4/12/2012

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (4/12/12)


Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder


AMEC Connectional Day of Prayer – Friday, April 13, 2012

April is National Minority Health Month!
Ascension Day – May 17, 2012
Pentecost – May 27, 2012


A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:  Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.
Encourage me, and I will not forget you. - William Arthur Ward, college administrator, writer (1921-1994)


1. EDITORIAL – IN TRIBUTE TO BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN CHAPPELLE, JR., COLUMNIST FOR THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

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

October 22, 2010 was a significant date for The Christian Recorder because that was the first issue in which the column, "You Ask" penned by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle was published. 

I think most of us can remember the first time when we met someone. And, then there are those persons we meet and it seems as if we knew them all our lives. That was my experience with Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle. I have known him for long time, but I don’t remember when I first met him. I believe I first saw him when I was a young pastor in the Kentucky Annual Conference attending General Board Meetings.  Or it may have been at one of Dr. Ralph Jackson’s Minimum Salary meetings in Memphis. Truth is; I don’t remember when I first met him.

We always greeted each other when we saw each other. After I became the editor of The Christian Recorder, I heard from him frequently.  He was full of advice and amazingly, he was always on-target.

Earlier this year I incorrectly wrote the phrase “Catechism of Faith” in an article. I received a cryptic note from my friend, Bishop Chappelle with only these words: “Catechism ON Faith.”  When he saw something in The Christian Recorder, that he thought needed to be addressed, I would receive a message from him in all upper-case text. He used all upper-case in his messages except for the message with the correction, “Catechism ON Faith.”   

How it all started

In the summer of 2010 after a couple of days of receiving several emails and several calls from laity and clergy about questions and issues in various local churches, it occurred to me that The Christian Recorder needed a forum to address sensitive issues openly and without attribution to those raising the issues.

I thought to myself that it would be a great service to our Zion if The Christian Recorder had an AME “Dear Abby” or an “Ann Landers”- type column that people could feel comfortable asking questions.

I thought about the requirements and reached the conclusion that the person answering the questions needed to be someone with credibility, experience, and knowledge of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I didn’t have anyone in mind. As I laid out the requirements in my mind, I knew that it would be important for the person to be responsive and someone who was comfortable with the computer. It needed to be someone with courage, who was fair-minded and who as not afraid to deal forthrightly with sensitive issues; and who loved the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

I was thinking about who should be asked and who would agree to do a column that addressed questions from both clergy and laity.

Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle came to my mind because he always seemed to have an opinion and did not hesitate to send me an email when something was on his mind. 

It just so happened that a connectional meeting was several days away and I thought that I would ask him.  I wasn’t sure if he was going to accept my offer, but thought, the worst thing he could say was, “No.”

I pulled Bishop Chappelle to the side and presented my offer for him to do a column in which he would answer questions from members of the AME Church.  To my surprise and without hesitation, he put that smile in the corner of his mouth, shook his head, I couldn’t tell if he was nodding up and down, indicating a “yes” or nodding sideways indicating a ”no,” but he responded unhesitantly and said, “Yeah, I will do it.”  And, then he added, with a smile, “You are going to get us both killed!”

I explained that I didn’t have a name for the column and he said, “No problem; I will talk with my wife and we should be able to come up with something.”  Several days later, he emailed me with the title he had chosen.

He had chosen, “You Ask.”  And the rest is history.

On a humorous note, we were attending a funeral in Chicago and a car dropped off Bishop Chappelle about the same time I arrived. And, as he was coming up the steps, I spoke to Bishop Chappelle and reached out to carry his travel bag and said, “Bishop, let me carry your bags.”  He responded without a beat, “Naw, I will carry my own bags, because if I let you carry my bags, I will be reading an editorial, ‘Bishops make preachers carry their bags.’”  We both laughed, but he didn’t let me carry his bags.

When Bishop Chappelle began his “You Ask” column, I wrote, “Retired bishop, the Right Rev. Richard Allen Chappelle will be the columnist for the ‘You Ask’ column. The Christian Recorder receives a lot of questions and readers request answers. Bishop Chappelle is extremely knowledgeable and has a wealth of information about the AME Church and about The Discipline, having served our Zion as a General Officer in the position of General Secretary and as a Bishop of the Church. ‘You Ask,’ and Bishop Chappelle will answer your questions.”  And, answer questions he did, and did so courageously!  He dealt with The Discipline with authority and conviction; and with a deep love for the AME Church.

Bishop Chappelle told it like it was!

The life and ministry of Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr.

Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. was born February 25, 1934 to the union of the Rev. M. Peter Chappelle and Mrs. Mabel Juanita Chappelle. He was the fourth of five children. He attended the public schools of Duvall County and graduated from Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

He was the son of the parsonage. His father was a pastor and presiding elder. His mother was a great missionary leader and an active WMS leader.

Richard Allen Chappelle was ordained in the South Florida Annual Conference of the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

His pastoral appointments were Bethel AME Church in Ellesmere, Florida where he renovated and painted a little church in the country for its nine members. From there he moved to Bethel AME Church in Gifford, Florida and serving a larger congregation, he refurbished the fellowship hall and added to the sanctuary and increased the membership.

From Bethel in Gifford, he was sent to Hurst Chapel AME Church in Rivera Beach, Florida. There he acquired additional property for the church, added a fellowship hall, and increased the church membership in the largely black community. While serving Bethel, he thought it more beneficial to leave the public school system and to serve as a full-time pastor.

After serving as pastor of Bethel, he was assigned to Greater Allen Chapel AME Church in Melbourne, Florida where he initiated a telephone ministry for the sick and shut-ins; established a monthly newsletter and grew the congregation. He was then assigned to the Orlando Florida Annual Conference and assigned to the Old Historic Mount Olive AME Church.

He was elected the Second General Secretary of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1976 in Atlanta Georgia.

After being elected General Secretary in 1976, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he established the Headquarters for the General Secretary.

He served as General Secretary for 12 years. He modernized the office using various types of electronic equipment to catalog and established records of the Church for posterity. He also pastored Asbury Chapel AME Church in Louisville Kentucky and he was the pastor of Ward Chapel AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri while serving as the General Secretary

He was Elected and Consecrated the 108th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas in 1988 and was assigned overseas.

He served on the continent of Africa for eight years in Episcopal Districts 17 and 18, and spent almost an entire year on the continent.

He dearly loved the people of Africa, so much so, that he would go wherever they wanted to hold their annual conferences, including the far eastern region of Zambia (Solwezi), to the bush in Zimbabwe, to the mountains of northeast Lesotho and Swaziland.

He brought bicycles for his presiding elders who would otherwise have had to walk to their work; and he furnished them with robes and clergy collars.

He brought church literature from the United States and had the literature translated into the indigenous languages of the people.

He established the first Bishops’ Council on the continent of Africa, which was held in Swaziland.

He also established the first Christian Education Congress in the 17th Episcopal District, which met at Sizani School in Zimbabwe. That Christian Education Congress brought together three countries in one location.

Upon returning to the United States, Bishop Chappelle served the 8th and 12th Episcopal Districts. This theme of his episcopacy was "A More Excellent Way." His episcopal ministry focused on bringing people together and worshiping God in a more excellent way. His focused Scripture was the 13th Chapter of First Corinthians.

Bishop Chappelle taught school for 14-years and he was a member of the Broward County Classroom Teachers Association and served as the building representative.

He also served as Secretary of his District Conference and the South Florida Annual Conference.

Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. married while attending Bethune Cookman University. He was the father of Richard Allen Chappelle, Jr. and Beverly Joyce.

In 1966, Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. was united in holy matrimony to Barbara Jean Wooten. To this union one daughter was born, Kristen Nicole. She worked beside him in a faithful ministry that spanned over 40 years.

Bishop Chappelle was a Life Member of the Bethune-Cookman University Alumni Association. He received numerous awards for his faithfulness and loyalty to Bethune Cookman University. While a student at Bethune Cookman, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and continued his association with the graduate chapters in the states where he presided as Bishop.

He was a lifelong member of the NAACP and Urban League. He was a 33rd Degree Prince Hall Mason. He received many honors, among them the Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from B.F. Lee Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida; from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio; and from Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Bishop Chappelle traveled extensively. Among his travels were the following world renowned cities and countries: Singapore; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; London, Hong Kong, Thailand, Switzerland, Rome, and numerous countries in Africa.

He leaves to mourn his passing Barbara Jean Wooten a lovely wife of 46 years; three children, Richard, Jr., Beverly Joyce Walker (Curtis), Kristin Caldwell (Don); two sisters, Ophelia Hilton (San Francisco, California), Mattie Campbell (Jacksonville, Florida); and one brother, Joseph (Worchester New York); one sister-in-law, Marcia Renee Wooden, (West Park Florida); two grandsons, Micah Jeremiah and Travis Richard; nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances.

*Some of the information in this editorial was extracted from the Homegoing Celebration Obituary of Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Jr. that was held at St. James AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, April 7, 2012.

2. A TRIBUTE TO BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN CHAPPELLE SR. – THE 108th ELECTED AND CONSECRATED BISHOP OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:


*Dr. Clement W. Fugh, AMEC General Secretary

April 6, 2012

Supervisor Barbara Chappelle, and the Chappelle Family - the General Officers’ Council joins with the Sun-Kissed Sons and Daughters of Richard and Sarah Allen to express our sincere appreciation for the unselfish way that you shared Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle Sr. with us.  And we stand in recognition of the great debt of gratitude that we as a Council – corporately and individually - owe him.  As a former General Officer, Bishop Chappelle kept a warm spot in his heart for us.  He shared with us lessons on what it takes to make for a strong Council.  And he never hesitated to apprise us of issues that he saw coming of which we were not aware that would/could impact us.

On a very personal note, I liked Bishop Chappelle.  I called him “O Bearded One.”  Most of the time he called me, “Mr. Secretary.”  But, when he heard my name associated with something that was brewing that smelled like trouble, he would call, and he would say, “Mr. Secretary and Chief Information Officer, when are you going to start listening to me?”
Wise Old Friend, by virtue of my being able to stand this afternoon ought to be testimony enough, that I heard every word.

“Soldier of Christ, well done!
Praise be thy new employ;
And while eternal ages run,
Rest in thy Savior’s Joy!”
       
Submitted on behalf of the General Officers Council of the AME Church:

Dr. Richard A. Lewis Sr., President 
Dr. Clement W. Fugh, Secretary

*Dr. Clement W. Fugh, AMEC General Secretary delivered the Words of Comfort appended above at the Homegoing Celebration of Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Jr. that was held at St. James AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, April 7, 2012.

3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

- To the Editor:

RE: TCR Article, Who Inspires Me? - Diane C. Allen

I was very moved by the article written by Mrs. Allen of the family struggles.  They will survive because of their faith and surely their tenacity.

Ms. Carol Croskey

4. CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - APRIL 13, 2012:
            
Only 1 day away - tomorrow!

This is just a friendly reminder of the Connectional Day of Prayer set for April 13, 2012 wherein we will all be in fervent prayer for God's African Methodist Episcopal District.

Please know that this day has been endorsed by the Council of Bishops and the 49th Quadrennial General Commission 2008. This Connectional Day is an annual observance of the General Church. The Connectional Day of Prayer is under the auspices of the Prayer Committee of the 49th Session of the General Conference, Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Chair and the Reverend Dorisalene Hughes, Prayer Director.

Please join in prayer for the Holy Spirit to move throughout our Zion! As we pray, let us see a "prayer a hole" that pierces the spiritual darkness! Let us pray to cover, protect and seal the good things which will happen at the 49th Session of the General Conference.

There is a brochure that will help to facilitate an effective and powerful Connectional Day of Prayer in your local AME Church and/or community. If you would like the brochures, please send me an email [fifthdistprayer@aol.com] and I will forward the brochure to you!

Our “sister church,” the AME Zion Church will join us in prayer on April 13, 2012.

Some churches are having prayer vigils (6-12 hours); other churches are simply conducting a worship service and others a prayer walks.

It's all up to your discretion and the leading of the Holy Spirit. All in all, as long as we pray together on the same day, I believe we are going to see miracles, signs and wonders manifested in our AME Church worldwide -- like never before!

Prayerfully in His Service,

The Rev. Dorisalene Hughes serves as the 2012 General Conference Director of Prayer

5. ADDITIONAL HOUSING FOR 49TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:

Team 13 has acquired room blocks at numerous hotels for General Conference non delegates, vendors, volunteers, observers, banquet guests and . 

If you have not reserved your room, please reserve your room from our room block as soon as possible. Room Blocks at some hotels have expired.

Team 13 Host Hotel
Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel
600 Marriott Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
615-889-9300
Room Rate:  $119.00
For reservation contact 1-800-228-9290 or (615) 889-9300
Group:  African Methodist Episcopal Church
Reference #:  M-AX4RIB/M-AU2PHY
The hotel provides a free shuttle between the hotel and Opryland Hotel.

Hyatt Place - Nashville/Opryland - SOLD OUT
220 Rudy’s Circle
Nashville, TN  37214
615-872-0422
Room Rate:  $119.00
Group Name:  AME Church

Fairfield Inn and Suites – Nashville Airport
911 Airport Center Drive
Nashville, TN  37214
615-872-0109
Room Rate:  $119.00
Group Name:  49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Church

Fairfield Inn & Suites Opryland
211 Music City Circle
Nashville, TN  37214
615-872-8939
Room Rate:  $114.00
Call – 1-800-228-2800
Group Name: Team 13 Conference Housing

Holiday Inn Express Opryland - Room block has expired

2461 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
615-859-7796
Room Rate:  $119 (Single & Double), $129 (Triple), $139 (Quad)
Group Code:  T13
Group Name:  Team 13 General Conference Housing

Hampton Inn & Suites Opryland - ROOM BLOCK EXPIRES TODAY
230 Rudy Circle
Nashville, TN 37214
615-620-2572
Room Rate:  $119 (Single & Double), $129 (Triple), $139 (Quad)
Group Code: T13
Event Name: Team 13 General Conference Housing

Towne Place Suites Airport
2700 Elm Hill Pike
Nashville, TN
615-232-3830
Room Rate:  $89
Group Name: African Methodist Episcopal
Event Name: 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference AME Church

To download the list of hotels - Click Here

**Submitted by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District and Host Bishop for the General Conference

6. AME- INDIA - AN INDIAN DESCRIPTION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN:

The Rev. Minnie Sarah Peddiny

Violence against Women though is a global phenomena which arose since time immemorial, it has surfaced in different cultural contexts differently, although the common denominating factor is that the women have always been the victim of violence which has been systematically orchestrated by men, to keep women under their subjugation, satisfying their so called “male chauvinistic ego”, and to use women as a commodity to appease their whims and fancies. Women on the other hand have somehow convinced themselves, or have been convinced by their sexual counterparts, to silently accept the violence which was “supposed” to be for their good.

The scope of this paper just allows us to familiarize ourselves primarily with the Indian situation, on the types of violence meted out against women. The scope of this paper does not allow us to look at anything in detail, although it creates sufficient room for further research on particular issues, discussed in this paper. This paper has been prepared in the backdrop of AME-India convocation 2012, for the WMS’s theme on “Eradicating Violence Against Women”.

Violence against Women in India is as old as India. India has had a list of brave women who have been rulers or fighters for the freedom and safety of their people. India has a history of Matriarchal culture in certain pockets of its multi-cultural settings. Despite such high valued women in the history, and the cultural nuances where women are treated with respect and dignity, in their four-fold role in the life of a man, i.e. Mother, Sister, Wife and Daughter, there is a great paradox in how women are treated in India by men in reality.

Talking about Violence against Women, I would like to quote the definition as spelled out by the United Nations, because it is so precise and apt in relation to what we are discussing. “Any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life."

Violence against women is partly a result of gender relations that assumes men to be superior to women. Given the subordinate status of women, much of gender violence is considered normal and enjoys social sanction. Manifestations of violence in Indian context, includes physical aggression, such as blows of varying intensity, burns, attempted hanging, sexual abuse and rape, psychological violence through insults, humiliation, coercion, blackmail, economic or emotional threats, and control over speech and actions. In extreme, but not unknown cases, death is the result.

The following list includes the forms of violence against women both historically in the ancient days, just prior to the modern times, as well as the type of violence against women in the present day.

Sati: Sati is an old, largely defunct custom, among some communities in which the widow was immolated alive on her husband's funeral pyre. Although the act was supposed to be a voluntary on the widow's part, it is believed to have been sometimes forced on the widow. It was abolished by the British in 1829. There have been around forty reported cases of sati since independence in1947. In 1987, the Roop Kanwar case of Rajasthan led to The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act. (For more on this kindly visit http://adaniel.tripod.com/sati.htm)
                                     
Jauhar: Jauhar refers to the practice of the voluntary immolation of all the wives and daughters of defeated warriors, in order to avoid capture and consequent molestation by the enemy. The practice was followed by the wives of defeated Rajput* rulers, who are known to place a high premium on honour. (*Rajputs are the Kshatriyas, the second in the structure of the Indian Caste order, belonging to the Warrior and Princely class.) Please note that in previous as well as in this instance the women were so convinced or made to be convinced, that it was better for them to die along with their hubbies, than live.

Purdah: Purdah is the practice among some communities, of requiring women to cover their bodies so as to cover their skin and conceal their form. It imposes restrictions on the mobility of women, it curtails their right to interact freely and it is a symbol of the subordination of women. It does not reflect the religious teachings of either Hinduism or Islam, contrary to common belief, although misconception has occurred due to the ignorance and prejudices of religious leaders of both faiths.  (http://countrystudies.us/india/84.htm)

Devadasis: Devadasi is a religious practice in some parts of southern India, in which women are "married" to a deity or temple. The ritual was well established by the 10th century A.D. In the later period, the illegitimate sexual exploitation of the devadasi's became a norm in some parts of India. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devadasi)

Dowry System/Domestic Violence:  Unlike the Bride-Price system practiced in many parts of the world and in some pockets in India, the more popular practice here is Dowry, where the girl’s parents have to pay to the groom, for the well-being of their daughter. In most cases this is demanded by the groom’s family. When the girl’s parents are unable to meet the demands, the bride is made subject to verbal and physical abuse, in extreme cases the young brides are burnt to death, murdered through some other means, or forced to commit suicide by the in-laws.

One news channel reports that one Indian woman commits suicide every four hours over a dowry dispute as per the official data. It also states that according to data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 2,276 female suicides due to dowry disputes were reported in 2006, which is six a day on an average, while the figure was 2,305 in 2005. In 2004, at least 2,585 such cases were registered across the country. Despite stringent injunctions in the Indian law system like the Dowry Prohibition Act of the Government of India passed in 1961 and 1985, against this sort of crime, it still continues to abound. Another source states that Domestic violence constitutes 33.3% of the total crimes against women. (http://zeenews.india.com/news/etc/1-dowry-death-every-4-hrs-in-india_414869.html).

Female Infanticide: This is deliberate and intentional murder of girl babies in their infancy. The root cause for this heinous crime is because of the tradition of dowry. Though this is practiced among the economically backward class of people, who are unable to pay dowry, and therefore consider girls as a burden to carry on for life. It is also practiced among the rich, who are more concerned about male children carrying on the family legacy than girl babies.

According to the census of 2011 of the Government of India, it was the lowest gender ratio recorded since the Independence of India in 1947. According to the same data, in the age group 0-6 years, the gender ratio is 914 girls to 1000 boys.   Which means, for every 1000 boys, there are at least about 60-70 girls under the age of 6 years who were killed before or within 6 years after birth. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, about 50 million girls and women are “missing” from India’s population because of the termination of female fetus or high mortality of the girl child due to lack of proper care.

Child Marriage: Though this has been a traditional practice in the olden days in India, it still continues even in the present day. Historically, young girls were to live with their parents till they reached puberty. In the past, the child widows were condemned to a life of great agony, shaving heads, living in isolation, and shunned by the society. Although child marriage was outlawed in 1860, it is still a common practice.
According to UNICEF’s “State of the World’s Children-2009” report, 47% of India's women aged 20–24 were married before the legal age of 18, with 56% in rural areas. The report also showed that 40% of the world's child marriages occur in India.

Sexual Harassment: Harassment, molestation of women and eve teasing has become so common in the Indian context, that the statistics are alarming. One website states that, according to a statement of the Nation Crime Records Bureau 44,098 incidents of sexual harassment of women were reported. It also asserts that 121 women were sexually harassed everyday. On an average one woman was sexually harassed every 12 minutes and between 1997-2002, there has been a 20.6% increase of such incidents. The total numbers of sexual harassment cases were 10,950 in 2007. Many activists blame the influence of “western culture,” as well as the media for the increase of such incidents. Despite the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act passed in 1987, to prohibit indecent representation of women through advertisements or in publications, writings, paintings, figures or in any other manner, it still continues. Again in 1997 a landmark judgment the Supreme Court of India strongly condemned against sexual harassment of women in the workplace, and laid down detailed guidelines for prevention and redress of grievances. (http://www.swayam.info/swayam_gi_leaflet_31mar.pdf)

Trafficking of Women:  Again in this instance, women are used as commodities, to satisfy the whims, fancies and pleasures of perverted men, and the rich and affluent. In most such cases of trafficking, minor girls and women are kidnapped, abducted or sold by their parents due to poverty. They are either forced into prostitution, cyber-sex industry, domestic work, child pornography, and child-labour or organ transplantation. Again the above mentioned website quotes the statistics of the National Crime Records Bureau report of 2002, that one woman or minor girl is abducted every 36 minutes, leading to 40 women and minor girls being kidnapped everyday. It also reports that 11,332 women and girls were trafficked in 2002. On an average one woman or girl is trafficked every 46 minutes, resulting in 31 women or girls were trafficked everyday. All this happens despite the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act that was passed by the Government of India in 1956.

Honor Killings: Honor killing is the murdering of an inter-caste lover couple, (in many cases even if they are legally married), by the kith and kin of the concerned couple or by the verdict of the caste based village council. In most of cases such heinous crime is committed, in-order to safeguard the honor of “men” or that of the “caste or community”. It is a well-known fact that caste still remains as one of the most important factors governing the lives of the people, both among northerners and southerners. In many cases the grooms or brides have been killed for marrying someone from a lower caste. A study conducted by the National Commission for Women found that 72% of the 326 cases documented in 2010 involved couples that entered into inter-caste marriages.


Sexual Abuse/Rape: As I am writing this paper, I am ashamed to share that today’s newspaper states, that a three year old girl child was raped and murdered, close to the capital city of the country, in another case a Dalit girl was gang-raped. Various statistics independently conducted by NGOs reveal that most women experience sexual abuse either in their childhood or adolescence. One source reports that the number of rape cases has increased by nearly tenfold from 2487 in 1953 to 20737 in 2007. Young girls also become victims of child abuse at the hands of their closest male relatives, which they are unable to protest. In one independent survey, out of 600 women respondents 76% had been sexually abused in childhood or adolescence. Nighat Gandhi in an article describes only one in about 70 cases of rape gets reported. This means that about 69 women get raped before one lodges an official complaint. Of the reported cases (only one out of 70), only 20 per cent are convicted. Consequently, only three out of 1,000 rapists ever get convicted. So, most rapists get away with rape. A woman gets raped every half an hour in India.

Mr. Gandhi also mentions that most women are raped by men who are well known to them. The rapists are fathers, grandfathers, fathers-in-law, husbands, lovers, uncles, cousins, or the voyeuristic neighbour next door. Lower class and lower caste women are raped by upper caste and upper class men. Women are silenced because they are the safe-keepers of their families and communities. When the victims are very young, they are coerced into silence by their older, more powerful abusers. These women live in cities and slums, villages and towns, all across India. (http://www.global-sisterhood-network.org/content/view/498/76/) and

It would be incomplete if we do not address the issue on how women are systematically kept out of the decision making bodies in the church in India, although they are the ones who are majority when it comes to religious or spiritual affairs, compared to their counterparts. The theological seminaries, in which the Pastors are educated, they are taught about the rights of women, liberation of women etc. As a result of all this, they have resorted to what is called as tokenism. They offer women position or portfolios, where women are only used as puppets, but the world outside the church assumes that the church treats her women with respect or dignity; in reality it is not true. Despite the divine ordination that has been offered to women to serve as priestess in the churches, after decades of struggle, they are treated with contempt by their male counterparts. This is also another form of tokenism given to women by their male dominated church leadership. There is still a long way to go, before women can really be treated with respect and dignity even in the church.

This surely is not an exhausted list of the various types of violence against women perpetrated by men or the Indian society, but given the time and scope of the paper this is a good beginning to understand and grapple with the issues presented here, in order to pray for divine wisdom, to plan and participate, in finding ways to eradicate such forms of violence against women.
There are also other issues such as health, family planning, labour, wages etc., in which there is a stark discrimination against women, and women are the worst sufferers, such issues can also be considered as violence against women, which are structural and systemic in nature.

Conclusion: As seen above; for every form of violence against women there are stringent laws, which prescribe severe punishments against the perpetrators, yet the incidence of such violent acts are on the increase. This proves that simply making laws cannot prevent violence against women; the need of the hour is to create awareness and education.

Interestingly the awareness and education must be focused on men. This is an interesting observation made by a scholar in the concerned area by name of Rifka Annisa, who also continues to translate theories about working with men and boys to end violence against women. She suggests that men must be made aware of a new concept of masculinity and must be given space to evaluate and talk with each other and to talk about themselves. Men and boys must be mobilized to engage in anti-violence activities.

This seems to be quite an interesting strategy, as they say; make the law-breaker as the law-keeper and he will become more responsible. Not only that, every boy or man is associated with women throughout their lives. They have mothers, sisters, wives and daughters. Counseling and educating males will help them to treat women with respect. Certainly it is an interesting and challenging way of going about in trying to eradicate violence against women.

Another powerful tool is the media (newspapers, magazines, films, television, advertisements etc.), which has always been blamed for portraying women negatively. Policymakers in the public sector and other private sector corporate leaders who have the funds to invest must influence the media or launch their own infomercials to promote positive portrayals of women. It must be noted that the power of the mass-media in the post-modern era cannot be underestimated.

Churches must be made aware and educated too. Lectures, seminars, films, art, skits and plays must be organized by the churches to reach out to their neighborhoods with a deliberate attempt to raise the conscientiousness of issues regarding women.  Clergy and laity with special burden and gifts must engage in such work, considering eradicating violence against women as part of God’s global ministry.

The most important factor is to believe that it is possible to eradicate violence against women because very often people withdraw due to their fatalistic mindset, and in such cases they lack faith and confidence.

The Indian concept of Karma also contributes to a negative mindset, which needs to be challenged and reoriented. A positive mindset can always help in persevering, despite negative situations, in helping society to reach the goal of eradicating violence against women.

Let us continue to join our hearts, minds and souls to lift up our voices to the throne of grace, pleading to God to intervene, while girding up our loins to get into the muddy waters to clean the society, in which we have our being.

May God be glorified.

Prepared by the Rev. Minnie Sarah Peddiny
9th April 2012
Chennai, India.

7. AME HEADS 41ST CARIFTA GAMES - WORLD'S PREMIER JUNIOR ATHLETICS MEET:

*The Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill

On Friday, April 6, 2012, lifelong member of the AME Church, Sister Donna Watson welcomed all to the 41st LIME Carifta Games, which was held April 6-9, 2012 at the National Sports Centre on the island of Bermuda.  Sister Watson is the first female president of the Bermuda Track and Field Association and Chair of the Carifta Games 2012.

The Carifta Games is seen to be the most important regional junior athletic championships and has produced many of the World Record-holders and world track and field champions. The long-standing 200 metre Junior World Record was set in 2004, when Bermuda last hosted the Carifta Games, by now famous Jamaican Olympic champion, Usain Bolt. College and University coaches and scouts from the United States of America attend the Carifta Games every year to identify potential athletes for their schools' athletic programs.

Sister Donna Watson, who is a former Carifta Medalist, assumed the reins of leadership of the Bermuda Track and Field Association in 2008 and has made an outstanding contribution as its first female president. Her hard work and dedication was evident throughout the event and in particular at the opening ceremony, which was replete with all of the pomp and splendour of a world class sporting event opening such as a parade of athletes from the twenty-six countries represented, Singing of the National Anthem, "God Save Our Gracious Queen."  Greetings by Dignitaries, and well-coordinated entertainment culminating with Fireworks to ended the evening's events.

Another important element that Sister Watson and her team included in this year's Carifta Games was the Sports Chaplaincy program. Minister Gerard Deonarine, Director of Development for Sports Chaplaincy Caribbean was coordinator of this aspect of the Games and several members of the AME Church in Bermuda were involved in the 2012 Chaplaincy program. There was a chapel at the Fairmont Hamilton Hotel which was the host hotel and an on-site chapel at the National Sports Centre. Ministers were available from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. for the duration of the event. An Easter Sunrise Service was held at the Fairmont Hamilton Hotel and communion was served by members of the AME clergy as celebrants.

Several of our AME Youth from throughout the Caribbean competed for medals in this year's Carifta Games. Jamaica won the most medals overall for the weekend's meet.

Sister Donna Watson is a member of Vernon Temple AME Church in Southampton, Bermuda. 

For more information see:


*Article written and submitted by the Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill, Reporter to the Church Press, Bermuda Annual Conference. The Rev. Dill is the Associate Minister at Allen Temple AME Church in Sandys, Bermuda

8. BETHEL AME CHURCH – FREEPORT, NEW YORK CELEBRATES 110 YEARS OF SERVICE:

On Sunday, March 11, 2012, Bethel A.M. E. Church in Freeport, New York held its annual church anniversary observance. This year’s observance was a celebration of 110 years of service in the village of Freeport, New York. Bethel A.M.E. Church has the distinction of being the first African-American church in Freeport.

The pastor, the Rev. Stephen Michael Lewis was the worship leader at the event where a large number of parishioners and community guests were in attendance.  Among the special guest clergy were the Rev. Dr. Henrietta Scott-Fullard, Presiding Elder of the Jamaica Long Island District and the Rev Dr. Lisa Williamson, pastor of Trinity AME Church in Smithtown, New York.

The Rev. Dr. Williamson's congregation accompanied her to this special worship service.

Leslie Colter Jackson, the anniversary chair and present church historian gave a brief history, which she does each year. Other program participants providing historical reflections were the Rev. Harry Gourdine, Itinerant Elder and former church member, William Rivers, who traveled from South Carolina to attend the observance.

The congregation was also pleased to have in its midst Sarah Colter Tibbs, former church historian who served in that capacity for over forty years; and church member, William Holmes, who is the grandson of one of the signers of the original papers of incorporation. The program for the day was a traditional AME Church worship service that included an anthem and a medley of the favorite songs of former pastors.

The highlight of the observance was the stirring sermon given by guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer of the AME Church and the Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review. His message entitled, “Creating a Successful Church,” resonated in the hearts of all the attendees.

Pastor Lewis informed all who were present that this moving anniversary observance would be followed by several other commemorative events to be held during this 110th year.

In true Bethel AME Church-style, the day ended with a delicious meal and fellowship.

Submitted by: Wilma H. Tootle, Member, Public Relations Commission

9. SOUTH PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT SEEKS WAYS TO QUELL YOUTH VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES:

By Angelena Spears
Philadelphia Conference Reporter

Anyone who thinks the church is more “reactionary” than” proactive” when it comes to youth violence, should have been at the South Philadelphia District Heritage Night Service, held Friday February 21.  The event, which was held at the district’s lead church, Hickman Temple AME church, at 50th and Baltimore streets, was titled:  “Love the Children – Stop the Violence: A Call to Action.”

The night’s topic was picked by the district’s presiding elder, the Rev. James E. F. Lawrence, who declared, “This is our moment as the church to begin speaking out and becoming actively involved in our community.  The voice of the church needs to be heard, and it is long overdue.”

Elder Lawrence continued by saying, “We believe God has put in our hearts to begin the dialogue... in how we can make a difference in curbing the violence that besets us.”

The event was well-attended by members from all seventeen of the district’s churches.  Pastors had been encouraged to bring their youth members, including members and leaders from the Young People’s Department.

Those who attended heard compelling messages from representatives of three of the groups that were honored during the evening.  They were:  Mothers in Charge, a group of women who have lost children to violence; Amachi, a group that works with children of incarcerated parents; and the denomination’s Sons of Allen organization, whose members have been very active in the South District in establishing a mentoring program to work with at-risk children.

The theme for the evening caught the attention of Philadelphia’s Mayor Michael Nutter, who cleared his schedule to be in attendance at the event.
Mayor Nutter was introduced to the group by the Rev. James Baker, pastor of Morris Brown AME Church, who complimented the mayor for “never forgetting his roots.”  The Rev. Baker is also the president of the AME Preacher’s Meeting in Philadelphia.

When Mayor Nutter addressed the group, he chose to target his remarks specifically to the young people.  He told the youth that “someone from a neighborhood like theirs has the honor and the privilege of being the mayor of their hometown.”  He went on to say that when growing up he did his best to stay out of trouble.  He played football in the streets and went to the parks.  He also credited his success to a supportive neighborhood where everyone looked out for everyone else – and the children respected adults.
Mayor Nutter also talked about the challenge the city has in chasing after illegal weapons. He told the group, if we want a safer community – we have to speak up when we see crimes committed in our neighborhoods. 

As each group came forward to be honored, there was an opportunity for the spokesperson to regurgitate the group’s purpose and goals, and also reach out to the church for continued help and support.

Sister Cherie Ryans spoke for the Mothers-in-Charge group.  She told her personal story of losing her teenage son who was shot leaving a movie theatre.  Sister Ryans, who is also a member of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Philadelphia, explained the work her organization does in going into prisons to help provide counseling.  They also provide mentoring for women who are returning to their communities after being released from prison.  Flyers were distributed about the Mothers-in-Charge organization, and included a section where persons could sign up to join the organization.

Sister Ryans stressed, “You do not have to lose a child to volunteer.  We don’t want another mother to walk in our shoes.”

When the Sons of Allen organization came to the altar to receive their recognition, they were accompanied by the Rev. Eugene McDuffy, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Philadelphia, who serves as the district’s chairman of the organization.   Rev. McDuffy was surrounded by more than two dozen men from the district who have signed up to be mentors through the Amachi program. 

Elder Lawrence congratulated the men for “giving up a Thursday night every week to act as mentors and surrogate fathers.”

The keynote speaker was Dr. Joseph Meade of the Philadelphia Leadership Foundation and also a retired Philadelphia School District administrator.  He spoke about the importance of early intervention with at-risk children.  He said the incarceration rate of blacks is now four times higher than it was in the 1970s.

The program included worship through song by both the Healthy Spirited South District Mass Choir and the South District Youth Choir.  And the winner of the First Episcopal District’s [tenth grade] essay contest, Mariah Shelton, a member of Metropolitan AME Church, Lansdowne, recited “We Light This Candle,” a poem she wrote, that addresses youth violence.
Also within the program, three persons were recognized by the South District Spouses for their role as being exceptional caregivers.  The three persons were Mother Mary Ann Norris, the First Episcopal District supervisor; the Rev. E. Joyce Martin, the first lady of  Metropolitan AME Church, Lansdowne; and Sister Paulette Thompson, the first lady of Greater Mount Olive AME Church, Philadelphia.  Each received a beautiful bouquet of roses that were presented by Sister Mitzi Lawrence, the consultant for the South District, who was assisted by Sister Deborah Stancil, who is the president of the South District Spouses.

The worship leader for the event was Sister Verneice Jarmin, a member of the host church.

Prior to the benediction that was offered by Hickman Temple’s pastor, the Rev. Stanley G. Smith -- Presiding Elder Lawrence made a final appeal that the momentum to fight against youth violence would not die with the benediction.

Elder Lawrence summoned, “There is violence all around us.  It is obvious that the church needs to take an active stand.”

10. THE BEVERLY THOMAS FINE ARTS INSTITUTE WILL BE HELD AT CAMP BABER: 

Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Institute

Young people need a variety of worthwhile activities in which to engage and grow spiritually, physically and creatively. Mother Beverly Thomas knows that music and the performing arts have been vehicles for reaching young people because through the disciplines of the performing arts, young people can express self-pride, discover their heritage and explore avenues for emotional growth. 

The Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Institute was developed to foster, enrich and strengthen the lives of our youth. Programs of study at the Institute are art, choral, concert band, creative writing, dance, drama, jazz, and strings & symphony band. The success of the Institute has been phenomenal. The course offerings and educational opportunities have expanded to include foundational techniques in film making, photography, jewelry and quilt-making; and there will also be collaborative sessions with performance professionals.

The Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Institute is held at Camp Baber; housed on 57-acres of land overlooking Stone Lake, complete with 4 dormitory buildings, 1 lodge, cafeteria, chapel and amenities. The camp provides the perfect location for learning and growth.

The Fine Arts Institute seeks to identify young musicians, dancers, writers and visual artists ages 13-19.

The camp will convene the week of June 16 - June 23, 2012.  Tuition costs for the week of instruction, lodging, and 3 meals daily, and supervised use of the recreational facilities is $300.

Plan now for a summer experience that will enrich, inspire, educate and elevate your skills in the fine arts! Students from all across the country will be accepted, so, please submit your applications As Soon As Possible to secure your enrollment.

Camp Baber is located in Cassopolis, Michigan.

For applications and complete details of the courses offered, please visit www.bthomasai.com

11. SAINT PETER A.M.E. CHURCH OBSERVED LAY WEEKEND 2012:

Brother Alphonso Varner

What a time! What a time the Laity experienced in a Leadership and Training Workshop and listening to a powerful Word of God at Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Valley, Georgia.  The occasion was “Lay Weekend 2012!”

This exciting weekend was held in the facilities of Saint Peter A.M.E. Church, Saturday and Sunday, January 21-22, 2012. Brother Ashley T. Ballard, President of Saint Peter's Lay Organization and Dr. Odessa H. McNair, Lay Activity Director planned and coordinated a Super Weekend for the laity.

The central focus for the occasion was the challenge of incorporating the Connectional Church Lay Theme, "Building on Our Legacy of Christ Centered Leadership and Training' and Rethinking and Reframing Church Leadership in the 21st Century."

Nutritious meals were served to the laypersons of Saint Peter and other laity of the Macon District on Saturday.

The Rev. Bertram C. Smith, Pastor of Saint Peter  introduced the presenter for the Lay Retreat, the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, an Itinerant Elder of  the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Professor of Homiletics & Director of Black Church Studies at The Candler School of Theology, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Teresa Fry Brown is a native of Independence, Missouri and is a Candidate for the General Officer of Historiographer in the Connectional A.M.E. Church.  The election will be held this year, June 27 - July 4th during the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that will be held in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Brown's presentations were centered on Church/Ministry Self- Evaluation.  She involved the attendees in interaction sessions and using a slide video technique to facilitate the learning experience.

The Laity continued its weekend of experiences Sunday with the Annual Lay Day Worship Service. Evangelist Juanita Culler of Greater Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Macon, Georgia served as Worship Leader.  The leaders of Saint Peter's Boards and Auxiliaries were celebrants of the worship service.

The Reverend Alan H. Wicker, Presiding Elder of the Macon District gave a rousing introduction of the “preacher of the hour,” the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown. Dr. Brown preached a powerful sermon entitled, "Hold onto your Hope." Her sermon text was taken from Ezekiel 37:9-14.  She emphasized how we, as Christians, should follow God as Ezekiel did when God instructed him to "Talk to the bones." We must always remember that hope is alive; and embrace it and know that God is the one that is in charge of our lives. She ended her sermon by singing an old familiar hymn, "Through It All."

The Laity climaxed the weekend with its annual presentation of the "Layperson of the Year Award."  Sister Carolyn W. Sampson proudly presented the award to an energetic leader of the church, Brother Elliott S. Mizell.

Brother Mizell is a very faithful and loyal active member in several organizations of the church.  He holds an office with his beloved Gamma Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

This Lay Weekend dedication and service to God and humankind will be long remembered in our annals of history.

12. YES, WE CAN CHANGE THE STATISTICS AND STOP DIGGING OUR GRAVES WITH OUR TEETH:

*Pastor Natalie Mitchem

April is National Minority Health Month!

The title of this article may sound strong; however, what we eat on a daily basis has an impact on our health.  God created food with nutrients with a divine purpose to heal, repair, maintain, rebuild and restore health. That does not mean you can never enjoy your favorite foods and foods that reflect your culture from time to time, however portion control and moderation is essential in order to change the statistics and promote a healthier life! 

There is a very interesting passage of scripture that speaks volumes to the Faith Based community. Numbers 11:1-31 states the foreign travelers and children of Israel were complaining about only having manna to eat.

Their complaints sound like us today; complaining about eating more vegetables and fruits and less animal meat.

We have become a society, especially in the United States, hooked on large portions of food and meat!  

Remember the commercial “Where’s the Beef!” Well, from that time forward hamburgers have gotten larger and larger and serving sizes of vegetables and fruit gotten smaller and smaller.  Unfortunately, the more bacon and cheese the better for many people. 

Science based evidence ( the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (“Get Your Plate in Shape Campaign”) and www.choosemyplate.org) demonstrate, however, that meals high in animal meat and fat contribute to poor health for everyone! 

Healthcare disparities certainly play a role in the health of minorities; however, the health disparities do not prevent us from practicing and participating in preventive health measures. Without or without quality health insurance all of us can take a daily walk, stretch, eat more plant based meals and drink water as beverage.

To read the entire article, visit www.AMECHealth.org and remember we can change statistics!

*Pastor Natalie Mitchem is the pastor of Calvary AME in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a Registered Dietitian & Certified Fitness Instructor

13. IN REMEMBRANCE OF LULA MAE REYNOLDS JENKINS

Charliese King

“Sweetness and Light” - that has always been the best way to describe Lula Mae Reynolds Jenkins.  She was always kind to everyone she met whether dear friends, family or just someone who happened along her life’s path.  Lula Mae was full of joy in everything she did in life and when you met her, you knew you were blessed to be with her.

Lula Mae was born on November 17, 1926 in Puryear, Tennessee to late Louis and Mary Reynolds.   Lula Mae never got to know her mother who died when she was around four-years-old.  A strong support team of relatives helped her father raise his only son, Louis and only daughter, Lula Mae.  A dear cousin, Dora Hawkins Kendall and her husband Clifton Kendall took Lula Mae into their home during her high school years in Paris, Tennessee.

She attended Henry County public schools in Puryear and in nearby Paris where she attended Central High School.  It was at Central that she first met her future husband, Presiding Elder Charles Edward Jenkins, Sr. of the North Nashville District in the 13th Episcopal District who preceded her in death.  De died in December, 2007. 

Lula Mae was a member of the school chorus and was a lifelong singer.  She sang in the choir at Union Baptist Church in Paris while Charles attended Quinn Chapel AME Church.  Both Lula and Charles were laying the groundwork for a life committed to each other and to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  They both learned at an early age that their faith would be essential in their lives.  They did not know that they would travel this faithful journey together.

After graduating from Central High, Lula Mae chose to attend West Kentucky Vocational School in Paducah, Kentucky to study Home Economics.  Charles went off to LeMoyne College in Memphis.  Chance meetings and social events drew them closer over the years and they discovered that they had more than just a friendship. 

On March 18, 1949, Charles and Lula Mae were married and on that same day, Charles was ordained at Quinn Chapel. 

Their journey together in love and in the ministry began.  For the next fifty-eight years, Charles and Lula built their lives with faith and prayer serving in AME churches in Tennessee and Kentucky. They were a great team, Charles was the minister, but Lula Mae was the catalyst, which allowed him to serve the Lord in some difficult economic times.  She was an excellent seamstress for family and friends and in later years decided to use her skills professionally, first at Wright Alterations, then Sears, and later, Rich Swartz all in Nashville where she not only altered clothing but she also became an expert at altering beautiful fur coats.

Lula Mae was an excellent homemaker, equally adept in many venues including participating in tireless church work and creating excellent social events.  She developed a reputation for her excellent cooking skills and transforming some inelegant parsonages into lovely homes.  She thoroughly enjoyed teaching and raising her four children, Charliese, Mary, Charles, Jr. and Frederick.  Lula Mae was a wonderful friend, partner, and wife to Charles.  They fit perfectly together as pastor and his wife.  They were inseparable. 

Lula Mae became a fine soprano during her early days in the chorus at Central High and the choir at Union Baptist Church.  She continued to sing in the choir at every church at which Charles served as pastor and was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society and Ministers’ Spouses organization.  Lula Mae sang in the 13th Episcopal District Choir for many years and presented recitals of her repertoire from time to time. 

In later years, Charles would invite Lula Mae to sing songs before his sermons when he was a guest speaker at many churches.  She was not just the preacher’s wife; she loved the Lord with all her heart.  Lula Mae loved being a part of the AME Church and deeply loved her husband, children and grandchildren.  She was extremely proud of Charles and the children. When anyone in the family became discouraged, sick, or experienced hardship, it was Lula Mae’s love of the Lord, her strong faith and powerful prayers that brought the family through.  The legacy she left her children is their very strong understanding of the importance of faith and prayer in their lives.  It is one of the greatest gifts she gave each of her children and grandchildren.

Love and gratitude for a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt will endure in those she leaves behind.  Whether she was called Lula, Lula Mae, Ms. Jenkins, Mama, Good-mommy, Aunt Lula Mae, Aunt Mae or Mae-Mae, she will remain in the hearts and memories forever of Daughters, Charliese King (George N. King, Jr.) Bethlehem, PA; Mary Louise Jenkins, Nashville, TN; Sons, Charles Edward Jenkins, Jr. (Katrina Gaither Jenkins), Easton, PA; the Rev. Frederick LaVorne Jenkins, Sr. (Adrienne Cummings Jenkins), Mt. Juliet, TN; Grandchildren, Charles (Trey) Edward Jenkins, III, Orlando, FL; Frederick (Von) LaVorne Jenkins, Jr.; Sean Christopher Jenkins; Jonathan Alexander Jenkins and Ashlee Renee Jenkins, Mt. Juliet, TN; Brother, L.B. Reynolds (Ruberta Reynolds) Puryear, TN; “Little Brother”, Wilson Kendall (Mary Kendall) Orlando, FLA and nine beloved nieces and four beloved nephews.

Lula Mae Reynolds Jenkins departed this life on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at her home in Nashville, TN under the loving care of daughter, Mary.  We will greatly miss our Mama but her love, faith and prayers will sustain us.  We are so thankful and forever grateful that God shared the gift of her life with us all.  Her kindness, her faith, her prayers, her tenacity and good humor shaped our lives.  Because of her life of giving, full of goodness and love, we know she has gone to a better place where she will meet her beloved, Charles.  Many wonderful memories will sustain us as we continue to hear Mama singing one of her favorite songs, “My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me”; we will keep these lyrics in our hearts:  “I Trust in God, I know he cares for me on mountain bleak or on the stormy seas.  Though billows roll, he keeps my soul, my heavenly father watches over me!”

14. LAWYERS' COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON ARREST IN TRAYVON MARTIN CASE: “AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP”:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law continues to follow developments in the tragic shooting and death of Trayvon Martin.  Following the arrest of the shooter George Zimmerman the Lawyers' Committee released the following statement:

A crucial first step in obtaining truth and justice for the death of Trayvon Martin took place yesterday with the arrest of George Zimmerman. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is encouraged that the investigation is moving forward and that the justice system will have the opportunity to do what it was designed to do: impartially apply the facts of the case to existing law.

The Lawyers’ Committee has previously and continuously called for a full and thorough investigation in the death of Trayvon, a 17-year-old African American male who was killed in Sanford, Florida on February 26, 2012.  The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI are also investigating the slaying to determine whether federal charges are applicable.

In light of the serious questions regarding whether Zimmerman's claim of self-defense is warranted, the Lawyers' Committee strongly supports a full trial of this case before an impartial jury in a court of law. Furthermore, we support the national call to review and repeal the particularly onerous “Stand your ground” laws that have contributed to this atmosphere of vigilante justice in our society.

The Lawyers' Committee has long been deeply concerned about racial profiling and protection of the right of citizens of color to walk the streets peacefully without being accosted because of their race, particularly in predominately white communities. Too often African Americans and other minorities are victims of racial profiling. The Martin case, originally handled by the Sanford Police Department, sadly raises concerns similar to those in other racial profiling cases in which the Lawyers’ Committee has been involved with.  Hence, we reiterate the call to pass the End Racial Profiling Act and are supportive of additional requirements to train, and re-train if necessary, police departments on hate crimes and racial profiling.  To that end, we urge the Department of Justice to update its 2003 guidance on racial profiling to support such necessary training. We also support other national and local policies and legislation that will lessen the possibility of future Trayvon Martin situations.

The Lawyers' Committee has been fighting for racial justice and equality for nearly 50 years since its 1963 founding at the request of President John F. Kennedy.  It is critical that the nation's criminal justice system is property applied to all persons regardless of race. The lesson of the Trayvon Martin case for our society is that we must take every measure possible to prevent future tragedies such as occurred here.

While it is of great magnitude, this arrest is only the first stage of a long journey to ensure that justice is provided for Trayvon Martin’s parents and family. We urge every American citizen to keep demanding that the full truth of the crime and its subsequent investigation are brought to light as the trial progresses. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Trayvon's family as they mourn his tragic death.
 
About the Lawyers' Committee
The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. The principal mission of the Lawyers' Committee is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice under law, particularly in the areas of fair housing and fair lending, community development, employment discrimination, voting, education and environmental justice.  For more information about the LCCRUL, visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.

15. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LECTIONARY A RESOURCE FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH:

*The Reverend Martha Simmons

Now in its fifth year, The African American Lectionary is firmly established as a resource for the African American church, providing new information, offering forums for discussion and opening new channels of communication.  Over the past year, the Lectionary leadership has placed a strong emphasis on the development and support of young clergy, developing a wealth of new content geared toward young men and women entering ministry. 

Launched in September 2011, The Young Ministers’ Corner guides individuals who are in or are just leaving seminary or Bible College and are unsure about their next steps, whether they are pastoring a church or entering another area of ministry. The Young Ministers’ Corner provides material that addresses common themes such as this generation’s approach to ministry; present challenges in the church and society; ministering to today’s youth and advice from senior pastors for the development of well-balanced young ministers. The information available in The Young Minister’ Corner is practical information from and for a variety of perspectives. It is also a space for individuals to discuss and explore essential topics and to access many voices and opinions on subjects such as youth counseling methods, community outreach and the day-to-day struggles of ministry. 

In addition to the Young Minister’s Corner, The African American Lectionary offers the Young Adult Liturgists’ Corner, which focuses on the role of music and worship in the African American church and offers materials to aid individuals involved in any way in worship and arts, (liturgists, worship leaders, ministers of music, choir directors and clergy).  Similar to The Young Ministers’ Corner, The Young Adult Liturgists’ Corner is a place for individuals to discuss current worship and arts issues.  The African American Lectionary provides a unique opportunity for young leaders in the African American church to share ideas, concerns and hopes for the church and community. Through this dialogue and sharing of ideas, it is our hope that the church and the community will be enhanced, serving the needs of the present age while embracing our unique history as African Americans.
  
Personal development for young pastors and leaders in the church is just one of many components of The African American Lectionary; it is vital to the overall growth and sustainability of the African American church. With more than 10,000 pages of information available at www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org , the African American Lectionary is a relevant resource that is FREE for all to use.

*The Reverend Martha Simmons is the creator of The African American Lectionary

16. MID-WEEK MEDITATION BASED ON ROMANS 5:1-11:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

Facebook is now considered to be “old school” by many young people in the ever evolving world of cyber-technology, but it’s still popular and most users have plenty of Facebook “friends.”  I have over 2,000 Facebook friends, but I’ve never met the vast majority of them face to face and probably never will.

The Facebook “friend” option initially enabled users to contact and keep in touch with people that we know well.  As Facebook exploded in popularity, “friending” possibilities also expanded to include high school and college classmates, casual acquaintances, people who just want to keep up with each other’s activities, political candidates and even institutions like Morris Brown AME Church.

My Facebook friends include family members, people I’ve known since childhood, people who “friended” me because they liked something that I wrote, people I know through the church and NAACP, and many more.  I share my most intimate concerns, however, with only a few of my Facebook friends because most Facebook friendships are limited to casual online contact.  I’ve actually had to “un-friend” some people who “friended” me just to promote their businesses!

Facebook friends are like the acquaintances we make in all areas of life.  We meet, connect and network with many people, but most of us have only a few true friends with whom we can freely share our lives and count on to be there when we need them. Chief among those true friends for Christians is Jesus.  The best of friends in this world sometimes run “hot and cold,” can only go so far or do so much to help us and are sometimes inaccessible.

Jesus, however, loved us enough to redeem us, still stands ready to bless us, never disappoints us, tolerates and forgives us when we mess up and is always there to hear our every prayer.  He may not be on Facebook, but He lives in the hearts of those who believe. 

Social media like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are convenient and fun ways to connect and communicate, but when it comes to true friends, the writer of the Biblical Book of Hebrews was right, “Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, today and forever.”

   
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:

Psalm 8
I Corinthians 1:18-25
Matthew 28:11-20

Sunday’s 8 a.m. Sermon is “Never Doubt What God Can Do”

Sunday’s 11 a.m. Lay Day Speaker is Brother Victor Owens, Co-Chairperson of Morris Brown’s Board of Stewards and Coordinator of Morris Brown’s Technology Ministry

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Raymond Guyton Sr., of Stockton, California. He was the father of Presiding Elder Booker T. Guyton (5th Episcopal District, California Conference, Oakland-San Joaquin District) and the late Presiding Elder Melvin Lloyd Guyton (1st Episcopal District, New Jersey Conference). He was also the grandfather of the Rev. Lanel D. Guyton, pastor of St. Paul AME Church (Bermuda Conference) and the Rev. M. Lloyd Guyton, pastor of Freedom Temple AME Church (New Jersey Conference), both in the 1st Episcopal District.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral, Friday, April 13, 2012
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.

Progressive Community Church
2820 South B Street
Stockton, CA 95206

Phone: (209) 546-0399
Fax:  (209) 320-9903

Rev. Glenn Shields, Pastor

Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:

Presiding Elder Booker T. Guyton
148 West 8th Street
Stockton, CA 95206

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Susan V. Chandler-Massey, the sister of F. Jane Chandler Harris, the 3rd Vice President of the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The following information has been provided regarding Homegoing arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral - Sunday, April 15, 2012

Viewing - 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Homegoing - 7:30 p.m.

Harris Temple AME Zion Church
926 Florence Street
Camden, NJ 08104
Phone: 856-541-6608

The Rev. Robert Zenable, Pastor

Professional Care entrusted to:

Congleton Funeral Home
67 West Logan Street at Greene Street)
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: 215-849-7327
Fax: 215-849-4782

Jeannette L. Congleton, Funeral Director

Interment will be at:

Harleigh Cemetery
1640 Haddon Avenue
Camden, NJ 08103
Phone: 856-963-3500
Fax: 631-369-4397

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. F. Jane Chandler Harris
8 Franconia Road
East Northport, NY 11731

 Or 

Congleton Funeral Home
See information above

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Joseph E. Scott, the father of Jacquelyne Scott, former District Queen (2005) of the Women's Missionary Society. The following information has been provided regarding Homegoing arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral - Friday, April 13, 2012

Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing - 11:00 a.m.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg
8101 Erdrick Street
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: 215-624-8869
Fax: 215-624-8831

The Rev. Scott C. Dorsey, Pastor

Condolences may be sent to:

Ms. Jacquelyne Scott
9 Longford Street
Philadelphia, PA 19136

20. 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
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751

BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220

21. 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.

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