epidemic is not affecting only the homosexual community. This is a national epidemic that crosses race, class, and gender. While researching the topic, I found three main issues that seemed to be reoccurring themes on obstacles that prevent understanding of HIV/AIDS. I find that three main issues seem to be major obstacles to effectively addressing HIV/AIDS.

Health Issue vs Moral Issue

When the HIV/AIDS epidemic first became widely known in the United States there was a major confusion over the cause of the disease. Many religious groups viewed the disease as a punishment from God for homosexuality. Many of the perceptions that were held in the 1980s are still strong and still believed in some communities of faith. Many people hold a perception that the knowledge of, or even acknowledging to talk about, HIV/AIDS is correlated with accepting homosexual.

          

People see this as more of a moral (religious) issue and not as mainly a health issue. People are holding strong to faith-based beliefs on homosexuality. This prevents discussions of HIV/AIDS which is the major health issue. People have not been able to separate their view of homosexuality from their dealing with the realities of a disease that affects many lives. It is not yet widely seen as an infection that is a health risk for anyone regardless of sexual orientation.

        

The lens through which people perceive HIV/AIDS is an obstacle because the resulting stigma prevents effective distribution of education in communities that are greatly affected by the virus and its disease.

           

For this obstacle to be defeated, the misperceptions and clouded lens through which people view the disease must change. Education is the key, but people must have a willing mind and heart to receive the correct and widely available information. Many people will not even entertain conversations on the disease and will hold strong to a perceived false morality as their misled justification.

Perception of What the Government is doing about HIV/AIDS

       

I find that one of the major obstacles to education about HIV and AIDS is distrust. Some individuals feel that HIV, and thus AIDS, was created. The myth is that the virus was manufactured by the government to infect minority groups. People distrust the information that is being provided and may even believe that treatment may be more of a danger than a benefit. People do not receive the information provided because of preconceived notions from past experiences with the government in health issues or in research.

People have a general distrust of government officials and organizations, especially in minority groups. Therefore, educators must gain trust and build rapport before a conversation can even occur about HIV/AIDS.

Issues of Homosexuals, Drug Users and Sex Workers

       

Although views are changing on how individuals can contract HIV/AIDS; there is still a strong belief (a major misconception) that the disease is primarily present in the homosexual community. Many individuals feel that HIV/AIDS is contracted by people who engage in promiscuous behavior, people who are homosexual “gay” males or people who use intravenous drugs.

           

Even with all the information available and the many campaigns, some people are in denial of the truth that anyone can infected by HIV as the virus that causes AIDS. Some persons continue to engage in risky behavior(s) because they do not feel that their lifestyle will allow them to become infected—they are not “gay”, nor a drug user nor “promiscuous”.

           

Most people do not get a test to detect presence of HIV because they are afraid of the results or of the perception of being seen getting an HIV test. “What will others think I am doing?” Some people do not see the need because of the perceived (and often false) safety of their lifestyles. Some people still hold on to misinformation widely present in African American communities that HIV can only infect certain people compared to the truth that the virus can infect anyone who comes in contact with blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breastmilk. Many people, even religious leaders or highly influential community leaders, do not comprehend that anyone can become infected and that HIV/AIDS is found in diverse communities, class, gender, and nationalities.

Q. What prevents religious leaders from engaging in effectively addressing HIV/AIDS?

Sugarcoating

In many churches sexual topics are not discussed. Many churches only preach abstinence and no premarital sex based on interpretations of the Word of God. Some churches are not addressing the reality of the world that we live in today. Sexual transmitted diseases, safe sex, or testing are not stressed in our churches.

I think that culture is a major factor especially in the African American community. In an article in The Washington Post, a pastor in a metropolitan church indicated that talking about HIV/AIDS goes against historic and deep-seated folkways and norms of the black community-- you are to be silent about your personal life. People think certain issues should not be examined and discussed by the church.

Not all churches have this attitude, but many black churches (especially in the southern region) frown upon talking about issues of your personal life or sexuality. Many people feel that the Word (with traditional and limited interpretations) should be preached; that is all that is needed.  Many African American families of previous generations did not discuss sexual matters or sexual concerns—that is “personal business”. This leads to many issues for families and passes unnecessary ignorance, woes and lack of understanding to generations.

Besides sexuality in general, the perceptions of how people are infected by HIV/AIDS is also a problem.  The Washington Post article mentions, as discussed above, that a wide-spread perception is that “HIV/AIDS is caught mainly through homosexual encounters and drug usage.” Homosexuality is not accepted in the African American churches (at least in most). Many denominations, regardless of the government laws, have indicated that gay marriage cannot be performed in the church. Since many black church leaders and members still correlate homosexuality with HIV/AIDS, the topic of HIV/AIDS is taboo. Addressing the issue with information and making HIV testing a routine part of health may be seen as the church accepting homosexuality as acceptable.

Lack of knowledge (ignorance) is another issue that stops African American leaders from speaking out or taking actions to effectively stop HIV/AIDS. Many African American contract the disease in heterosexual relationships. Indeed we are almost 50% of the new HIV infections or the new cases of AIDS diagnosis in the USA each year. The epidemic is growing in the African American community, yet the fight to eradicate the disease is slow.

There are churches that do offer testing and leaders that do speak to the epidemic. Yet, some churches and religious leaders and our members cannot shake the false perspective of HIV/AIDS.

My Summary - Take Home Point

         

To engage effectively to make a difference, black leaders and ministers will first have to obtain a new perspective on HIV/AIDS before a major shift will occur in leadership to take productive action. For black leaders to take a stand, we will have to erase preconceived notions and become educated on the topic. The stigma of HIV/AIDS in the black community carries a black cloud; therefore, African American leaders have not stepped up to be leaders in the fight.

http://www.cdc.gov/actagainstaids/

*The Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule permits. 

18. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2016 - RECOVERY OF FAITH - DR. LUKE 8: 26 – 39:

*Brother Bill Dickens

-- April 17^th is the Fourth Sunday of Easter

Introduction

Tremaine Hawkins is arguably the finest, if not one of the finest female gospel singers of my generation.  Among her many inspiring songs performed with the Hawkins Family on Love Alive I & II albums include “Going up yonder,” “He’s That Kind of Friend” and “He Will Open Doors.”  Perhaps no song sung by Ms. Hawkins is as moving as “Changed.” This song captured the believer’s core existence by emphasizing how Divine intervention caused a radical transformation in her outlook on life.  What she used to do she doesn’t do anymore.  What she used to say is no longer a part of her vocabulary.  She is fundamentally different because of her personal contact with the Savior.  She is a changed person, a changed woman.  She is changed and eternally grateful for this epiphany! 

The Adult AME Church School Lesson for April 17, 2016 looks at a Hawkins-style “change”.  A young man who has been tortured by satanic captivity is about to experience this once in a lifetime experience of having his shackles finally removed.  As we will see momentarily faith requires you not looking back at what you used to be but looking forward to what God desires you to be in reaching your spiritual and creative potential.

Bible Lesson

Our lesson opens with a short ferry ride by Jesus to the country of the Gerasenes. After docking Jesus is met by a young man who has been tortured by demonic forces causing him to inflict bodily harm on himself and being a public nuisance to others.  He is naked and out-of-control.  Every attempt to restrain the young man proved fruitless since he was able to break the bonds and resume his public tirade.  Upon seeing Jesus he recognizes the presence of God and begs not to be reprimanded.  It’s noteworthy to mention that even though many doubted Jesus the forces of darkness knew who He was!  In a rhetorical gesture to initiate conversation Jesus asks the young man to identify himself by name.  He responds by saying his name is Legion.  His name symbolizes there were many inhabitants (5,400) in the young man’ body and soul.  Sensing that Jesus can relieve him of his suffering and restore his faith, he makes a request that his demonic captors be exorcized out of his body and transferred to a group of unsuspecting swine or hogs.  Jesus complies and the herd of hogs creates a stampede and run over a cliff to their unfortunate death in a nearby lake.  The suicidal stampede is also the death of the demons. After the exorcism residents in the community are stunned at the destruction of the pigs and amazed  to find the young man sober, fully clothed and in a state of emotional equilibrium (e.g., in his right mind).  The miracle at Gerasa` affirmed once again the power of Jesus.  Legion is no longer a public menace but a pious, God-fearing person. The concluding verses (37 -39) while not a part of the International Lesson text are important.  The community residents were fearful that the miracle could somehow do damage to them.  They react with fear and seek for Jesus to leave their country. The young man however, fully healed wants to become a disciple and follow Jesus.  He is instructed however to remain in his country and become a witness about the power of God. The people will now see that he was a changed man with his faith fully restored!  

Bible Application

The Bible is filled with examples of men who changed their lives.  King Manasseh, son of King Hezekiah, was evil incarnate during his 55 year reign in Judah.  Despite his reign of terror he repented of his behavior and God spared his life and allowed him to rule in his later years.  Zacchaeus was a notorious tax collector who profited from the exploitation of his own Jewish kindred. After dinner with Jesus he repented of his exploitive behavior and promised to repay everything he had stolen with interest. The great apostle Paul was transformed from a zealot persecutor of Christians, complicit in the death of Stephen, to an indefatigable teacher and preacher of the Gospel after his Damascus Road experience.  

 In contemporary American society there are also examples of changed men.  Noted forensic psychologist Paul Fauteck once spent years in a Federal prison for joining a gang who wrote counterfeit checks. He received a Presidential pardon by George H.W. Bush in 1992 and continues to volunteer his time to provide psychological services to ex-convicts too have a better life. Before he became a lawyer and prolific supporter of prisoner rights, Daniel Manville spent three years and four months in jail for manslaughter. Today Manville is a law professor at Michigan State University where he uses his experiences to help law students agitate for criminal justice reform.  Whether the examples come from Holy Writ of contemporary society they have a common denominator: everybody was dissatisfied with their prior life and wanted a change for the better.  Change for the better yields benefits not only to the person wanting the change but to those who are in close proximity to the change agent.  This is a win-win outcome.  Yes, change is good!  QED

*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 PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

When it comes to sheer entertainment value, you can’t beat South Carolina’s Legislature.  In recent years, our legislature passed laws to combat non-existent voter fraud, to prevent the imposition of Islamic law in our State - although no one has proposed that legal direction - and to require all schools to teach about America’s founding documents - although public school civics classes already do that.

The most recent proposed law would, if passed, force people to use restrooms associated with the gender listed on their birth certificates - out of the apparent belief that some people undergo sexual reassignment just to peek at those of the opposite sex in the restroom!

The Legislature’s actions would be humorous if not for the fact that while they’ve passed all of those unnecessary laws, our State’s roads are crumbling, our State’s schools are underfunded and legislation to ensure ethical behavior by Legislators is yet to be passed.

Those who supported those needless laws took the easy road and played to the irrational - and often bigoted - fears of a segment of our citizenry to court their votes, but failed to do the real work of government - work that requires courage, vision and bipartisan compromise.

That Legislative cowardice is a reflection of human nature.  All of us seek the easiest path to what we want in life and often fail to do what’s right instead of what’s expedient because taking a stand might cause us to lose friends or damage our status.

We’d do well to follow the Jesus who refused to take the easy way out and sit on the throne as Israel’s earthly King.  He chose to do God’s will, died on the cross as the price for our sins and arose to assure us of everlasting life.  Jesus did what was right - not what was easy.

Follow Jesus’ example as you traverse life’s roads.  It may be tempting to do what’s easy, acceptable and agreeable, but when we stand on our faith and do what’s right - even when it’s not expedient or popular, we’ll find satisfaction in doing the right thing and better the lives of those around us.

Take the time, in a world of “easy roads,” to stand for what’s right, fair and beneficial for all of God’s children.  The way may not be easy, but you’ll be blessed for doing so and gain an appreciation for the words of the hymn that says that at the end of the day, “He’ll understand and say ‘well done.”

*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. GENERAL OFFICER CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

-- Congratulations to Monroe and Brianna, brother and sister, grandchildren of Dr. Johnny Barbour Jr. President/Publisher of the AMEC Sunday School Union and Mrs. Clara Barbour

Thomas Monroe Barbour, III will receive a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Commencement ceremonies will be held in the Lee E. Williams and Athletics Assembly Center on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Thomas Monroe is a member of Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

Brianna Kathleen Barbour will receive a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Music from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. Commencement ceremonies will be held at Temple Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Recently featured in The Tennessean, Brianna is a member of the historic prestigious Fisk Jubilee Singers. Brianna previously served as the Secretary of the Connectional YPD and is a member of Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

Monroe and Brianna, brother and sister, are grandchildren of Dr. Johnny Barbour Jr. and Mrs. Clara Barbour.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to:

Dr. Johnny and Mrs. Clara Barbour

1385 LaBoldi Avenue

Nashville, TN 37207

Or via email at u_sunday@bellsouth.net

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regretfully share the following bereavement announcement. Please lift up in prayer the family of Sylvester Thomas Baskin, who was funeralized on Saturday, April 9^th Mr. Baskin was the brother of the Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, President of the 5^th Episcopal District Women in Ministry and pastor of Second AME Church in Los Angeles, CA. 

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell

913 Denker Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90047-3637

Email: revsisbaskinbell@aol.com

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of and the funeral services for the Reverend Wardell Dyson, Sr., a retired pastor of the Louisiana Annual Conference. He is the father of the Reverend Wardell Dyson, Jr., the pastor of Venable Chapel AME Church in Liverpool, Louisiana, and the father-in-law of Mrs. Robbin Dyson. 

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Visitation and Celebration of Life Service

Oak Grove AME Church

806 Avenue I

Kentwood, Louisiana 70444

The Rev. Kerry James, pastor

Visitation-Friday, April 15, 2016

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life Service: Saturday, April 16, 2016

11:00 a.m.

The Reverend Wardell Dyson, Jr., Eulogist and pastor, Venable Chapel AME Church

Arrangements have been entrusted to:

Crane and Sons

2000 Washington Street

Franklinton, Louisiana 70438

Condolences and Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

The Reverend Wardell Dyson, Jr. (Son)

43274 Happy Woods Road

Hammond, Louisiana 70403

Telephone: (985) 345-8191

Email: rdyson01@bellsouth.net

23. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator

AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net      

Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/   

Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)

Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)

Cell: (615) 403-7751

Blog: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/    

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC    

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

24. 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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