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. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Religious organizations still function with antiquated systems that stifle high-performing leadership.”
From pamphlet: Higher Education & Ministry
2. THE STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING, PART 2:
The Strategic Planning Meeting workgroups were poised to deal with the issue of redistricting. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle is the elected chair of the Redistricting Committee.
At the Wednesday afternoon session, it was noted that the Episcopal Districts are not filling out the Pastors’ Reports in accordance with the directives of the General Conference. FAXed and handwritten Pastors’ reports continue to be received in the General Secretary’s Office. The Reverend Darnell Montgomery, Sr. remarked, "The Church is not doing what the General Conference mandated it to do.” Bishop Chappelle commented, “All Districts are not equal and some are short-handed as it relates to staff.” The question came up about which Districts had, and which Districts had not responded in submitting their reports. It appeared that most Districts had responded, but some of the reports were not in the proper format. The issues were discussed and it was agreed that the redistricting discussion would be continued at the next meeting.
Editor’s note: We are expecting more comments from persons who attended the Strategic Planning Committee Meeting.
3. CORRECTION AND CLARIFICATION ON THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION RELATED TO THE TWO POSITIONS SERVED BY THE FOUR GENERAL OFFICERS.
The answer I gave:
1. Dr. Howard Gregg - Historiographer and Editor A.M.E. Church Review
2. Dr. John R. Hawkins - Secretary of Christian Education and Treasurer
3. Dr. E. A. Adams – Secretary of Christian Education and Historiographer
4. Dr. A. S. Jackson, Secretary of Christian Education and Treasurer
Clarification by Dr. Daryl Ingram Executive Director of the Christian Education Department:
Drs. Hawkins, Adams, and Jackson were Secretary-Treasurers of the Department of Education, not Christian Education. At that time, the Division of Christian Education was a part of the Department of Education. The Department of Education was abolished in 1976. The Division of Christian Education was not changed until 1988 to the Department of Christian. Thanks.
Daryl B. Ingram
Executive Director
Christian Education Department
"Teaching Christ Global
3. YOU ARE CORDIALLY ALL INVITED TO THE WEDDING OF DR. HERCULES MILES AND MS JOYCE MARIE JOHNSON:
The Wedding of the Reverend Dr. Hercules Miles to Ms. Joyce Marie Johnson of Gardena, California will be conducted at Smith Chapel AME Church, Dallas, Texas on December 27, 2005 at 3 p.m. A reception will be held immediately following the wedding. Smith Chapel AME Church is located at 2406 Childs Street, Dallas, Texas 75203. Reverend James W. Ford is the pastor of Smith Chapel AME Church. The Reverend Dr. Robert Reid will be the chief celebrant conducting the celebration of marriage.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to Dr. Miles at hercules521@aol.com or send him expressions of congratulations at 7431 Concordia Lane, Dallas, Texas 75241. You may call him at 314.374-4263.
4. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT FACTS ON HIV / AIDS:
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ;
As you know HIV / AIDS is on the rise in our communities statewide and is affecting all ages and families.
The AIDS epidemic is disproportionately striking blacks in South Carolina. Almost 70 percent of those with HIV / AIDS are black, although the state's population is only about 30 percent black. And almost 80 percent of new cases occur among blacks. As a relatively poor, rural state, South Carolina ranks eighth in the nation in the rate of AIDS cases.
Facts provided by:
Rosetta Swinton, FCN
Episcopal Director of Health
Submitted by:
Benjamin HarrisonPublic Relations Director7th District AME ChurchTel 803.935.0500Fax 803.935.0830HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
5. CLERGY FAMILY PRAISE REPORT:
The Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Versailles, Kentucky has met all academic requirements to be awarded the Master to Divinity Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky. He will graduate on Tuesday, December 6, 2005.
Congratulations to Reverend Gophin and Mrs. Golphin and family!
6. AME PRAISE REPORT:
We just learned that AME seminarians Willacin Gholson and Russell St. Bernard are Fund for Theological Education (FTE) Fellows.
7. BISHOP WILLIAMS BRINGS PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TO SOUTH CAROLINA:
North Charleston, SC – In 1995 Bishop Preston Warren Williams II began envisioning ways to make traditionally expensive high-level theological education more accessible to common church-going folks. He noticed a high level of interest, a thirst for Biblical knowledge amongst the church laity, but often insufficient financial means with which to pursue a seminary degree. He also observed the need for the church’s clergy to be better formally educated in the foundational principles of Biblical knowledge and theology. After being consecrated in 2000 as the 119th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Williams now had sufficient power and resources to begin implementing his educational vision on a broad scale.
In the spring of 2005, during the first year of his appointment to the 7th Episcopal District, Bishop Williams commissioned various distinguished professors of Wesley Theological Seminary of Washington, DC to conduct an institute in Columbia, SC. Bishop Williams’ vision was to offer seminary level courses to both clergy and laity. According to Bishop Williams, “There is often the misconception that clergy are the only individuals in need of formal theological training. The larger goal is to have an educated pew as well as pulpit.”
Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the Wesley Theological Seminary Institute, Bishop Williams has again brought academia directly to the people. This past Monday November 21st through Wednesday November 23rd the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, sponsored the Payne Theological Seminary Institute, which took place at the Embassy Suites Airport Convention Center in North Charleston, SC. The purpose of this seminar was to educate pastors, Christian educators and lay persons for Christian ministry as well as to promote critical reflection upon the sweep of Christian history.
Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary of Wilberforce, Ohio, served as dean of the three-day seminar. In its 160-year history, Dr. Fitchue has the distinction of being the first woman to serve as President of Payne Theological Seminary as well as the first woman to serve as President of any historically black theological seminary in the U.S. According to Dr. Fitchue, accessing the knowledge being taught by these seminary professors is profoundly important in that not only is one able to deepen one’s knowledge base of the Bible, but particularly black people whose images for centuries have been distorted by and omitted from Euro-centric Biblical interpretation, are now able to redefine their presence in and contributions to Biblical history.
During the three day Payne Institute five separate courses were offered to both clergy and laity. The instructors and courses were: Dr. Marsha Boyd - Church Administration and Leadership Development, Dr. Frederick Wright - Homiletics (The Art of Preaching), Dr. Louis Harvey - Theology in Context, Dr. William Augman - Sexual Ethics & the Ministerial Relationship, and Dr. Cain Felder - An Introduction to the Critical Study of the Bible. Nearly six hundred individuals from throughout the state of South Carolina attended.
According to the Rev. Dr. Allen Parrott, Episcopal Director of Christian Education, of the six hundred and thirty-four pastors in the 7th district approximately one hundred and twenty have theological seminary degrees. That leaves a need to formally educate the remaining 500 pastors. That is Bishop Williams’ goal. Bishop Williams states, “There are many of our pastors who have already obtained secular degrees in a variety of areas of expertise. However, that secular degree does not necessarily translate into knowledge of the Bible. It is of critical importance that pastors have at least one degree in theology. It is essential that all clergy complete a minimum of a Masters of Divinity degree. In addition to that goal the vision is to create seminary level educational opportunities for the laity as well. If people cannot go to seminary, let us bring the seminary to the people. These seminary institutes we offer are specifically designed to create a larger Biblical knowledge base for all.”
On the second day of the institute, Bishop Williams presented Dr. Fitchue with a check for fifty-thousand dollars as payment towards the annual tuition for the thirty-three South Carolinian students, which the 7th district is sponsoring to attend Payne Seminary. Bishop Williams also made a special presentation of ten thousand dollars, the second half of his annual tuition, to Rev. Broughton who was the first student to sign up under Bishop Williams’ new educational program.
There was a $25 dollar admission fee which allowed access to all three days of the institute and participants were allowed to attend up to four classes. Those participants who completed four classes received a certificate of participation.
For more information on how to register for the next Theological Institute, please contact Kabrina Bass, Christian Education Administrator, at the 7th District AME office at 803.935.0500 or online at KabrinaB@amec7thdist.org.
Submitted by:
Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Fax 803.935.0830
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
8. MORE EVIDENCE THAT THE AME CHURCH IS NOT DYING:
By Dr. Dawn Della DeVeaux
Much has been written about the rich history of the AME church in general and the strong leadership of the AME church on various global issues. Yet despite this vast body of writing, little has been written about the growth of the AME church. Continuing on a strong tradition of leadership and drive, one finds Greater Jordan Chapel AME Church located in Haddock, Georgia (fifteen minutes outside of Macon, Georgia) as an AME church with strong growth. Under the leadership of Bishop and Dr. William P. DeVeaux as well as Presiding Elder and Mrs. Ridley- one finds a church that is addressing the needs of rural African Americans. During the last five years, Pastor and Mrs. Ronald L. Slaughter have been serving the needs of this church family. The church has experienced great growth in the last six months--87 new members have joined the church.
Historically, Greater Jordan Chapel is a teaching church--every Wednesday night over 20 percent of the members attend the weekly Bible Study. Pastor Slaughter teaches the course. The members of the church have expressed great excitement about the benefits of Bible study--and the healthy discussion weekly about the power of Jesus Christ in one's daily walk on this earth. Bible study is not the only educational program housed at the church. Greater Jordan Chapel is also the site for a community GED program. The program allows members as well as community members to develop strong skills in the areas of math, writing and reading. Pastor Slaughter has a passion about feeding the whole person--one finds through Bible study, GED program and various other programs -- and feeding of the member's body, soul and mind.
The AME church was founded as a forum for allowing freedom for a race of people that needed great hope. The AME church is alive and well --and continues to give African Americans an opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit. The year 2005 has been one of great pain with Katrina, the war and great concerns about economic issues. Yet, one stills finds the AME church meeting the needs of people throughout the world. If you visit a small rural area in Haddock, Georgia--you will find Pastor Ronald Slaughter as well as the church community of Greater Jordan Chapel AME church successfully growing the body of Christ. After great pray, the church will move into a new church building and worship center in the winter of 2007.
9. POET NIKKI GIOVANNI IS FEATURED SPEAKER FOR BLACK ELECTED OFFICIALS LUNCHEON:
Washington, DC – Poet and author Nikki Giovanni will be the keynote speaker for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) 35th Anniversary Membership Luncheon, Thursday, December 8, 11:30 a.m., at the Westin Charlotte Hotel. The luncheon will be held during the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Congress of Cities in Charlotte, NC.
Giovanni is expected to speak at 12:30 p.m. and will be available for interviews between 10:00 and 10:45 a.m. (contact NLC’s Office of Media Relations to schedule). She is expected to discuss the role that local elected leaders can play in improving the quality of life in their communities. Giovanni, a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, is the winner of the NAACP Image Award Winner for Literature in 1998 and the Langston Hughes award for Distinguished Contributions to Arts and Letters in 1996. She has been named "Woman of the Year" by Essence, Mademoiselle and Ladies Home Journal magazines.
Among other events sponsored by NBC-LEO is an Awards Reception recognizing excellence among African-American leaders on Thursday, December 8, 7:30 p.m., at the Spirit Square, North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 Tryon Street. A number of distinguished Charlotte residents will be honored, including Madine Falls, the Urban League of Central Carolina; Dr. Otis Speight, Piedmont Medical Center; Lewis McKinney, Anheuser Busch Companies; Mrs. Ray Glover, Bank of America; and Reggie Hubbard, Reggie Hubbard Automotive. NBC-LEO President Leo V. Chaney, Jr., Council Member, Dallas, Texas will preside at both events.
Other events of note include:
Thursday, December 8, 2005, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Workshop -- Leading the Way to Equity and Opportunity in America’s Cities
Workshop -- Preparing for Reentry into Society (Ex-Offenders)
Friday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
City Futures Panel on Equity and Opportunity
Saturday, December 10, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Workshop -- Using Specialty Media to Communicate to Targeted Audiences Based on Language or Cultural Differences
NBC-LEO was founded in 1970 to represent African-American local elected officials and works to increase African-American participation on NLC's steering and policy committees. It also works to ensure that policy and program recommendations made by NLC reflect the interests of African-American communities. The organization also acts independently through legislation and direct action on issues affecting their constituencies.
For more information or to set up interviews with participants, contact Sherry Appel, 202-626-3003 (DC office), 202-441-3160 (cell) or appel@nlc.org or Latricia Good, 202-626-3051 (DC office), 301-751-7710 (cell) or good@nlc.org. For more conference details, go to www.nlc.org/Newsroom.
10. MY CHRISTMAS LIST:
By Bernice Powell Jackson
Every year for the past eleven years, I have shared my own Christmas list with you. Most years it has included a wish for even a day of peace in the world – when war ceases, when domestic violence pauses, when guns are laid down in homes, cities, and nations. It has not happened yet, despite the prayers and the hard work of so many of you. Nevertheless, I believe, that the Prince of Peace calls those of us who are Christian to work for peace. Those of other faiths are also called by our Creator to work for a world of peace not only at this time of year, but all year long. So, my first wish is for peace on earth.
As I write my last Witness for Justice column, I wish for young people who are ready and willing to take up the leadership in the struggle for a world of peace with justice. I am reminded that there has been no viable struggle for justice and peace, which did not include young people in the leadership in the last century, and I am sure that will be true for this century as well. Young people were a part of the leadership in the civil rights struggle in the U.S., in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, in the people power struggle in the Philippines, even in Tiananmen Square in China. We need young people willing to say war is not the answer, poverty is not the solution and racism can be no more and to do the difficult work of making such a world a reality. That may mean using old tried and true methods of protest like marches and demonstrations and letter-writing, and it might include new 21st century high-tech methods of protest driven by the internet. We need the energy and enthusiasm of young people in the work for peace and justice and my Christmas wish is that each one of us who are elders will mentor a young person to take the lead in this millennia-old struggle.
My third wish is for health care for every American. If there is one issue which can impact every one of us and which can be won in the next two years, I believe it is national health care. Simply put, the health care system is imploding all around us. Corporations large and small know it, labor unions know it, non-profit organizations know it, retirees know it, those 45 million Americans with no health care insurance know it, the medical profession knows it, and hospital administrators know it. Even the politicians know that the health care system we now have is not working for any group in America except possibly the insurance industry, but unless we DEMAND an immediate change politicians will not do anything about it until it collapses around us. Maybe the total collapse of General Motors or maybe the influx of Asian bird flu into the U.S. with millions unable to afford treatment or maybe millions of retirees losing their promised health care benefits or millions of workers being required to pay higher and higher deductibles will be what propels the collapse of our present-day system, but my Christmas wish is that Americans demand that our nation come up with national health insurance before the system collapses not afterwards.
My wish is for a return of a value, which seems to be disappearing from our landscape – the value of integrity. Integrity is a value, which can only be earned through a life of honesty, fairness, forthrightness and a commitment to the common good of all humankind. It is a value, which seems to be sorely lacking in government, in politics, in media, in business, even in religion. Integrity means standing up for what is right and just and true, no matter which way the winds of the world blow. It means speaking truth, not words of political spin. It means looking out not just for oneself, but also for the whole community, especially those who are powerless and cannot stand up for themselves. It means being willing to admit mistakes and to ask for forgiveness, knowing that we are all human and fallible. It means matching your words with your life. My Christmas wish is for an increase in integrity in our world.
My Christmas wish list this year is for health and wellness for every reader, for laughter and joy, for strength and comfort in the days ahead. In the words of the great American writer, Maya Angelou, “I wouldn’t take nothing for the journey”.
The struggle continues!
11. A MESSAGE FROM THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY:
Test Your Cancer Knowledge
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
Did you resolve to take control of your health this year? Find out how much you know about cancer. Answer true or false to the following statements:
1. Anyone can get cancer, and my risk goes up, as I get older.
a. True
b. False
2. About 87% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.
a. True
b. False
3. One in five cancer deaths are attributable to tobacco use.
c. True
d. False
4. What I eat and how much I exercise can affect my cancer risk.
e. True
f. False
5. Both men and women can get colon cancer.
g. True
h. False
6. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women.
i. True
j. False
7. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men, and 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
k. True
l. False
8. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer occur annually.
m. True
n. False
Answers:
All answers are true.
12. CHOOSE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
§ Have you made a New Year’s resolution to live a healthier life in 2006? The American Cancer Society has tips for healthy eating, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking and talking with your doctor about your cancer risk and testing for early cancer detection – all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/ .
§ Engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet of mostly plant-based foods can lower your risk for cancer. About one in three cancer deaths could be prevented with proper diet and exercise. To find out how to incorporate these things into your life, contact the American Cancer Society: 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
§ It’s never too late to begin an exercise program. No matter when you start, physical activity improves your health. Check with your doctor about developing an exercise routine that fits your life. For helpful hints, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/.
§ The beginning of the year is a great time to schedule your annual checkup. Don’t forget to ask your doctor about important cancer screenings and when you need them. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
13. START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT SCHEDULE YOUR ANNUAL CHECKUP TODAY:
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
As part of your New Year’s resolution you may have decided to start living a healthier lifestyle. One simple step you can take toward that goal is to regularly get screened for cancer. More than one million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Staying on top of cancer prevention and detection can be as simple as seeing your doctor regularly. Depending on your age, here are some basic issues to discuss with your doctor:
Women 20 or older:
- Have regular clinical breast exams and talk to your doctor about any changes in your breast.
- Within three years of first having sexual intercourse and no later than age 21, have a standard Pap test every year or a liquid-based Pap test every two years.
Women 30 or older:
- Have a clinical breast exam every 3 years.
Women 40 or older:
- Have a mammogram every year.
Women at high risk for breast cancer should talk to their doctors about starting mammograms when they are younger and having additional tests done.
Women and men 50 or older:
- Begin having tests for colon cancer.
Men 50 or older:
- Talk with your doctor about being tested for prostate cancer.
If you are African-American or have a family member who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, you should consider beginning testing at age 45.
All adults:
- Get skin checks annually.
Arm yourself with the facts and discuss them with your doctor. It can save your life. Your doctor can help you decide on a specific testing schedule based on your own personal risk factors. Your doctor can also talk with you about reducing your risk by quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
For more detailed early detection guidelines and risk reduction strategies, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/ .
14. WCC GENERAL SECRETARY ASKS FOR GREATER EFFORTS TO MAKE HIV/AIDS MEDICINES AVAILABLE FOR AFRICA
"I have learned to see everyone infected as a brother, a sister, a niece, a nephew - a close relative," said Samuel Kobia this afternoon in Bern. The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary was speaking at an ecumenical event for World AIDS Day held outside the Swiss parliament.
Emphasizing, "Africa needs medicines, now!" Participants presented 27,000 petitions addressed to the Swiss government, pharmaceutical industry and churches, calling on them to make a greater effort to ensure access to anti-retroviral treatment to African populations.
In a public interview that was part of the programme, Kobia explained that having lost several of his close relatives to the disease, he has learned to relate "more personally" to people affected by the epidemic. "However, this epidemic goes way beyond any personal tragedy," he said.
While commending the Swiss government for its current commitments in this regard, Kobia also expressed his hope and prayer that it will "scale up its support for action against HIV ands AIDS worldwide."
Regarding the role of the pharmaceutical industry, Kobia recognized that "profits are a key component that brings more resources for more research," but nevertheless appealed to the industry: "when it comes to HIV and AIDS, don't put profit before life."
According to Kobia, the epidemic has revealed the "great resilience and tenacity" of suffering people. They, as well as vulnerable communities "should not be perceived as passive recipients of handouts and help," but as "co-workers" in the struggle to overcome the epidemic and "the fundamental flaws in our societies which make us all vulnerable."
Churches in particular need to "correct the flawed theology and practices that equate sin with disease" and that put "morality over compassion," Kobia said. Although recognizing that "distributing condoms in churches may not be the best approach," he fully supports "any preventive method which is scientifically proven to be effective" to avoid HIV transmission.
Kobia also advocates the promotion of dialogue on questions related to AIDS and sexuality. "One of the greatest difficulties for churches in dealing with the issue of HIV and AIDS has been our inability to address sexuality in a frank and forthright manner," he said.
The WCC general secretary expressed "appreciation and gratitude" to the churches in Switzerland for their support for Africa. "I believe your initiative today will bring the message - to make treatment more accessible for all - closer to everyone's heart and mind", he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Swiss Federation of Protestant Churches (FEPS), its president Rev. Thomas Wipf reported on a positive response to the campaign "Africa needs medicines. Now!" " We are pursuing our commitment via our programmes," he said.
For his part, Catholic Bishop Amédée Grab stated that Switzerland "must nevertheless do a great deal more in the prevention and treatment of pandemics."
The event, which included the lighting of 8000 candles laid out in the shape of Africa, and the petition campaign were jointly organized by the Bethlehem Mission Immensee and Swiss Interchurch Aid (EPER).
15. LABOURING FOR GOD'S TRANSFORMATION:
By Naim Ateek (*)
Reflections on the theme of the WCC 9th Assembly:
God, in your grace, transform the world
The theme of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches - God, in your grace, transform the world - speaks to many people in different ways. What does it say to Christians living in a situation as difficult as that in Palestine? Naim Ateek, a leading Palestinian theologian, reflects on this question.
This theme is a prayer that speaks to many people in various ways. To Palestinian Christians, it communicates five important messages, each of them essential in the movement towards the transformation of our communities and the world.
It is a plea that is directed to God. We recognize the need for transformation, and we go in prayer straight to the one who is able to bring such transformation about. Ultimately, it is God, the fountain of life who renews and transforms us. In times of pain, distress and oppression the human spirit turns to God as the source of healing, comfort and liberation. Palestinian Christians and Muslims living under the Israeli occupation of their country constantly direct their supplications to God. Faith and trust are placed in the power of God and not in the power of human beings.
It recognizes God's way of transformation. God relates to us through grace, mercy and love. It is not through violence or war that God brings about the transformation of the world. God's grace encompasses all of God's wonderful attributes. To pray for God's grace is to reject the way of empire that brings about change through the destructive forces of violence and war. Equally, it is a rejection of the methods used by religious extremists who kill others in the name of God. To appeal to God's grace is to seek God's will in the world and to do that will. God's will is justice, peace, reconciliation, not domination, and oppression.
It is a prayer that demands the active participation of the supplicant. It does not look to God for help while sitting back passively and watching things deteriorate. As Paul says, we labour with God. Indeed, without God, we can do nothing, but we are partners in God's work of transformation. When God transforms people, they are transformed in the image of the transformer. We cannot be satisfied with mere change. We seek the total transformation of people from within so that, in turn, they can become instruments of change and transformation. We are children of God when we are involved in the work of peace-making. God has entrusted us with the work of reconciliation. We work together with God to make this world a better place for all.
Transformation implies a new creation based on the justice and mercy of God. It begins when justice is done so that peace can be established. In the Palestinian context, justice will be achieved when the Israeli illegal occupation of our country is terminated. Built on the firm foundation of justice, a peaceful coexistence of a Palestinian state and an Israeli state, one alongside the other, is the goal we work for. Transformation, however, goes beyond the attainment of justice and peace. It must open the way for the reconciliation and forgiveness that only God's mercy can make possible. Transformation is realized when Israelis and Palestinians - Jews, Muslims and Christians - recognize their common God-given humanity and live together in peace as good neighbours.
The prayer seeks a comprehensive transformation. Our world has become so small that what happens in one area affects other areas, sometimes very drastically. Injustice in one place has ramifications in other places. We cannot be selfish when we pray and work for transformation. It has to embrace all the people of the world. This is a prayer that transcends denominationalism, ethnicity and racism. It reaches out to all. Although as Palestinians we feel our pain and we work and pray for the end of the occupation of our country, we cannot be parochial. We must remember our brothers and sisters in other places who are also living under oppressive forces and seeking liberation. Transformation is never complete so long as there are oppressed people suffering under the yoke of domination. The challenge is always to work with God for the transformation of the world.
Let us pray God, in your grace, transform the world. And the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us always. Amen.
Rev. Dr Naim Ateek, an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church, is the founder and director of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. A leading Palestinian Christian theologian, he has published, among other books, Justice and Only Justice, a Palestinian Theology of Liberation (Orbis, 1989). He lives and works in Palestine/Israel.
16. THE PASTOR’S CORNER: FROM CRADLE TO CROSS - FROM PAUPER TO PRINCE:
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord… 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2: 22 & 24)
Joseph and Mary took the baby, Jesus to Jerusalem “to be consecrated to the Lord” and made “a sacrifice in keeping with the Law of the Lord - a pair of doves or two young pigeons. Leviticus 12: 6-8 tells us, “If she cannot afford a lamb…she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons.” Jesus was born into a very humble an obedient family.
What applications can we make for our lives today? (a) We are to be humble and obedient agents of God in this world. As we see above, God used this humble, obedient family to bring His Son into the world. As we humble ourselves before God, God will bring His presence into the world through us. (b) Come as you are and go with what you’ve got! Where we start from is not as significant as where we go from there. (c) What we have or what we do for a living do not determine our value as human beings. We are all the same in the eyes of our Creator.
As we live humble obedient lives, God brings exaltation, salvation, and strength to our lives – we go from being “paupers to princes and princesses” in the Kingdom of God.
1. Exaltation - Philippians 2: 5-11 tell us that we are to have the same attitude as Christ (v. 5). Christ was humble and obedient to the Father (v. 6-8). God, the Father then exalted Christ (v. 9-11). What does God then expect of us today? That we would be humble and obedient to the Father just as His Son, Jesus was. And, that we are to allow God to exalt us and not ourselves, as we seek to please Him.
2. Salvation - Romans 3: 10-24 express some essential realities of the human condition. First, we are all unrighteousness (v. 10). Second, we are all sinners (v. 23). Third, we are justified freely by God’s grace (v. 24). Freely means there is no charge or costs, we cannot purchase our justification before God for ourselves. Grace describes God’s gift to us; unmerited favor toward us; we cannot deserve are earn it. This is a difficult proposition for many to accept. Why? Because, we are all now the same, sinners before a Holy God. The playing field is now level; no personal privileges or advantages belong to any individual. I cannot be “good enough” on my own to be justified before God; I cannot point to my own actions as a basis for being elevated above others. We must come humbly to God as paupers, with nothing to offer, simply receiving freely what God has given as a gift, salvation through Jesus Christ.
3. Strength - II Corinthians 12: 7-10 remind us of Paul’s confession of his dependence on God as Paul petitioned God to remove a chronic condition under which Paul suffered. Jesus responded, “My power is made perfect in weakness (v. 9).” Paul concluded, “For when I am weak, then I am strong (v. 10).” What are the implications for our lives today? I am to depend on Him; that is where the strength is! As I humble myself before God and do it God’s way, I have God’s power to live.
Ephesians 2: 8-10 summarizes all we have shared above. We receive Christ based on God’s grace. Our salvation comes to us only as a gift from God. We cannot earn it or deserve it. The coming of the Son of God in His humble state sets the path for those who would come to the Father. We are exalted when we are humble enough to receive Christ discarding any righteousness based on our own merit. We are given the strength to live out God’s plan and purpose for our lives as we humbly accept God’s grace and direction for our lives. This Christmas season let us remember Christ’s humble and obedient beginnings on this earth. As we humble ourselves as paupers, God saves, exalts, and strengthens us to be His princes and princesses. We go from being “paupers to princes.”
Pastor James M. Moody, Sr.
Quinn Chapel AME Church
2401 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
