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. EDITORIAL - THE WORSHIP AND CHALLENGES OF WORSHIP IN THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a spirit-filled Church. The African Methodist Episcopal Church welcomes all worshipers, regardless of race or ethnic background. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a liturgical Church. We have an order of worship that is found in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, The AME Hymnal and the AMEC Book of Worship.
During worship, AME congregations participate through verbal and non-verbal responses. Some worshippers are contemplative and others are more expressive. AME worship involves readings from the Holy Scripture, singing of hymns, offering of prayers and by receiving Holy Communion. Worship is corporate in nature, because the congregation shares in all aspects of the liturgy. AME worship is active and worshippers participate in the acts of worship, which is why we refer to the people sitting in the pews as, “the congregation” and not as, “the audience.” In worship there should be a time of silence because silence at various intervals provides time for worshippers to think and reflect on his or her personal experience with God.
I remember in my childhood, seeing AME worshipers, upon entering the Nave, would first sit and bow in meditation or prayer before participating in corporate worship. I was always taught to sit and bow in meditation before participating in worship. I do not see laity or clergy doing that as much today. It is interesting that the rubric for The Prelude in the Order for Morning Worship in the AMEC Book of Worship (page 9) instructs worshipers to be in reverent meditation. The Rubric for The Postlude (Page 15) says, “Our members are reminded that they should sit quietly for a moment and then depart to serve.”
Worship in AME Churches sometimes varies from church to church and from region to region. Some AME Churches are expressive in worship with shouts of, “Amen” or “Praise the Lord.” Other churches are more sedate and are not as expressive; and, in other churches, there is a mixture of expressive worship and contemplative worship. The AME Church has “high church” and “low church” worship; and in some instances, a combination of both. One is not better than the other; it is tradition and preference.
Today, some of our local churches are in worship transition and some AME pastors are revising or “borrowing” liturgical and non-liturgical worship forms from other religious traditions, and sometimes deleting traditional AME liturgy.
I am not sure that “liturgy” is the culprit in the, “used to be AME” phenomenon.” I, personally, have never met a former AME who said, they left because of the order of worship or the Decalogue; on the contrary, most expressed their love of the AME liturgy and their love for the AME Church. When pressed on why they changed denominations or why they attend non-denominational churches, the answers almost always involved pastoral leadership (or lack of pastoral leadership) or the local church’s lack of relevance to the parishioners’ daily lives or what was going on in the community. Others said that they were tired of hearing pastors beg for money and were tired of all of the bickering in the local church. And there were others who expressed dismay because they often felt worse at the end of worship because the worship experience lacked spiritual authenticity and meaning; and that is a leadership issue.
When Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose-Driven Church, was trying to grow his congregation and surveyed people in the community, he was told by them that “they yearned for a friendly welcome, quality child care, a sermon that had a pragmatic message for their weekday lives and an overreaching sense that the church cared more about each member as a person than as a revenue stream.”
I believe that our challenge for the African Methodist Episcopal Church is consistency, authenticity and a genuine love for Christ; and for our sacred Zion. We need an inner-revival, within ourselves. Pastors need an inner-revival to recapture the enthusiasm that they had when they were called to the ministry.
Too many of our pastors and laity have “become weary in well-doing.” We need to recapture our love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church or move on into the ranks of, “I used to be an AME pastor” or “I used to be an AME.”
Worship in an AME Church, wherever in the world a particular AME Church is located; AMEs should know that they are in an AME Church. In churches where there is “shouting and praise” and in churches where there is “no shouting and no outward expressions of praise,” we ought to know that we are in an AME Church.
We need to preach more of Jesus, the Christ, and “the Good News” instead of focusing only upon the Old Testament horror stories. And, even when we preach Old Testament messages, we need to incorporate the Good News of Jesus Christ. We need to preach relevant sermons that speak to the needs of our parishioners today.
And I know that this is heretical, but some of us need to throw away all of our old sermon manuscripts and sermon outlines and start over again. When it gets to the place where parishioners know what we are going to say next, it’s time to get some new material.
Our church members need to read the Bible more and to become biblically literate and more spiritual and have a genuine love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church; both for the Connectional and local church.
And, finally, we need to engage the unaffiliated, the disaffected, and the spiritual seekers and maintain a healthy relationship with the members we already have.
2. THANK YOU - TO THE FRIENDS OF QUINN CHAPEL, CHICAGO:
It is with overflowing gratitude that I am writing to announce that on Wednesday evening, November 13, 2007 Quinn Chapel was the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Partners in Preservation Program sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Thank you!
The $100,000 grant was the second largest award presented to any of the twenty-five sites competing for funding through this venture.
Thanks to you, WE ALL WON! This effort galvanized persons from around the world as we joined together to vote for Quinn Chapel. Every person who voted and who sent emails encouraging others to vote is a winner. We all celebrate this blessing together.
We’re all aware of the legendary history and cultural significance of Quinn Chapel. By participating in this effort, you too are now a part of this legendary story. The walls and halls of this historic site reverberate with the promises, pains, and passions of the great men and women who came before us. Together, we’re making history again. We now stand along side such well known persons as Frederick Douglass, George Washington Carver, Ida B. Wells, Booker T. Washington, Susan B. Anthony, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, M. L. King, Sr., and M. L. King, Jr.
You now have the opportunity to extend this legendary legacy for generations to come by giving generously to the restoration of one of the worlds most significant historic and cultural sites. Your gift helps build a bridge that transcends time and links future generations to the solid foundation of our past.
Giving is made easy by simply clicking on the National Trust for Historic Preservation web page devoted to Quinn Chapel - http://member.nationaltrust.org/quinnchapel.
Or, you can send your check or money order payable to:
Quinn Community Services Alliance of Chicago
c/o Quinn Chapel AME Church
2401 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
Thank you again, for your tremendous support. The preservation of this American Treasure is being accomplished because of you.
Gratefully Yours,
Pastor James M. Moody, Sr.
Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago, IL
Editor’s Note: The Christian Recorder family extends its congratulations to Pastor Moody, the officers, and the members of Quinn Chapel, Chicago. Thanks to all of our subscribers and friends who signed up and participated in this initiative.
3. MORE MIRACLES IN THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT: NEW FAMILY LIFE CENTER FOLLOWS EARLY PAYOFF OF MILLION-DOLLAR SANCTUARY:
“It is so!” announced Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller, Senior Pastor at Mount Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church in Towson, MD (just north of Baltimore) earlier this year. Throwing a hand into the air, Rev. Ann, who is also a candidate for the Office of Bishop in 2008, declared, “The factory is coming down!”
“It is so!” came back the cry from hundreds of Mt. Calvary’s members at the 11 a.m. service. “The factory is coming down!”
It wasn’t the first time the congregation of nearly 2-thousand had stepped out in faith for a new building. A year earlier the members of Mt. Calvary had actually prepared the ground for a new Family Life Center even though the land hadn’t been cleared. Because they wanted to demonstrate that they knew how to be obedient to the visions of God, hundreds gathered in the spring of 2006 to celebrate what Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller called a faith groundbreaking.
First, the Mt. Calvary family hung a huge yellow sign announcing the new Family Life Center. Then, with big, bright yellow bows tied around their shovels, some of the younger members at Mt. Calvary began to symbolically prepare the earth.
Joining Rev. Ann and Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church at the faith groundbreaking were her husband, Reverend Stanley Fuller of Grace Baptist Church in Baltimore, the Chief Deputy Minority Whip, William J. Frank, and State Delegate Adrienne Jones.
The old factory that loomed behind them had been next to historic Mt. Calvary A.M.E. for 61 years. Originally, the factory known as the Maryland Etching Company made etched nameplates; it became Technigraphics of Maryland in 1983. The factory and the more than 100-year old A.M.E. church remained good neighbors as each expanded over the years. So much so that when Technigraphics decided to move out of Towson, the owner gave Rev. Lightner-Fuller and Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church the first opportunity to purchase its land and buildings.
That offer, however, came just as Pastor Ann and Mt. Calvary were completing another miracle: paying off a 15-year sanctuary mortgage, ten years ahead of schedule. But shortly after the mortgage burning ceremony in December 2002, John Richard Bryant, the 106th elected Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, arrived with a special message for the newly debt-free church on the last Sunday in the year.
“God told me to tell you what you just finished ain’t nothing but the foundation,” Bishop John Bryant declared in a loud, booming voice.
“People around the country and the world are going to notice that Mt. Calvary is building a miracle center here.”
“In fact,” Bishop John went on to say with one finger jabbing the air, “word is going to get out that if you want a blessing or need a healing, the place to go is Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church in East Towson.”
That’s when Mt. Calvary and its Senior Pastor, Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller knew they would be fulfilling God’s vision by expanding their territory. They purchased the property next door, without hesitation, a few months later in 2003. After obtaining many permits and attending several certificate hearings Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church held its faith groundbreaking last year to celebrate its progress with God’s vision.
Finally, at midnight on May 20, 2007, the old factory stood quietly waiting for the new life the bulldozers would bring as they cleared the land for a new three-story Family Life and Education Center.
Shortly after 10 a.m. on May 21, 2007, city workers began preparing the building for demolition. First, they carefully removed the Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church banner and the Technigraphics sign.
Then, the street began to fill with East Towson neighbors who joined the trustees, stewards, members, friends, and Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller to cheer the bulldozers and workers as they tore down the old factory.
Rev. Ann with more than 22 years of pastoral service… gave a big thumbs up!
Her daughter-in-law, Vickie, and her grandchildren, Aliyah and Lawren got ready with handkerchiefs to cover their mouths from the falling dusty bricks and boards.
And, many of the older members recalled how they had either attended school or lived at one time in the old factory.
When the old building was completely razed and the land cleared, Mt. Calvary’s huge yellow banner was placed on a fence at the empty site to mark yet another miracle: the coming of a new $3-million dollar state-of-the-art Family Life Center.
The three-story building is expected to be completed in eight months in 2008. When finished the new Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church Family Life Center will provide much needed space for the growing needs of an increasing number of ministries, church administration services, and community outreach programs. In addition to new classrooms and offices, the meeting rooms and fellowship space will make Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church an important Hub in the East Towson community. Everything is now ready for more celebration.
Just as victory was claimed on Christmas Eve 2002 when Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church sent its final mortgage payment to the bank, ten years early… the church and its pastor, Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller are expecting another miracle by Christmas eve of 2008. With the support of Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate, Second Episcopal District, the church and Rev. Ann acknowledge that God is pushing them forward to enlarge and stretch His vision.
Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller has told her beloved church family that the biblical promise of increase is a reality at Mt. Calvary because of the faith and faithfulness of God’s people who worship and work there. It is clear that as Mt. Calvary prepares to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of its million-dollar sanctuary in December 2007, the members continue to demonstrate that they are positioned for the next level of Kingdom building. Visitors to Mt. Calvary these days are likely to hear in-between the frequent words of praise, a familiar joyful refrain: “It is so! The factory is down; the Family Life Center is on its way!”
Submitted by Gloria Gibson, Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church, Communications Committee
4. THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SOUTHWEST GEORGIA CONFERENCE W.M.S. & Y.PD. ANNUAL RETREAT:
*Ms Pansy McLendon
On Saturday, August 18, 2007 the Sweet Soul Saving Sixth Episcopal District of the Southwest Georgia Conference Women’s Missionary Society and the Children’s and Young Peoples’ Division met for a day of “Keeping it Real: Taking it to the Streets.” Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. as we gathered at the Sumter County High School in Americus, Georgia. Attendees were greeted by Conference W.M.S. President, Sister Pansy McLendon, First Vice W.M.S. President, Sister Geraldine Duncan and Conference Y.P.D. Director, Sister Terri Wooden. Though it was early morning, excitement filled the air. The young people were uniformly dressed in their green and white; while the missionaries were dawned in their “Daughters of Destiny, Distinction and Decision” royalty T-shirts. Yes, they were “Keeping it Real.”
Our devotional services were conducted by Y.P.D. Director, Sister Wooden and the youth. Sister Wooden extended a hearty welcome and gave an overview of the day’s activities. At the presentation of Sister McLendon, the group rose to their feet to greet her. Sister McLendon welcomed the group with enthusiasm and high praise, and her “southern” welcome was well received. Sister McLendon offered a moment of silent prayer for the family of one of our Life Members, Sis. Juanita Tiller, whose daughter was killed in a car accident just hours prior to the convening of the Retreat.
First Vice W.M.S. President, Sister Geraldine Duncan took hold of the reign and had the Area W.M.S. Chairpersons introduce the representatives from various areas of the Conference who had come to share with us. Of course the first thing we had to do was to make sure we all were awake, so exercise, that’s right “Meditation ‘n’ Calisthenics”; no one can do it like Sister Frenchy Hodges. When she finished with us, we were well awake.
Sister Ruby Smith, Director of the Friend on a Mission Homeless Shelter located in Americus, GA. Sister Smith brought to our attention that homelessness is not just linked to any one gender, race, religious denomination, education level or occupational status. She stated that homelessness is present; but through prayer and the work of missionaries it can become someone’s past. And a question that many of us probably have asked ourselves, “What Do You Do, When You Don’t Know What To Do?” Rev. Veronica Lewis, Pastor of St. Phillips AMEC; gave us a number of scriptures we could read; but when the rubber met the road, it was simple: Prayer; it changes things! Third- Vice W.M.S. President, Sister Sabrina Pryor presented a skit on Membership and Recruitment. During the skit they challenged us to make our meeting more meaningful by being timely, positive, work with an attitude of interdependence, sharing and collaboration. Expect to get out of your meeting, just what you put into it, put your all and receive all.
Of course, no event is complete without FOOD, we enjoyed the “All American Meal” of hotdogs, fried chicken and southern grown watermelon; all missing was the good old fashion apple pie.
“Keeping it Real and Taking it to the Streets”, made many of us realize that there a number of ways we as missionaries can get involved. Sister McLendon thanked Sister Duncan, Sister Wooden and their committee for the planning and preparation of the Retreat as well as for their work of missions.
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the 6th District
Dr. PAM DeVeaux, 6th District WMS Supervisor
Mrs. Shirley T. Washington, 6th District WMS President
Ms. Pansy McLendon, Southwest Georgia WMS President
*Ms Pansy McLendon is the Southwest Georgia Conference President
5. THE 7TH DISTRICT’S 2007 SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Submitted by Brother Benjamin Harrison
Monday, September 17th to Friday, September 21st, the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Charleston for the fourth of its 2007 annual conferences entitled the South Carolina Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church located at 110 Calhoun Street in Charleston, S.C., where Rev. Stephen Singleton is pastor. The South Carolina Conference is comprised of the Charleston, Edisto, and Beaufort Districts. This 144th session makes it the oldest of six annual conferences and with 28 churches in the Charleston District, 33 in the Edisto District, and 28 in the Beaufort District; the South Carolina Conference contains more than 25,000 A.M.E. members. Founded in 1818, Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church is one of the oldest A.M.E. Churches south of Philadelphia, P.A. and is considered the A.M.E. ‘Mother Church’ of the American South.
The following article is derived from the resolution which was submitted by The Rev. Randolph Miller, pastor of Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, and the South Carolina Annual Conference Resolution Committee.
The presence of the Lord is here as we make our report in Charleston, S.C., the ‘Holy City,’ at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church under the awesome leadership of our presiding prelate, Bishop Preston Warren William II, and our beloved Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. The conference continues to lift Mother Williams in prayer as God continues to heal her. We thank God for another year!
We were met on the grounds of the church by the host Presiding Elder John H. Gillison and Mrs. Gillison and associate Presiding Elders Samuel Myers and Mrs. Myers and John Randolph and Mrs. Randolph. The conference is also praying for Presiding Elder Randolph, and Rev. Christopher Smith was asked to stand in his place and bring the Charleston District to the annual conference.
Tuesday morning the protocol and boundaries were established and we prepared for the opening worship convocation and celebration of Holy Communion. The Rev. Albertha Cook delivered an inspired message entitled, “A Place Called Hope!” The business session began with the reading of reports from Elder Samuel Myers and the Beaufort District, and Bishop Williams presented Rev.’s I. Waddy and C. Wright as candidates for the Episcopacy.
Tuesday evening’s WMS program began at 7:00 p.m. under the theme, “Soaring on a Legacy of Service: Our Global Imperative,” with Ms. Gloria Robinson as worship leader. Mrs. Bernice Sanders, Episcopal WMS President, stated that she was proud of the work that has been accomplished by the WMS in 2007. The featured speaker was Mrs. Lizette Williams who spoke on, “Continuing the Legacy!” She professed that through all the changes we experience in life, we must keep our hands in God’s hand and know that everything will be alright!
During Wednesday morning’s business session Bishop Williams encouraged all delegates to pay the assessments of the church in that the connectional church must meet its general budget. Bishop Williams admonished pastors to take charge of their congregations, encouraged them to love their congregations, and taught that if problems arise, pastors must sit down and work them out with their congregations. The business session continued with the reading of reports from Rev. Christopher Smith and the Charleston District.
The afternoon meditation was led by Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Episcopal Dean of Christian Education, who read from 2 Corinthians 13:1-5, on the subject, “A Self-Examination.” Dr. Keith stated that some of us believe we have all the answers and have therefore created a false sense of self-righteousness. He continued by stating that God is watching us and so we must live our lives in line with the word of God; that we will know who we are when we spend time with God because God is in control; that when we go through tests and trials it is for us to see who we are in God and if we are walking in His favor; that we must trust and believe in God and keep our focus on Him so that we will not look for natural signs, but instead will have the power of God on the inside; that we must examine ourselves to determine where we are weak and lacking, as well as sufficient and strong; and that God is able to carry us through it all!
During the afternoon business session the Charleston, Edisto, and Beaufort Districts elected Presiding Elders Gillison, Myers and Randolph and Pastors Stephen Singleton, Eddie Gaston, Albertha Cook, Lawrence Gordon and Christopher Smith as delegates to the 2008 General Conference. Rev.’s Julius Steed, William Alston, Moses Miller, John Mack, Brenda Thornhill, Edward Alston, J.P. Brown and Robert Stokes were elected as alternates.
Wednesday evening’s program was led by our Young People’s Division, and the youth displayed their various talents and conducted another successful evening of youth witness.
Thursday was Christian Education Day. District reports were read and Sis. Kabrina Bass, Episcopal CED Administrator/Director, and Dr. Willie Heggins, Assistant CED Dean/Administrator, thanked the presiding elders, pastors and congregation for all of their help in promoting the various Christian education events throughout the year. Ms. Bass conducted a seminar entitled, “The Church Then – The Church Now,” and handed out a church readiness inventory for the congregation to fill out which came from the book, “Moving from Good to Great.” The purpose of the inventory was to provide a starting point from which churches could more clearly see where their ministries are heading. Ms. Bass clarified that, “We are here to fulfill the work of God and so we must ask Him what our gifts and purposes are. God has called us to meet the needs of people and so we must live by His standards and remain in His presence.”
Ms Bass discussed the seven passions of the early church: intimate worship, faith-based conversation, intentional spiritual growth, servant-hood, resource investment, spiritual friendships, and family faith, and how they should apply to the church of today. She stated, “We must learn to share God’s love with our family and community and we must desire to be more like Christ. We must seek the presence of God and make that our main focus like the church of Acts.”
Ms Bass offered an overview of the local church and informed us that many of today’s worshippers are leaving churches in that they often hold no loyalty to specific denominations. She argued that people are going where they can experience spiritual growth. She also discussed the generational gap in the church divided between four main groups: the ‘Builders’ born between 1927-1945, who are traditional and process oriented; the ‘Boomers’ born between 1946-1964, who desire quality preaching and a great worship experience; the ‘Busters’ born between 1965-1983, who need ministry in a warm atmosphere; and the ‘Mosaics’ born between 1984-2003, who have no boundaries and engage in several religions. Ms. Bass concluded by pointing out that a church made up of such diverse members must also have equally diverse ministries to meet each group’s needs.
Later, Danny Crooks, a local historian, relayed the story of Daniel Cornelius Duncan who was lynched for a crime he did not commit in 1910. Mr. Crooks wanted the conference to discuss establishing a D. Ward Nichols adult prison ministry, a L. Ruffin Nichols institute for juvenile offenders, and a Daniel Cornelius Duncan scholarship at the College of Charleston. Mr. Crooks has written a book about the event entitled, “Dead Weight.”
That afternoon, Bishop Williams presented to the conference the Mayor of Charleston, Mr. Joseph P. Riley Jr., who commended the Bishop for his excellent leadership and the A.M.E. Church for its commitment to the community. Mayor Riley spoke of the African American Museum to be built at the end of Calhoun Street.
Thursday’s ‘Hour of Power’ with Allen University revitalized the congregation. Rev. Deborah P. Carter served as worship leader and the congregation sang, “There is not a Friend!” After a spirit filled prayer by Rev. Sinclair Frasier, followed by Rev. Donna Green who read from Psalm 121, the congregation’s hearts were lifted higher by music from the Allen University Choir.
Rev. Dr. Charles Young, President of Allen University, presented a dynamic message from Romans 1:14-17 entitled, “The Ingredients for a Powerful Ministry!” Rev. Young told us that we must be obligated to what God has called us to do and we must be committed to the ministry; we must be prepared for the particular course and purpose to which God has assigned us; and we must not be ashamed of the Gospel, for only God has the power to save, heal, deliver, and set free!
Thursday evening’s worship service was conducted by the Lay Organization under the theme, “Team Building, Mentoring, and Leadership Skills for Clergy and Lay.” The pastors ensemble provided the music and the Power Point presentation led by Rev. Dr. James Cooper was extremely informative on how the lay and pastors can work together to build a better church.
Friday morning’s business session began with the presentation of the class of admissions. The candidates for ordination were presented. Augustin Aman, Maxwell Samuel, Otis Smalls and Andre Thornhill were presented for itinerant deacons, and Crystal Thornhill was presented for ordination as itinerant elder. The recommendations from the committees were received and there were three requests for retirement: Rev.’s Thomas McClary, Terence Mackey, and Oscar Odom.
The Rev. Joseph A. Darby, pastor of historic Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, delivered the ordination message taken from Luke 5:8-11. In his message entitled, “It’s Fishing Time,” Rev. Darby told the candidates that their ordination is just the beginning, and that they must allow Jesus to lead if they are going to be a good fisherman of souls.
The afternoon session began with the Church School lesson taught by Rev.’s Sigmund, J.P. Harrison, and Barbara Fludd, about Hagar and Ishmael from the book of Exodus, followed by a memorial service for Rev.’s Carole Priester and Johnny Johnson.
The closing worship service was truly an experience to witness and remember! Bishop Williams delivered a dynamic sermon entitled, “Locked Behind Open Doors!” He preached that God will give us the power to do the work He has assigned to us, and that God has seen all of our scars and sins and still He forgives us. The names of the delegates to the General Conference, financial reports, and pastoral appointments were all read.
We profusely thank Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Mother Williams for leading us to a new and exciting level in service and education. We thank the host pastor, Rev. Stephen Singleton, Mrs. Singleton, and all the members of Mother Emanuel for their exceptional hospitality in hosting the annual conference. You left no stone unturned and we the members of the conference say thank you! We would also like to thank the members of Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church for graciously hosting Bishop Williams and his guests. Be it finally resolved that the 144th session of the South Carolina Annual Conference will go down in history as one of the most spiritual, educational, and uplifting conferences we have ever experienced!
*Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th District, AME Church
6. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NORTH CAROLINA INITIATIVE FORM PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN VANCE COUNTY:
Rev. Cassandra Sparrow
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Community Development Initiative (Initiative) and the Second District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church are joining hands in a historic partnership designed to bring much-needed economic development to a rural area in Vance County, just north of the Triangle.
The Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. (R.E.D.) is a free-standing 501 (C) 3 organization that has full ownership of the Kittrell property, a historic site of the AME Church. R.E.D. is comprised of a membership of persons in North Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland.
The property, which is controlled by the R.E.D. Board, encompasses 238 acres near the community of Kittrell, just off U.S. Route 1 in Vance County, roughly eight miles south of Henderson.
Preliminary plans call for the development to include a variety of housing opportunities; a conference center; a youth development center; a training site for churches and corporations; a senior housing complex; and a counseling center for ministers and churches. Leaders of both the Initiative and R.E.D. are hopeful that a site plan can be approved next year, and within the next eighteen months they will be operating from a temporary facility. The first stages of construction will be completed within three to four years.
Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr., Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, said the project will bring affordable housing, jobs and new energy to an area that badly needs it.
“This is a great day for the Second District AME Church and R.E.D., but also for Vance County and the people of Kittrell,” he said. “This development will be a shot in the arm for everyone involved. We can’t wait to get started.”
Abdul Rasheed, CEO of the Raleigh-based Initiative, agreed.
“We’re delighted to be a part of this partnership,” Rasheed said. “Anytime we can reach into a community and offer some help; it’s a great day. To be able to do it with a partner like the Second District AME Church and R.E.D. simply makes it all the sweeter.”
The agreement calls for the Initiative to provide technical assistance to R.E.D. for the project — and the expectation is that the Initiative will also be the co-developer.
The property is rich with history, having been the site of a well-known hotel and spa that boasted healing waters from a nearby mineral spring. During the Civil War, the hotel site was converted for use as a hospital. In the late 19th Century, the site was home to the AME Church’s Kittrell College. Plans call for the new development to be adjacent to the original campus.
The Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. is a North Carolina nonprofit corporation that also serves constituents in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. R.E.D. serves over 360 churches and 114,000 members and community residents, with real estate valued at $170 million.
Community economic development, health, social services and education and youth development are among the organization’s priorities. Many beneficiaries of the organization’s efforts are those with an AME heritage and strong commitment to improving, equipping, and empowering people in the mid-Atlantic region. For more information, visit www.2NDAMEC.org.
The North Carolina Community Development Initiative is a statewide public-private partnership that provides leadership and capital investment to high performance community development corporations — as well as other community based economic development endeavors — to improve the quality of life for people in low resource communities all over North Carolina. Nationally recognized for its work, the Initiative and its grantees are involved in worthwhile projects and programs literally from the state’s mountains to the coast. For more information about the Initiative, visit www.ncinitiative.org
7. GROUND BREAKING FOR FIRST A.M.E. CHURCH INDIO, CALIFORNIA:
Rev. Timothy O. Costen, Jr.
On Sunday June 10, 2007 Rev. Timothy O. Coston Jr. and the members of First A.M.E. Church in Indio, California welcomed the long awaited event that signified an end to almost twenty years of struggle between the church and the City of Indio. Members of the church, the community, city officials, and other churches throughout the community were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new facility that will begin construction in July of this year.
The new church will be located at 44th Ave and Monroe St. and will once again be apart of a neighborhood community.
The neighborhood that once housed most of the First A.M.E. congregation was razed when the city used eminent domain in the 1980’s to pave the way for expansion of the Indio Fashion Mall by developer David Miller, owner of Miller’s Outpost clothing stores.
The mall expansion fell through due to lack of funding. Three churches and a couple of homes were all that remained standing in a four block vacant lot, in the heart of the city. This area, known as the John Nobles Ranch, was the first property owned by blacks in the City of Indio. First A.M.E. Church was incorporated in the same year that the City of Indio was established. Ironically, it was Rev. Coston’s father, Rev. Timothy O. Coston Sr., whose first pastoral assignment was First A.M.E. Indio, who initially led the marches against city hall in protest of the eminent domain proceedings.
Through much negotiation and prayer the church and city came to an agreement and the church property was purchased by the city for $1.5 million dollars. The city is now cooperating to assist the congregation in relocating to its new site.
Construction on the new church is estimated to take 7 to 9 months.
We thank God for using us and allowing us to be part of this historic event for both First A.M.E. and the City of Indio. We are honored to be part of the 5th Episcopal District’s Southern California Conference and would like to thank our bishop, the Right Reverend John R. Bryant and our presiding elder, Dr. Howard S. Gloyd for their prayers and support. We send a special thank you to Presiding Elder Norman D. Copeland for presiding over our groundbreaking services.
The new facility will be 6,600 square feet and have a worship capacity of 253.
8. ST. PETER AME CHURCH, FORT VALLEY, GEORGIA, CELEBRATES 124th ANNIVERSARY:
Brother Alphonso Ben Varner, Reporter
"Falling into the Spirit" was the theme of the 124th Anniversary of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Valley, Georgia. This glorious, historical event was held Sunday, November 11, 2007.
A season of new beginnings came to St. Peter AME Church on the fifth Sunday of May 2005 when the Reverend Bertram C. Smith was assigned by the Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux to serve as pastor.
St. Peter has made great strides of Christian commitment under the spiritual leadership team of Reverend Bertram and First Lady Wendolyn M. Smith.
Reverend Bertram C. Smith admirably served as worship leader. Brother Ruben Brown prayed a powerful anniversary prayer and he prayed for the veterans of the military forces, many of whom have given their lives that we may be free of tyranny, and free to pursue the good life.
The St. Peter Mass Choir rendered spiritual selections under the direction of Brother Gerald Lee, the minister of music. The sweet melodies also lifted the spirit of the congregation by singing, "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock."
Reverend Smith introduced the speaker of the hour, Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, the 113th elected and consecrated bishop of the AME Church. The Hymn of Preparation was one of Bishop DeVeaux's favorite hymns, "When Peace Like a River…"
Bishop DeVeaux used as his text, Numbers 13: 26-30, and masterfully preached on the subject, “Are You Able?”
Some key points:
1. The Israelite, Caleb took a positive stand by bringing back a report to Moses and the congregation, saying, let us go up at once, and possess the land of milk and honey; for we are well able to overcome it.
2. African Americans have been through some tough times - Slavery, the Ku Klux Klan, oppression, racism and we must constantly remind ourselves that we are able to overcome adversity.
3. When you question your capacity, you question God. We cannot survive having a negative attitude; God will not send you where God will not be with you.
4. Finally, Bishop DeVeaux stated in the form of a question, "Are you able to move forward in the name of God?”
A scrumptious 124th Anniversary dinner was prepared and served to the gathering by Brother Willie K. Harris and his competent staff.
Honors were bestowed upon the Pastor Smith, the Anniversary Steering Committee and the Anniversary Ministry Committee for their untiring, dedicated labor for planning and implementing a successful day of religious experiences which was par excellence.
The family of St. Peter saluted Pastor Bertram Smith, Brother Ashley Ballard, Chairperson, Sisters Willie Mae Johnson and Milenda Kincy, Vice Chairs for their expertise and labor of love.
To God be the glory for the great things He is doing in the ministry of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Valley, Georgia.
9. SARAH ALLEN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY FULFILLING THE MISSION – GOD’S WORD, GOD’S WILL, GOD’S WAY:
*Ms Pansy McLendon
The Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society of historic St. James AME Church in Columbus, GA continues to hold the banner of Christ high as we spread the love and gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our community.
One of our very special projects is our monthly Bible study and fellowship with the women of “The Damascus Way Home for Women and Children”. We continue to be blessed by our fellowship with the women of Damascus Way as we experience a growth in numbers as we study God’s Word. We share in the ups and the downs of our friends and continue to encourage them and lift them up before God because we know there is nothing too hard for God. We have also been blessed to start a monthly Bible Study with a group of men at West Central Georgia Regional Hospital. It is our prayer that we can encourage these men and strengthen their hearts through the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our lesson this month dealt with the reconciliation of Esau and Jacob as outlined in Genesis 33. We saw in the Scriptures the real power of forgiveness and how God’s grace and mercy is able to change hearts and minds. These two brothers had struggled most of their lives. Jacob, the younger, had tricked his brother Esau and deceived him by receiving the birthright and blessings that rightfully belonged to Esau. As a result of his deception, Jacob had to flee his homeland because Esau had vowed to kill him. Much occurred in the lives of both men in the twenty years they are apart – Jacob encountered God and built an altar at Bethel, he wrestled with an angel, and his name was changed from Jacob to Israel. Jacob, having committed his case to God according to Genesis 31:3 begins his journey back to his homeland. No matter what happens, nothing can come amiss to the person whose heart is fixed, trusting in God. Jacob bowed to Esau seven times and his household also showing that a humble, submissive behavior goes far towards turning away wrath. Esau ran to his brother and embraced Jacob and the two men wept together.
God has the hearts of all people in his hands, and can turn them when and how He pleases. It is not in vain to trust in God, and to call upon His holy name in the day of trouble. And when our ways please the Lord, He makes even our enemies to be at peace with us.
Esau received Jacob as a brother, and much tenderness passed between them. As missionaries, we believe our work is deeply rooted in the great commission which tells us, according to Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
There is work to be done in Columbus, GA and what God wants us to do is to have a heart for our local community and for the world that the whole world might come to know Jesus as their Savior. The key to being a missionary is simply being a witness for Jesus Christ, so we believe missionaries are not born but are made out of the ordinary run of individuals. The basic qualification is not intellectualism, but a yielded spirit, a devotion to the will of God, and a deep sense of a divine calling.
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the 6th District
Dr. Patricia DeVeaux, 6th District WMS Supervisor
Mrs. Shirley T. Washington, 6th District WMS President
Ms. Pansy W. McLendon, Southwest Georgia WMS President
Submitted by: Johnnie Mae Conaway, Local PME Director
*Ms Pansy McLendon the Southwest Georgia Conference President
10. KITTRELL COLLEGE REUNION A RESOUNDING SUCCESS:
Rev. Jimmy Faison
In 1885 a resolution was passed by the North Carolina Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for the establishment of a Normal and Industrial School to educate high school students. The site chosen was in Kittrell, NC which is located about thirty-five miles north of Raleigh, the state's capital.
Kittrell began its first session in 1886 and was chartered by the North Carolina Legislature in 1887 and the name of the school became Kittrell Institute adding a component for training clergy for service in the Church. In 1889 the institution's charter was amended to accommodate a post-secondary program. At the General Conference in 1892, the Educational District was changed to add the state of Maryland and District of Columbia to support Kittrell College along with Virginia and North Carolina which would comprise the 2nd Episcopal District.
Kittrell College was home to many students across the United States with a number of them coming, also, from Bermuda. Though the conditions were not the best, anyone who attended high school and college there left having developed a sense of loyalty to one another and to the school itself.
On Saturday, August 18, 2007, over two hundred former students gathered beside the road on Highway US #1 to unveil a historical marker. Mr. Roger Young of Clayton, NJ called a meeting in January, 2007 to organize for a Kittrell College Reunion beginning August 17-19. The event was a sellout with more than eighty-three interested Kittrellites having to be turned away because of space and planning. Amongst the notables attending the unveiling were: Vance County Sheriff Peter White; Warren County Commissioner Clinton Austin; Vance County School Board member Emerson Cash; Vance-Granville Community College representative Leo Kelly; and alumnus James Nicholson from the Class of 1938 who had the honor of officially removing the covering from the marker.
Mr. Kennis Harris, Director of the Kittrell Job Corps Center which now occupies the former school site, and his staff worked with and welcomed the Alumni on campus. Mr. Harris has expressed and interest in the history of Kittrell College and will be provided with a pictorial display of the former buildings and a collage of student life reflecting campus life thru 1975 when the school was closed.
This Reunion was dedicated to the late Mrs. Zula M. Jones who was a dormitory matron who was highly respected by all students. Mrs. Jones attended the previous reunions and was a life member of the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church. Plaques of appreciation were given to Presiding Elder L. G. Horton who was present, Presiding Elder B. Foust and Bishop P. R. Cousin in absentia.
A very noted period in the history of Kittrell was when students from Farmville, Virginia were given full scholarships to attend the high school program when their school system closed its doors rather than desegregate in 1956. The Presiding Bishop was Bishop F. M. Reid. Many of those students completed high school and college at Kittrell. A number of them were present to participate in reunion activities.
11. THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF THE BALTIMORE CONFERENCE CONVENED A DYNAMIC DISTRICT CONFERENCE:
Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. First Lady Irene P. Montague and the Eastern District of the African Methodist Episcopal, your Resolution Committee begs leave to read the following resolution:
The great Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference convened on Thursday, September 20, 2007 under the dynamic leadership of the charismatic, compassionate, capable Presiding Elder Ernest Lee Montague, Sr. at this land of pleasant living church on the eastern shore called Robinson African Methodist Episcopal in Grasonville, Maryland where the dapper, distinguished, daring Rev. Charles Matthew Robinson is the knowledgeable, charming and proud pastor; and
The worship service started promptly at 7:30 PM with the pastors of the Eastern District robed in black marching in to the hymn, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.”
The Rev. Ricky Spain did call the Eastern District Conference to worship and praise the Lord through his prayer which was followed by the prayer response of “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” The Robinson A.M.E. Church Choir lifted us higher in worship with an anthem followed by a soul stirring selection which challenged us to go to the enemy’s camp and take back what the devil stole from us.
The Rev. Cynthia Harvin did step to the podium and graciously introduced Presiding Elder Montague and spoke to the day he received his appointment from Bishop Vinton Anderson to become the elder of the Eastern District. She remembered how many friends and family members were filled with tears and congratulatory words excited about a new elder coming on the scene. Presiding Elder Montague followed her and introduced the preacher of the hour who was none other than the Reverend Charles Tyrone Sembly who is the Pastor of Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Randallstown Maryland. Elder Montague said that Rev. Sembly, Rev. Smith, and himself are the three musketeers and have been friends for over thirty years and nobody will ever be able to come between their friendships.
The illustrious guest choir from Union Bethel arrayed in their black attire and accompanied by First Lady Pamela Sembly took the church to higher heights and deeper depths with their renditions of There’s No God Like Jehovah, The Spirit of the Lord is Here, and Just Stand!
The Rev. Charles Sembly did come forward giving praise to God and accolades to his wife, friends and church family for supporting him with their presence. Rev. Sembly then led the church in the singing of “We Need To Hear From You” followed by the sharing of three scriptures which were: John21:15-17, Nehemiah 4:6c, and Luke 12:48. Rev Sembly told the church that if the pastors and lay of the Eastern District are going to be able to exalt Christ, expand his church, and enable his people then “You Can’t Do it by Yourself.” He preached us silly and had the church standing to it’s feet begging for more only to hear him say, “That’s all God gave me”.
And the service ended in a high spirit of praise and worship.
The conference opened on Friday morning, September 21, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. with opening devotions led by the Eastern District Praise Team. The first workshop of the morning was led by the Mr. Al Roche who is a fund development specialist. He spoke to us in reference to health wellness and fund raising. He was followed by the Rev. Angelique Mason who is the proud new pastor of Holy Trinity A.M.E. Church who taught us about church administration and effective leadership.
At the noon day hour the members of the Eastern District gathered in the sanctuary for an hour of power. Delivering the message at this service was the eloquent Rev. Pearl Lea Geter the proud and capable pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. in Denton Maryland. Adorned in a beautiful robe of gold and black Rev. Geter mounted the pulpit and shared two passages of scripture which was: Jeremiah 3:15 and Ephesians 4:11-13. Rev Geter told us that God told Jeremiah that he had chosen pastors after his own heart therefore pastors are called, chosen and appointed by God. Rev. Geter proceeded to expound prolifically on the theme “To Be a Pastor” reminding pastors that they are to be kind compassion shepherds like Jesus because they are accountable to God for the soul of the people. Rev. Geter was so on fire that she exited the pulpit and came to the aisle while every believer in the house stood and proclaimed, “Preach Pearl”. At the end of the sermon everyone was praising and thanking the Lord.
After lunch the pastors and delegates reconvened in the sanctuary for a workshop taught by Bro. Paul Kearney of St. James A.M.E. Church in Harve de Grace. He taught on using computers effectively for the ministry. This workshop was followed by the last workshop of the day which was on Church Growth taught by none other than the Rev. Cordell Hunter, the committed and faithful pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church Green Street.
The following committees made their reports:
1. Christian Education
2. Evangelistic Team
3. Presiding Elder’s Upkeep
The reports were received and adopted.
The Rev. Brian Thomas who presided over the evening service of “Praise Is What We Do” did usher us into the holy of holies! The House was filled with melody as the choirs and congregation sung Revive Us Again. The singers took us down memory lane with praises to the Lord. The choirs sang until the power of the Lord filled the Church. After wonderful melodious music the pastors formed a line around the church to thank Presiding Elder and First Lady Montague with gifts of love for their love, support, encouragement, and compassion shown to them daily. This wonderful service of music, song and appreciation ended with the senior members of the churches on the Eastern District being awarded $10.00 gift certificates which was in direct response of the efforts of Mrs. Rebecca Turner. This entire service was a heartfelt labor of love by Mrs. Turner and as the music continued to play long after the service was over we watched everyone leave with some pep in their step and a song on their heart. The atmosphere appeared to parallel what the disciples must have felt like in the gospels where it is recorded, “They sung a hymn and went out!”
The Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference expressed its deep debt of gratitude and appreciation to the host church, Robinson’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as to the gifted and brilliant host pastor, the Rev. Charles M. Robinson for rolling out the red carpet and treating us as royalty. They left no stone unturned and we dined on the finest of foods the Eastern Shore has to offer. Kudos and accolades to the Robinson Church Family for a job par excellent!!!!
The host pastor and Robinson’s A.M.E. were courteous, hospitable, friendly, assessable, and gracious throughout the annual conference.
The 2007 District Conference of Eastern District celebrated the ministry of Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. and First Lady Irene P. Montague; the pastors and laity have been energize, motivated, and encouraged to realize that together we will actualize the theme of this year’s District Conference: Exalting Christ, Expanding His Church and Enabling His People.
Submitted by the Resolution Committee
Rev Pearl Geter, Chairman
Rev. Marietta Ramsey
Rev. Bedelia Commodore
12. BLACK PEOPLE, INDIANS AND SKIN COLOR:
-By Antonette Jefferson
I was part of a study project in India and was intrigued with the caste system and, as an African American, I was curious about our differences and our similarities. I had studied with East Indians and knew Indian professors at Hampton University and they were all very nice, but I wondered about the caste system, which had never come up as a topic of discussion. I was also curious about how I would be accepted as a black American.
I visited a beauty salon while in India where I was encouraged to lighten my skin by choosing from a wide array of bleaching selections. I respectfully declined. On another occasion, a young Indian man indicated that he had noticed many people staring at me and he conjectured that if I had been “fairer,” I would have received more favorable responses. These experiences point to the reality of the politics of color and the intersecting oppressions of gender and race that are often faced by black women. To put a slant on Du Bois’ prediction of the color-line being the issue of the twentieth century, in the twenty-first century there is an issue of the color-line, which differentiates between the different hues of brown.
I was told that many Indians consider themselves brown, which is better, in their minds, than being a person of African descent, or a black person. This is not to paint a grim picture. Many of the Indians I spoke with had a genuine interest in the experiences of the blacks in America. One college student wanted to understand the experience of the “common” person. Another Brahmin caste gentleman said that he rejoiced when African American athletes won sporting events in the Olympics.
Despite these generally innocent assertions, I could not pretend that I was content with such observations. I felt compelled to speak of black intellectuals and scholars, artists and entrepreneurs, businesspersons and politicians, intent on disproving the notion that blacks were only successful in athletics. I also wanted to explain that many black people would be offended by being referred to as “common.” At least I was tempted to offend, until I realized that this young student also considered herself a “common” person. Nevertheless, I found myself emotionally engaged as I was asked questions about single mothers, how I washed my locks, and the experience of racism in America.
I welcomed those questions. On first promptings, I was inclined to explain the intricacies and complexities of the black experience from Marcus Garvey to Condoleezza Rice to Amos Wilson, from the UNIA to the Black Panther Party to SNCC, from Afrocentricity to the black perspective to black feminist thought. Trying to avoid being perceived as an angry black woman, I attempted objectivity by pouring out information, facts and statistics. I soon realized that I could not feign dispassion for a topic and experience with which I am inextricably linked, in part a product of, and passionate about—especially speaking to individuals who would have a somewhat divergent perspective because of cultural and ethnic factors as well as the unique intricacies of globalization.
And yet, I realized that I could not do the black experience its proper justice. I thought to myself: to understand the black experience, it is most likely that one has to be black. I began to feel it would be a fool’s errand to try and explain centuries of the Maafa in a brief conversation with one individual. But, it was still a liberating experience. I felt that the discretion I utilized was appropriate, that the information I shared was useful, and that I helped complicate the global discourse on the African American experience.
I found that the consubstantiality of the Indian and African American experience can help bridge the gap between people of color in order to challenge the hegemony of Eurocentrism. I was able to see the sameness between the struggle of the Bengali in India and people of African descent in America regarding the issue of the politics of color.
I reviewed over 200 matrimonial ads which I statistically analyzed.
My research found that there are common elements in the values of Americans and Indians. Of the 144 ads of men seeking wives that were investigated, 57.6% of the ads requested beautiful, good looking, pretty or attractive women. Thirty percent (30%) requested fair women. Twenty-three percent (23%) requested slim women. Of those who requested fair women, 43.2% also requested that they be slim. Of those who requested slim women, 55.9% also requested that these women be fair. Statistics regarding women seeking husbands revealed the extent to which women imbibed ideas about fairness and beauty. Twenty percent advertised as slim, and 56.7% advertised themselves as fair. Of the women who considered themselves beautiful, 80% also advertised themselves as fair. Therefore, it can be assumed that fairness is often associated with beauty.
This infatuation with fairness is evident in the fairness cream market in India. In a New York Times article, Didier Villanueva—country manager for L’Oreal India—praises the fact that “Half of the skin care market in India is fairness creams… and 60 to 65 percent of Indian women use these products daily” and asserts that “the idea of ‘glowing fairness’ has nothing to do with colonialism, or idealization of European looks, but is …as old as India… deeply rooted in the culture” (Timmons, New York Times, 2007).
Nevertheless, critics such as Shankar and Palaian, who wrote Fairness Creams in South Asia—A Case of Disease Mongering?, assert that “fairness cream manufacturers have exploited the preference for fair skin, portrayed it as a necessary requisite for success, and promoted the use of their product to achieve the ideal.”
Skin lightening is more than simply playing into the ideal of Eurocentric standards of beauty. Goon and Craven, authors of the 2003 article Whose Debt? Globalisation and White-facing in Asia, offer that skin lightening or whitening is an active process whereby persons are performing whiteness. Because whiteness connotes purity, beauty, perfection, and blemish-free, men and women of color live vicariously through a performance of whiteness, or bleaching of the skin. Goon and Craven assert that this performance of whiteness can be seen as rebellion, where women and men resist strict and rigid identity categorization and “boxing.” This is a new and interesting perspective, although it may not be accurate.
Thus, it becomes evident that the same global forces that are impinging upon people of African descent, telling them that their brown skin is not appealing, is also affecting others across the globe. This is just one manifestation of the oppression people of color experience.
In sum, the presenting issues can be expressed as follows. First, African Americans have a unique experience of oppression, an experience to which some Indians feel superior. Second, Indians experience a level of oppression similar to that oppression experienced by African Americans and endemic to people of color as result of Eurocentric hegemony. Third, the current practice of capitalism and various aspects of Eurocentricism have resulted in divide and conquer between people of color. Lastly, people of color may recognize their common bond and begin to challenge Eurocentric hegemony.
While these premises in no way encapsulate the full gamut of understanding the nuances of people of color in globalized society, it is a starting point by which we can begin to understand the disparate and linked histories and realities. As a black woman, I give primacy to ameliorating the issues in the black community and shedding light on the ways intersecting oppressions have affected, affect and will continue to affect people of African descent across the globe. In correcting the historical and present wrongs, however, I also recognize that it is a struggle of all people of color.
Editor’s Note: Ms Antonette Jefferson is a Ph.D. student at Howard University and was on of my outstanding students as an undergraduate at Hampton University.
13. UNITED METHODIST BISHOPS URGE IMMEDIATE IRAQ WITHDRAWAL:
NOTE: The full resolution is available at http://umns.umc.org
By Linda Green
Lake Junaluska, N.C. (UMNS) - Declaring war "incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ," the bishops of The United Methodist Church called on leaders of all nations to begin an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
The bishops also urged against deploying additional troops to Iraq and against establishing permanent military bases in the Middle Eastern country.
"This resolution is long overdue," said retired Bishop Clifton Ives before the Council of Bishops voted its approval on Nov. 9.
The action came during the council's semi-annual meeting at a United Methodist retreat center in western North Carolina. The council represents 11.5 million United Methodists in the United States, Africa, Europe and the Philippines. About 125 active and retired bishops from across the globe attended the Nov. 4-9 gathering.
In addition to calling for the immediate safe and full withdrawal of troops, the bishops called on the United States and other Coalition Force nations to initiate and support a plan for the reconstruction of Iraq, giving strong priority to the humanitarian and social needs of the Iraqi people. They urged increased support for veterans of the Iraq war and all wars.
The bishops said their position is based on Jesus Christ's call for "his followers to be peacemakers."
The resolution is the council's latest action questioning the Iraq war. In November 2005, the bishops urged U.S. President George W. Bush, who is United Methodist, to create a timeline to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.
Casualties of war
Before the latest vote, the council wrestled with turning the resolution from having a U.S.-centric focus into one with global emphasis to care for all people impacted by the war.
The bishops cited the deaths of more than 3,843 U.S. soldiers, 171 members of the United Kingdom military, 132 members of other Coalition military, the wounding of 28,385 U.S. soldiers and the deaths of at least 76,241 Iraqi civilians. They noted the war has displaced 2 million people and made refugees of 1 million others.
"Every day that the war continues, more soldiers and innocent civilians are killed with no end in sight to the violence, bloodshed and carnage," the resolution says.
The bishops called on United Methodists throughout the world to pray for peace; hold regular prayer vigils for congregations and communities; and care for all impacted by the war, including honoring the dead, healing the wounded and calling for an end to the war.
'Moral issue'
The council discussed the resolution over the course of two days before approving a final version on Nov. 9.
Retired Bishop Jack Meadors, of Edisto Beach, S.C., noted that 2007 has been the deadliest year for the U.S. military since the Iraq war began in 2003. He predicted the 4,000th American combat death will occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"The Iraq war is not just a political issue or a military issue. It is a moral issue," Meadors said. "War is sin. It is evil. War is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus."
Calling the resolution "a faith-based statement," Meadors said Christians must be "peacemakers that we might be known as children of God."
Bishop James Swanson of the Holston (Tenn.-Va.-Ga.) Conference said President Bush's intentions for entering the war may have been noble but that the results have been deadly.
"We as bishops are concerned about the loss of lives and any resulting effect once the war ends and the troops are removed," Swanson said. He added that, once the troops leave, "the church needs to be about helping the Iraqi people rebuild their lives."
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Reverend Charles L. Mixon on November 4, 2007. Reverend Mixon is the father of Reverend Albert C. Mixon, pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church, Eufaula, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Messages may be sent to:
Reverend & Mrs. Albert C. Mixon
857 Hwy 131
Eufaula, AL 36027
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Jacqueline McDonald on November 3, 2007. Mrs. McDonald is the sister of Reverend Joseph A. Hall, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church (Homewood), Birmingham, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Messages may be sent to:
Reverend Joseph A. Hall & Family
2311 Cherry Avenue
Hueytown, AL 35023
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
17. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
