Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. AME STATEMENT – PRESIDENT- ELECT OBAMA
November 5, 2008
TO: Members of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
FROM: Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe, President – The Council of Bishops
Bishop John Richard Bryant, Senior Bishop
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair – Social Action Commission
RE: Resolved: The AME Church Makes a Commitment to Prayer, Partnership,
Perseverance, Participation and to Pressin’ on
WE CAN AND MUST MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
Today we reaffirm the resolve that we as a body will mobilize the entire membership of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to “act out” the legacy of this great Church of Allen. Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe, president of the Council of Bishops joins in validating the commitment of the AME Church legacy in the United States of America, on the continent of Africa and throughout the world. This communication serves to affirm the decision of the people of this great country on November 4, 2008 that resulted in the election of Senator Barack Obama as the first black president of the United States of America, to recommit to the movement self-determination that symbolizes African Methodism, and to urge continued prayer for and partnership with our President-elect. President- elect Obama is not only unique in his personage and journey but faces a unique set of circumstances that have baffled those noted for their expertise on the economy, business infrastructure and international relations.
This period is a time of testing, not only for America, but for us. “That means,” says Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair of the AME Church’s Social Action Commission, “that those who have not been dubbed as experts have an equal opportunity to weigh in and are compelled to do so as we claim our rights, privileges and obligation to protect future generations.” The founding of the AME Church was the first civil rights movement in this country and the modern day civil rights movement was inspired by the action of an AME member, Rosa Parks. In the intervening years, we have nurtured and inspired the likes of Frederick Douglas, Hiram Revels, Nat Turner, Richard Harvey Cain, A Phillip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, Madame C J Walker, Ernest Green, Charlotte Makhanye, Vernon Jordan, Stephanie Wilson, James Clyburn and many of the unsung warriors for the cause of human dignity. Can we do any less than our forbearers? If we don’t step up to the plate, who will?
In the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years ahead we must take the time to translate the joy of the moment into action that makes a real difference. “There is no substitute for personal commitment and action,” continues Social Action Officer “Jackie” Dupont-Walker. “It is time,” concludes Senior Bishop John Bryant, “and our role in the struggle for human dignity is etched in the annals of history. Our faithfulness to that legacy will be evidenced in the days ahead.”
From the very beginning, the AME Church has answered the Call. Reflect on this:
Crispus Attucks fell (1770) so that Richard Allen would stand up (1787); Richard Allen stood up so that African American mothers and fathers would rise up (1876-1965); Mothers and fathers rose up so that Rosa Parks could sit down (1955); Rosa Parks sat so that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. could march (1955-1968); Dr. King marched so that Barack Obama could run (2008); Barack Obama has run so that our children and grandchildren can fly! And his election on November 4, 2008 fulfills God promise that all God’s children have wings; and the best is yet to come!
* Adapted e-blast from Rev. Joseph Darby by SIStah “Jackie” Dupont-Walker, then refined by Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson
We have the opportunity to be a part of America’s overcoming; overcoming the challenges that face us today. President-elect Barack Obama’s success is our success; likewise his failure will be our failure. As he said to us, “I am asking not that you believe in my ability to make change….I am asking that you believe in yours.”
For more information contact J. Dupont-Walker at 213-494-9493
Editor’s Note: The AME Statement that addresses the election of President-elect Obama is significant and is the lead article in this edition of The Christian Recorder. President-elect Barack Obama, the first person of color to be elected as the President of the United States of America is a historic event and his election is a global event. The Christian Recorder takes this opportunity to Congratulate President-elect Barack Obama on his election to lead our great nation.
2. REFLECTIONS OF THE OBAMA ELECTION:
These are my thoughts at midnight following the Obama election. My cell phone rang into the early hours of the morning. Family, friends, and foes texted, emailed, and telephoned “Yes We Did”!
I sat on my brown leather couch with my mother feeling tears of joy roll down my cheeks, my body shivers reacting to realized dreams, and my soul accepted a new NOW. My heart pounded as I witnessed a young black man accept the highest office in the most powerful country in the world. I literally could not breathe, but had to run out of the house into my small yard belting out a loud victory shout for all of Orange County to hear and experience my pain, passion, and partake in my pleasure; I shouted Obama to the top of my lungs. My happiness was indescribable. My television set illuminated for the first time an unscripted positive image of an African American family destined to change the world. This was all happing in real time….my time…in my life time…. Oh my God! Somebody pinch me because this must be a dream. I could not stop shouting!
I shouted for the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Adam Clayton Powell, W. E. B. Dubois, Richard Allen, Booker T. Washington, Fannie Lou Hammer, Shirley Chisholm, H. Rap Brown, Huey P. Newton, Rosa Parks, and every soul who marched, sang, passed out a social justice flyers, NAACP membership applications, drove a bus for Freedom Riders, and for those nameless folks holding up hand written signs saying “I am a man” while marching for American Rights.
My shout was for those who were silenced by the KKK, Skin Heads, Neo Nazis, White Citizens Council, Arian Nation, racist religious zealots or conservative political pundits creating a climate of fear for minorities, atmosphere of agony for community activists, and seven degrees of deception for deacons of peace.
I shouted for those who trembled in fear of losing jobs for standing up against a oppression, church bombings, fire torched homes, and standing up for pistol whipped civil rights workers, men who were lynched for looking to long a white woman, and victims of violent threats towards innocent neighbors who simple dared to demand the rights afforded by the Bill of Rights. My shout was for my sons, mother, and wife who will never have to cry in fear or frustration.
This is a rare moment for all Americans to cherish. Scholars, rap artists, poets, preachers, news reporters, television and movie script writers and community griots will tell Barack Obama’s story. This is not just a joyous monumental moment for African Americans, but a moment for all Americans to truly unite for the first time. For the first time the White House is fully integrated. For the first time minorities have elected a person from our community. For the first time, there is a face of color in the highest office of the land. What a first for America!
Devin, my youngest son, was moved to tears after witnessing the first African American president-elect give an acceptance speech to govern nearly two hundred fifty million people. My 19 year old son said, “Dad I have a renewed energy for education, leadership, and love for America like never before”. Dreams are no longer deferred. Dreams can become true….Yes We Can!
The theme “Yes We Can” captured our conscious, but now our conscious becomes our practice. There is a new theme in America: “Yes We Did!" This is truly the day the Lord has made, Oh let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Pastor Mark Whitlock
Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Orange County, California
3. A TRIBUTE TO A SERVANT-LEADER MENTOR: MR. THEODORE HARRIS, MEMBER, AME GENERAL BOARD, MASTER LAYPERSON DETROIT, MICHIGAN:
*Jerry Turner, Jr.
“All is well with my soul – I can shout – Hallelujah – All is well, all is well, All is well”
King Jesus Fixed so my soul can shout Hallelujah all is well—All is well—All is well”
It is with a heavy heart that we take this moment to memorialize the life, legacy and contribution of Brother Theodore Harris.
I had the great opportunity to have known Ted since I was a teenager, learning about the leadership and administration of our great Zion. He always stated to me, “Love God, Love your Family and Love your Church.”
Ted was a person that was a friend to all, Bishops, General Officers, Missionaries, Lay and Youth.
He was a person that Love God the Most, His Family, His Friends and yes the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He always wanted our church to be the best. Several of us would jokingly introduce Ted as the “Lay Bishop” of African Methodism.
Ted was active at all levels, from his beginnings in the Great State of Alabama—to his arrival in Detroit and his 39-year membership at St. Paul AME Church. He was proud of his journey. It was my yearly highlight to come to the close of the Michigan Conference and stand in the front of St. Paul with Ted, the Late Rev. J. P. Henning and Ted’s good Friend Keith and talk about our church. He was truly my Mentor.
Upon hearing the news of his transition, I can always remember him saying when I would ask: “Ted How are you—He would always respond, "All is well!"
To Frieda and the Sons, your husband and father was extremely proud of you and he was not only a giant in your family – he was a giant in the Church he loved so much. Thank you for supporting Brother Ted in all of his endeavors.
Ted I will miss you, as I know your journey here on earth is over – but you have a "New Home over in Glory" – It’s Yours Ted. Thank you for your touch that made the difference in our lives, you taught us to be a Servant-Leader. As you take your rest, we will continue with the work of saving souls, bringing people to Christ and Expanding the ministry of African Methodism.
Jesus is all the world to me – I want no better friend
I’ll trust Him now—I’ll Trust him when – Life’s fleeting days shall end
Eternal Life with such a friend, Eternal that has no end
Eternal Life, Eternal Joy – He is my Friend.
“Earth Has No Sorrows---That Heaven Cannot Heal”
*Jerry Turner, Jr. is the former Connectional President, YPD and RAYAC, and resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
4. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-INDIA REPORT: CHRISTIAN CHURCHES ARE STILL BEING PERSECUTED:
Thank you very much for your valuable prayers. The Lord's church has undergone a trying time in India. Many attempts have been made to dishonor the name of the Lord, by the enemies of the gospel. In the midst of all the persecution the Lord is still in control, for example an attempt was made by miscreants to mix poison in the drinking water stored for the persecuted Christians in the refugee camp, the timely intervention of the Lord foiled the attempt to wipe out Christians en-masse in the refugee camp. Praise the Lord.
Persecution of Christian continue in the torn state of Orissa, India. Just to give you a bird's eye-view of the calculated measure to destabilize the Christian community in Orissa, we present to you the statistics of recent research done by Christian agencies in Orissa. In Orissa alone, 14 districts have been affected, 330 villages affected and 57 people killed. Other casualties include: 10 Priests/Pastors/Nuns injured; over people 53,000 affected; over 40,000 people hiding in the forests; over 15,000 people in refugee camps; 149 churches attacked; 11 schools and colleges attacked; and over 4640 houses burnt/destroyed. Unfortunately a good number of Christians have been forcefully converted to Hinduism, purely with the motive of their own well-being. The perpetrators are offering two choices to the Christians, converting to Hinduism will spare them their lives and restore their lost property; the other choice is to face death. The government keeping an eye on the upcoming election is keeping mum. Any action taken on the perpetrators of the violence will affect their votes from the Hindus, the majority community. Christians are only a minority in this country.
Lot of protests has taken place, lots of memoranda and representations have been taken to the highest authorities of the country. There is lot of noise going on everywhere, but till now no concrete action has been taken to arrest the violence against Christians, which still continues unabated. Many of the causalities are never reported or covered by the media, because everything happens in the deep forests where the Christians are hiding, there is no government presence or media presence there. The lives of these people is very pathetic, there is no shelter, no food, no electricity, it's raining heavily, there is the danger of wild animals and poisonous creatures, no proper clothing, there are pregnant women, elderly and sick people, small infants and others. Outsiders are not allowed to enter the riot hit areas, so no relief can reach them. God is their only source of strength. It is unbelievable that such things could happen in this part of human history.
Pastor John Wesley reports that by a miraculous act of God, he has been able to make an agreement for a land, for the church in spite of the financial crisis and strong opposition. Pray that God would help him to meet the rest of the money (US$2000/-) in next three months.
Pastor Chiranjeevi reports that as a result of his ministry among the upper caste people in Kodur, six people have accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour and have received baptism. Please pray for them to stand firm and grow in their faith.
Pastor C. Daniel is constructing a house and he is also looking for suitable life partner. He requests prayer for God's guidance. He also requests for prayer of healing for Sister Saroja, a member of his congregation who suffers from cancer.
Pastor Vijayamma conducted a women's fellowship at Krishna Samudram, where 12 women have committed their lives for the Lord. Please remember them in your prayers, that they may stand firm and grow in their faith.
Pastor Raniamma reports that one Mr Annadoorai is an addicted to alcoholism, due to which his entire family is in lots of trouble, there is no peace in their lives. Recently he heard the gospel, and he is slowly drawing near to the cross, let us pray for the Holy Spirit to minister to him and lead him salvation.
Pastor Gopi who ministers in Lingeshwara Nagar, Tirupathi is facing troubles from the Hindu fanatics. He is unable to witness openly, please pray for his protection as well as well as for open door for the ministry in this town which is famous worldwide for its Hindu temple – a pilgrim centre.
Pastor Subbamma reports from Thimmapuram village that three people have accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour. They are all from the higher castes; Pastor Subbamma is also a convert from this caste.
Pastor Daniel Raj requests prayer for his church as he is planning to extend his church building next month. His is a fast growing church and therefore there is a greater demand for more space in his church, in order to accommodate all the worshippers.
Pastor Naomi has newly started a ministry at NTR colony, now only two families are coming. Pray that she will get a breakthrough in her ministry and that she would be able to effectively reap the harvest here.
Pastor Anand Babu also newly began a ministry at Kasim Mitta and he is reaching a particular people group called Yerukula. They are people who live below the poverty line. This community hunts and eats rats.
Pastor Peter Morris, who has been conducting his church worship for the last 7 years, in the premises of a school run by Hindu management, has been having problem since last two weeks because they were asked to find another place for their church activities, so they had the worship at Pastor's residence which is very small place. The whole church prayed with tears for a better place for worship. To everyone's surprise after two weeks, the same school authorities invited Pastor by telephone, asking them to come and resume their church activities on Sundays as usual. Added to the surprise, this time they were given a much bigger space to gather for worship. All glory to God for this miracle.
Pastor Peter Morris also informs of a lady named Dhanamma, an active member of his congregation, had pain in the abdomen and after the medical tests she was informed that he had a tumor in her stomach which had to be operated and removed. The whole church prayed for her and her strong faith saved her. The day she was to be operated the doctors re-examined her and told her to everyone's surprise that there is no need for an operation as there is no tumor in her abdomen. Praise the Lord.
Brother Duraimani's family had backslided from their faith. The Pastor and the church had been praying for them for many years. Now as a result of the prayers, slowly one by one all the members of this family are back in the church, having renewed their faith and zeal for the Lord.
Mr. Selvam and Mrs. Sudha, Mr. Venkateshan and Mrs. Eshwari are newly coming to the church. All of them are from Hindu background.
Please pray for Pastor Morris, his wife Emmimal and their three daughters as they are serving the Lord in the midst of the fishing community. There is immense opposition to their work from the community, in spite of it they serve the Lord faithfully. They have put their three daughters in the hostel so that they can give more of their time to the mission work.
We request your prayers for Pastor Ramesh, he has been undergoing some difficulties in his family and it has been a major distraction for his ministry. He is very deeply committed to the Lord and the mission of AME-India.
We also request prayer for Pastor Samuel Ramachandran who had been working as warden in a hostel and pastors in two small congregations among the fishing community. Most of the members of his church are from very poor background; therefore he had no income from the church. His income from the warden's job helped him meet his expenses. Now because he is Pastoring the AME-India churches the hostel authorities have asked him to resign from his present job. Please pray that God would provide him a better job for his sustenance.
With the help the California Conference YPD we have organized a one-day (9am-5pm) YPD gathering for 100-150 youth on the 15th of November 2008. We thank California Conference YPD for their generosity. Kindly pray that the Holy Spirit would move in a very special manner, touch and minister to the youth. We pray and desire this occasion to be a time of spiritual refreshment and challenge, renewal of their faith and commitment to stand for the Lord.
We thank you all for your faithful prayers for us. The Lord is good and faithful in answering them. AME-India prays for right person to be elected as the President of USA as you all vote this week. May the Lord's will be done.
*The Rev. Sarah and the Rev. Abraham Peddiny, Presiding Elders, African Methodist Episcopal Church-India
5. DISTRICT CONFERENCE GOES SILVER:
The Rev. Ken Whitley
On October 17–18, 2008 the Boston-Hartford District of the New England Annual Conference held its District Conference at the Bethel A.M. E. Church in Bloomfield, Connecticut (the land of unlimited love) where the Rev. Ron McCune is the host pastor. There the District conducted the work of the church under the leadership of Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy and also celebrated his 25 years as Presiding Elder in the Boston-Hartford District.
Presiding Elder Robert Wade from the Camden-Trenton District New Jersey Conference delivered a powerful sermon on that Friday evening, October 17th with the choirs from Bethel Bloomfield, Ct. and the Boston-Hartford District all male choir of about 150 men.
On Saturday, October 18th the business of the Conference moved forward with awards presented from the June Boston-Hartford District Church School Convention. The Conference pastors, ministers, missionaries, Christian education workers, youth and the faithful laity also came together in celebration of Rev. Herbert L. Eddy’s twenty-five years as Presiding Elder in the New England Conference. It was truly a Silver celebration.
The left picture shows Presiding Elder Eddy, with the Boston-Hartford District Church School Superintendent Sis. Josephine Anderson, Chair of Christian Education, Rev. Viola Morris-Buchanan, youth and local church school superintendents presenting awards. The second picture shows Presiding Elder Robert Wade and Mrs. Wade presenting Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy and Rev. Mrs. Amelia A. Eddy an award from the First District Presiding Elders Council. Congratulations Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy and the Rev, (Mrs.) Amelia Eddy on this Silver Anniversary.
6. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCING GDC 3RD BI-ANNUAL MEETING:
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Chairman
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, Presiding Elder, Secretary
The full contingent of the Global Development Council will convene in Mbabane, Swaziland (18th Episcopal District) on Thursday, February 26th, to Friday, February 27th, 2009.
We are thankful to Bishop E Earl McCloud JR (+1 404 691 1091 / +1 404 277 3833) and the people of the 18th Episcopal District for extending the invitation to host this meeting.
Logistics concerning conference venue and accommodation places will be communicated to you soonest we have received it from the 18th Episcopal District.
Bishop Wilfred J Messiah requests suggestions and proposed talking points to be emailed to him at wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com and also copied to Presiding Elder Hanse at revwshansepe@yahoo.com by January 31, 2009.
7. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Carolyn Denise Lundy, the daughter of Presiding Elder M.S. (Karl) Colquitt and Mrs. Mattie Colquitt, Central District, Southwest Georgia Conference. Carolyn Denise Lundy passed on Wednesday, October 29, 2008.
The funeral has been held.
Presiding Elder and Mrs. Colquitt may be contacted at:
P.O. Box 6046
Americus, GA 31709-6046
TEL: 229-928-9559
FAX: 229-924-8205
E-mail: pkarl@bellsouth.net
8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We sadly announce the passing of Sister Naomi Clay, daughter of the Rev. James Mitcham (deceased) and sister of the Rev. David E. Mitcham (deceased). Sister Naomi Clay was 95 at her death. She was a life member of the WMS, Christian Educator, retired principal in the Indianapolis School System, and served in many capacities at St. John AME Church, the Indiana Conference, the 4th Episcopal District, and the Connectional Church. She leaves to mourn sons, Theodore and Jerry Clay and was active until her death.
The services are as follows:
Family Calling: Wednesday, November 5, 2008 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. at St. John
Funeral Service: Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 12 noon at St. John.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Naomi Clay Family
St. John AME Church
1669 N. Columbia Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 924-4044(office)
(317) 925-1001(fax)
sjame@sbcglobal.net
The Rev. William Gary, Pastor
Mortuary:
Stuart Mortuary
2201 North Illinois
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Telephone: 317 925-3000
Fax: 317 925-3204
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We sadly announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Ernestine Townsend Perkins, the sister of the Rev. Charles Liska Townsend, Sr., pastor of Salter's Chapel AME Church, Waverly, Tennessee. Mrs. Perkins, a lifetime member and a licensed Exhorter at Payne Chapel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee passed on Tuesday, October 28, 2008.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family through:
The Reverend Charles L. Townsend
716 Stanvid Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37216
(615) 262-0525
Email: ChasTwd38@yahoo.com
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. 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
11. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; 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
