2/13/2014

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (02/13/14)


The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

Ash Wednesday: March 5, 2014
Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m.: Daylight Saving Time (United States) 2014 begins
Easter: April 20, 2014



1. TCR EDITORIAL – HOLY COMMUNION, WORSHIP AND THE RATIONALE FOR THE WEARING OF ROBES BY CLERGY:

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

I believe most of us are products of our upbringing and that’s the reason parenting is so important. Most of us learned good manners at home. Several times growing up, I got distracted and forgot the “magic words” and my parents would say, “What do you say?” and the correct answer expected was, “Thank you.”

Our spiritual behavior, for many of us, was learned in our homes and at church. I learned the Lord’s Prayer at home when my mother told me that it was time to learn the Lord’s Prayer instead of “Now, I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep…  I learned the Doxology, the Preface to the Decalogue and the other parts of the AME worship liturgy at church.  So, I feel blessed that my spiritual foundation was laid at home and at church.

It’s safe to say, spiritual foundations planted and nurtured at home and in the church are important to one’s spiritual growth.

When I accepted my call to the ministry, I discovered there was much more to learn.  

For instance, when I was growing up, the Communion Service was just a part of worship and the Sunday morning worship service was a little longer on first Sundays; for me, it was an addendum to the worship service. 

But, as I got older and especially early in my ministry when I took the Sacrament to the sick and shut-in members, Communion became more meaningful for me because I saw how important it was to those who received Communion. Their faith and commitment to receive the Sacrament helped my faith to grow. Communion became for me, more than an addendum, it was the Sacrament. 

I came to appreciate the ministry of the stewardesses and the importance of their participation in the Communion service. I came to understand the office of the stewards.  When I assumed my first pastorate, I thought I knew everything I needed to know as a pastor, weeks into the pastoral ministry; I discovered that I had a lot to learn.

Before I arrived at my first pastoral appointment, older clergy friends and mentors and the board of examiners impressed upon me the importance of administering Holy Communion, baptisms, funerals and weddings flawlessly. I was told that as a pastor, I could “flub a sermon or two” and be forgiven by the people, but “don’t mess up” the Communion and other sacred religious events. I was told that I wouldn’t be forgiven and the people would never forget if I messed up one of the sacred events of the church.

Shortly after I arrived at my first pastoral appointment I attended my first annual conferences as a pastor and something significant happened at the opening Communion worship service.

When we got ready to begin the Communion liturgy, Bishop Frederick D. Jordan, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District, noticed that the Communion trays had not been polished and the linen was soiled with grape juice stains. He stopped the annual conference and had a serious teachable moment about the sacredness of Communion and the sacredness of everything and every item associated with Holy Communion. Bishop Jordan taught us about the theological meaning of receiving the Sacrament from the hand of the ordained clergy, and why we, as Methodist, who were able, came to the chancel rail to take Communion from the hand of the clergy. He also shared the significance of cupping our hands in the form of a Cross while receiving Communion and clearly explained the sacredness of the Communion event and everything associated with it.

It was a lesson I never forgot. It made sense and I came to understand that Holy Communion was more than eating a dried wafer and drinking grape juice. I understood Holy Communion to be a sacred occasion and not a “met the first Sunday requirement” event.  

I also discovered that not everyone views the Sacrament of Holy Communion as sacred. Some denominations seem to have a casual attitude about the Lord’s Supper; just pass bread and grape juice around like we are passing around some Hors d'oeuvres. To each, his or her own, but for me, Holy Communion is a significant event.

The consecration of the elements by an itinerant elder is important and the consecrated bread is special. The AMEC Book of Worship says, “Then shall the Minister first receive the bread and wine and then proceed to deliver the same to the other ministers in like manner (if any be present), and after that to the people in order, into their hands. And when he delivers the bread he shall say…And the Minister that delivers the cup shall say…

The Communion liturgy is spelled out and there is no option in The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC -2012 for pastors to make changes to the Communion liturgy.

The Communion liturgy should be basically the same in every AME Church because The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC -2012 on page 491 says, “Our order of worship is intended to be flexible so as to provide for richness and variety of content.  At the same time, it must have such unity as to insure that all members of our church will feel at home in any AME Church.”

When pastors unilaterally deviate from the order of worship, they are not being creative, they are “out of order” and they are not functioning within the guidelines of The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC -2012.

The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC -2012, the AMEC Hymnal and the AMEC Book of Worship all say, “…draw near with faith and take the holy sacrament to your comfort, and make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling” and those who are in the pews, “sit,” which is akin to kneeling.  In churches with kneelers, the people in the pews kneel or they sit.  The General Confession is a prayer and, and those who are able, kneel; the others sit. We do not stand for prayers. When we are petitioning God, we kneel or sit and bow our heads in submission to God when speaking to God. 

Let me deviate

And, it is most appropriate for our pastors to kneel when they pray the pastoral prayer; and the clergy in the pulpit should kneel, if they are able to do so. The rubric in the AMEC Book of Worship says concerning “The Prayer,” “The congregation seated and bowed or kneeling.”  It is not appropriate to stand for the Morning Prayer.

The person praying the prayer and the ministers kneeling in the pulpit during the prayer should remain in place on their knees until the Prayer Response is completed. And, the ushers should not allow parishioners to enter the sanctuary during the Prayer or the Prayer Response.

It is inappropriate for pastors and liturgists to ask the congregation to “say” the Lord’s Prayer. Instead, pastors and worship leaders should enjoin the congregation to “pray” the Lord’s Prayer.

On another note, assembled parishioners are not “audiences” because they are not “spectators.” Assembled parishioners are “congregations.” We refer to those assembled for worship as a “congregation.”  And, yes, there is a difference!

If a visiting preacher is not going to officially participate in the religious service, he or she should sit in the congregation. 

Let me get back on point

Holy Communion means that the elements of Communion are extended from the hand of the ordained clergy to each parishioner; no ushers passing the elements of Communion.

And, one more thing; the volume of the music during serving of Communion should be appropriate and the officers in the church, as well as the ushers, should be careful to let visitors know that they may take Communion if they desire to do so.

If persons cannot go to the altar or chancel rail, then an ordained clergy takes the Communion to the persons who are not able to make their way to the chancel rail. No, an unordained person does not take the elements of the Communion to those who are unable to make their way to the Chancel rail.

When preachers participate in the Communion service the expectation is that they will be appropriately attired, which means that clergy wear robes; no “Baptist-style suit and tie preachers” serving the Lord’s Supper in an AME Church.

The tradition in African Methodism is that clergy wear robes because the robe is a reminder to parishioners that the preacher is functioning as priest and prophet of God. The robe accentuates the ministerial office.

Of course I know…  

Both Bishop Richard Allen and Daniel Payne did not embrace the wearing of robes because they thought Methodists should be attired in simplicity and solemnity and to avoid all appearances of being Anglican.

Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, however …

(To be continued in the next issue).

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

-- To the Editor:

Congratulations to Edward Waters College and the 11th District.  In these times when HBCUs face tremendous challenges, it is a blessing to read good news about one of our institutions.

Dr. Pam DeVeaux
Episcopal Supervisor of the 2nd Episcopal District

3. EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE RECEIVES LARGEST SINGLE GRANT IN THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL:

Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Edward Waters College President Nathaniel Glover announced that Edward Waters College was awarded $2 million of unrestricted funds on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. The gift was largest gift given by a single donor in the history of the school. It was given by Steve and Ann Pajic of Jacksonville, Florida. 

**Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Michael Mitchell

4. BISHOP BENJAMIN WILLIAM ARNETT - AME SPOKESMAN AT WORLD'S PARLIAMENT OF RELIGIONS:

*The Rev. Robert L. Uzzel, Ph.D. is the pastor of Wayman Chapel AME Church in Ennis, Texas

The World's Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World's Fair) was an event commemorating the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus which began with a dedication ceremony on 20 October 1892 but did not officially open until the spring of 1893.  The event was a huge financial success.  Nearly every country of the world was represented.  The Palace of Fine Arts showed the works of American painters and sculptors.  Exhibits in transportation, mining, manufacturing, electricity, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, and the liberal arts "mirrored the remarkable transformations of the age."  The Midway Plaisance included exotic "villages," an exciting "Street of Cairo," and the world's first Ferris wheel.  These laid the foundation for later American carnivals and circuses.

Quite significant were the events of the World's Congress Auxiliary, which focused on the scientific, literary, and religious problems of the age.  A fitting climax to the congresses was the World's Parliament of Religions, which began on 11 September 1893 with a speech by Swami Vivekananda of India (1863-1902).  The Parliament was attended by representatives of every major religion in the world.  A number of religious bodies, including the African Methodist Episcopal Church, held denominational congresses.  The Parliament was masterminded by Chicago lawyer, civic leader, and Swedenborgian layman Charles Carroll Bonney (1831-1903) and chaired by Rev. John Henry Barrows (1847–1902), pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago.  Barrows devoted an entire chapter to the AME Church Congress in volume II of his outstanding 1582-page account of this historic meeting.  The Rt. Rev. Daniel Alexander Payne, the Sixth Bishop of the AME Church (1811-1893) presided over a session of the Parliament.  His presiding turned out to be one of his last official acts.  At the close of the meeting, he returned to his home at Wilberforce, Ohio and prepared to go to Florida for the winter, which was his usual custom.  However, on the day before his scheduled departure, "The throne of God came down and his spirit went up to meet his God."
  
The most prominent representative of the AME Church at the World's Parliament of Religions was Rt. Rev. Benjamin William Arnett, the Sixteenth Bishop.   Arnett was born on 6 March 1838 in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, was converted on 14 February 1856, licensed to preach in 1865, ordained deacon in 1868, and ordained elder in 1870.  Known as one of the "most active and alert elders," he held a number of positions in the church, including financial secretary and editor of a publication called The Budget.  At the 1888 General Conference, he was elected Bishop.  In this capacity, he presided over the following:  the Seventh Episcopal District (South Carolina) 1888-92; the Fourth Episcopal District (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and the Northwestern States) 1892-1900; the Third Episcopal District (Ohio, California, and Pittsburgh) 1900-04; and the First Episcopal District (Eastern Pennsylvania, New York, New England, and Bermuda) 1904-06.
  
On 15 September 1893, Bishop Arnett presided over a session of the Parliament, giving the following remarks: "I welcome these brethren to the shores of America on behalf of seventy-four hundred thousand Negroes on this continent who, by the grace of God and the power of the religion of Jesus Christ have been liberated from slavery.  There is not a slave among us today, and we are glad you did not come while we were in chains, because, in that case, we could not have got here ourselves. . . . May the motto of the church which I represent be the motto of the coming civilization: “God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, and Mankind our Brother.”

On 22 September 1893, Arnett delivered a more lengthy speech, in which he said:  “I have never seen so large a body of men meet together and discuss questions so vital with as little friction as I have seen during this Parliament.  The watchword has been toleration and fraternity, and shows what may or can be done when men assemble in the proper spirit.  As was said 2,000 years ago, we have met together in one place and with one accord, each seeking for the truth, each presenting his views of the truth as he understands it.  Each came with his own fund of information, and now we separate having gained information from each other on the subject of God, mankind, and th future life.  There is one thing that we have all agreed upon—that is, that the source of the true, beautiful, and the good is spirit, love and light, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness.  Thus the unity of the spirituality of God is one thing that we have all agreed upon.  We have differed as to how to approach him and how to receive his favor and blessing.

If the Parliament has done nothing more, it has furnished comparative theology with such material that in the future there will be no question about the nature and attributes of God.  The great battle of the future will not be the Fatherhood of God, nor that we need a redeemer, mediator, or a model man between God and man, but it is to acknowledge the Brotherhood of Man practically.

There was some apprehension on the part of some Christians as to the wisdom of a Parliament of all the Religions, but the result of this meeting vindicates the wisdom of such a gathering.  It appears that the conception was a divine one rather than human, and the execution of the plan has been marvelous in its detail and in the harmony of its working, and reflects credit upon the Chairman of the Auxiliary, Mr. Bonney, and also on the Rev. J. H. Barrows; for there is a light unknown in the past.  The Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Golden Rule have not been superseded by any that has been presented by the various teachers of religion and philosophy; but our mountains are just as high and our doctrines are just as pure as before our meeting, and every man and woman has been confirmed in the faith once delivered to the saints.

Another good of this convention; it has taught us a lesson that while we have truth on our side we have not had all the truth; while we have had theory we have not had all the practice, and the strongest criticism we have received was not as to our doctrines or method, but as to our practice not being in harmony with our own teachings and with our own doctrines.  I believe that it will do good not only to the dominant race, but to the race that I represent—it is a godsend—and from this meeting we believe will go forth a sentiment that will righten a great many of our wrongs and lighten up the dark places, and assist in giving us that which we are now denied—the common privilege of humanity—for we find that in this Congress the majority of the people represented are of the darker races, which will teach the American people that color is not the standard of excellency or of degradation.  But I trust that much good will come to all, and not only the Fatherhood of God be acknowledged but the Brotherhood of Man.

According to Barrows, Bishop Arnett made friends for Africa with every word he spoke.  For the part he took at the Parliament, he received a gold medal from the AME Church. 

When a group of South African singers got stranded in the United States after performing at the World’s Columbian Exposition, Arnett, at the suggestion of the Rev. Reverdy C. Ransom, a future Bishop sent the whole group to Wilberforce University.  This group consisted of Marshall Maxeke, H. C. Msikinye, Charles Dube, James Tantzi, Adelaide Tantzi, John Manye, and Charlotte Manye, later became the backbone of the AME Church in South Africa.  The Bishop and his wife, Mary Gordon Arnett, were almost foster parents to these students even though they had seven children of their own.
       
The Arnett home at Wilberforce was called Tawawa Chimney Corner and was located near the old Indian Tawawa Springs.  This home developed a reputation as a social and intellectual center for young and old alike.  A prolific writer and publicist, Bishop Arnett’s works included The Budget of 1883 through 1904 and The Centennial Celebration of the AME Church.  While serving in the Ohio Legislature, he was instrumental in wiping the “Black Laws” from the Ohio statute books.  During the administration of President William McKinley, he was often consulted by the White House.

Although Bishop Arnett never served in Texas, his name was on the prayer list when Bishop Evans Tyree presided over the Northeast Texas Annual Conference at Wayman Chapel AME Church in Ennis during the week of 22-26 November 1905.  He died on 7 October 1906, while presiding over the First Episcopal District.  He was buried in the Tarbox Cemetery just outside of the Wilberforce University community.

He was truly an eloquent spokesman for African Methodism before the World’s Parliament of Religions!

*The Rev. Robert L. Uzzel, Ph.D. is the pastor of Wayman Chapel AME Church in Ennis, Texas

5. THE YOUNG PROPHETS:

The Young Prophets Speak is a special worship experience that began at Founder’s Day 2012. It features ministers in the early stages of their careers that are exploring their gifts and learning the craft of preaching. Their youthful perspective and modern approach to the ministry provide precisely the kind of fresh viewpoint that is needed to grow African Methodism throughout the second decade of the twentieth first century and beyond.

For Founder’s Day 2014, the Young Prophets Speak Worship Service will begin on Friday, February 21, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Reid Temple AME Church, hosted by the Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard, Glenn Dale, and Maryland 20769.

Each Prophet will address a specific sermonic topical theme including:

• Change Minds
• Change Hearts
• Change Perspective
• Change Lives

We are fortunate and quite frankly blessed to bear witness to these young preachers at the onset of their lives in the ministry for it will allow us the joy of watching them as well as their careers unfold and blossom into full maturity over the years, says Presiding Bishop William P. DeVeaux.

These talented, enthusiastic and able Prophets are:

• Mycal Xavier Brickhouse was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  He is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Political Science and African American Studies. Currently, he is obtaining the Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. He has served in varies capacities in the church on the local, conference, and district levels. Currently, Mycal is serving the St. Joseph A.M.E Church family in Durham, NC, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens.
         
• Topaz Bryant is the sixteen year old daughter of the Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, Pastor, Empowerment Temple AME Church, Baltimore, MD. A high school student with a dream of her own Christian ministry is describes as born for purpose, created for change and destined for greatness.
       
• Paul Robert Evans was born and raised in Washington, DC. He is the second of three children. He is a student at Howard University in Washington, DC where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology. Paul is now serving at Campbell AME Church in Southeast Washington,, DC as the Minister to Youth and Young Adults under the leadership of the Rev. Daryl K. Kearney. He is a licensed preacher in the AME Church.
       
• FranShon Reid is the daughter of Dr. Frank Madison Reid III & First Lady Marlaa Reid.  FranShon currently serves as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Baltimore, MD. In May 2009, FranShon received her BA in theatre from Spelman College- where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa -Magna Cum Laude. Although FranShon realizes being a “Spelman Woman” has opened up many doors in her life, she has also realized that above anything God has been the TRUE key to her success.

6. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
      
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.

Based on Biblical Text: Psalm 31:23 (KJV)

“O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. “
It is great to be a member of a race of people who have in spite of incredible obstacles accomplished so much!  I am indebted to my great-grandfather who was an astute businessman, my grandfather who had an incredible work ethic, my grandmother who had a tremendous sense of family and my mother who had “Job-like” faith. I am blessed to be a descendant of faithful, proud doers.  I am reminded, in this time set aside to celebrate our heritage and highlight our accomplishments, of the old James Brown song, “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud!”  It is a song written and performed by Brother Brown at a time when we were struggling to establish our own self-worth in every walk of life.

We must however remember that pride can very well produce a dangerous outcome. Satan is well acquainted with the power of pride and uses it against us on a daily basis.

There is a need for us to pause periodically and examine what it is that we are proud of. A quick analysis will confirm that we cannot be proud of the rampant sin that runs through our communities. We must be concerned that jails in our counties and states are jammed with disenchanted, disillusioned, and disconnected Brothers and Sisters who, “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud,” but seem unable, unwilling or unchallenged to look beyond the superficial image of blackness they see in the mirror and put substance behind their pride.

Can we “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud,” when our neighborhoods are filled with so many of our Sisters, whose pride has been crushed, as a result of being abandoned by Brothers who have used them and then “kicked them to the curb.” Many of our neighborhoods are filled with our young Brothers and Sisters who appear to be satisfied expressing black pride in repugnant gyrations and profane lyrics in the musical genre of hip-hop and rap. We must periodically assess just what it is we are proud of.

We, as African-Americans, certainly do have those events in our heritage that we can look back on with pride. We can proudly reminisce about the peaceful marches for freedom in Birmingham, Selma, Memphis and Washington D.C. that forced this country to look in the mirror and change the error of its ways. We proudly remember the courage and tenacity of our enslaved ancestors who lived out the true meaning of tolerance long before it was a politically in vogue concept.

We can cite much in our past to be proud of, but we must be reminded that those events are in the past. We have certainly come very far, but there is a ways yet to go. We still have a long journey ahead of us. The question is, what are we doing now that will move us forward in this century as a progressive people? The world is watching intently and wondering, will we and can we forge ahead pulling ourselves out of the cultural depository of our enslaved mentality. 
       
We are cautioned to avoid the danger that is a result of our failure to remember who it was that gave us our victories. Our churches are declining as our people seem to forget the God who delivered us out of our calamities. It appears that we have in too many instances allowed our successes to inflate our egos and move us on to a self-righteous and counterfeit holiness. It has gotten to the point where our greatest menace is no longer the Pharisee beside us who loathes us.  Our most critical danger presently is the Pharisee in us who causes us to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and applauds our pompous spirit.

Our text is a reminder to those who would fall into the trap of self-reliance and self-pride. It challenges us, “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. “ In other words, we can look back with pride on our accomplishments, as long as what we have accomplished is a demonstration of our faith in God.  We can rest assured that if we follow in the path of righteousness, God will not only protect and preserve us, God will reward us. If we humble ourselves before the Lord, He promises to lead us to higher heights.

“Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud.” The Bible admonishes us that “pride goeth before a fall.”  Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” If we want to raise a standard for those who come after us, we need to seek first Jesus.  We are challenged to turn to Jesus. Turn to the One who raised a widow’s son, reflect on the One who raised Jairus’ daughter and trust the One who raised Lazarus from the dead.

If we follow Jesus, we will be proud of all He instills in us, all that He performs with us and all that we can accomplish through Him.  “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer."

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina

7. DR. DENNIS C. DICKERSON LECTURED AT THE AMERICAN ACADEMY IN BERLIN:

Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, retired Historiographer / Director of Research and Scholarship and Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review  lectured at the American Academy in Berlin on "William Stuart Nelson in India: The Making of a Religious Intellectual" on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. The lecture was live-streamed and will remain on live-stream. Dr. Dickerson presentation can be viewed on the Americana Academy in Berlin website:

Dr. Dickerson’s colleagues:

8. THE VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY GOSPEL CHORALE ELECTRIFIES THIRD STREET BETHEL AME CHURCH:

Amazing!  Electrifying!   

These are just two adjectives used to describe the awesome performance of the Virginia State University Gospel Chorale, held at Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church, Richmond, Virginia where the Rev. Reuben J. Boyd is the pastor.

The internationally acclaimed and award winning Gospel Chorale kicked off Bethel’s celebration of Black History Month in grand-style on Sunday, February 9, 2014.

Fresh from their European Tour, which included a performance at the Vatican, the America’s Got Talent quarterfinalist thrilled a packed Belle Hall with their command and variety of music. From the Negro Spiritual to the Blues to Jazz to Gospel, the Chorale provided a hand-clapping, foot-stomping experience that left those in attendance wanting more.

Yes, America does have talent, and it’s on the campus of Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia. 

Submitted by Joe Barden and John R. Hall III

9. NAACP APPLAUDS ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER FOR SPEAKING OUT AGAINST FELONY DISENFRANCHISEMENT:

Holder’s Remarks Follow NAACP’s Nationwide “Restore the Votes” Campaign

(Washington, DC)-- The NAACP commends Attorney General of the United States Eric Holder for speaking out against laws prohibiting people with felony convictions from voting even after they have served the terms of their sentences. The NAACP has been actively engaged in campaigns in Florida, Iowa, Virginia, Delaware and other states to bring the practice to an end.

"By perpetuating the stigma and isolation imposed on formerly incarcerated individuals, these laws increase the likelihood they will commit future crimes," Holder said at a Washington, DC, symposium on sentencing laws.
Florida, Iowa, and Kentucky are the only states that continue to disenfranchise persons convicted of felonies even after they have completed all of the terms of their sentences. There are an estimated 1.5 million disenfranchised citizens in Florida alone.

“This statement does much to make combating felony disenfranchisement a national fight and not just a state one,” said Jotaka Eaddy, NAACP Senior Director for Voting Rights. “The NAACP and several other groups have been fighting on the ground to rid our country of a practice that has its roots in black codes designed to eliminate black participation at the ballot box.”

Through executive order, Virginia became the most recent state to grant automatic restoration of rights to people with non-violent felony convictions who had completed the terms of their sentence.  Months before, Delaware amended its state Constitution to allow people with non-violent felony convictions who have completed the terms of their sentence to vote after years of coalition work.

“While all of our local efforts have covered a lot of ground during the last decade in states like Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia we have much more work to do as a nation,” said Eaddy.

In October 2012, the NAACP launched a national felony disenfranchisement campaign to advocate for the restoration of voting rights for millions of citizens formerly convicted of felonies.  The campaign featured billboards of formerly incarcerated citizens from across the country, including celebrity activists Judge Greg Mathis and Charles S. Dutton.

Holder’s announcement follows three NAACP delegation visits to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.  As part of the visits, the delegation has held panel discussions on felony disenfranchisement and the attack on voting rights in states across the nation.

An NAACP delegation will be deployed this March to address the same topic at the U.S. Government’s UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights review.

10. GETTING TO ZERO: ANTI-HIV THERAPY UPDATE:

by Dr. Oveta Fuller

Clergy, officers and lay leaders can contribute to establishing new perceptions of HIV/AIDS as “a preventable and controllable chronic disease.”  The 30 or more anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs developed are important to therapies that change HIV infection from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition. TAP, PrEP and PEP therapies use ARVs to delay onset of disease and to reduce the chance of infection for a person exposed to HIV. Let me explain.

Treatment as Prevention (TAP)
In Treatment as Prevention (TAP), ARV therapy (ART) is part of medical care of HIV+ persons. TAP can prevent disease progression, lower new virus levels and decrease virus spread to others. In 2006-2011, clinical field studies with discordant couples showed that TAP can be highly effective.

A discordant couple is where one partner is HIV+ and the other is HIV-. Hundreds of couples who have sexual interactions only with each other participated in TAP clinical trials. The results showed that multi-drug ART and regular medical care can lower the amount of virus produced in an HIV+ person while enhancing healthy function of the immune system. Compliance (closely following the guidelines) and monitoring CD4 levels and virus loads will help to keep opportunistic infections of AIDS at bay.

Excitingly, the TAP clinical trial results indicate that compliance in ART also reduces virus transmission so to protect the HIV- spouse or partner. HIV was not transmitted to the uninfected partner for 9 out of 10 couples (over 90%). 90% of the HIV- partners did not seroconvert to HIV+ within 12 months.  Within a span of 12 months with no ART, typically virus is transmitted between discordant couple partners during sexual contact. TAP was effective for both heterosexual and same-gender couples. It worked well for couples in communities of developing or industrialized countries.

TAP helps to lower community impacts of HIV in at least three connected ways. (1) With ART, an HIV+ person makes less virus, has better health and delays progression to AIDS. (2) With less virus made, there is no, or reduced, spread to others. (3) With fewer HIV infected persons in a community, there is less virus circulating in that community. Less circulating virus reduces the chances of new infections.

A 2015 goal of the World Health Organization “Getting to Zero” campaign is to “reduce new HIV infection by 50%”. The success of TAP to reduce disease and new infection requires HIV testing and counseling (HTC) or voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) to know if one is infected or not. An HIV test is required for access to ARVs and TAP.

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is a therapy used immediately AFTER possible exposure to HIV. In PEP, shortly after a potential virus encounter a person takes relatively high doses of ARVs to prevent initial seeding of virus throughout the body. ARVs are continued for 4-6 weeks after a single exposure event. Exposure might occur from a needle stick as happens with healthcare personnel, or during a sexual assault, or in consensual intercourse that brings contact with fluids that contain virus. PEP prevents the start of infection.

In PEP therapy, ARV treatment must start within 72 hours (3 days) after the potential exposure.  At least 2-3 different types of anti-HIV drugs are taken for 28 days. Although not guaranteed, this can prevent virus from reproducing to begin a life-long presence of HIV/AIDS. In the USA, PEP is available by request at many urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, emergency rooms and local HIV clinics.  In some cases, the cost is covered by health insurance.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
To lower long-term risks of HIV infection, PrEP therapy requires taking anti-HIV drugs BEFORE potential contact with fluids that transmit virus. Compared to TAP or PEP, lower dosages of ARVS in PrEP therapy are used each day over months or years.

PrEP can protect an uninfected partner in discordant couples. A constant level of anti-virals reduces the chance of virus infection from contact with semen or vaginal fluid during sexual intercourse over time with an infected spouse or partner.

You may wonder, “If PrEP can protect an uninfected person in a discordant couple, why can’t any uninfected person take ARVs to protect themselves from HIV infection?”

For several reasons, PrEP so far is used only as part of approved clinical research with discordant couples. (1) Taking ARVs has side-effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, body fat changes, etc. (2) There are not enough ARVs accessible currently to cover people who are living with HIV+. They are the highest ARV treatment priority before that of more experimental PrEP therapy. (3) Medical protocols for drug dosage levels and monitoring the generation of HIV drug-resistant mutations have not yet been established. These are needed before PrEP can become routine as a treatment based prevention. 

Summary
Anti-retroviral drug treatment is a major part of HIV/AIDS control for individuals, their partner and for communities. TAP can reduce the amount of virus made and circulating in a community. Fewer infections and fewer new AIDS cases occur when there is less circulating virus, more routine HIV testing and counseling and regular expected use of the ABCs to prevent exposure to virus.

There IS progress in stopping HIV/AIDS. TAP is a part the strategy to eventually “Get to Zero” and to an “AIDS-free generation.”  PrEP and PEP along with pre-natal care to Prevent Mother to Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) are all TAP approaches. PEP, PMTCT are in use now. PrEP is in clinical trials.

Knowing the HIV infection status is required to implement any of the recent interventions for controlling HIV/AIDS. So get tested, get treated. Tell others.
-------------------
“Reach for Wellness”: Establishing good habits for wellness.  From January 15-February 14, complete at least one of the following:
 
Get an HIV/AIDS rapid test and a follow-up. Take along an immediate family member(s) or friend. Engage others in conversation about HIV testing.
Get an influenza vaccine. It can reduce disease severity and death from influenza infection, or
Evaluate your health insurance or sign up for coverage. For questions on AHA mandated health insurance, contact the AMEC Social Justice and Health Commissions www.ame-church.com, or Mrs. Jackie Dupont-Walker (213) 494-9493 or Dr. Miriam Burnett (770) 328-2002.)

11. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2014 - LIVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE - JAMES 2:14-26:

Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington

Church School Lesson Brief

Today’s lesson focuses on the proper relationship between faith and works. 

James seeks clarity about the role of productive works and how it functions as an instrument to express our faith.  James rejects the idea that faith and works are mutually exclusive concepts.  Instead he persuasively suggests that you can’t have one without the other.  In short, there is co-equality. We live according to a set of fixed beliefs.  Beliefs are central to our lifestyle choices but beliefs alone cannot be the measuring stick. Ultimately we are judged by what we do and not by what we say.

The discussion about works sheds important insight on the role of piety in our lives.  While piety has its place there are many instances where deference to piety carries problems. 

As James correctly notes, a person who approaches us for food will not find his hunger craving met with warm and fuzzy words that stress “Have faith, God will see you through your situation” (Verse 16). 

This pious reply is not so much as being wrong (God is indeed a provider) as it is myopic. 

God is a provider through God’s followers. God’s hands are my hands, God’s feet are my feet and God’s wallet is my wallet! 

Piety alone will not effectively minister to the hungry. Faith alone is not unique because even Satan’s legions “believe in God” (Verse 19). True faith is evidenced by the works of the believer.  Only the actions that support our belief structure will serve as an effective witness. 

Some persons may say that they have faith without good works. The question is, “Can we prove that we have faith for salvation with no works?”

The problem for this person is to show that he or she can have faith apart from what it does. However, it is not possible to show that he or she has faith if there are no works as evidence. True faith must be active in doing good works. So works are necessary to prove that he or she has faith. Just to say that he or she has faith proves nothing. Only action can show that faith is real.

*Brother Bill Dickens is currently the Church School Teacher at Allen AME Church in Tacoma, Washington.  He is currently a member of the Fellowship of Church Educators for the AME Church.

12. MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 119:124-134:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

My assignment to supervise thirty-three AME Churches in six Counties south of Charleston, South Carolina has led me to appreciate my present well-equipped and comfortable motor vehicle, which I purchased nine months before ceasing to serve as the pastor of one church, to be “on the road” visiting three or four churches each week - God obviously knew what was in store for me when my old vehicle “died” early and I had to get a new vehicle! 

The “Road time” visiting several churches each week has led me to visit my auto dealer’s service department each month or so.  I don’t go there because of unexpected problems or repairs, but for regular oil changes and system-checks.  The visits to the Service department takes a little time and money, but makes it less likely that I’ll have a late night “breakdown” on a remote country road - where I’d either have to hike to a place where I could get a phone signal to call for emergency service or risk going to a house where the occupants might be suspicious of an unknown face knocking on the door. 

Taking the time for regular service to keep my vehicle in good shape and identify potential problems that need attention brings me assurance that all is well and minimizes the chances of unexpected and costly problems.

Staying in touch with God brings us the same benefits that I gain from staying in touch with my auto dealer’s service department.  It’s easy for all of us, in a fast-paced and demanding world, to deal with our immediate challenges and concerns on our own and to neglect our prayer lives - until we run into unexpected trials, troubles, dangers and distress that we can’t “fix” on our own and that drive us to our knees, prayerfully seeking relief, repair and restoration.

The God who created us always hears our prayers and is always there to bless us, but when we prayerfully stay in touch with God - in our times of comfort and in our times of crisis - we’ll find daily well-being, realize daily blessings and face each day knowing that regardless of the unexpected troubles that we encounter on life’s road, we’ll never have to walk alone.

Don’t wait to pray until trouble comes your way and you can think of nothing else to do.  Take the time each day to go to God in prayer and to let God direct and your life.  When you do so, your days will be brighter, your outlook will be better and you can face each day not wondering what crisis you’ll be forced to face, but appreciating why one writer said, “Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will guide us till the day is done, there’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no, not one, no, not one.”

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Ora Beal Green, the mother of the Rev. Ronald L. Green, pastor of Hickman Temple AME Church in the South District of the Philadelphia Conference. 

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral, Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Viewing - 9:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.

Parkside United Methodist Church
1418 Kaighns Ave.
Camden, New Jersey

Telephone: 856-964-2254
Fax:  856-964-8922

The Rev. James A. Keeton, Jr., pastor

Professional Service entrusted to:

Bagwell Funeral Home, Inc.
131 South Broad Street
Penns Grove, New Jersey 08069
Telephone: 856-299-1611

Interment:

Harleigh Cemetery
1640 Haddon Avenue
Camden, New Jersey 08103

Telephone: 856-963-3500
   
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Ronald L. Green
176 Hollingston Place
E. Windsor, NJ 08570

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We sadly announce the passing of Mrs. Lula Belle McGaughy, mother of the Rev. Deborah Y, Scott, pastor of Greater St. James AME Church, Gary, Indiana.  She was a faithful member of First AME Church, Gary, Indiana.

Viewing and Funeral, Monday, February 17, 2014
Family Hour: 9:00 a.m. -.10:00 a.m. 
The Homegoing service: 11:00 a.m.

Services Will Be Held at:

First AME Church
2045 Mass. St.
Gary, Indiana 46407. 

Telephone: 219 886-7561
The Rev. Emanuel Vaughn, pastor and officiating
              
Services Entrusted to:

Guy & Allen
2959 W 11th Ave.
Gary, IN.

Fax: 219 949-9813

Expressions of Sympathy may be emailed to:

The Rev. Deborah Scott:  spsalm23@aol.com

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with heartfelt sympathy that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Ozelia Simon, the mother of Mrs. Linda M. Kelly, the first lady of Bethel AME Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mrs. Simon is the mother-in law of the Rev. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., pastor of Bethel AME Church in Baton Rouge.

Services for Mrs. Ozelia Simon:

Viewing:
Saturday, February 15, 2014 
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Saint Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church
4025 Grapevine Street
Houston, Texas 77045-6320

Service:

Saturday, February 15, 2014 
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Saint Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church
4025 Grapevine Street
Houston, Texas 77045-6320

Viewing:

Sunday, February 16, 2014
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Frank Brothers Funeral Home
150 Townhome Drive
Eunice, Louisiana 70535

Committal Service:
Monday, February 17, 2014
9 a.m.
St. Matilda Cemetery
Eunice, Louisiana 70535

Condolences:

May be sent to:

The Simon and Kelly Families 
1146 Arcadia Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810.

Email contacts:

Mrs. Linda Kelly: lmkelly_99@yahoo.com
The Rev. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr: hokellyj@yahoo.com 

Telephone contacts:

Mrs. Linda Kelly Cell: (225) 936-7542
Residence: (225) 768-7535 

In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts may be sent to:

Pete Simon c/o Linda Kelly
1146 Arcadia Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810.

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with heartfelt sympathy that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Bertha Pitts, the widow of the late Rev. James Pitts. Reverend Pitts retired in 2007. His last pastorate was Pippin Chapel AME Church in the Louisiana Conference.  Mrs. Pitts was a member of Days Chapel AME Church and served there until her health declined. A daughter, Mrs. Diane Smith, who was her caregiver during her illness, survives Mrs. Pitts.  

Services for Mrs. Bertha Pitts:

Service:

Saturday, February 15, 2014 
2:00 PM
Days Chapel AME Church
17717 Highway 10
Clinton, Louisiana 70722

The Rev. Troy Williams, Pastor

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Curtis Wells.  He was the second Vice President of the First Episcopal District Lay Organization and the immediate past President of the New England Conference Lay Organization. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Wake - Friday, February 14, 2014 - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Family hour and Home going Services- Saturday, February 15, 2014
Family hour - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Service - 10:00 a.m.

Historic Charles Street AME Church
551 Warren Street
Roxbury, MA 02121
Telephone: 617-442-7770
Fax: 617-427-1215

The Rev. Dr. Gregory G. Groover, Sr., pastor, officiant and eulogist

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

The Wells Family
99 Lorne Road
Mattapan, MA 02126

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The 11th Episcopal District, Florida Conference, Quincy District announces the passing of Sister Margaret Dyson of Orlando, FL.  Sister Dyson is the sister of retired Presiding Elder G. T. Barkley of the former Marianna District and the Rev. Sterling Barkley, the pastor of Tanner Chapel AME in Quincy, Florida.

Visitation was held:

Visitation as held on Friday, February 7, 2014 at The Hope Church Orlando, 3032 Monte Carlo Trail in Orlando, Florida.

The Funeral was held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at The Hope Church Orlando.
.

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Althea Higgins, a faithful member of St. Paul AME Church, Versailles, KY.  Sister Althea Higgins transitioned from this life on Friday, February 7, 2014. She is the Aunt of the Rev. Jermaine L. Wilson, pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church Frankfort, Kentucky.

The funeral was held on Tuesday, February 11 at St. Paul AME Church in Versailles, Kentucky

Condolences will be received by the family, via email, or telephone:

The Rev. Jermaine L. Wilson: jlapaz@hotmail.com
Telephone: 502-657-8431

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Hilda Johnson Martin, age 107, grandmother of the Rev.Dr. Randolph Martin, Sr., pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Sister Charolett Martin, 12th Episcopal District WMS President.  Mrs. Hilda Johnson Martin passed away, Friday, February 7, 2014.

Celebration of Life Service was held at Haven United Methodist Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Messages of Condolence may be shared with the family via the Rev. and Mrs. Randolph W. Martin, Sr. at:



Or mail to:

1204 Indiana Street,
Pine Bluff, AR  71601

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Charlene Florine Wilson. Sister Wilson made her sudden transition from labor to reward on Monday, February 3, 2014. She is the beloved sister of Pastor Charlesfontaine Macon at Gregg Memorial AME Church, Detroit, Michigan and daughter of Mother Florence Macon.

Family Visitation Day:

Friday, February 14, 2014, 1:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. at James H. Cole Funeral Home, 16100 Schaefer Hwy. Detroit, MI 48235 (313) 835-3997

Funeral Service:

Family Hour: 10:30 am. Services - 11:00 am

Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 18700 James Couzens Freeway in Detroit, Michigan
Telephone: (313) 861-1300
Fax: (313) 861-0265

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Gregg Memorial AME Church
10120 Plymouth Rd.
Detroit, Michigan 48204
Email - cfmacon@aol.com

Interment - Woodlawn Cemetery, 19975 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48203
Arrangements are by James H. Cole Funeral Home Northwest Chapel.

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Sister Cheryl Wilson, loving wife of the Rev. Anthony Wilson and beloved mother of Christian and Christina Wilson passed away this week.

The Rev. Anthony Wilson is an Itinerant Elder, and member of the Ministerial Staff at Union Bethel AME Church in Brandywine, Maryland.

Sister Cheryl's Homegoing Services was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Union Bethel AME Church in Brandywine, Maryland.

Condolences can be sent to:

The Rev. Anthony Wilson
9609 Midland Turn
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We join in love, fellowship and mourning with the Rev. Anthea Dunn, a Local Elder at St. John AME Church of Springfield, Tennessee in the sudden loss of her dearly beloved husband, Mr. Phillip Stevens Dunn, a very capable and diligent Trustee of St. John AME Church where the Rev. Donald Williams is the senior pastor.

The funeral service for Mr. Phillip Stevens Dunn was held at Greater South Baptist Church in Springfield, Tennessee. The Rev. Donald Williams was the eulogist

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Anthea Cone-Dunn
1805 College Street           
Springfield, TN  37172   
Email: antheadunn@att.net                            

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:


Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751




25.  CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland; 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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