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. EDITORIAL – ACHIEVING THE RIGHT THING:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
As I wrote in the previous editorial, “lf the African Methodist Episcopal Church does the right thing; the Church will grow and prosper.”
“Doing the right thing” uses ethical reasoning from a deontological or nonconsequentialist approach that was championed by the philosopher, Immanuel Kant; over and against the deontological approach is the teleological approach, or Utilitarianism championed by the philosophers, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Simply stated, persons following the teleological model would judge whether an action is right or wrong by the consequences it produced. Utilitarianism is the dominant version of teleological ethical decisionmaking.
Doing the right thing might not always be the most comfortable thing, but in ministry and in the Church, we must do the right thing, even when doing so might be the most uncomfortable course of action.
Some actions require teleological responses because in answering some questions or in responses to some situations, the consequences might need to be considered; the “greatest good” principle might be the best course of action, but in the church environment, like the Ten Commandments, the deontological approach is the better option. We need to always do the right thing, all of us; from the pew to the bench of bishops and everyone in between.
Church members need to do the right thing, always. Consistency and commitment are operative words. If everybody would attend worship services regularly every Sunday, instead of one group in church one Sunday and another group in church on another Sunday, more meaningful worship services would be the result. Sporadic attendance can slowly kill a church or hamper church growth.
Consistency and commitment on the part of pastors is also important. Clergy persons must be consistent in ministry and committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is important that pastors always maintain the presence of integrity; “little white lies” can cripple ministry. Pastors expect respect form those they serve; and pastors must have a healthy respect for authority. The AME Church is episcopal in government, meaning we have bishops and, thus, a hierarchy. Pastors and other clergy undermine the system when they disregard the authority of bishops and presiding elders. Systems work, if the rules of the organization are followed.
Presiding elders must be consistent and committed to their functions in ministry. Presiding elders, once elevated to that august position must realize that they are not, “one of the guys or one of the gals.” When elevated to the presiding eldership, they become supervisors and managers. They must also realize that they cannot be, at the same time, “running buddies”, personal counselors and supervisors; the three are different roles. “Running buddies” and counselors can do the good thing; supervisors must always do the right thing.
If presiding elders properly supervise pastors, they must get to know their pastors, visit them in their ministry environment; seeing some of them once a quarter may not be sufficient, especially for those pastors who might be experiencing pastoral or family difficulties. Developing relationships is time-consuming. Lunch meetings or dinner meetings with pastors and sometime other social gatherings help develop organizational relationships. There is a distinction between meddling and developing professional relationships with pastors and local churches; presiding elders should not meddle in the affairs of a local church.
Presiding elders, like pastors, must have a healthy respect for authority. When passing on requirements from the presiding bishop, the presiding elder needs to take responsibility for the message delivery and not pass the blame for the tough news on the bishop. For instance, an increase for an assessment should not be presented as, “I don’t understand why we need all of this money; I am just the messenger, we just need to do what we need to do. This is not my initiative.” That kind of message precipitates negativity that encourages pastors to go back to their congregations and say to the local church the same negative message that the presiding elder gave the clergy. The same negativity spreads among the local churches and members will use that same negativity.
When contentious situations arise, presiding elders need to ask the question, “Have you spoken to the pastor?” Bishops need to ask the question. “Have you spoken to the presiding elder?” All of us need to make the system work. That’s the right thing to do.
Bishops have difficult jobs and once they have been elected and consecrated they are no longer “one of the guys or one of the gals.” They may need to understand that they may rarely hear the truth and they must actively and aggressively seek to learn all sides of issues and when they make hard decisions, they will sacrifice popularity and even precipitate hostility.
One of the challenges for bishops is the Pastors’ Bill of Rights.
The Pastors’ Bill of Rights
The Pastors’ Bill of Rights was developed for competent pastors as a way to protect them and their families from frivolous transfers. The Pastors’ Bill of Rights was not implemented to protect incompetent pastors. The Pastors’ Bill of Rights was meant for good, but in some ways it may be hampering pastoral efficiencies.
We live in a litigious environment, but I don’t believe that there is a court in the world that would uphold the Pastors’ Bill of Rights against a person who is proven to be incompetent or inefficient, if there exist documentation to substantiate the incompetence. Prosecutors and defense attorneys cannot go to court with, “He said, she said,” which is why it is important that evaluation and performance records be developed for every pastor and for every person who applies for ministry. Pastors should provide written evaluations for every licentiate. Every pastor should receive a written evaluation from the presiding elder each year and / or each time a pastor is transferred. Another disciplinary requirement is probably not needed because a written evaluation is the expectation of any organization. Every organization gives written evaluations. Evaluations should be fair, shown to the person being evaluated and that person should be given the option to respond to, and required to sign the evaluation. If the person refuses to sign the evaluation, then a notation is made, “Person read the evaluation and refused to sign the document.” With evaluations and documentation, there would be a legitimate paper trail that would stand up in court better than “He said, she said.”
Presiding elders should receive written annual evaluations from their bishops. What can stop a bishop from implementing an evaluation system for clergy? To take it even further, pastors should provide written evaluations to all of the officers and head of organizations in the local church.
Sounds like a lot of work and it is a lot of work; but it’s the right thing to do.
Evaluations would raise the bar. It would put “teeth” in the presiding eldership. Pastors would understand that they are not independent contractors. Bishops would be armed with documentation to assist them in making logical pastoral decisions. Pastors would be protected because they would, have in writing on a regular basis, how they are being evaluated. It’s a “win-win” for everybody, but it requires more work and raises the ethical bar in pastoral relationships; no more saying one thing and meaning another.
A Couple of more things
- Every person applying to become a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church should be required to submit a sealed official transcript that is to be opened by the Board of Examiners. That’s the right thing to do.
- Every person applying to become a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church who said that they served in the military should be required to submit a raised sealed DD Form 214 to the Board of Examiners. That’s the right thing to do.
- Every person applying to become a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church who is bi-vocational should be required to submit at least one letter from his or her current employer.
- Every person applying to become a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church who is married should be required to submit a raised copy of their Marriage Certificate.
With more work and attention to detail, we, as a Church, can achieve the right thing.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
Editor’s Note: All of the Letters to the Editor listed below are in reference to the AME Church Quarterly payment document that was shared last week.
- To the Editor:
I'm happy to see the information on the budget. The report included payments and dates received but did not include the amounts owed.
Kathy Drayton
- To the Editor:
Does this suggest that district 15 – 20 pay nothing, as their reports are not here?
The Tau Family
- To the Editor:
Thank you for sharing this information and highlighting the language from the Bill that required your action. Two elements seem to be missing: Reports from the overseas districts (15-20) and the CFO's report on the amount actually owed by each district.
I would imagine the overseas districts have little, if any, money to submit, so may not have been assessed. But I can't be sure. A clarification would be appreciated.
As for Districts 1-14, do the grand totals represent the full payments due from each district?
Thanks for whatever insight you can provide.
Carol A. Bowie
3. IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS (PART 2): WHAT CAN THE CHURCH DO?
After writing “In the Spirit of Christian Missions”, I received feedback from several sources who urged me to go beyond constructive criticism and provide helpful suggestions for our Connectional leadership. I’ve always believed the axiom: “If you can’t be a part of the solution, then don’t talk about the problem.” So, I present this brief outline of some suggested items of action the various bodies of the Connectional AME Church might want to examine relative to our work in Districts 14-20. Many of these suggestions have been discussed at some point and some have lain dormant in the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church for over twenty years.
1. Develop a centralized translation program supervised by the Department of Publications and the General Board.
Several Bishops, General Officers, and Connectional Organizations have conducted translation efforts with various results. A centralized structure is needed to ensure consistency and accuracy in written translations. The Global Development Council should identify priority languages and priority documents for translation. The Council of Bishops in conjunction with the General Board can draw up an actual plan. AMEs in Districts 1-13 who are versed in languages other than English can be identified to assist in this effort.
2. Compile a catalog of all material published by AME entities which is in languages other than English.
Due to the transition of Episcopal Administrations, there is no central database of documents which have been created for use in non-English speaking areas. Cataloging the existing documents would be essential in avoiding needless duplication and assessing quality.
3. Audit all Annual Conference curricula outside the United States to ensure that Boards of Examiners in Annual Conferences where English is not the primary language are using materials consistent with AME polity and doctrine.
As stated in my previous article, AME Churches in non-English speaking areas have been forced to use documents which do not expound the tenets of African Methodism. Lists of the teaching materials used by the various Boards of Examiners in areas without access to AME materials should be compiled and evaluated by the Connectional Director of Christian Education in conjunction with the Global Development Council. Additionally, members in non-English speaking areas should be encouraged to use materials from Methodist communions available in their languages until such time as AME materials can be made available for their use.
4. Reactivate and Properly Structure Part X, Section IV of the Discipline “Operation Partnership-in-Mission.”
While various Episcopal Districts, Annual Conferences and local churches in the United States are actively partnering with AMEs in Districts 14-20, there is no organized program to facilitate mission work. In keeping with the process outlined on page 271 of the 2004 Doctrine and Discipline, the Global Development Council in conjunction with the Council of Bishops should match Districts in the United States with Districts outside of the United States for formal partnership opportunities. These partnerships should not eliminate existing partnerships, but serve as a means of formalizing mission involvement.
5. Ensure that the AME Church is properly incorporated in every country where it has a presence.
As a global entity, the AME Church must make sure that we comply with the laws in the various countries of our membership. Many church properties across the Connection have been lost because the AME Church was not duly incorporated as a national entity. The Global Development Council should ensure that the Bishops serving in Districts 14-20 have proof that the AME Church has legal recognition in all countries where we have churches.
6. Conduct an extensive review of the “Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church” in order to ensure that the document is as global as possible.
Although the Correcting and Editing Committee is given the charge of dealing with contradictions and archaic language, references solely applicable to the United States abound in the Discipline. A cohesive review is essential to make the document as universally applicable as possible.
7. Create an International Development Plan authored by the Global Development Council in conjunction with the Council of Bishops, the General Board, and the Director of Global Witness and Ministry.
In my previous article, I stated the seemingly unorganized nature of AME international. This situation can be remedied by the creation of an organized strategy for expansion which makes the best use of our current resources dedicated to mission work.
Many of the suggestions I have made in this piece have at one time been considered by the Connectional Church and never acted upon. And this list is only a beginning. For instance, the potential of AME-SADA merits an article in its own right. It is the responsibility of all AMEs—regardless of Episcopal District—to ensure that the AME Church is a truly Connectional Church. Members in District 1-13 especially must continue to press our leadership for deeper engagement in the work outside of the United States and support the work of the Global Development Council. While “giving a thought to Africa” may have been sufficient in the past, boldness is needed for the Church of Allen to reach its potential throughout the world.
4. QUESTION AND RESPONSE TO PASTOR’S SELF-EMPLOYMENT TAX:
The Reverend Gregory Ball, an AME pastor asked the question about a pastor’s self-employment tax and what amount should be paid by the local church. He also wanted to know how the pastor’s self-employment tax should be set up.
The Rev. Tyronda House Burgess, CPA, expeditiously provided a response to the questions raised by Rev. Ball. Her response:
“As Common Law employees of the churches we serve, Pastors are subject to self-employment tax for the first $102,000 in Pastoral income for social security purposes. Any amount a church pays toward a Pastor's income tax or self-employment tax, other than withholding that amount from the Pastor's salary, is subject to income tax. So, our churches can pay a portion of the Pastor's self-employment tax; however, the amount that the church pays becomes income to the Pastor and is subject to Federal Income tax.
More information about this subject can be found by downloading IRS Publication 517 (every Pastor should have a copy in their library) at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p517/ar01.html or checking the quick tax topics at http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc417.html.”
The Rev. Tyronda Howse Burgess
Pastor, Jones Chapel A.M.E. Church
Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee
5. THE LOOK OF LOVE OR OBAMA LOVE:
By Diane Allen
A recent observation of President Obama was most likely totally correct but for fear that someone would be offended, it was pulled soon after it was published on the World Wide Web.
When observing President Obama as he and his wife Michelle boarded the Presidential aircraft in route to London, a journalist felt it worthy to note what they were not certain of. This individual mentioned their observation of President Obama saluting the military personnel as he boarded the aircraft. They also felt it necessary to mention what they thought to be President Obama “saluting” his wife. Now, they did not just say he was saluting her, they mentioned a specific body part that the President seemed to show visible admiration for. So getting to the point, the writer said the President was admiring the part of his wife’s body upon which she sits.
Now, there seemed to be a bit of controversy about this and the story was pulled from the press but not before it got out. One reason 24 hour news is so popular is because someone is watching or reading 24 hours a day.
As I read the blog responses, I had mixed emotions. My initial response was anger and frustration that once again, the Americans of African descent must be generalized as animalistic and always leaning toward some sort of sexually degenerative behavior. Do we always have to go there?
Then I decided not to go there. Based on my personal experience as a happily married woman, who happens to be an American of African descent, I began to visualize my husband and our relationship. Now, if that were my husband and I, being the hopeless romantics that we are, what would my husband of almost 13 years have been thinking at that moment in time? Would he salute the military personnel? Yes, he would. Would he salute me? Yes, he would and oh by the way, yes, he would also gaze at the part of my body on which I sit. You see, as Americans of African descent, this is totally acceptable behavior. It is natural in so many ways and a show of admiration and affection.
What could President Obama possibly have been thinking at that moment? The answer is simple…he is in LOVE with her! They are in love with each other. That is a wonderful feeling that cannot be held hostage because of potential misperceptions, fear of an inappropriate comment by a member of the press or the general public. I for one absolutely adore the fact that our President is a husband and father who has no qualms with public displays of affection. It gives me great pride to see any African American man publicly show love respect and adoration for his family.
How quickly we forget the images that still haunt some. Some of us remember because we witnessed it in our homes and some of us remember because we saw it in the movies. I remember very well the scene from the movie “Claudine,” starring Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones, where she was forced to hide the fact that she was in a loving relationship with a BMW (Black Man Working). She had to make sure that the small gifts he bought for her were hidden from the welfare lady who came to inspect her lifestyle and her life. You see, as an African American woman receiving assistance from the government, she was not entitled to both.
What President Barack Obama displayed was a loving gaze that was a public display of pure love, respect and admiration for his wife. That is a beautiful sight to behold and should not be misinterpreted as anything but what it is. Because he is the first American of African descent to hold the highest office in the land, every move he and his family make are often translated into a plethora of perceptions and unfortunately still some misperceptions about all Americans of African descent. This is nothing new to us. I am proud to see our world leader in a loving relationship with his wife, his best friend, the mother of his children and our first lady.
It was merely a look of LOVE. It is not necessary to mention that it seemed that as he gazed at his wife, his eyes may have roamed up and down her body. Is that wrong? If we have not LOVE, we have nothing. Let us not forget that love is both emotional and physical.
In case you have not noticed, there are people everywhere who find pleasure in picking apart his every speech, move, invitation, decision etc. There are many who look for any opportunity to publicize anything that will give even a hint of negativity or dishonor to our President. This is where Michelle and those perfect little girls come in to bless his life.
My perception of President Obama based on my observations from afar and my personal experience is that at that moment in time, he was not President Barack Obama; he was briefly citizen Barack Obama, just a man in love with his wife. And yes, he probably was saluting her. This simple yet powerful gesture represented his undying love and respect for her, their daughters and all that they have worked so hard to build during their life together. He may have been thinking of so many love songs that speak to his heart and attempt to verbalize all that he feels for her. Maybe he was thinking of the song “Loving You”, when Minnie Ripperton sings that, ”Loving you is easy because you’re beautiful.” After all, at the end of his day, she represents everything Stevie Wonder sings of when he sings, “You Are the Sunshine in My Life”. There are so many love songs he could have been thinking of at that moment. Michelle Obama represents everything that is safe and comforting to our President. Because of the relationship they have, he is able to manage the affairs of our country and face the rest of the world exuding a level of confidence and boldness that bewilders others. They have a loving relationship that allows all that is within him to come out and be who he was sent here to be because he has found his help mate and friend in Michelle. That is something that is difficult to describe or imagine to a level of clear understanding if one has never experienced it.
The right helpmate gives one the confidence to face all the challenges that life tosses your way with a spirit of “I can” that can be misinterpreted as arrogance if you happen to be of a certain ethnic persuasion or gender.
Since our President is both a Christian and a scholar, he may have been reflecting on the book of Proverbs, specifically chapter 31, verses 10-13, where it says, “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
So to answer any lingering questions about that observation, yes, he most likely was looking at and saluting his beautiful wife, the LOVE of his life, mother of his children and the look was LOVE and RESPECT. Hopefully another agenda item for the Obama family during their life experience as First Family will be to help the rest of the nation and the world to recognize and imitate their respect for family that look of love.
St. James AME, Bradley, Georgia
6. A KILLING EPIDEMIC:
*The Rev. N. T. Pitts
There is no doubt that killing/murder has reached an epidemic proportion ever since Cain killed his brother Abel, Humankind has been killing/murdering one another.
Infants, children, women and men of all ages have become victims of this treacherous epidemic.
Suicides are out of control with adults and teens taking their lives at an alarming rate. And what is so puzzling is why they take the lives of others. Not a day pass whereby we hear of or read about mass killings on school campuses, churches, Court rooms, malls, restaurants, etc. And it always seems to end up with the killer killing himself. Why do these people kill their whole families?
Why do some go on a killing rampage?
You can rest assure that Satan is laughing hysterically.
Whenever there is an outbreak of a disease, many of us rush to get inoculated to protect us from becoming victims.
But there is no inoculation available that can stem the tide of this treacherous epidemic. It seems that Humankind has lost its sensibility. And it also seems that people have come to a point that they think that there is no alternative to problems and frustrations than to kill. It has been said that "misery loves company." That has, without a doubt, been proven to be true.
I previously stated that there is no inoculation available to stem the killing epidemic, but there is a solution.
We must make the petition that David made. "Create in me a clean heart and renew a right Spirit within me." Psalms 51:10
I cannot help from being sadden whenever I hear of babies being treated as trash and placed in trash bags. Some children are being starved to death, some left in public restrooms, and even placed in microwave ovens.
Reading about innocent people being randomly killed is disheartening, especially when I read about senior citizens whose lives are being sacrificed by some fool.
Children are being molded into cold-hearted and angry individuals all because of the conduct and actions of irresponsible adults who do not and will not; seek help for their problems and frustrations.
What must the church do?
It is difficult to identify these individuals, many of whom are walking pressure-cookers. "My soul be on thy guard ten thousands foes arise."
Please be reminded of this scripture: “If my people which are called by My Name shall humble themselves and pray and see my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14
*The Rev. N. T. Pitts is a retired pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida
7. EPISCOPACY CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:
- Mr. Joshua and Mrs. Tiffiney Jenkins are joyously announcing and celebrating the birth of their daughter, Sanaa Desiree Jenkins, who was born Friday, March 27, 2009. The Jenkins are the son and daughter-in-law of the Rev. Samuel and the Rev. Wanda Jenkins, pastors of Caison Memorial AME Church, Markham, Illinois of the Chicago Annual Conference, 4th Episcopal District. Sanaa is the first grandchild for the Rev. Sam and the Rev. Wanda. Joy is overflowing in the Jenkins Family.
Please forward congratulations to samuelljenkinsjr@yahoo.com
- On Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:53 PM, the Rev. Leroy Anderson, Jr. and the Rev. Angela Anderson, of the Washington Annual Conference, 2nd Episcopal District, were blessed with the birth of their new son Asaiah Boyce Anderson, a bouncing baby boy weighing 8 lbs. 8.4 oz. Rev. Angela and Rev. Leroy are the daughter and son-in-law of the Rev Deloris A. B. Prioleau and Mr. Earl Prioleau, Jr., also of the Washington Annual Conference, 2nd Episcopal District.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:
The Rev. Leroy Anderson: leroy.anderson@gsa.gov
The Rev. Angela Anderson: blessed2cclearly@yahoo.com
Or congratulatory messages can be emailed to the proud grandparents: juggler121@msn.com
8. EPISCOPACY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
We regret to announce the passing of Sergeant Major Howard McAllister, US Army Ret., son of the Reverend Joseph McAllister, Sr., and the late Mrs. Gladys Marks McAllister and brother of Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Twentieth Episcopal District, brother-in-law of Supervisor Joan M. McAllister, and the uncle of the Reverend Julius H. McAllister, Jr., pastor of Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida.
At the time of his death, Mr. McAllister was serving as the president of the United Methodist Men's Ministry at Shiloh UMC.
The following information is provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Funeral services Thursday, April 16, 2009
11:00 a.m.
Shiloh UMC
3312 Lamar Hwy
Darlington, SC 29532
Reverend William James, Pastor
843-393-3052
Condolences may be sent to
Bishop and Mrs. Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
2710 Olde Mill Road
Florence, SC 29505
843-665-4991
E-mail: bishopjulius129@aol.com
joanieb0715@yahoo.com
And
The Reverend Julius H. Jr. and Mrs. Deana Y. McAllister
Bethel AME Church
501 West Orange Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32310
E-mail: juliusmcallister@aol.com
Professional services are entrusted to
Jordan Funeral Home
108 Lee Street
Darlington, SC 29532
843-393-1865
Submitted by Mrs. Thelma B. Archie
Executive Assistant to Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that we share the tragic death of the father of the Rev. Johnny Stanley, pastor of St. Peter's AME Church Parkwood, South Africa; Cape Annual Conference of the 15th Episcopal District. May the family find strength in Him during this their time of trials and bereavement.
Condolences can be email to:
The Rev. Johnny Stanley: stanfam@telkomsa.net
Submitted by:
The Rev. Clive J. Pillay
BOCE Director
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Mr. Jimmie Johnson, Jr., brother of the Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Senior Pastor of Mount Zion AME Church in Kennesaw, GA.
Service arrangements for Mr. Jimmie Johnson, Jr:
Funeral:
Saturday, April 18, 2009
1:00 PM
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
740 NW 58th Street
Miami, Florida 33142
Phone: (305) 759-8875
Fax: (305) 751-5523
The Rev. Gaston Smith, Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Eulogist
Services are entrusted to:
Wright & Young Funeral Home
15332 NW 7th Ave
Miami, FL 33169-6206
Phone: (305) 688-2030
Fax: (305) 688-2293
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Mildred Johnson
6480 NW 6th Avenue, Apt. 13
Miami, FL 33150-4385
Or
The Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson
4562 Spotted Pony Drive
Acworth, GA 30101
(678) 953-8014 (Mobile)
Email: LUGENIAJOHNSON@comcast.net
11. 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
12. 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
