Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITOR’S CORNER:
- Stephen Green, the middle school student, and young AME scholar, who has won several subscriptions and an AME shirt for answering questions posted in The Christian Recorder Online was inducted into the Junior National Honor Society at his middle school in Winter Garden, Florida.
Editor’s comment: Congratulations, Stephen Green!
- A reminder about the AME Church logo – There are copyright and trademark protocols and I have been told that the use of our AME logo cannot be indiscriminately used. A more definitive explanation will be given in this venue and on the Official AME Website soon.
- I interviewed the Reverend Dr. William Whatley and will print that interview soon. I am hopeful that I will be able to interview other leaders in the AME Church.
2. THE NINTH ANNUAL JOINT INSTITUTE FOR MINISTERS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
I just returned from the Ninth Annual Joint Institute for Ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Reverends Doctors Johnny Barbour, Clement Fugh, and Darryl Ingram and I made the journey to Little Rock Arkansas to share with the brothers and sisters of the Eighth (The Rt. Reverend C. Garnett Henning Presiding Bishop), Tenth (The Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Bishop) and Twelfth (The Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., Presiding Bishop) Episcopal Districts. The Joint Institute for Ministers is an institute for continuing education and development for clergy of the Eighth, Tenth and Twelfth Episcopal Districts. The Institute Theme: "Recommitting the Church to the Struggle for Justice"
In addition to workshops the institute has as part of its agenda, worship and praise. Workshop leaders included noted civil rights leader, the Reverend Dr. C. T. Vivian and noted preacher and presiding elder, the Reverend Dr. Anne Henning-Byfield. The opening preacher for the Institute was the Reverend Shirley Spencer, pastor of Greater Shady Grove in Wilmar, Arkansas. We did not arrive in time to hear her sermon, but we heard all of the accolades about her “She ‘took ’em’ to the mountaintop” sermon. Evidently, she set a high standard for the institute. And, what a high standard she set as evidenced by the sermon we heard.
We arrived in time to be present at the Tuesday evening worship service in which the Right Reverend Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate for the Fifteenth Episcopal District took us “to the mountaintop and beyond“ with exegetical and hermeneutical skills in preaching from the texts of I Samuel 16:13-23 and Luke 4:14 -19 with his sermon entitled, “The Danger of Being Anointed.” Bishop Green kept the Institute on a high standard! His sermon was packed full of hermeneutical revelations that he presented with relevance. He mentioned that when we allow ourselves to be anointed and use God’s power, we can do things in ministry and in life that we, in the natural, normally could not do. He pointed out that when we are anointed, we have deal with demons: on the job, in our homes, and even in the church. (I am not going to tell you anymore about the sermon; order it and the other sermons from one of the participating districts of the Institute – Get their email address from their Website on The Christian Recorder Online homepage). I only need to say that was a Spirit-filled sermon and a Spirit-filled service. Bishop Green was introduced by Bishop Chappelle and shared with congregation the relationship their families have shared over the years. Bishop Henning, obviously pleased and uplifted by the service, closed with remarks and commendation to the “The ‘Spirit of the Twelfth” choir who sang until the “power of the lord came down.”
3. THE CHALLENGE: CONQUERING BABEL: LANGUAGE TRANSLATION IN THE AME CHURCH:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, with churches on four continents, has the largest global presence of all Black Methodist denominations. Our General Conference is the oldest and largest continuous gathering of peoples from the African Diaspora, and the AME Church has been “globalized” since the 1826 arrival of Rev. Scipio Beanes in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to minister to AME colonists from Philadelphia. Despite this rich international legacy and the recent election of three African bishops, serious issues continue to challenge our growth worldwide. One key concern is the lack of AME materials in languages other than English.
Of the thirty-eight (38) countries and dependencies with AME Churches, English is the official language in only twenty-two (22) of them. Our global heritage brings with it a varied linguistic tapestry, including languages from Afrikaans to Zulu. This aspect of our work, however, has been largely ignored. The only document printed by the AMEC Publishing House in a language other than English is a Spanish language leaflet. During my time as a WMS Sojourner in the Dominican Republic, I observed that the absence of AME documents in the vernacular and the deaths of English-speaking pastors contributed to the members practically losing their identity as African Methodists. At the General Conference it was reported that thousands of people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo joined the AME Church, and now there is growing interest in Brazil. How can we teach these new French and Portuguese speaking members about Christ and the AME Church if they can’t read the Catechism and the Discipline?
Efforts have been made by several Bishops and the Women’s Missionary Society to provide certain materials in local languages. These efforts, however, have been sporadic, with varying quality. What is needed to address this issue is a coordinated response from the Connectional Church. The AME Church does not need to translate materials into every tongue spoken by our members. (The United Nations, with 191 member countries, has only six official languages in which all documents must be made available.) Translation technology has advanced to the point that programs such as Systran and Magellan yield high quality translations at a price tag ranging from $750-$1000. Although grammatical editing is required, the program drastically cuts down on human labor. The drawback to these programs is that they only service European and Asian languages. Fortunately, all countries where the AME Church is present have at least one European official language (specifically Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish). Our periodicals and Sunday School literature could conceivably be published in five European languages in a short period of time. With regard to African languages, the Chief Information Officer/General Secretary currently does not have numerical data on which languages our African members speak. A study would need to be done to determine which languages would serve the most people. Because of the cost of translating into African languages and the presence of at least one European language in all African nations, it would be most cost effective to translate core materials, such as the Discipline and the Catechism, into only select African languages. Proper planning and technology use can enable the AME Church to translate our materials into the European (aside from English) and African languages that thousands of members of our connection speak.
The theme of the 2004 General Conference was “A Global Church Serving a Never Changing Christ.” Our commitment to being a truly connectional church, however, is in doubt if we cannot even talk to one another. The “English Only” sign hanging on our door must be taken down in order for us to make progress in this new millennium. If we truly value the Discipline and our other publications, we will make them accessible to all of our members to understand and enjoy.
John Thomas III is a member of St. John AME Church (Nashville, TN- 13th Episcopal District), serves on the General Board, and is the official Spanish translator for the 16th Episcopal District. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and a 2004-2005 Fulbright Scholar (Peru).
4. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ACCEPTS THE CHALLENGE: CONQUERING BABEL:
This is a start...
The article below is written Spanish for our Spanish speaking readers and Spanish speaking members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The article is used with permission. The article is from El Intérprete (Issue March-April 2005), the Hispanic Magazine of the United Methodist Church.
La oración y la confesión de pecados
Humberto Casanova
Santiago dice que si nos enfermamos, debemos llamar a los líderes (ancianos) de la iglesia para que oren y nos unjan (v. 14). En aquel tiempo nadie desligaba las enfermedades o los remedios de las fuerzas espirituales. De modo que, aun si el uso del aceite de oliva tiene aquí fines medicinales, el aceite se concibe también como conducto o símbolo del poder de Dios. Por esta razón, el ungimiento va acompañado de la invocación del nombre o poder de Dios.
Con todo, Santiago pone el acento en la oración (v. 15). Nos habla de la “oración hecha con fe”, lo que nos produce sentimientos de culpa cada vez que nuestra oración no logra la sanidad. En un estudio bíblico, recientemente una hermana contó cómo toda la iglesia oró fervientemente mientras su esposo era operado en el hospital, pero falleció. ¿Fue esa una oración hecha sin fe? La culpa se agranda cuando Santiago agrega que la “oración eficaz” (v. 16) hace maravillas, la cual funcionó con un hombre “tan humano como todos nosotros” (v. 17). La verdad es que la oración no siempre produce sanidad, seamos luteranos o pentecostales, metodistas o presbiterianos. Que la oración de fe te pondrá en pie es sólo una posibilidad (cf. Mateo 26:39; 2 Corintios 12: 7-10). Pero el hecho de que la oración, la fe y el ungimiento contribuyan a una sanidad integral, impulsa a Santiago a recomendar como saludable el que confesemos nuestros pecados y pidamos ser sanados de nuestras enfermedades (v. 16).
El mundo antiguo pensaba que toda enfermedad venía como un ataque demoníaco o como castigo por el pecado. Hoy ya no pensamos de esa manera. La investigación moderna indica que el funcionamiento del mundo natural es causa cardinal de por qué ocurren las enfermedades. Esto no desarraiga las causas psíquicas o espirituales, pero altera la forma en que se aborda la realidad. Santiago no afirma que toda enfermedad venga por el pecado, sino que dice “en el caso de que hayas pecado” (v. 15). Tu enfermedad no tiene por qué haber ocurrido por algún pecado particular.
La parte perturbadora de este pasaje es el concepto de confesar nuestros pecados frente a otras personas (v. 16). Por lo que uno ve en la práctica parece una costumbre sin resonancia en la iglesia. ¿Cuántas personas conoce usted que andan confesando sus pecados delante de los miembros de la iglesia? ¿No nos expondríamos a ser apuntados con el dedo? Por lo general la gente confiesa sus pecados a Dios o a los ofendidos. La idea de confesar a otros asuntos tan íntimos como nuestros pecados es una idea chocante.
El “unos a otros” nos dice que no se trata de una confesión ante los líderes (mencionados en el v. 14), sino ante los hermanos en general. Además, el texto mantiene la confesión dentro del tema de la oración por las enfermedades: “… debemos… orar… pidiendo que seamos sanados”. Las enfermedades nos producen depresión, sentimientos de culpa y la sensación de haber sido abandonados por Dios. En esas circunstancias de dolor e incertidumbre, necesitamos buscar no sólo la salud física, sino la sanidad de la psiquis. La confesión de pecados tiene el fin de buscar afirmación de parte de nuestros hermanos que nos dirán que nada hay que nos separe del amor de Dios. La confesión debe siempre ser voluntaria, mutua y en un ambiente de confianza y reserva. El ambiente ideal está en el concepto del grupo celular o pequeño. En su ministerio, John Wesley formó grupos pequeños de 5 a 12 personas para que los miembros cuidasen los unos de los otros. Cuando Wesley publicó sus Reglas para estos grupos pequeños (diciembre de 1738), en el encabezado aparecía el texto de Santiago 5:16 marcando el propósito de sus reuniones. Cuando uno está enfermo no habrá nada mejor que el consuelo, perdón y ánimo que recibamos de un grupo pequeño de cristianos que nos ama y se preocupa de nosotros.
@BOX@
Santiago 5:13-17
13Si te deprimes por los problemas, ora al Señor. Si te sientes alegre, canta alabanzas. 14Si te enfermas, llama a los líderes de la congregación para que oren por ti y te unjan con aceite invocando el nombre del Señor. 15La oración hecha con fe te sanará y el Señor te pondrá en pie otra vez. Y en el caso de que hayas cometido pecados, te serán perdonados. 16Es por esto que debemos confesar unos a otros nuestros pecados y orar unos por otros pidiendo que seamos sanados. La oración eficaz de todo cristiano es capaz de realizar maravillas. 17Por ejemplo, Elías fue tan humano como todos nosotros. Sin embargo, oró…
(Traducción del autor)
“Used with permission. Taken from El Intérprete (issue March-April 2005), the Hispanic magazine of the United Methodist Church.”
Editor's comment: Our thanks to the Reverend Humberto Casanova, the author of the article and to him for giving us permission to reprint his article. Our thanks also to our brothers and sister, and the leadership, of the United Methodist Church.
5. AN OPEN LETTER WRITTEN BY DR. ARTHUR FLETCHER TO THE HONORABLE MICHAEL S. STEELE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, STATE OF MARYLAND:
$15 Billion in Equity - $6 Billion in Allocation Authority
The U.S. Department of Commerce reported that a vast majority of the 900,000 African American-owned businesses generate less than a million dollars each year. The news is especially disheartening when we consider the unique demographics of the Metropolitan Washington, DC area. Some believe there has never been a shortage of resources--just resourcefulness!
In 1993, The Collective Banking Group, Inc. (CBG) evolved as a result of concerns raised by pastors and church members in Prince Georges County and the Metropolitan D.C. area regarding inequitable access to services provided by local banks and businesses. Churches were faced with severe challenges due to redlining and other questionable practices impacting their members. Since its inception, the CBG has continuously grown to its present membership of more than 150 churches, representing more than 200,000 persons. As of 2004, CBG member churches have been approved for more than $100-million dollars in loans and have on deposit in excess of $130-million dollars with area banking partners. The collaboration between the CBG, its member churches, covenant banks and business alliances have offered significant savings and other benefits to the community at-large. However, the threat to economic security persists.
June 3-4, 2005, CBG's membership will come together in Maryland for the 10th Annual Community Economic Empowerment Conference. We should be there! Getting to know what's available is perhaps the best reason for bankers, business owners, church leaders and government to devise solutions in this 10th year of the Million Man March.
The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program permits taxpayers to receive a credit against Federal income taxes for making qualified equity investments in designated Community Development Entities (CDEs). Substantially all of the qualified equity investment must in turn be used by the CDE to provide investments in low-income communities. The credit provided to the investor totals 39% of the cost of the investment and is claimed over a seven-year credit allowance period.
As you know, The U.S. Treasury Department has allocated NMTCs to CDEs under a competitive application process. These CDEs are to sell the credits to taxable investors in exchange for stock or a capital interest in the CDEs. To qualify as a CDE, an entity must be a domestic corporation or partnership that: 1) has a mission of serving, or providing investment capital for, low-income communities or low-income persons; 2) maintains accountability to residents of low-income communities through their representation on a governing board of or advisory board to the entity; and 3) has been certified as a CDE.
Throughout the life of the NMTC Program, the Fund is authorized to allocate to CDEs the authority to issue to their investors up to the aggregate amount of $15 billion in equity as to which NMTCs can be claimed. To date, the Fund has made 129 awards totaling $6 billion in allocation authority.
Our collective efforts are crucial in promoting economic security resources such as NMTC throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. We have asked a few "friends" to join us.
6. A STATEMENT BY GENERAL SECRETARY BOB EDGAR ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES USA ON THE DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP IAKOVOS
Generations of Americans were inspired by the presence of Archbishop Iakovos on all the frontlines of our history.
Born on the small island of Imvros in the Aegean Sea, as the Archbishop and spiritual leader of his American flock he continuously celebrated its gifts and encouraged it to fulfill its full potential in the landscape of America.
He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1965 in Selma, Ala., and was a fervent and outspoken champion for the cause of civil rights. His commitment to that cause was exemplified in the 1990's when he lent his support to a National Council of Churches USA campaign to raise funds for burned African American churches.
Under his leadership, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese grew from a small ethnic church community into a strong and vibrant church with a powerful voice for Christian ethics and values.
Archbishop Iakovos stood with Christians from many cultures and backgrounds to further the ideal of Christian unity. His deep belief in ecumenism was demonstrated by his strong support of ecumenical councils as well as his historic challenges to them. He was a president of the World Council of Churches and introduced Elenie K. Huszagh, Esq., immediate past president of the NCC, to ecumenism. He established dialogues with Protestant and Roman Catholics and carried his witness into the oval offices of nine U.S. presidents. All who knew him were gratified when he received the nation's highest civilian honor in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter bestowed upon him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
His Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos was a tireless servant of God who leaves a towering legacy of faith, justice and unity not only for all who knew and worked with him -- but for all who will benefit from his endeavors.
May his memory be eternal!
7. SPRING CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO HOLD SPRING REVIVAL:
The Pastor, Officers and Members of Spring Chapel AME Church, 2445 Park Swain Road, Grand Junction, Tennessee 38039 invites you to join us in our 'Spring Revival', April 20 - 22, 2005 at 7 pm nightly. The Reverend Jerry Crisp of Union Hill MB Church in Whiteville, Tennessee will be our Evangelist. Our theme – “From Revival to Renewal.”
If you should need assistance getting to the church, Reverend Herring can be reached at: 901 323-4297, 901. 412-0680 or 731 764-2152.
In Christ Service,
Shelda D. Herring
Pastor/Spiritual Leader
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
