THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (5/1/08)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. EDITORIAL - THE BIBLE AND THE TEACHING MINISTRY IN THE LOCAL CHURCH:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Last week I led a session at the 2008 Annual Ministries in Christian Education Training/Planning Meeting that was held in Columbus, Ohio, entitled, “the Bible and the Teaching ministry.” I am sharing in this editorial a portion of what I shared with the participants. My presentation began with an overview of the Bible and that’s the portion of the presentation that I am sharing.

The Bible is the primary resource in ministry in local churches; and the Bible is first and foremost in biblical teaching and preaching.

More than twenty-five centuries ago, an anonymous Jewish poet wrote an elaborate and lengthy prayer that included this exclamation: O how I love your teaching! It is my study all day long. (Psalm 119: 97).

When using the Bible as a resource, it is good to understand how Bibles are different.

To start with, Bible translations are broken down into:

1) Meaning-based or functional equivalent – Contemporary English Version, Good News Translation

2) Word-for-word translation (or formal equivalent) – King James Version

3) Formal translation – New American Bible (NAB)

4) Blend of form-based and meaning-based translation types – New International Version, the New Revised Standard Version

5) Meaning-based (or functional equivalent), toward more of a word-based (or formal equivalent) translation - New American Bible the New Jerusalem Bible, The Living Bible.

6) Formal translation “word-for-word” type translation of the Bible – New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Hebrew Bible is referred to as the Tanakh. The Tanakh is an acronym for Torah (Five Books of Moses or Pentateuch), Nevi'im (Prophets; the second division of the Tanach), and the Ketuvim (Holy writings / History). Tanakh is the term designating the canon used by Jews and which Christians call the, Old Testament.

The Septuagint is the Greek translation, which replaced the Hebrew and Aramaic as the vernacular of the Tanach; the designation "Seventy" comes from the belief that the translation was produced by seventy scribes from Jerusalem.

Masoretic text (MT) is referred as the received form of the Tanach that was edited and standardized by the Masoretes, Jewish scholars who added points (vowels), circa the seventh to ninth centuries C.E.

Of course, those who teach the Bible have to understand how the Bible is laid out. A simple outline of the Bible consists of two divisions, the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Outline of the Bible

- The Old Testament: (39 Books)

- The Books of Law (5) [Torah, Pentateuch]: Genesis - Deuteronomy

- The Historical Books (12): Joshua - Esther

- The Poetic Books (5): Job - Song of Songs [The Song of Solomon]

- The Prophets (17): Isaiah - Malachi

> Major prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
> Minor Prophets: Hosea – Malachi

(The terms, “major and “minor” are so designated by the lengths of the books)

- The New Testament: (27 Books)

-The Four Gospels (4): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

-History (1): Acts

- Paul's Letters (13): Romans 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. (Some people attribute the book of Hebrews to Paul, others do not. I fall in the “other’s category)

- General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John, and Jude

-Apocalypse (1): The Revelation (without the “s”)

After understanding the differences in the Bible translations, i.e., functional equivalent, formal equivalent, blend of form-based and meaning-based, etc., and the outline of the Bible, the next step is to ask yourself if you need a new Bible, and if so, what kind of Bible is best for you?

Do you want a Bible with notes and study tools? Do you like the traditional sound and language of older translations? Do you want your Bible to read like a modern book or a novel with contemporary language?

I would recommend that you browse through different Bible translations either at a local bookstore and check out various Bibles first-hand so that you can discover first-hand what makes a translation work for you. But, by all means, serious students of the Bible need to have a "Study Bible", a Bible with lots of notes and with lots of explanations; a Bible that helps the reader to see the world as the people who lived in the biblical era, saw the world.

My experience at the Christian Education Meeting in Columbus was that most of the participants needed to update their Bibles.

Let me say, that the King James Version has beautiful language and I love it because most of the scriptures I have memorized are from the KJV, but as a study tool, the “Study” editions of the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV); the New International Version (NIV); or any of the more modern language versions are better options.

If you haven’t read the Bible from cover to cover, I recommend, The Bible in 90 Days published by Zondervan, if you are willing to devote about 20-30 minutes a day reading 12 pages a day.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: Three policemen found not guilty in the murder of Sean Bell

Two black officers and one Latino officer shot Bell; none was white, as your note seems to imply. I know you want to be truthful and accurate, even when editorializing.

Carol A. Bowie, President
CABCO Communications
A member of Oak Grove AME Church

Editor’s Note: Thank you for the clarification. My statement included the words, “especially white policemen.” I should have been more careful in my word usage; I did not mean to imply that the policemen in the Sean Bell case were white.

- To the Editor:

Re: Editorial Where are they?

In response to your query, "And, since the meeting is being held in the Third Episcopal District, I would have expected, at least, that most of the Third District pastors and a significant number of Third District church school workers, would have been here, but they are not. Where are they?"

I would say it's partly because information does not filter down from the pastor to those who "need to know". In my case (I am a 30+ year church school teacher, ACE director/advisor, and until last year, co-superintendent of the church school), I received no information through my local congregation. My information came through the CED Website and an email from a member of another local church. I did not travel to Nashville last year for the conference, but since it was here in Columbus, I felt very strongly that local churches should be present. None of our other teachers or the superintendent attended.

Other than my pastor (at the banquet), I saw only one other Columbus pastor present and that was at the opening worship; none of the pastors participated in the "working part" of the conference.

We can, and need to, do better!

Brother Larry W Clark

- To the Editor:

RE: "Why? Why? Why Are So Many Pastors, Church Officers and Church School Teachers Absent?"

I applaud you on advancing The Christian Recorder with this online ministry and your editorials and other articles have allowed many persons, clergy and laity alike, to stay connected across our wonderful connection.

In that same vein, although you are using technology to help "connect us", in general the AME Connectional Church (from local churches up to the Connectional Church) have not changed or modified how we communicate to share information.

Since January, the Lay Organization at a local church in the Baltimore Conference has been reading and digesting the 2004 AME Strategic Church Planning document. Specifically, they have examined the "Wake Up Calls for the AME Church" as identified in the plan. By accessing the AME Church's Website at www.ame-church.com, they were informed of the plan through its synopsis of one of the CONVOS last year. They have been able to hold discussions on the SWOT Analysis of the AME Church and its relevance to our own ministries at Adams Chapel. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

In examining the SWOT analysis, they discussed how there is an opportunity that is also a weakness of the AME Church and how it can be applied locally as well as Connectionally -- communication and use of technology. There are many areas of opportunity that we can ask ourselves if we are taking advantage of: Are we relying on outdated means of communication to share information and keep members informed?

Is the assumption that only clergy are interested in attending Annual Conferences, District Conferences, CONVOS, and Connectional meetings? If no, what efforts are made to keep all informed? We have to stop thinking that all pastors or Organization Presidents share information.

Does each AME District, Conference and Local Church have websites -- and are the Websites updated often enough to announce upcoming meetings and events? (There are free resources available to maintain websites…how do we even share this information?)

Have churches/conferences/districts updated their literature to include and advertise AME Church websites?

Do we ask members or visitors for email addresses or communicate en masse through listservs such as The Christian Recorder Online?

Do churches/conferences/districts have newsletters or take full advantage of announcing connectional information in Sunday bulletins?

Everyone is not using technology and is not as computer-literate in this era of technology, so we need to make sure that any methods we embrace, reach as many people as possible. We can still combine the old with the new and create and/or enhance more effective ways of empowering and reviving our ministries by taking advantage of the various means of communication that technology affords us. Trainings like the recently held Christian Education meeting shouldn't just be announced on the AME Church website. We have to rethink at each level of the AME Church how we can enhance our communications.

Effective communications can be a powerful tool in engaging and involving clergy and laity.

Sister Erika McClammy, Esq.
Lay President at Adams Chapel AME Church (Baltimore, MD) and
Director of Lay Activities, Baltimore Conference Lay Organization

3. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY’S GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR ITS 1.4 MILLION DOLLAR BISHOP REVERDY C. RANSOM MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

Leah Gaskin Fitchue, Ed.D., President
Payne Theological Seminary

At 12:00 o’clock noon on Thursday, March 27th, in this year, 2008, trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students and guests attended the first 21st century groundbreaking for the planned construction of the 1.4 million dollar Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom Memorial Library on the campus of Payne Theological Seminary. Payne Theological Seminary, created at the behest of the Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1844, is this nation’s oldest free-standing fully accredited African American Seminary. The need for a new library has been discussed and documented over the years. Bishop Robert V. Webster, a member of the Payne Theological Seminary Board of Trustees for thirty-three years, set the tone for the worship service by sharing his long-held dreams and vision for the new library. Now that the design has been completed and the ground consecrated, the excitement of a new library building has captured the interest and enthusiasm of faculty, students, and friends of the seminary here in Ohio and in many places throughout the African American Episcopal Church.

For several years, the library holdings of Payne Theological Seminary have been dispersed among three settings. The archival holdings have been maintained at the Wilberforce University Library. A portion of the holdings have been maintained in the library center inside Payne’s classroom building; and the remainder of the holdings have been housed in Gomez Hall, a student housing facility. The opening of the Ransom Library will allow all of the institution’s library resources to be housed in one newly designed and technologically efficient structure. In addition, a proposal has been submitted to the General Conference for Payne Theological Seminary to be designated the official archival repository of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC).

In attendance were Bishop Robert V. Webster, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, President of the Bishops’ Council and Presiding Prelate of the Twentieth Episcopal District. Also in attendance were members of the Payne Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, Reverend Dr. Clement W. Fugh, Dr. Jeanette Prear Harris, Reverend Dr. Grainger Browning, Reverend Bruce L. Butcher, Presiding Elder Revered E. Anne Henning Byfield, Presiding Elder Reverend Charles Holmes, Reverend Thomas Liggins, Third District Administrative Assistant and District Accountant, Payne representatives to the Board of Trustees, Reverend Dr. William Augman, and Student Government Interim President, Amy Nooks. Along with the granddaughter of Bishop Reverdy Ransom, Ms. Deborah Ransom Riley, the mayor of the City of Xenia, Ohio, Mrs. Phyllis Pennewitt, was also present. Other persons present were members of the Friends for Payne as well as a multitude of community persons. In attendance was Mr. Kevin Holland, the architect and designer of the library and a member of the St. Paul AME Church of Columbus, Ohio. Members of the construction firm of Miles McClellan, Matt McClelland, CEO, Melanie King, Project Administrator, Chris Snavly, Project Superintendent, and Brad Bloomberg, Project Engineer, all of Columbus, Ohio were in attendance also.

Among the program participants were Reverend Geoffrey Tate, student soloist, Mr. George T. Johnson, Payne’s Librarian, along with Roger Evans, Ph.D., and William Augman, Ph.D., faculty. An ensemble of wonderfully talented singers from Wilberforce University brought original music to the event. Members of the Payne Faculty, Betty Holley, Ph.D. and Solomon Avotri, Ph.D., were also present.

The ceremony was planned as an outside event. Rain prevented the beginning of the program on the outside, but interestingly enough, when it was time to actually break ground for the new library, the rain stopped. All who were present were able to go outside and become engaged in the excitement of the groundbreaking. Even the shovels, painted purple and gold, lent a feeling of warmth and made the event special. The actual beginning of construction will take place early in the month of May.

Bishop Robert V. Webster, presiding prelate of the Third Episcopal District made the day seem quite special by telling others that “the groundbreaking ceremony was second to none.”

The seminary is currently accepting contributions to its Reverdy Ransom Library Fund. The library will ultimately belong to the entire AME Church. We make this appeal to all members of the AME denomination. Most of all, we ask that the construction of this library be lifted up in prayer by all members of the connectional church. We anticipate greeting all members in attendance at the General Conference, July 3-12, this summer of 2008.

We are each reminded that prayers and continual cooperation are needed as we move forward with a triumphant spirit to accomplish the many tasks that will require the support of all Payne Theological Seminary constituents during the next seven months and the years to come. Payne Theological Seminary is engaged in a magnificent undertaking. The transformational vision and goals we have for Payne, once achieved, will produce a reconstituted institution, aptly positioned for continued growth and development. Each of us throughout the African American Episcopal Church connection must remember that the spirit of care we share for Payne will enable us to do greater work. We anticipate the dedication of the new library in the fall of the year and, we look forward to other celebrations as we move along on our upward journey.

Payne Theological Seminary
1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road
P.O. Box 474
Wilberforce, OH 45384-0474

937-376-2946 X211
jmcgill@payne.edu

4. STAYING HEALTHY AT GENERAL CONFERENCE - BEING HEALTHWISE:

Mrs. Gwendolyn B. Williams,
Executive Director
AMEC Connectional Health Commission

It is the wish of the Connectional Health Commission that this General Conference begins and end with healthy participants. This can be accomplished if we observe the following suggestions.

- Always have a travel buddy, or let some one know where you are going if you leave the meeting.

- Keep a list of your emergency contacts, physicians, and medications in your purse, pocket or convention bag. Let the First Aid Team know if you have health problems that need to be monitored, give them your hotel name, room number and phone number.

- If you are receiving Dialysis, please have your physician arrange an appointment for you with a local Dialysis Clinic. If you are on Peritoneal Dialysis bring all of your equipment, if you have to do a treatment during meeting time, you may leave your equipment in the First Aid Room and take your treatment there.

- If you are on Respiratory Treatment, requiring oxygen and other equipment please have your physician arrange for you to get replacement oxygen tanks in St Louis, Check with the airline if you are flying about their policy on oxygen tanks. Bring your nebulizers and inhalers with you. If you need to use your nebulizer during the meeting, you may do so in the First Aid Station.

- Bring all of your prescription medications. Take them as prescribed, do not skip a dose or take a double dose if you forget to take a dose.

- Eat regular healthy meals, if you are a Diabetic and need to eat a Diabetic snack after lunch or dinner please do so, check into the First Aid Station if you take blood sugars two hours after meals. In case you do forget your glucometer, check into the First Aid Clinic.

- Drink lots of water; air conditioning causes you to dry out so avoid drinking lots of caffeine, sugar-loaded drinks and alcoholic beverages, as they will make you spend overtime in the facilities.

- Answer the "universal call" as soon as you receive, rather than trying to put it on hold.

- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, bring a wrap for the air conditioning, avoid being in the sun for long periods without a hat, sun glasses and sun screens Louis has lots of heat in July and high humidity.

- This would be a great time to try to stop smoking, all hotels, airplanes and the Convention Center are smoke free zones and that includes pipes and cigars. Most hotels have a smoke-free zone around their entrances of 200 feet.

- If you are mobility impaired, please bring your chairs, walkers or crutches with you or be prepared to rent them in St Louis.

- Bring a prescription for your eyeglasses or an extra pair in case yours are broken or lost.

- Bring all of your Diabetic supplies and equipment. If you take insulin more than twice a day, feel free to keep it in the First Aid Station and take it there as needed. If you feel, cold, sweaty and glittery have some one take you to the First Aid Station or send someone to the First Aid Station to get some one to assist you.

Tips for a Safe Flight

- Wear loose comfortable clothing.

- Ask to pre-board if you need extra time or assistance down the walkway.

- Check with the airline about its policy if you need oxygen on the flight.

- Remember to carry a meal or snack if you are a Diabetic depending on the length of the flight.

- Regularly change leg position, and periodically move and stretch your legs and .feet while seated. If conditions allow and the aisles are clear occasionally get up and walk, depending on the length of the flight.

- Avoid crossing your legs at the ankle or knees.

- Drink adequate fluids such as milk, water, juice, -reduce intake of alcohol and caffeine.

Submitted by Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MDiv, MPH
President, R.A.P.H.A., Inc.

Editor’s Note: 40,000 people are expected to attend the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that will be held in St. Louis July 3-12, 2008

5. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL UNIVERSITY CONFERS DEGREES IN VARIOUS DISCIPLINES:

Monrovia, Liberia - The African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) has conferred Bachelors degrees on more than 428 graduates at the institute’s 8th Commencement Convocation held Friday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville. Degrees conferred covered various disciplines including Religious Education, Political Science, Mass Communication, Economics, Accounting and Business Administration.

Delivering the commencement convocation, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf urged graduates to pursue excellence. The attainment of excellence and greatness, the President said, requires the capacity to exercise self-control in every undertaking. The President observed that often, passions, left unchecked and unregulated, overwhelm individuals and their capacity to achieve greatness. For one to be excellent and great, the Liberian leader said, individuals must practice the virtue of empathy and avoid the vices of hate and racism, envy and bigotry.

“To attain excellence and greatness, the President said, ‘we must individually and collectively work to positively impact our communities and our societies right here, beginning now.”

The President reminded the graduates of the challenges Liberia faces in the rebuilding process, challenges which require their best efforts for national development. She urged the graduates to be willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals, adding that nothing comes easy.

President Johnson Sirleaf called on the graduates to join in government’s reconstruction and development efforts with a new attitude of patriotism, hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. “I appeal to you to bring your best to the table and join in restoring Liberia to its true potential. You are our leaders of tomorrow, our hope for the future. We want to use your strengths, your creative minds for national renewal. This will add meaning and impetus to our process,” the Liberian leader noted.

During the occasion, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University, Rev. David Daniels, announced the setting up of a scholarship program in honor of President Johnson Sirleaf. Rev. Daniels said the annual scholarship will be awarded to any deserving female student who exhibits leadership skills.

An honorary doctorate degree was also conferred on President Johnson Sirleaf by the University during Friday’s Convocation.

*Used with permission the Right Reverend David R. Daniels

6. TSEPONG CECELIA WILLIAMS BRYANT VILLAGE HOME HAS BEEN COMPLETED:

The Tsepong Cecelia Williams Bryant Village Home, the orphanage project of the Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, Mokhotlong (The Reverend Moses Thabane, Pastor) and the 18th Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church, has been completed!

The ribbon cutting and dedication of Tsepong Cecelia Williams Bryant Village Home is scheduled for Sunday, May 11, 2008, 10:00 a.m. in Mokhotlong. Everyone is invited to attend this historic celebration in the life of the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the community of Mokhotlong. The Royal Family has been invited to join us and we are awaiting a response from them.

The building of this home for orphans of Mokhotlong is being made possible by the generous donations of M 700,000.00 by Bishop John R. Bryant, the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Western USA, and the 18th Episcopal District AME Church. Dr. Cecelia Bryant came with 83 doctors, nurses, missionaries and professional in December 6-13, 2006, and paved the way for the building of this home.

We look forward to seeing you in Mokhotlong, Lesotho, on Sunday, May 11,2008, 10:00 a.m. Should you have questions or need clarifications, please contact the Reverend Moses Thabane, Cell 58132888 or our office at 22-320869.

Bishop Sarah F. Davis
Presiding Prelate of 18th Episcopal District AME Church

7. SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF THE 186TH SESSION OF THE NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CONVENED AT BRIDGE STREET A.M.E. CHURCH, BROOKLYN, NY, APRIL 23-27, 2008. THE CLOSING SESSION HELD AT GREATER ALLEN AME CATHEDRAL, JAMAICA, NY ON April 27, 2008:

To Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District; Mother Mary Ann Norris, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elders, The Rev. Harold L. Rutherford, the Rev. Dr. Henrietta Fullard and the Rev. Dr. Alvan N. Johnson, Jr.; General Officers, Connectional and Conference Officers, Pastors, Lay Delegates, Missionaries, and Youth.

The Special Resolution and Social Action Committees of the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference offer the following Special Resolution. As in years past, this year’s Resolution offers a brief statement related to the area of concern and then a recommendation for implementation from the Committee.

Inasmuch as this Special Resolution is considered to be something of a “position paper” for the Annual Conference, and this Committee takes the preparation of this document seriously, we humbly ask Bishop Norris, the Presiding Elders and the members of this Annual Conference to consider incorporating into the work and agenda of the Annual Conference next year a scheduled time of discussion where all of the pertinent issues which need to be addressed in the Special Resolution can adequately and fully be addressed.

The Economy

Whereas: The economy of our nation is in serious decline and in serious trouble. The cost of everything has increased and continues to do so. We specifically note increases in the cost of food and oil. It has become a struggle for every American to heat their homes and fuel their cars. While the cost of fuel is rapidly increasing, as is the cost of living, the average American has not received an increase in wages.

Recommendation:

Be It Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference encourage each Pastor to lead their congregations in a letter writing effort to our elected officials and all oil companies expressing our utter dissatisfaction with the blatant and obvious “price gouging” being perpetrated and passed on to the public by “big oil.”

Be It Further Resolved: That we as voting Americans must hold oil companies accountable for the egregious profits incurred at the expense of the consumer.

Be It Further Resolved: That every voting member of the New York Annual Conference demand a statement from Senators Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain conveying their plan (if any) to implement an anti-gouging protection plan for the consumer and to cap the increasing cost of oil.

Be It Further Resolved: That we encourage our elected officials on the State and Federal levels to temporarily suspend collection of the gas tax which is paid with every gallon of gas purchased so that gas prices will immediately decrease. We further encourage President George Bush to strongly consider releasing enough oil from the nation’s Strategic Oil Reserve so that the supply of oil on the market would increase, thereby decreasing the cost of oil purchased.

Continued Growth of the Prison Industrial Complex

Whereas: The private correctional industry revenues has been explosive; from $650 million in 1996 to about $1 billion in 1997, and;

Whereas: The prison industry has become one of the fastest growth industries in the country, and;

Whereas: Although less than 15% of the American population consists of African Americans, 46% of all prisoners in the United States are black. Of the more than 3,000 men and women on death row in the United States, 40% are black, and;

Whereas: There is a lack of rehabilitation, prisons are about control, using increasingly punitive measures like stun guns that deliver high voltage shocks. Television is permitted in most prison cells, while books are difficult to acquire or banned.

Recommendation:

Be It Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference actively investigate and rethink how race and class continues to shape the march toward greater investment in imprisonment, demonstrating that imprisonment serves numerous agendas other than crime control and quality of life. Most troubling is the history of discrimination aimed primarily at African American men.

Be It Further Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference go on record sounding a clear, clarion call to all men of all ages, but especially black men within our congregations; by any means necessary, do all you can do to stay out of both jail and prison. Do not let anger, rage, love, finances, disappointment, lack of employment or lack of opportunity, cause you do to something that will make you a part of the legal or judicial system.

Late Childhood and Teenage Pregnancy

Whereas: Each year almost 750,000 teenage girls, ages 15 - 19 become pregnant. The teenage pregnancy rate in this country is at its lowest level in thirty years, down 36% since its peak in 1990. A growing body of research suggests that both increased abstinence and changes in contraceptive practice are responsible for recent declines in teenage pregnancy.

Whereas: Every year thousands of girls between ages 15-19 leave their toys to have babies of flesh and blood, becoming in this way the highest index of births of adolescents in the United States. The consequences are life-long. Many of these adolescents have to leave school to work and support the baby. These adolescents do not understand how their life will change after a pregnancy.

Whereas: Among black teenagers ages 15 - 19 pregnancy rates are highest in the State of New Jersey (209 per 1,000) and in Wisconsin, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Oregon (161-177 per 1,000). They were lowest in Utah, New Mexico, West Virginia, Rhode Island and Colorado (71-114 per 1,000).

Recommendation:

Be It Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference makes the following recommendations to parents, grandparents and persons who work with the youth in our churches:

1. Speak with your children about sex and about how to avoid pregnancy (abstinence, birth control.) Whether you know it, like it or just don’t want to acknowledge it, you need to know that your child might be having sex.

2. Supervise and review the music youth listen to and the information they read so that you can insure that what they read is age appropriate.

3. Know your children’s friends and their friends' relatives.

4. Be especially vigilant if your daughter goes out with a boy much older than she is. The possibility of date rape and premature sexual activity is increased when there are age disparities between young males and females.

Be It Further Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference strongly suggests that our Church Schools, Sunday Schools and Bible Studies incorporate lessons on biblically based human sexuality, true love and relationship. There should be room in the church to openly, yet sensitively talk about love, sex, our bodies, their functions and the Bible.

The War in Iraq

Whereas: As of April 20, 2008, the following statistics relate to the war in Iraq:

1.4,042 U.S. soldiers have been killed.

2. 29,780 U.S. soldiers have been seriously wounded. 20% have serious brain or spinal injuries.

3. There are 155,000 troops in Iraq

4. Approximately $600 Billion of taxpayer money has been spent on the war. President Bush has requested another $200 Billion for 2008.

5. The United States spends approximately $12 Billion per month on the war.

6. It costs approximately $390,000 per year to deploy one soldier in Iraq.

7. Thirty percent of U.S. troops develop serious mental health problems within 3-4 months after returning home.

Recommendation:

Be It Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference once again expresses our complete support of the men and women who are members of all branches of our nation’s military. We want them to come home NOW!

Be It Further Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference request that our churches post banners, signs and posters saying, “STOP THE WAR NOW!” We cannot afford to be in this war financial, morally or ethically, and should have never initiated it in the first place.

Be It Further Resolved: That the members of the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference be clear that it is not “Anti-American” to be against this or any other war. We should not allow ourselves to be intimidated by or promote a “false patriotism” that exalts allegiance to a flag over faith in the Father.

The Sean Bell Trial/Verdict

Whereas: On Friday, April 25, 2008, we learned at 9:15 a.m. that the three (3) NY City Police Officers involved in the murder of Sean Bell and his friends in November of 2006 had been acquitted on all counts; and,

Whereas: The legal and judicial systems have once again disappointed the community in its handling and management of the prosecution of this case; and,

Whereas: We, as a community of faith, should be absolutely outraged at the outcome of this trial as once again, the value of black and Latino life in this City has been qualitatively and quantitatively diminished.

Recommendation:

Be It Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference goes on record appreciating the difficult job it is to be a police officer in any jurisdiction. Yet, we must acknowledge our complete dissatisfaction with Judge Arthur Cooperman’s ruling which exonerated those officers who fired 50 times at the Bell party.

Be It Further Resolved: That in the wake of this ruling, the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference encourage our members to remain calm, peaceful and non-violent. While we acknowledge the need to appropriately vent our anger and frustration, destroying and trashing our City and our communities is not the answer and will not change the verdict or bring Sean Bell back to life.

Be It Further Resolved: That the members of the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference feel free to participate in the many non-violent rallies and actions that are planned over the next several weeks to protest this verdict.

Be It Further Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference encourages the U. S. Justice Department to accept this case and provide further investigation.

Child Abuse and Safety

Whereas: The following statistics indicate how serious child abuse and safety issues continue to be:

•Every 20 seconds a child is arrested

•Every 23 seconds a baby is born to an unmarried mother

•Every 36 seconds a child is abused or neglected

•Every 49 seconds a baby is born into poverty

•Every 2 minutes a baby is born at low birth weight

•Every 4 minutes a child is arrested for drug abuse

•Every 8 minutes a child is arrested for a violent crime

•Every 3 hours a child or teen is killed by a firearm

•Every 5 hours a child or teen commits suicide

Recommendation:

Be It Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference encourages all Pastors, churches and members to take seriously the plight of our young people today.

Be It Further Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference continues to call on our President, our Senate and members of Congress to enact stricter laws for the protection of our children and their welfare.

Be It Further Resolved: That all our member churches require that any adult who works in any capacity with any of our children and youth be immediately required to submit the results of a criminal and sexual offender background check to be paid for by the local church.

Health Related Issues

Whereas: The access to preventive health care remains out of reach for many African Americans, self-employed and low income people; and,

Whereas: Lack of and access to health care are the direct causes of the mass proportion of African American women dying of breast cancer, African American men dying of prostate cancer and African American children dying or becoming severely impaired by asthma and diabetes; and,

Whereas: The majority of low income persons get their primary health care from emergency rooms; and,

Whereas: Young women of color have insufficient prenatal care resulting in the highest infant mortality rates, increased birth defects and children with severe learning disabilities; and,

Whereas: Our society has accepted the fact that there is profit in the treatment of diseases, and fails to realize the profit in having a healthy, more productive society.

Recommendation:

Be It Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference support Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948 and re-adopted in 1998 on its 50th Anniversary. Article 25 proclaims, “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including medical care and security in the event of sickness and disability.”

Be It Further Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference makes the following specific recommendations and requests of Pastors and local congregations:

1. That we flood our congregations and places of worship with information and literature on every health subject available. We don’t want to be a people who continue to “use our health to gain our wealth, and then spend our wealth to regain our health.”

2. That each church develops a Health and Wellness Ministry in some form over the next Conference year.

3. That the New York Annual Conference plans a “Legislative Day” in both Albany and Washington to lobby for universal health coverage for every person.

4. That for legal, liability and sensible reasons, “Nurse’s Ministries” in our local churches should actually be staffed by persons who are nurses by profession.

Upcoming Presidential Election

Whereas: The Presidential election of 2008 stands to be one of the most important elections in the history of our country; and,

Whereas: The United States of America stands on the possible brink of making history through its nomination and election of either the first African American man (Senator Barack Obama) or the first woman (Senator Hillary Clinton) as President of the United States of America.

Be It Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference encourages all of its members to register to vote NOW. We further encourage all members not to be deterred by media reports or weather reports on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, which is Election Day.

Be It Further Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference be clear in its message to all three Presidential candidates that the black vote and/or the church vote should not be considered a “given,” nor should ANY candidate campaign with a sense of entitlement to the office.

Be It Further Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference encourage its members to raise its level of political sophistication and support whichever candidate that supports our agenda as a church and as a citizen.

The Return of Our Episcopal Leadership:

Whereas: In July of 2004, the Episcopal Committee of the General Conference assigned Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and Mother Mary Ann Norris to the First Episcopal District, and;

Whereas: We believe that Bishop and Mother Norris continue to be who and what we need at this time in our development, and;

Whereas: We see their sincerity, humility, humor and “gentle firmness” as they Superintend the work of the First Episcopal District.

Whereas: In their first Quadrennial with us, Bishop and Mother Norris have provided sterling leadership to the Pastors and people of the First Episcopal District and the New York Annual Conference.

Be It Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference goes on record stating our continued support of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and Mother Mary Ann Norris as they continue to lead the New York Annual Conference and the First Episcopal District.
Be It Further Resolved: That the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference pledge to “Walk Worthy of the Calling With Which We Are Called.”

Be It Finally Resolved: That as we go to the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Louis, MO in July, 2008, the 186th Session of the New York Annual Conference not only commits itself to consistent and continual prayer for our Episcopal leadership, but we desire that our District Representatives on the Episcopal Committee go into the Committee with one agenda and one name on their hearts and minds, that Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and Mother Mary Ann Norris be reassigned to the First Episcopal District for another four year term of service.

Respectfully Submitted:

The Special Resolution Committee:

The Rev. Floyd H. Flake, Vice Chairman, NY Conference Board of Trustees
The Rev. Henry A. Belin, III, Dean, NY Conference Board of Examiners
Sister Mary Mootoo, President, NY Conference Lay Organization
Sister Ann Brunson, President, NY Conference Women’s Missionary Society
Sister Joanne McCaslin, Director, NY Conference Young People’s Division
Sister Christine Powell, Superintendent, NY Conference Church School
The Rev. Deborah Hicks, President, NY Conference Women In Ministry
The Rev. Robert Bey, President, NY Conference Department of Evangelism
Sister Rashein McDonald, Conference Coordinator, Young Adult Network
The Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, NY Conference Director of Stewardship

Social Action Committee:

The Rev. David B. Cousin
The Rev. Shirley Dowling
The Rev. Paul S. Owings
The Rev. Rose E. Murray
The Rev. Constance Davis
The Rev. Sherwyn James
The Rev. Grace Aytes
The Rev. Deborah McCaffity
The Rev. Edwin Reed
Sister Sandra James
Sister Edith Hall
Brother Vernell Brown
Sister Carlise Mitchell

Resolution Committee

The Rev. Melvin E. Wilson
The Rev. C. Carlton Woodward
The Rev. James E. Booker, Jr.
The Rev. Shirley Dowling
The Rev. Richard McEachern
The Rev. Carlton Gibson
The Rev. Craig Wright
Sister Ann White-Sims
Sister Effie Johnson
Sister Vanessa Sherwood
Sister Jean Inez Hersey

8. BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO “ANSWER THE CALL” AND HELP CHANGE A LIFETIME FOR YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE:

By Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District of the AME Church

Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is older, he shall not depart from those ways.” As adults and people of faith, we are expected to instill principles that will help children become positive members of society as they enter adulthood. Many children, however, do not have a loving parent or a meaningful connection to another caring adult who can be a supportive and lasting presence in their lives. This may mean no one will ultimately help “train them up”. We preach about it, we speak about it, but without this guidance, what will happen to these children?

On any given day in America, there are more than 513,000 children in foster care because their own families are in crisis and unable to provide for their essential wellbeing. Of these children, more than 32% are African-American. African American children were over-represented in foster care nationally in 2004 at a rate of more than twice their proportions in the U.S. child population. And, once in the foster care system, children of color tend to receive fewer services, stay in care longer and generally have worse outcomes than white children.

Like all young people, youth in foster care deserve and benefit from enduring, positive relationships with caring adults. At a time when “home” is somewhat hard to define, these children and teens truly need the support of the church if they are to keep the faith. When a child is moved to a different home multiple times a year, it is often difficult for them to have a church home or maintain ties to their previous house of worship. The faith-based community has a unique opportunity to get involved with an issue that is disproportionately affecting our African-American families. As believers, we are called to care for the “least of these” and we must be mindful to remember the children in foster care.

This May, National Foster Care Month (www.fostercaremonth.org) will serve as a platform for raising awareness and connecting more of these vulnerable children in foster care to concerned, nurturing adults. As a leader in the faith-based community, I am answering the call by joining America’s leading child welfare agencies, advocates, experts, and the more than 12 million alumni of foster care to lift up and address the needs of young people in care. But I cannot do it alone.

I am calling on others to join me – clergy, church leaders, congregations and individuals. It is not enough for us to only stand in our pulpits or sit in the pews and pray that things get better. Now is the time to get involved and the charge is ours to take.

The Black church has long been an anchor in tackling many issues that plague our people, families and communities. One issue that has not been given much attention is that of the welfare of children in the system. Most of us personally know a young person who is living in a foster or group home and if not, we definitely know someone who was, or is being raised by grandparents or other relatives due to parental abuse or neglect. However, we don’t always see the effect this untraditional upbringing has on the child and the well-being of the community as a whole. In addition, each year, more than 20,000 older youth will “age out” of foster care (most at the age of 18) and be left to face life’s challenges – often all alone. Research shows that alumni of foster care are far more likely than their peers in the general population to endure homelessness, poverty, compromised health, unemployment, incarceration and other adversities after they leave the foster care system. Without caring adults, it is evident what can happen to the children. Is this the way that we want our children “to go”?

Across the nation, many people are helping foster children build brighter futures by serving as foster parents and relative caregivers. Many of these unsung heroes are members of our own congregations, but much more help is needed. I recognize that being a foster or adoptive parent is not for everyone. But as “our brother’s keeper”, we all have to do our part to help. Here are some of the ways that houses of worship can take action and make a difference in the life of a child in care.

•REACH OUT to youth in foster care in your own houses of worship and in your own community. Sometimes there is a stigma associated with being labeled a “foster child”. Be sensitive to issues of privacy even as you offer your support and a caring shoulder to lean on.

•PROVIDE COUNSEL to young people in foster care. These youth need safe, reliable places to turn for advice and support.

•PRAY WITH THEM. Foster youth need spiritual guidance. They need a faith-based home and church family to carry them through.

•CONNECT THEM TO NECESSARY RESOURCES AND SUPPORT. Older youth in foster care especially need mentoring, employment, housing, financial support and more.

•INVOLVE YOUR CONGREGATIONS. Tell them about these young people. Encourage them to come forward and help “change a lifetime” for a vulnerable child by becoming a FOSTER OR ADOPTIVE PARENT, A SPIRITUAL MENTOR, or by offering other means of support.

I’ve made the commitment to use my voice to trumpet this issue in our community and pray that you will as well. Together, we can help connect these children to caring adults, safe, lifelong families and houses of worship where they can develop spiritually and go forth to become all that God has purposed them to be. If not us, who? And if not now, when? No matter how much time you have to give, you do have the power to make a difference in the life of a child in foster care. Now is the time for you to get involved.

As for me and my house, we will help “change a lifetime” of our children in foster care. The call has been made… won’t you answer?

Each May, National Foster Care Month is presented by 17 of the nation’s foremost child welfare organizations and is led by Casey Family Programs. For more information about National Foster Care Month, planned community events, and the many ways in which you or your house of worship can make a lasting difference for America’s children and youth in foster care, visit www.fostercaremonth.org or call 888-799-KIDS (5437).

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry is the Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District of the AME Church, the second female bishop ever elected to this position. She was also the first female Presiding Elder in the Fifth Episcopal District, and the first female to be appointed to a major metropolitan church in the AME Church. Bishop Tyler Guidry has pastored churches in Indio, Bakersfield and Los Angeles, California and served as treasurer of the national board of One Church One Child.

Bishop Tyler Guidry is joined by clergy leaders across the country who are raising awareness for youth in foster care as part of National Foster Care Month including: Dr. Robert Brumfield, Pastor, Oak Grove A.M.E. Church (Detroit, MI); the Rev. Dr. Kelvin T. Calloway, pastor, Second A.M.E. Church (Los Angeles, CA) the Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Durley, senior pastor, Providence Missionary Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA); the Rev. Antonio T. Grissom, pastor, River of Life Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA); Apostle Collette L. Gunby, senior pastor, Green Pastures Christian Ministries (Decatur, GA); Minister Robert Hughes, youth pastor, Providence Missionary Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA); Dr. Betty R. Jones, Senior Pastor, County Line United Methodist Church (Ellenwood, GA); the Rev. Brenda Lamothe, executive minister and youth pastor, First A.M.E Church of Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA); the Rev. Victor D. Tate, senior pastor, First Mount Pleasant Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA); and the Rev. Dr. Timothy E. Tyler, senior pastor, Wayman AME Church (St. Louis, MO).

9. THE 14TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT URGENTLY NEEDS THE ASSISTANCE IN FILLING THE FOLLOWING STAFF POSITIONS:

1). Education

The 14th Episcopal District is building a Boarding School Of Excellence for Girls In Royesville, Liberia and needs:

- A qualified retired educator to serve as principal of the school.

- Retired teachers to teach at school.

- Volunteers must commit at least one semester

- Educators to train local teachers for the new and exciting AME schools.

- We urgently need persons who can volunteer for a couple of weeks to train local teachers before school opens in September 2008. They may be eligible for the Connectional W. M. S. Sojourner Program.

2). A.M.E. University (AMEU)

A. M. E. University needs a retired educator to serve in the position of Vice-President of Administration at the University. A person holding a doctoral degree in education and/or administration is preferred.

The University needs retired university professors of professors on sabbatical willing to serve as a volunteer faculty member for a semester at AMEU.

The University also needs the services of a retired CPA or equivalent to help with the financial structure of AMEU.

3). Medicine

The RICHARDSON-ADAMS HEALTH CENTER has recently been built and urgently needs qualified medical personnel.

- An experienced hospital administrator willing to help organize and assist in staffing the Richardson-Adams Health Center.

- Retired physicians who can serve at least several weeks (or months would be appreciated) of dedicated service to the Richardson-Adams Health Center.

- Active doctors who can make short-term trips to help and provide medical assistance at the Richardson-Adams Health Center.

- Retired registered nurses are needed who would be willing to serve at least two weeks (more would be appreciated) of service at the Richardson-Adams Health Center.

4). An Urgent Call –

Brothers and Sisters who are mission-minded, qualified to render services in the areas listed above and who want to serve God in West Africa, please contact the 14th Episcopal District Leadership more information about travel arrangements and housing accommodations.

Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr. and/or Supervisor Irene M. Daniels
200 Marabou Circle,
West Columbia, SC 29169

Email: rwysayma@aol.com
Telephone: (803) 926-7542, (803) 466-7130

10. ALUM SPRINGS (AME) PASTOR LOOKS BACK ON LONG LIFE:

By Herb Brock

ALUM SPRINGS - The Rev. Everhart Walker says that with each passing year, "the question" is asked more and more frequently.

"It seems every time I turn around, people will ask the question, and that is, 'Brother Everhart, when are you going to be retiring?'"

The 72-year-old veteran AME pastor says he gives the same answer to "the question."

"I tell people that the AME denomination requires that a pastor must retire at the age of 75," said Walker, whose last and most meaningful pastorate in his 53-year-long ministry has been at Allen's Chapel AME in Moreland for the last 19 years.

"But then I add, 'I may be retiring from being a pastor when I'm 75 but I won't quit preaching until the Lord decides I should."

And if Walker has any input into the Lord's decision, he won't quit preaching until his last breath.

Walker, a spiritual leader of the area's black community and a dean of the area's religious community, recently sat down in his Alum Springs Road home, along with his wife of 51 years, Barbara, to discuss his ministry and his life - the two virtually are inseparable - and what he feels he has left to give his parishioners and his communities alike. He starts at the beginning.

"I was born and raised in a house that sat right where this house is sitting," said the youngest of seven children of the late Rev. General Lucien and Mary Elizabeth Fitzgerald Walker. "But we lost the house when I was 3 years old when a fire destroyed it. If it weren't for one of my sisters, Clara (Walker Tibbs), who got us, we might have all died in it."

The fire may have destroyed the Walker house, but not the family's deep roots in the area.

"The property here includes the acre that was given by the federal government to my great-grandfather, George Washington Andrew - they called him 'Wash' - after he was freed from slavery," he said. "And the house where his slave owners lived still stands down the road."

While Walker describes his childhood as a good experience, he says he recalls having to endure the remnants of post-slavery America - segregation.
"I went down the road to the old all-black elementary school at Wilsonville, and, while it wasn't far from here, it seemed odd that a school bus carrying white kids would drive right by this house on the way to the Parksville school," he said.

"Then, I went into Danville to go to the all-black Bate School, and that was a distance, but again, there was no school bus for us black kids," he said. "I remember riding my bike and it getting so cold that I had to stop, light some matches and warm my freezing hands over the little flame."

But Walker overcame the degradation and dehumanization by following a path his father and others had trod before him and dedicating his life to an institution he says was much more powerful than segregation - the church.

"The Lord provided both refuge from the world and strength to live in the world," he said. "I wanted to serve the Lord and his people and help give them a place to be loved and the strength to go outside of the church and deal with life."

Calling in 1955

Following in the footsteps not only of his father but also a great uncle, both AME ministers, Walker received his calling in October of 1955. He joined the Kentucky Conference of the AME Church, but was living and working in Ohio.
"I was assigned my first churches while I was working at a department store up in Dayton, Ohio," he said, noting that he had begun the four-year course of studies to be ordained in the AME church. "I delivered sermons at AME churches at Mayo, Salvisa and Lawrenceburg, following a schedule that had me at each church two Sundays a month, some in the morning, some in the evening."

His new career resulted in a loss of income but he says it was worth the cut in pay.

"At the Dayton department store, I was making $60 a week. As a part-time pastor, I made $12.50 a week," he said. "But, I made up the lost income through taking odd jobs during the week. And what I lost in money, I gained in experience in the field I was called to pursue."

After he completed his studies and achieved the first level of ordination as an itinerant elder, Walker was named pastor of the AME church in Boneyville in Lincoln County, which was not far from the Junction City home where he and his wife were living at the time. Then he was assigned a church in Greenup in northeastern Kentucky.

"I asked our presiding bishop if I could be assigned a church closer to home, and that was risky because it was a no-no for a pastor, especially a young one, to seek a different assignment than what was given."

The bishop agreed to Walker's request and assigned him to Allen's Chapel AME in Moreland, only a few miles from the Walker home. But his wife developed a serious illness and Walker told the bishop that he had to take time from pastoring anywhere to tend to her.

"I had a dream in which the Lord called me by name and told me to go to Moreland now, that the people in that church needed me," he said.

Walker told his father of the dream.

"My dad said, 'Son, sometimes the Lord will whip us if we don't do what He says,'" he said. "I did what both the Lord said and my dad said and went to Allen's Chapel. But Barbara also was a part of it. I believe the Lord worked though her toward getting me to the church where I needed to be. I think my belief was confirmed when, about the time this Moreland matter came up, she was given a pill that made her well."

It wasn't long before Walker had made his mark at Allen's Chapel. Attendance and membership quickly grew so much that church leaders decided to increase the number of Sunday services from two to four a month.

Walker later was assigned to an AME church in Somerset and then to St. James AME in Danville, where he felt that his pastorate had come full circle in terms of his familial connection to the AME denomination.

"I was pastor and presiding elder at St. James AME for seven years, and that was the same church were my great-uncle also had served as pastor and presiding elder," he said. "It was a very special assignment for that reason."

But no assignment was more special than the ones Walker has had at Allen's Chapel.

"After I stepped down as presiding elder, I was assigned to Allen's Chapel," he said. "It was then and remains today a very special place to me. Serving there has been the bishop's assignment and God's appointment," he said.

Wherever he has been assigned or appointed, Walker has made it a point to focus on the youth, said Barbara Walker.

"Everhart has encouraged the young people at every one of his churches and also in the community to learn how to be good students, good team members and good citizens," she said, pointing to photographs in the living room of recent high school students who have become star athletes and top students.

"He has worked with kids here, in their own homes, in church, or out in the community, telling them to get a good education, and go to college if possible, so they can have a good job and provide their families and give something back to their communities," she added.

Walker said his spouse has been the "perfect pastor's wife" by keeping a balance between church, her own home and her own life, and by being supportive without trying to be a "co-pastor."

"I have not walked behind Everhart, and I have not walked in front of him," she said. "I have walked beside him over the last more than 50 years."

In addition to his pastoral duties at Allen's Chapel and other AME churches over the last more than half century with the AME church, Walker also has held several state and national positions. He has served on several boards and committees of the state conference and as a delegate to the national conference conventions for 28 years.

About a decade ago, though, some serious physical problems started making it difficult for Walker to fulfill his church and conference duties. He suffered heart attacks in 1996, 1997 and 2000. He then had to deal with prostate cancer.

"With my family's love and the Lord's will, I am fine now," he said, flashing a smile.

Walker hopes his health stays good while he finishes his life as a pastor over the next three years and then joins his wife, a former 34-year employee and supervisor at American Greetings, in retirement.

"We will have plenty to do visiting our three children and tending to our eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren," he said.

The Walkers don't have to travel far to conduct their visits. Everhart Walker Jr. and Delphine Jackson and their families are neighbors on Alum Springs Road; their other child, Debra Mays, lives in Louisville, but they see her and her family often.

But while he plans to devote a lot of time to his children and their children, Walker also plans to spend some time continuing to serve his Lord.

"In three years, I may no longer have a church but I hope to continue speaking at a pulpit as a guest preacher or a substitute pastor," he said. "As I said, I may have to retire as a pastor but I'll never retire as a preacher."

Copyright The Advocate-Messenger 2008

*Used with permission of The Advocate Messenger (Herb Brock), Danville, Kentucky

11. AME-INDIA REPORT FOR MARCH-APRIL 2008:

We earnestly want to thank you all for your valuable prayers for us all and for the ministry of AME-India. The Lord has indeed been very faithful and good in providing us opportunities to witness for God and guiding us to strive for the establishment of the Kingdom of God in this part of the world.

We are happy to inform you that Pastor Peter Morris organized a two day Gospel meeting through which a number of people have come forward to commit their lives to Christ. Most of the people who came for the meeting were from the Hindu and Catholic background.

One fine morning while we (Rev. Sarah, Rev. Abraham and Rev. Darryl Taylor) were engaged prayer we received an anonymous SOS call from a lady asking us to come and conduct a prayer meeting in an office, because one of the shareholders of the company had threatened to commit suicide at around 4p.m. We prayed before we went and the Lord gave us Acts 26:18. This gave us authority and a purpose to go there. When we went there we discovered that it was a company that was managed by four sisters, all well educated and were millionaires, but all of them had broken families. All the four of them were very strong characters. We spoke to them and shared the gospel, in the end all of them were touched and went away with tears. The Holy Spirit had ministered unto each one of them, including the one who had made the threat of suicide. From 2:30p.m. till 6:30p.m. we counseled and ministered to them. We are continuing pray for them and we request you for your prayers for them.

We praise God for Rev. Ramesh who had been undergoing some struggles in life, now by the grace of God he is at peace. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit he had found a new mission field where he intends to go and work as a church-planter. We request you to kindly uphold him in your prayers. Kindly also pray for Pastor Ramesh's wife who is now six months pregnant.

We praise God for Rev. Pradeep who has finished his M.Div. studies and has gone back to Orissa as a missionary for church-planting. He needs special prayers for safety and protection as the place where he is working is a troublesome area and politically very sensitive for the propagation of the gospel. It is to be remembered that this was the state nine years back an Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons were burnt alive. This state is rather known as the graveyard of missionaries.

Pastor Saurabha Beborta from Orissa informs that one Mr. Rudrapal, a Hindu who was paralytic and bedridden for a longtime had asked for prayer, when he was prayed over in the name of Jesus, he is now able to walk with a stick. This is really a miracle, because years of medical treatment had been futile. It is to be noted that this region is one of the most backward areas in the country, populated by different tribes. Some of them are untouched by modern civilization.

We request you for your prayers for Rev. Samuel Ramachandran who labors in Tranquebar. He is responsible for two churches in this area. Altogether he is ministering to 45 families. All of them are from the fishing community, including Rev. Samuel. The fishing community in this region is not very responsive to the Gospel; rather the opposition to the Gospel is stronger here. Therefore we request you for your prayers for Rev. Samuel to have God's wisdom in identifying and harvesting the souls that God has already prepared. Rev. Samuel was supposed to start the Vacation Bible School for the children and youth of this village, (named Vanagiri) but due to opposition from the non-Christians of this village, the whole programme has been stalled. Kindly pray for God's intervention in this situation. This would be the first time the children in this region would have had an opportunity to attend VBS. Rev. Samuel also writes that there were about ten children and youth who were regularly attending the Sunday School and the Sunday Worship Service. Now there parents do not send them anymore because the whole village is opposing to this move. Another young person name Senthil was a very enthusiastic follower of Jesus, although he hadn't been baptized, has been strictly warned not to attend the church; otherwise his whole family would be barred from the village. Therefore we request you for special prayers for this village.

Rev. Sampat Samuel and Shanti inform that the son of Mrs. Vanitha was suffering from Jaundice (Yellow Fever) he was in a serious condition; the hospital also could not help him. BUT GOD healed him when God's people prayed over him in Jesus name. He also informs that a calf in the village named Yeragadda was almost dead for having eaten some poisonous elements, people gave up hope, but when Pastor Sampat prayed and administered prayer oil, she was healed. It is to be noted here, that in Indian villages, cows and their offspring are treated on par with human beings.

We are so pleased to inform you that by the grace of God and God's leading two Pastors from the neighboring state (Andhra Pradesh) approached us one day while we were in prayer asking us to visit their town and urging us to meet with 12 Pastors of this region who are wanting to join AME-India. We were speechless at this marvelous work of God. To be very honest we had been very sincerely praying for the growth and establishment of AME in India and here comes a direct answer to our prayers. On the 26th April 2008 we visited this town called Puthur which is about five hours drive from Chennai. We had a wonderful time; they were all very pleased to be part of AME-India fellowship. We need to uplift each one of them in our prayers because they serve in very remote interior villages. Following are the names of the Pastors who recently joined AME-India. Please pray for them.

Pastor N. John Wesley
Pastor J. Lokesh Paul
Pastor V. Thangaraj
Pastor Z. Jayavijayraj
Pastor C. Daniel
Pastor Daniel Raj
Pastor A. Chinranjeevi
Pastor D. Gopi
Pastor Paul N. Doraswamy
Pastor S. Stephen
Pastor B. Nagomi
Pastor M. Rani

We request your special prayers for the Vacation Bible Schools that are being held for 10-12 days in the AME-India churches.

Rev. Vijaymani from the Prince of Peace AME Church requests special prayers for him and his family as they are undergoing some acute crisis and only God has to intervene and salvage them from their present crisis.

We are living in troubling times with the rise of religious intolerance and hatred. India is known world over for her tolerance to people of other faith, but of late a new trend is being forced on the Indian mind by the right-wing political parties who are Hindu fanatics. They use all the strategies of the Nazi and Fascist movements. Of late they are engaged in reconverting the Christians into Hinduism through elaborate public ceremonies. 185 Dalit Christians converted to Hinduism on March 6th, 2008 in Tamilnadu. (http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=2654)

1793 Christians were reconverted to Hinduism on April 27th, 2008 at Mumbai. (http://indianchristians.in/news/content/view/2067/47/). In a number of north Indian states conversion to Christianity or Islam has been restricted, but conversion to Hinduism is permitted. It is not called as conversion, it is more popularly known as "homecoming". This is good sign for us to be reminded of the responsibility entrusted to us to tend the sheep committed to us. One of the responsibilities that the AME-India has is to discourage the practice of caste within the Church. The existence of caste discrimination in the church leads to such re-conversions. This is where AME-India wants to make a difference. We request you for your prayers as continue our labor in God's vineyard.

We once again want to thank you all for your valuable and earnest prayers for us and for AME-India.

Submitted by Sarah & Abraham Peddinny
Presiding Elders
AME- India.
ameindia07@gmail.com

12. THE REV. DR. DENNIS DICKERSON TO SPEAK AT ST. JOHN AME CHURCH, CLEVELAND, OHIO:

St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Cleveland 100th Church Building Anniversary Celebration

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, The AME Historiographer, the Rev. Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson will be the guest preacher for the history celebration at St. John AME, 2261 East 40th Street, Cleveland, Ohio at the 10 a.m. worship service.

St. John AME Church is celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the church structure built by the members of the congregation in 1908 at a cost of $55,000. It was reported to be the largest financial deal by Negroes in Cleveland at that time.

The St. John AME Church congregation was organized in 1830 by six ex-slaves and the Rev. William Paul Quinn who later became a bishop in the AME Church. St. John has been serving the Greater Cleveland community for over one hundred and seventy eight years.

For more information about the church and the worship celebration, call the church office at 216-431-2560. The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson is the pastor of St. John AME Church.

Dr. Dickerson will also be preaching at St. John on Sunday, May 4, 2008 for the 10:30 a.m. Communion Service.

13. PIONEER, THE LATE REV. DR. GEORGE L. CHAMPION, SR., LEADING CANDIDATE FOR BISHOP DIES AGE 64, FORMER GENERAL OFFICER AME CHURCH:

The Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, MACE

A Renown Global and Astute Servant in ministry, The late Reverend Dr. George L. Champion, Sr., an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church of the Orlando District, Central Conference of the Eleventh Episcopal District died Sunday, April 20, 2008 at a local hospital in Orlando, Florida.

The Reverend Dr. Champion a was faithful, prominent and distinguished Candidate for Bishop for 2008 of the AME Church and a former , General Officer for the Department of Church Growth and Development, where he served from 1992-2004.

An outstanding pioneer as a Preacher, Pastor, Teacher, Builder and Community Activist, Champion's colleagues, lay delegates and connectional and General Officers of the church, were immense about his sudden death. The Rev. Dr. Champion and many delegates were looking forward to electing him as a Bishop of the predominately black denomination on July 10, 2008 at the General Conference to be held in Kansas City, Kansas. His presence will sadly be missed by the family, friends and the community of faith believers globally and locally. He was respected in the Ecumenical Community for his unselfish love for God in serving others through his exceptional knowledge as a teacher and prolific writer.

He served as a pastor of nine (9) churches in Georgia and Florida. He was a former pastor of Historic Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Tampa, Florida, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Lakeland, Florida and builder of Saint Mark A.M.E. Church, Orlando, Florida valued for at more than one million dollars. He served as the youngest Administrative Dean of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia in its history.

Upon his death, he served as Pastor of Historic Saint James A.M.E. Church, Sanford, Florida. His vision for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Ecumenical Community globally, was evident in his ministry where he impacted an increase in memberships, church planning and preparation of called persons for Effective Ministry.

The late Rev. Dr. George L. Champion, Sr., was inspired and equipped, as he prepared laity for church ministry, community service for Wholeness, Accountability and networking among denominations and fellow ministries as he was sought for Internationally as a preacher, teacher and lecturer. His vision became a reality as he Empowered many pastors and church leaders in implementing, Revivals of Dying Churches, Clergypersons in planting churches, Pastors to Empower laity and Empowering Ministers in doing outreach ministries are among the few of his many and noteworthy accomplishments as an outstanding Servant and Leader.

Among his many achievements, he received a B.S. degree from Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida and the Masters of Divinity Degree from Turner Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia. A member of the Theta Phi International Scholastic Society, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, NAACP Life member and numerous other civic and community organizations.

He was born to the parents of the late Rev. George Maurice and the late Annie Mae Champion of Jacksonville, Florida a former pastor of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He will be dearly missed by his wife; Mrs. Bettie Davis Champion, Orlando, Florida and they are the parents of six wonderful children; Tymie Champion, George L. Champion, Jr., Ann Champion Shaw, David Champion, Kevin Davis and Jon Frazier.

The Homegoing Services was held Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., at Saint Mark AME Church, 1968 Bruton Blvd., Orlando, Florida.

The G. L. Champion Scholarship Fund has been established at Wachovia Bank.

14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- Congratulations to the Rev. J.A. Gertze and Mrs. Christina Louisa Gertze who celebrated their 24th wedding Anniversary on Monday, April 21, 2008. "We thank the Lord for his protection and all the good years we shared happily." The Rev. J.A. Gertze is the pastor, of Harold Ben Senatle AME Church, in Windhoek, Namibia Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District.

Congratulatory messages can be forwarded to the following email address: gertzeja@telecom.na

- Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode and Mrs. Shelby G. Strode, St. John A.M.E. Church, Frankfort KY who celebrated their 34th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, April 19, 2008.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to: iamaBibleman@aol.com

- Congratulations to the Rev. Charles A. Lattany III, Worship Leader/Liturgist for the Music and Christian Arts Ministry (AMEC); an Itinerate Elder in the 2nd Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop A. J. Richardson, Jr. and Mrs. Connie S. Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor. The Rev. Lattany was recently installed as the National President of the Howard University School of Divinity Alumni Association, Washington, DC. Howard University Divinity School has over 1700 alums. Currently, Rev. Lattany serves as the Minister of Music and Associate Chair for Worship and Liturgy at Hemingway Memorial AMEC, District Heights, MD under the leadership of the Reverend Samuel E. Hayward III.

Congratulations can be sent to: LATTIII@aol.com

- Congratulations to the Reverend Angela Anderson and her husband, the Reverend Leroy Anderson who were ordained Itinerant Deacons at the 58th Session of the Washington Annual Conference on April 11, 2008. Rev. Angela Anderson is the daughter of the Rev. Deloris Prioleau and Mr. Earl Prioleau.

Congratulations can be sent to revdeeabp@msn.com

- Congratulations to the Rev. Valdes Snipes-Bennett, PhD., who was recently ordained an Itinerate Deacon at the 58th Session of the Washington Annual Conference. Currently, the Rev. Dr. Bennett is pursuing her Master of Divinity Degree from the Howard University School of Divinity.

- Congratulations to the Rev. Deborah C. Inyamah, who was ordained at the 58th Session of the Washington Annual Conference. The Rev. Inyamah was given the charge of ministry by her father, the Most Reverend Inyamah, a retired Archbishop and Lutheran pastor from Nigeria. The Rev. Inyamah is assigned to Hemingway Memorial AMEC; however, she is completing a temporary assignment through the Board of Examiners at Pilgrim AMEC, Washington, DC.

15. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE GRADUATES, ORDINANDS AND TO THOSE COUPLES CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES:

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 congratulations and well-wishes to all of the graduates, ordinands and to those couples who are celebrating anniversaries; and pray that the joy of Christ will be with you and your families.

16. THE FOURTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2008 DISTRICT CALENDAR:

The Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, Sr., Presiding Bishop
400 East 41st Street - Suite 114
Chicago, Illinois 60653-0539

Office: 773.373.6587; Fax: 773.373.8356
Email: 4thadministrator@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.fourthdistrictame.org

May 9th:
Bishop Cousin: Commencement Preacher, Payne Seminary

May 13th-15th - 4th District Minister’s Retreat:
Camp Baber; WIM Summit, May 12th

June 20- 21st - 4th District YPD Leadership Training Institute:
Site TBD

June 26-28th - 4th District 66th Annual Lay Convention:
Site TBD
July 23rd-26th - The 4th District Christian Education Congress:
Wyndham Lisle Hotel, Lisle, IL; Telephone: 630-505-1000 or 800-996-3426; Room Rate-$97 single/double; free parking; Reservation Deadline: July 8th.

August 4th-10th - Canadian Annual Conference:
Crowne Plaza Toronto; Telephone 416-449-4111 or 877-474-6835; Room Rate: $129 single, $139 double, $149 triple, $159 quad (Canadian/plus tax); Reservation Deadline: July 11th; free parking. Host: Grant AMEC, Toronto, the Rev. Cory Millben, Pastor and Presiding Elder.

August 18th-24th - Michigan Annual Conference:
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dearborn, MI; Telephone 313-593-1234 or 800-233-1234; Room Rate: $ 109 single, double, triple, quad plus tax. Reservation Deadline: August 10th; Free parking. Host: Ebenezer AMEC, Detroit, MI, the Rev. H. Michael Lemmons, Pastor

August 25th-31st - Indiana Annual Conference:
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre, Telephone 888-627-8186; Room Rate: $109 single/double; Reservation deadline: July 26th. Host: Central Indiana Ministerial Alliance, the Rev. Samuel Sumner, President.

September 7th-14th - Illinois Annual Conference:
Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, Decatur, IL; Telephone 217-422-8800; Room Rate: $92; free parking; Reservation Deadline: August 8th. Host: Presiding Elder Tyson Parks and Presiding Elder Gary McCants

October 5th-12th: Chicago Annual Conference:
Wyndham Hotel, Lisle, IL; Room Rate: $115 flat plus tax, Reservation Deadline is September 3, 2008; free parking. Host: Coppin AMEC, Chicago, IL; the Rev. Walter Bauldrick, Pastor

October 23rd-25th: 4th District Planning Meeting:
Crowne Plaza O’Hare, Rosemont, IL; Room Rate is $99 flat plus tax; Reservation Deadline is October 8th, parking $5 per day with in/out privileges for hotel guests only.

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Rev. Rufus Stephens, a Retired Pastor in the 10th Episcopal District (Northwest Conference - Paul Quinn District) on Tuesday, April 22, 2008.

The Funeral has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. E. Marilyn Stephens (Wife)
3810 W. Waco Drive
Waco, Texas 76710
Ph: (254) 755-0030

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Juanita H. Dixon, mother of the Rev. Roland D. Dixon, pastor of St. Matthews AME Church, Argo, IL. Services for Mrs. Dixon have been held.

Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Roland D. Dixon
9022 S. King Dr.
Chicago, IL 60619
Email: REVRODDIXON@aol.com

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We announce the passing of Mrs. Rose Ann Ganther, the mother of First Lady Marcheta Williams and the mother-in-law of the Rev. Allen Williams, senior pastor of St. Paul AMEC in Berkeley, CA.

Homegoing service arrangements for Rose Ann Ganther are as follows:

The funeral has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Rev. and Mrs. Allen Williams
St. Paul AME Church
2024 Ashby Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
Email expressions: stpaulame@comcast.net

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Announcing with regret the passing of Brother Vernon Baker, Jr.; brother of the Rev. Norman Baker, pastor of Wade Chapel AME Church, Hillsboro, Texas.

The funeral has been held.

Condolences May Be Sent To:
Rev. Norman Baker
207 Francis Street
Hillsboro, Texas 76645
Phone: (254) 582-3739

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regretfully announce the passing of Robin Stubbs, the sister of the Rev. Columbus Jones of the North Nashville District, Tennessee Conference.

Service arrangements for Robin Stubbs:
Funeral:
Saturday, May 3, 2008
12:00 Noon
Mount Moriah Baptist Church
Magee, MS

Arrangements by:
Reeves Funeral Home
303 Old Highway 35 N
Mt. Olive, MS 39119
(601) 797-3921 Fax: (601) 797-3923
Directions From U.S. Highway 49 - Travel U.S. Highway 49 to
Mississippi Route 35.

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of the Reverend Carole Gaiton, Local Elder in the Pittsburgh Annual Conference and the spouse of the Reverend Bernard Gaiton, pastor of Trinity AME Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Reverend Carole Gaiton passed from labor to reward on Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Service arrangements for Reverend Carole Gaiton are as follows:
Viewing:
Thursday, May 1, 2008
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fellowship United Methodist Church
235 Merchant Street
Ambridge, PA 15003

Home Going Celebration:
Friday, May 2, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Fellowship United Methodist Church
235 Merchant Street
Ambridge, PA 15003
The Rev. Josephine George, Eulogist
The Rev. Dr. James H. McLemore, Officiating

Interment:
Saturday, May 3, 2008
1:00 PM Fostoria, Ohio

Professional services are entrusted to:
Sheffield Funeral Home
920 Franklin Avenue
Aliquippa, PA 15001
724-375-8080

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Bernard Gaiton, Pastor
Trinity A.M.E. Church
2700 Wylie Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Contact phone number for the Rev. Bernard Gaiton:
(724) 650-1300

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Oscar Vincent Warren, the father of the Reverend Katherine Rose, pastor of Bethel AME Church in York, Pennsylvania.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing - May 1, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Funeral: May 2, 2008, 11:00 a.m.
New Bethel United Methodist Church
Germantown and Trappe Road
Berlin, MD 21811
Phone: 410-641-2058
The Rev. (No First Name Provided) Bridell, Pastor

Interment: Hurlocke Cemetery
Seaford, Delaware

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Katherine Rose
Bethel AME Church
356 West Princess Street
York, PA 17404

Phone: 717-843-3461
Fax: 717-843-0095

Or

Residence of Pastor Rose
127 Irving Road
York, PA 17403
Phone: 610-937-1674

Please remember Rev. Rose and the family of Brother Oscar Vincent Warren in your prayers.

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The 8th Episcopal District regrets to inform you of the death of the Rev. and Mrs. Johnny Dumas' daughter. The Funeral Services for Katrina Ann Dumas will be held on Friday, May 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr. will do the Eulogy. Services will be held at the Coahoma Community College - 3240 Friars Point Road - Clarksdale, MS 38614.

Rev. Dumas may be reached at:
662-402-8854 or 662-627-7135

Condolences may be mailed to:
The Rev. Johnny and Mrs. Cathryn Dumas
621 Leflore Street
Clarksdale, MS 38614

Evelyn H. Markey
Office Manager
8th Episcopal District - A.M.E. Church
4480 Gen DeGaulle Drive - Suite 210 A
New Orleans, LA 70131
Office: (504) 393-9001
FAX: (504) 393-9157

25. 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

26. 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.