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
1. TCR EDITORIAL – MOTHER EMANUEL AME CHURCH TERROR EVENT A DEFINING MOMENT
IN AMERICAN LIFE:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
I am writing this editorial with a heavy
heart and I am sure there are many heavy hearts here in America and around the
world. The senseless murder of innocent people brutally killed in their church
studying the Bible, minding their own business and not bothering anyone just
boggles the mind and discombobulates normal people.
They were doing what they loved to do. They
were a small intimate core of people who enjoyed Bible study and no doubt,
loved each other’s company. I am sure
they were excited that their pastor was a part of the Bible study and taking
part in the discussions.
Some of the parishioners probably already
had dinner and others may have been planning to eat dinner after finishing
Bible study. It was just going to be a routine Wednesday as any other
Wednesday.
This Bible study had an air of excitement
because a visitor, young man had joined them for Bible study.
Like churches across America, the pastor,
congregation and the members of the Bible study probably had many discussions
about how to attract more people to the church and more people to Bible
study. And, I suspect that they were
excited about the young visitor who joined their ranks. They would not have
been concerned about his color. The
African Methodist Episcopal Church has “African” in its name, but the
denomination does not discriminate against any race nor does it address race in
its book of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
The young visitor was received with open
arms and unconditional love and was probably extended an invitation to attend
Sunday worship. The 13 people who attended Bible study on Wednesday, June 17
had a welcoming spirit and Christlike intentions of sharing the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Bible study was a “vehicle” for sharpening their knowledge of the
Bible, coping with the intricacies of life and sharing the “Good News.” Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in
Charleston, South Carolina got off to a good start.
As a clergyperson who has attended and
participated in many Bible studies, I can attest to fact that pastors and
parishioners who regularly attend Bible study are excited when guests attend
Bible study. The energy level of Bible study is heightened with the presence of
guests and I am sure that the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the Rev. Daniel Simmons
Sr., Cynthia Hurd, the Rev. Sharonda Singleton, Myra Thompson, Tywanza Sanders,
the Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Susie Jackson, and Ethel Lance were excited
and happy when Dylann Storm Roof joined them for Bible study. They were not
concerned about the color of his skin; he was welcomed as a brother in Christ.
They had no way of knowing the allegedly
dastardly intentions of Roof, a
21-year-old man who happened to be white with a disturbed personal life and a
history of racist views and obviously not too bright.
The pastor and parishioners who attended
Bible study extended hands of welcome and allegedly he responded with violence
and nine church members were dead – murdered in cold blood for no reason.
It was a hate crime, not because the
victims were black and the shooter was white, but because of the killing of innocent people in cold blood with
the expression of hatred on the part of the alleged killer. His intention was
indicative of hate.
It would have been a hate crime if the
victims had been white and the shooter had been black. It would have been a
hate crime if the victims and the perpetrator were of the same color. Hate
transcends race. In this instance it was
a hate crime motivated by racism. We need to redefine hate crimes from the
narrow focus of the race of the victims and the person(s) who commit crimes.
In the case of the murders at Emanuel AME
Church the senseless act of violence was a hate crime and an act of terror.
The media coverage of the terrorist attack
at Mother Emanuel AME Church has been extensive. The emotions of the event have been
devastating. People feel the pain of the parishioners of Emanuel, the city of
Charleston, the state of South Carolina and the African Methodist Episcopal
Church. Vigils and worship services have been held. People of goodwill of all races are coming
together to share their emotions and provide support.
People around the United States are talking
about the state of race relations and ways to address all the aspects of
violence in this country.
The city of Charleston, the state of South
Carolina, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and other religious
denominations and organizations are making their “voices” heard. The AME Council of Bishops has published its
statement and the members of the
denomination are rallying as one to fight injustice, racism, and terrorism.
But more importantly, the AME Church
leadership has set up a mechanism for assisting the Mother Emanuel victim
families. The act of violence perpetrated by Roof, who allegedly has confessed to the murders, has caused
emotional, psychological and even spiritual stress; not to mention the
financial stress of the survivors’ families.
The senseless terror such as happened at
Mother Emanuel AME Church should not have happened in an industrialized nation.
Apparently, there is something that we are not doing right in America.
The nation must deal with the issues that
precipitate violence. Other industrialized nations do not experience the
instances of random violence, police brutality and of their citizens being
killed by guns.
Citizens in other industrialized nations
must be shaking their heads at the senseless violence we experience in the
United States. They must be flabbergasted about our gun laws, lack of gun
control, ignorance and intolerance.
Where do we go from here?
The terror in Charleston brings us to a
decision point. I remember when churches remained unlocked and we took pride in
saying “the church doors are always open.”
Unfortunately, we are living in a “different world” and have been living
in a different world for a number of years. Church doors have been locked for
many years. And, it is not unusual for churches to have security persons
present during worship services.
Will churches have to provide security for
worship services and Bible study? Will
churches set up security checkpoints or metal detectors before letting
worshipers enter the sanctuary? Should churches eliminate evening Bible study?
Eliminate prayer meetings? Do
parishioners look at guests with a suspicious and jaundiced eye, especially guests
of a different race or culture?
I am afraid that we have moved away from
any semblance of “business as usual.”
We, the church, will have to come to grips
with the catastrophic event that happened at Mother Emanuel AME Church in
Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday evening, June 17, 2015.
That terror event caused by a not too
bright young man has exposed the flaws of our society where someone can go into
a church and kill innocent people.
Thinking people around the country and the
world know something must be done lest the very moral, spiritual and religious
fabric of our nation, the United States, unravels.
And, one more thing
I appreciate the concern and sensitivity of
the state and local government officials, but the Confederate flag flying on
the grounds of the capitol is offensive. The people who manage the flag don’t even have the decency
to fly the flag at half-mast. Flying the flag is a “smack in the face" of the citizens of South
Carolina and flying the flag at full mast in the midst of such a tragic event
in the city of Charleston is a travesty against compassion and decency.
I am offended that they are not flying the
flag at half mast.
And while I am on this tirade, I don’t have
a problem with citizens flying the Confederate flag on their property or
placing images of it on their vehicles or
tattooing images of it on their foreheads, but don’t fly it on
government property.
Religious organizations and other
organizations of good will should refuse to hold meetings in South Carolina
until the Confederate flag is removed. The AME Church should refuse to hold any connectional meetings in South
Carolina and cancel those that are already planned.
If the Connectional AME Church refuses to
cancel meetings planned in South Carolina, individual members should refuse to
participate in meetings in the state of South Carolina.
2. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS COUNCIL STATEMENT
CONCERNING EMANUEL AME CHURCH IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:
African
Methodist Episcopal Church
Council
of Bishops
June
18, 2015
The Council of Bishops of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church joins with our components and worldwide membership
in expressing our grief and sympathy on the senseless and tragic attack which
took the lives of The Rev. Clementa Pinckney, pastor, and eight other
congregants of Mother Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, South Carolina. Mother Emanuel is the oldest black church in
the south and one of the most historic churches in the nation. The senseless and evil action which took the
lives of those who gathered at Mother Emanuel to study and pray is indicative
of a major crisis facing our nation and its people. While we are pleased that Dylann Storm Roof,
the assailant and alleged murderer has been arrested, we do not believe this
matter has been concluded.
First, we join in grief with Mother Emanuel
Church in the loss of her pastor, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, and the Rev.
Daniel Simmons Sr., Cynthia Hurd, the Rev. Sharonda Singleton, Myra Thompson,
Tywanza Sanders, the Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Susie Jackson, and Ethel
Lance, members of that church family. We
also grieve with the State of South Carolina, which also lost an outstanding
state senator and leader in the person of the Rev. Pinckney. Second, we pray and ask for the God of love,
mercy and grace to comfort; restore and give peace to family members and of all
of us who have been shaken and saddened by this tragedy. May our faith be strengthened and our hope
restored.
Finally, we call upon the nation’s political
leadership, faith institutions and other organizations in this country to face
the reality that race remains a problem in this nation. “The arrest of Dylann Storm Roof, the
assailant and alleged murderer does not end this matter. In fact this matter makes even clearer that
race is a major problem in our nation that must be dealt with,” said Bishop
Julius McAllister, President of the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. “The nation can no
longer live in denial and act as if it does not exist. Every week there is some incident, which
involves the negative consequences of race,” he added. “The AME Church will join with other faith
communities to stress the need for the United States to face, discuss and meet
head-on the problem of race in this country,” said Bishop John R. Bryant,
Senior Bishop of the AME Church.
“African Methodists in South Carolina are
strong and faithful, we will not shy away or lessen our commitment to equality
and social justice,” said Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop of
South Carolina. “This will make us stronger and more determined to advance
God’s kingdom on earth. This tragedy
will not weaken, but strengthen us.
African Methodism will become stronger because of this tragedy,” he said.
The problem of race has not decreased but
increased over the last several years.
Listen to what has been said, “We want our country back.” The question is from whom? Mr. Roof stated that he had to kill blacks
because of what blacks are doing to “his country.”
The recent Charleston, South Carolina
tragedy; the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri; Eric Garner in
Staten Island; Akil Gurly in New York; Tamir Rice in Cleveland, Ohio; and
Freddie Gray in Baltimore, our nation’s president has been called “a monkey,”
disrespected and had his citizenship questioned, are all indicative of a
systemic race problem.
In September the African Methodist
Episcopal Church will be joining with our sister communions and other partners
to constrain this nation to address the issue of race in this nation. Details will be announced next month.
The Council of Bishops calls on all of our
churches, and other communions and congregations to join together this week,
and in particular this weekend wherever we worship to pray for those who lost
their lives, their families, Mother Emanuel Church, and our nation.
Contribution to assist with the burial and
expenses related to those who lost their lives can be sent to:
“Mother Emanuel Hope Fund”
C/o City of Charleston
P. O. Box 304
Charleston, SC 29402
For further information contact Bishop
Reginald T. Jackson, Bishop of Urban and Ecumenical Affairs and Chair of the
Social Action Commission of the AME Church at Reginald.jackson132@verizon.net.
Bishops of the AME Church:
Julius McAllister, President, Council of
Bishops David R. Daniels Jr.
John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop Samuel L. Green
Sr.
John F. White, Secretary, Council of
Bishops Jeffrey N. Leath
Clement W. Fugh, Ass’t Sec. Council of
Bishops Reginald T. Jackson
McKinley Young E. Earl McCloud Jr.
William P. DeVeaux Sr. John H. Adams
T. Larry Kirkland Frederick H. Talbot
Adam J. Richardson Jr. Frederick C. James
Richard F. Norris Frank C. Cummings
Vashti M. McKenzie Philip R. Cousin Sr.
Gregory G. M. Ingram Henry A. Belin Jr.
Preston W. Williams II Robert V. Webster
Wilfred J. Messiah Zedekiah L. Grady
Paul J. M. Kawimbe C. Garnett Henning Sr.
James L. Davis Carolyn Tyler Guidry
3. STATEMENT BISHOP RICHARD
FRANKLIN NORRIS, PRESIDING PRELATE OF THE 7TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Scripture Psalm 46:1: “God is our
refuge and strength in a very present help in the time of trouble.”
The dastardly hand of unfavorable evil has
unleashed its fury against the people of God while in prayer meeting and Bible
study. The massive pain and loss has
cause all that is good and righteous to shudder with unbelief that such an act
could be formulated in the mind of any human being.
As Presiding Bishop of South Carolina, I
have called the African Methodist Episcopal Church to prayer, reflection, and
renewed restoration. Let us uphold the
bereaved families in prayer. Be
steadfast, unmovable and faithful.
The Seventh Episcopal District of the AME
Church soars on the wings of countless prayers from every segment of
society. The Leadership of Charleston
has joined the leadership of the church in demonstration of unity and family
togetherness.
We have scheduled statewide prayer services
at the following churches:
Morris Brown, Charleston
13 Morris St.
Charleston, SC 29403
The Rev Dr. Charles Watkins, Jr., Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Presiding
Elder
Mt. Pisgah, Sumter
217 W. Bartlette Street
Sumter, SC 29150
The Rev. Dr. Betty D. Clark, Pastor
The Rev. Robert L. McCants, Presiding Elder
Bethel, Columbia
819 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205
The Rev. Dr. Ronnie Brailsford, Sr., Pastor
The Rev. Rosalyn G. Coleman, Presiding
Elder
Allen Temple, Greenville
109 Green Ave.
Greenville, SC 29601
The Rev. James E. Speed, Sr.
The Rev. Judy M. Richardson, Presiding
Elder
Williams Chapel, Orangeburg
1198 Glover St.
Orangeburg, SC 29115
The Rev. Dr. Caesar R. Richburg, Pastor
The Rev. James R. Glover, Sr., Presiding
Elder
While I cannot be present in person as I
recover from my transplant; my heart and spirit are with the families and
churches. Let us lift up our eyes unto
the hills whence cometh our help. Our
help comes from the Lord.
Thanks to Governor Haley, Mayor Riley,
religious, and Civic Leaders for boundless support. Special thanks to Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant
and Bishop Julius McAllister, President of the Council of Bishops.
Mother Norris joins me in prayer for the
bereaved family.
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding
Prelate
Seventh Episcopal District (South Carolina)
of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church
4. THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH (CME) IS STANDING WITH OUR AME FAMILY:
By Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick
A calamity born in depravity hit at the
Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church on the evening of June 17,
2015, when a gunman took the lives of persons at the church in prayer meeting.
As a CME Church Family, let us join with
the AMEs in prayer for the healing of the families touched by this tragedy –
the families of the victims and the family of the perpetrator.
As your Senior Bishop, I’ve shared on the
phone with Senior Bishop Bryant of the AME Church on our behalf, sharing the
spirit of unity and mutual mourning as a CME family. Several of us who are in Dallas, Texas,
joined with Bishop Vashti McKenzie and other AME leaders at their Episcopal
District Headquarters in a prayer meeting and press conference. “[We] sat where they sat.” I hope others of us share in their gatherings
and prayer vigils.
Violence knows no respect of persons. This violent act could have happened – and
can happen – within any one of our congregations. As I said to someone else, “It could have been
Vanderhorst (our CME Church in Charleston).”
As we gather this Sunday in our churches,
let us be sure to lift the AME Church as a family in prayer. Pray specifically for the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, Senior Bishop John Bryant, Resident Bishop Richard Norris, and
the people of Mother Emmanuel AME Church of Charleston. They are in mourning. Our prayerful support can be strengthening.
Moreover, let us espouse the hope that is
ours as believers – that hope that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1); the hope that is rooted in the fact that
nothing separates us from the love of God.
We are prayerful, yes … but we also will be courageous and forward
looking and determined as we preach, teach, and stand for what is right. For the kingdom, and the power, and the glory
– even through these circumstances – belong to God.
+ Lawrence L. Reddick III
5. DR. WILLIE C GLOVER, PRESIDENT OF THE CLO -
STATEMENT ON EMMANUEL AME CHURCH, SHOOTING
As our sisters and brothers of Emmanuel AME Church were
studying the Word of God, they were gunned down and they went home to their
eternal rest. I'm told that there are some survivors and one person
reported that the killer kept her alive so she could tell what happened.
The Rev Pinkcney's strong will and urgency in life gave us the benefit of
compassionate and determined leadership. He accomplished much in a short window
– indeed, it is not how long, but how well one lives and he lived his life to
the fullest.
We are stunned, yet claim the spirit of Denmark Vesey who gathered
in that very same church - we are determined to keep his legacy of standing up
against all that besmirches justice and all actions that attempt to make
any of God's children second-class citizens. Please note, history records that
"white clergy and people of faith stood with Denmark Vesey in the
1800s" and people of all races and cultures are standing with the AME
Church today.
All of us must recommit ourselves to do all we can to end the
misuse of guns and confront the greed that allows the production of weapons of
indiscriminant and unnecessary violence. Gun violence is at an epidemic
proportion in this nation. Whenever there is an epidemic, it is imperative
that all resources be marshaled to “stamp out the disease.” This disease of
hate crimes and gun violence must be stamped out now!
When we gather in Charleston this summer for the 34th
Biennial Session of Connectional Lay Organization that issue will be an action
agenda!
The Connectional Lay Organization joins with the Council of
Bishops along and with the AME Church family in soliciting your continued
prayers.
Let us keep the faith!
Thank you for your
prayers and concern!
Dr. Willie C
Glover, Global President
Connectional
Lay Organization
*Submitted by Walter C. Jeffers, Director
of Public Relations - Connectional Lay Organization
6.
LETTER TO BISHOP BRYANT FROM THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA:
June 18, 2015
To: Bishop John R. Bryant,
Senior Bishop, Bishop Julius McAllister, President of the Bishops’ Council;
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District;
Members of the AME Church, Charleston Community, and Families
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
I am writing with profound sadness at the senseless loss of nine lives
in your church family last night. We are asking all our members in The United
Church of Canada to pray for the members and families of Emanuel African
Episcopal Methodist Church and the community of Charleston, all of whom have
been touched by this incomprehensible act.
With shared Methodist roots, we are part of the same family and faith
that has sustained us through grief and tears.
While no one can understand the mind of someone so filled with hate that
he would steal the lives of people gathered in prayer, I hope you and all the
members of the Emanuel community, will take strength from Paul’s letter to the
Romans: 8:38–39:
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor
depth, nor anything else in all creation , will be able to separate us from the
love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Please know that we stand with you in condemning the racially-motivated
hatred leading to such violence. It is a painful reminder that racism is a
rampant evil in society, and that all of us are called to work toward
transformed relationships based in a commitment to justice, peace, and love.
We share with you a prayer that is being posted on The United Church of
Canada website in response to this tragedy. We hold you in our hearts and offer
you our solidarity as you continue the work of healing and seeking justice.
Emmanuel,
The shooting at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church
painfully reminds us that Racism is a rampant evil in our society.
We can no longer deny the influence of racism; if we do, we participate
in this life-stealing force.
We need your help, God, to rebuke and overpower racism:
Help us to grieve with the community of Emanuel AME Church;
Help us to mourn with the families of those who have died;
Help us to show compassion and mercy to the family and friends of the
shooter;
Help us to seek ways of justice, equity and peace in our actions and
responses;
Help us to lament a sanctuary desecrated by violence and hatred;
Help us to recommit ourselves as followers dedicated to creating paths
of justice, equity and peace through wilds of hatred and violence.
Emmanuel, be with us in our suffering.
Amen.
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Gary Paterson
Moderator
The United Church of Canada
7. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
-- How abolitionist Denmark Vesey
is connected to Emanuel AME Church
USA Today Network Lori Grisham, USA TODAY
Network
-- In Charleston, a City Gathers
To Mourn, Try to Understand Mass Shooting
The community began to try to pick up the
pieces, in the days after a gunman opened fire at a historically black church,
killing nine people.
--AME Bishop in Birmingham
recalls pastor killed in Charleston
AL.com
AME Bishop James L. Davis of Birmingham,
who oversees the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Alabama, this morning
recalled the pastor who
-- Shooter ‘Almost Didn’t Go
Through’ With Charleston Church Shooting
The man who shot and killed nine
parishioners at a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, told
police that he “almost didn’t go through with it because everyone was so nice
to him,” sources told NBC News.
8.
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, INC, - CONDOLENCES - SHOOTING AT EMANUEL
AME CHURCH, CHARLESTON, SC:
On behalf of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), we offer our
deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the people and state of
South Carolina, the city of Charleston, and the Emanuel African Methodist
Episcopal Church Family for their loss.
We join the President, of the Bethune-Leonard NCNW Section, Charleston,
SC, Ms. Kia Brown and the Interim South Carolina State Convener, Ms. Andrea
Casey in offering our thoughts and prayers to all affected by this tragedy.
Ingrid Saunders Jones
National Chair
9. NAACP STATEMENT ON CHARLESTON
CHURCH MASS SHOOTING INCIDENT:
BALTIMORE, MD -- On Wednesday, June 17th,
nine parishioners where shot at Bible study at the Emanuel African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina -- the oldest AME church in the
South. The shooter is described as a white man in his twenties and remains at
large. Charleston Police Chief Greg
Mullen and Mayor Joe Riley have described the incident as a hate crime. AME Church Elder Rev. Norvel Goff asks for
prayers for the families and stands with the police in finding justice for
these hate crimes. In light of these developments, the NAACP has released the
following statement:
From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP
President & CEO:
"The NAACP was founded to fight
against racial hatred, and we are outraged that 106 years later, we are faced
today with another mass hate crime. Our
heartfelt prayers and soul-deep condolences go out to the families and
community of the victims at Charleston’s historic Emanuel AME Church. The senselessly slain parishioners were in a
church for Wednesday night bible study. There is no greater coward than a
criminal who enters a house of God and slaughters innocent people engaged in
the study of scripture. Today, I mourn
as an AME minister, as a student and teacher of scripture, as well as a member
of the NAACP.
The NAACP South Carolina State Conference
and Charleston Branch have been working on the ground with police and the
community to bring this case to a close.
We remain vigilant while the local police and FBI investigate this hate
crime and bring the shooter to justice."
10. THE SOUND OF GOD’S GRIEF IN
CHARLESTON:
Michael W. Waters
"And do not grieve the Holy
Spirit of God…" - Ephesians 4:30
As Christ was being baptized in the Jordan
River, the heavens opened above him. John the Baptist, Christ's slightly elder
cousin, forerunner of the faith, testified before the gathered assembly that he
saw the Holy Spirit descend on Christ as a dove.
Ever since John's testimony, the dove has
been a symbol of the Spirit of God.
Present in the epistle written to the Church
at Ephesus is an expression of the Spirit's capacity to grieve. It is one of
the clearest characterizations of the Divine, that God intimately experiences
suffering alongside God's creation. It reveals an imminent God not content in
transcendently traversing human concern, but who is vulnerable enough to share
in the human experience, weeping and grieving in solidarity with us.
As worshipers gathered together to study
the scriptures and to offer their petitions before Almighty God at the historic
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, a
gunman entered that sacred and sanctified space.
Inconceivably, nine of the faithful present
was felled.
As a result of the horror now inflicted in
Charleston, families mourn, and a church, city and nation remain in utter
shock. Prayer circles now form on sidewalks, and prayerful petitions now reveal
palatable pain as tears descend down like rain to the earth below.
Yet, this massive grief is not restricted
to our terrestrial plane. Indeed, the very Spirit of God is grieved! Dare it be
asked what the sound of God's grief is like?
Is it the sound of a million weeping widows
receiving their loved ones back from war?
Is it the sound of one million Mamie Tills
mourning over one million Emmetts, one million Sybrina Fultons mourning over
one million Trayvons and one million Samaria Rices mourning over one million
Tamirs?
Is it the sound of tens of millions of
Africans while crossing the Atlantic, wailing in the hulls of ships?
Is it the wailing of tens of millions of
their descendants separated upon the auction block?
Or is it a pain so deep that tears fall,
yet no sound is made?
This is what it sounds like when doves cry.
Pray for Charleston.
Pray for the world.
*The Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters is founder
and Senior Pastor of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, Texas.
11. BRIDGE ST. AME CHURCH (NYC)
STATEMENT ON CHARLESTON MASSACRE:
We are extremely saddened by the loss of
life of fellow African Methodists in the city of Charleston. Most especially, my dear friend and colleague
in ministry, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the distinguished pastor of historic
Mother Emanuel AME Church, who was a rising star in African Methodism.
The Episcopal Leadership of the First
Episcopal District, Bishop Gregory and the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, along with
presiding elder Melvin E. Wilson and I join with people across this country to
pray for the healing of families whose lives have been affected by this
senseless tragedy. While we are grateful
that the suspect has been apprehended, we know that his capture will not ease
the extreme pain and sorrow the families are experiencing as a result of this
massacre.
It has been reported that this hate crime
is the fourteenth such incident that has occurred under President Obama's
leadership. We pray that this incident
will not further racially divide our country, given all of the hate attacks
that have been perpetrated against people of African descent in this history of
this country. We pray with diligence for
justice to prevail in this heinous act.
As a community of faith, we truly believe love will always conquer hate.
Within the next few days, I will be meeting
with our newly appointed Social Action Commissioner, Sister DaKota Simone
Burnett, to discuss ways that we, as a community of faith, might come together
to show our love, support and solidarity to the families of African Methodism
who have been impacted by this tragedy.
The Rev. David B. Cousin, Sr., Pastor
The Rev. Valerie E. Cousin, Executive
Minister
12. UMC WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL
STATEMENT ON CHURCH SHOOTING IN CHARLESTON:
18 June 2015
Local pastors gathered outside the
Courtyard Marriott down the street from the church.
The world awoke this morning to tragic news
of the deadly shootings at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. As
authorities investigate, it is clear that members at Emanuel African Methodist
Episcopal Church were meeting for Bible Study and prayer when a Caucasian man
in his mid-20s opened fire. The man had been attending the meeting with his
victims, and managed to escape by car. He has not yet been captured.
Among those who perished was pastor and
state senator, Clementa Pinckney, who had two young children. Information on
the other victims has not yet been released, but nine have been confirmed dead.
The World Methodist Council urges prayer
and support for the victims' families and those members of Emanuel African
Methodist Episcopal Church who have been so gravely affected by this crime
motivated by hate. Mrs. Gillian Kingston, Vice-President of the World Methodist
Council, issued the following statement earlier today:
Along with all other good-thinking people,
we are horrified and deeply saddened to hear of the dreadful act of violence at
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in
which nine persons have died. Our hearts and prayers go to those who have been
so tragically bereaved and to the injured and their families. May God's
strength and grace be on those who are seeking to bring help and healing in
this situation. Happening on the eve of the presentation of the World Methodist
Peace Award for 2014, we are reminded that the work towards peace must always
be a priority.
Social and International Affairs Committee
chairperson, Mr. Mbongeni Magagula, also stated that "We strongly condemn
such hate crimes against humanity. We ask for continued peace remembering that
an eye for an eye will make us all blind."
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church
is the oldest AME church in the South and has one of the oldest and largest
black congregations south of Baltimore. It is affectionately referred to as
"Mother Emanuel," and one of its founders was renowned abolitionist,
Denmark Vesey. A quote by Sister Jean German Ortiz on the homepage of the
church's website the day following the shootings appropriately states,
"Jesus died a passionate death for us, so our love for Him should be as
passionate." In the midst of this tragedy, may the Emanuel AME Church
family and the Charleston community feel peace and comfort from the God who
conquered death itself.
13. WEST TENNESSEE RAYAC CALLS
FOR PRAYER VIGIL:
The young leaders in African Methodism are
standing together against racism, hatred and violence. Our foundation is built
on social justice.
The West Tennessee Conference Richard Allen
Young Adult Council (RAYAC) of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
will host a prayer vigil Friday, June 19, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at Chainbreakers
AME church 3340 Margartta Street in Memphis, Tennessee for the victims of the
shooting that took place in South Carolina at Emanuel AME Church.
In God’s Service,
Brother Wesley Stovall, South Memphis
District Reporter
The Rev. Ashleigh Jackson, West TN RAYAC
The Rev. Lula Martin-Sanderson, South
Memphis District Presiding Elder
The Rev. C. Robert Finch, North Memphis
District Presiding Elder
14. ACLU OF SOUTH CAROLINA
STATEMENT ON CHARLESTON CHURCH SHOOTING:
CHARLESTON – Victoria Middleton, executive
director of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, had this
comment in reaction to the killing of nine people last evening at Emanuel
African Methodist Episcopal Church:
"The ACLU of South Carolina expresses
its profound condolences to the victims' families in the wake of this senseless
tragedy. Events like this are further evidence that we need to be fighting for
racial equality in our daily lives. Although the motives are unclear at this
point, this attack against Black people in an institution that has such
historical and cultural importance detracts from years of healing undertaken by
our communities. Senator Clementa Pinckney stood for civil liberties, and we
mourn his loss with the other victims."
15. NCC GRIEVES WITH EMANUEL AME
CHURCH IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:
The National Council of Churches of Christ
in the USA expresses its deep sadness at the news of the mass killings last
night at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South
Carolina. We extend prayers to the families of Rev. Clementa Pinckney, his
sister, and all others who died in another senseless mass shooting in our
nation.
Every death as a result of gun violence
personally affects the churches in this country, but these shootings are felt
even more personally by members of the National Council of Churches as the
African Methodist Episcopal Church is a founding member denomination and has
three representatives on the Governing Board, including Rev. William Miller,
pastor of St. John AME, just west of Charleston.
We pray the assailant will be apprehended
as soon as possible and brought into custody. We pray the motives behind this
horrible act will be discovered, and that we as a society may finally draw
lessons from it that brings life to our nation. We pray the families of Rev.
Pinckney, his sister, and others who were killed are finding comfort in Jesus
at this moment. We pray the members of the congregation will find aid and help
in the Lord.
All of us together through the National
Council of Churches provide a network of prayer around Emanuel Church and all
in the AME family as they weep and mourn those who have been lost.
And, we pray that this tragedy will finally
result in action by state, local, and national officials to address and end the
rampant gun violence in our nation.
Link to statement on NCC website
16. NAACP STATEMENT ON THE ARREST
OF DYLANN ROOF:
BALTIMORE, MD -- Dylann Storm Roof, the man
accused of shooting and killing nine people inside Emanuel African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., has been arrested. Subsequently, the
NAACP has released the following statement:
From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP
President and CEO:
“We are as thankful for the apprehension of
the alleged Charleston shooter as we are horrified by the blood curdling
heinousness of this act. We appreciate
the swift work of federal, state, and local authorities in apprehending the
alleged shooter. We commend, encourage, and will continue to support the
ongoing investigation and prosecution of the person responsible for the deaths
of nine students of scripture in a beloved sanctuary. The NAACP family continues to pray for the
family of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the late pastor, the
Reverend Clementa Pinckney, and those who lost their lives in the Bible
study. As we mourn their senseless
deaths, we remain resolved to continue facing evil and fighting for justice in
every corner of America.
Our century-old, ongoing work of
confronting violence with nonviolence, hate with love, and racism with the
highest ideas of our democracy yet continues.
The mayor, police chief, and witnesses describe this shooting as a hate
crime. The coward who murdered nine parishioners in a church set a new and
depraved standard of inhumanity. We, as Americans, by our resolve,
determination, and commitment, through our faith, will set an infinitely higher
standard of humanity.”
17. THE NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL OF
CHURCHES:
With people across the world, the North
Carolina Council of Churches grieves with the congregation of Emanuel African
Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. This kind of violence against
people of faith in other parts of the world has recently and rightfully been called
terrorism. Indeed, the people of Emanuel AME have experienced a terrorist act.
Fear and violence invaded their space of grace and hospitality while they were
together for the faith filled purpose of prayer and worship. As they welcomed
the stranger into their midst, an act of faith commanded by the very scriptures
they had gathered to study, their gesture of hospitality was met by hatred.
Whether this act comes to be labeled a hate
crime or a terrorist act, we stand with the people of Emanuel and with people
of faith across the world who refuses to let fear rule our lives and violence
dictate our response. We call on people of faith across our constituency to
name the righteous anger all of us feel in the wake of this crime. Once again
easy access to guns is a vehicle for senseless death, compounded on this
occasion by the heartbreak of racial targeting. We lift the congregation of
Emanuel and the people of Charleston, SC, in their worship services this
weekend. We pray especially for the families of each church member killed,
including the family of Clementa Pinckney, pastor of Emanuel AME. Each of their
lives is another testimony to the hard and crucial work we still face as a
nation. May God continue to embolden each of us to continue marching for justice,
peace, and the well-being of all.
We are currently aware of the following
services today to remember those killed in Charleston:
St. James African Methodist Episcopal,
Asheville – Noon
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal,
Chapel Hill – Noon
Wilson Temple United Methodist, Raleigh
– 2:30 p.m.
Resurrection United Methodist, Durham –
6:30 p.m.
St.
Joseph African Methodist Episcopal, Durham – 7:30 p.m.
--The Rev. George Reed, Executive Director
of the NC Council of Churches, and the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, the
Council’s incoming Executive Director
18. THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF
TEACHERS:
-- President Randi Weingarten and
Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson statement on the Charleston, S.C.,
Massacre:
WASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President
Randi Weingarten and Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson on the shootings at
the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.:
“This sick act of cowardice—a massacre of
people while they were in church—is reprehensible. It should shake the
conscience of every American and summon us to do our part to create a fair and
just society for everyone. The AFT’s Racial Equity Task Force, which will meet
this weekend in Baltimore, was created for this purpose—to identify and support
the steps that must be taken to curb violence and ensure children grow up in
safe, healthy and welcoming communities.
“Today, our nation must cope with yet more
loss of innocent lives, solely based on the color of their skin. While we
search for understanding of what would motivate anyone to enter a place of
worship and take the life of another, we pray for peace, healing and justice.
“Our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies
go out to the families of the victims at Charleston’s historic Emanuel AME
Church and, indeed, to the entire community.
“Today, we are Charleston, and they are us.
We are one.”
19. BOSTON-HARTFORD DISTRICT SONS
OF ALLEN HONOR PRESIDING ELDER:
On Friday, February 13, 2015 the Brothers
from the Boston Hartford District’s Sons of Allen gathered with their wives and
girlfriends to celebrate Valentines Day.
The brothers took this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of the
Boston Hartford District’s Presiding Eder, the Rev Herbert L. Eddy.
Presiding Elder Eddy has a solid vision for
the Sons of Allen. He often speaks of
AME men standing strong and singing for the Lord.
The brothers acknowledge how important it
is for men to fellowship together and hold each other accountable. A phase used a lot to capture the idea of men
making other men stronger is “iron sharpens iron”.
Several brothers commented, “When Christian
men stand together, we can accomplish a lot and also live lives that can be an
example for those coming up behind us.”
20. DISTRICT MINISTERS' SPOUSES
ALLIANCE PRESENT 3RD ANNUAL “LITTLE MISS PRINCESSES AND LITTLE
MASTERS CORONATION”:
Pensacola/Marianna District Ministers'
Spouse Alliance sponsored their 3rd Annual Little Miss Princesses and Little
Masters Coronation held March 22, 2015, 3:30 P.M. (CST) at Greater St. Joseph
AME Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
The Worship Leader was Mrs. Mae F. Myrick. Master Gamaliel Harris gave the invocation
and Master Jorrian Weshley the scripture.
Princess Makenzi Harris welcomed everyone to the program. The musical selections for the occasion were
performed by Grant Tabernacle AME Church Choir, Chipley, Florida. The Reverend Sandra Jones presented the
Mistress of Ceremonies, which were Sister Erika Dotson and Sister Harriet S.
Davis. Youth on Parade consisted of a poem by Master Samuel Wesley, St. John
AME; musical selection by Princess VonLoris Davis, McChapel AME; and praise
dance performance by Princesses Amaia Jackson, Adajiah Jackson, Airel Silva and
Kivajah Stephens of Gregg Chapel AME.
Representing the DeFuniak Springs cluster
was Princess Airel Janalya Silva age 9, daughter of Derrick and Lucille Silva
Dixon, members of Gregg Chapel AME Church, Ft. Walton Beach Florida. The
Reverend Cecil Williams, pastor. Cluster leaders, Sister Cassandra Williams and
Sister Katrinia Stakley.
Representing the Pensacola cluster is
Princess Angel Dublin-age 9, daughter of Ylonga Dublin, members of Bethel AME
Church, Pensacola, Florida. The Reverend Clifton Riley, pastor. Cluster Leaders, the Reverend Sonja Riley and
Sister Monica Tellis.
Representing the Marianna cluster was
Master Bryson Godwin age 10, son Lounarris and Anita Godwin, members of St. John AME Church,
Campbellton, Florida. The Reverend Bernard Hudson, pastor. Cluster Leaders, the
Reverend Brenda J. Henderson and Sister Irma Gantt
Representing the Panama City cluster is
Master Zorren Peterson age 7, son of Charles and Shawna Peterson. Members of
Mt. Olive AME Church, Panama City, Florida, the Reverend Barbara Brinson,
pastor. Cluster Leaders, the Reverend Barbara Brinson and Sister Velma Murphy
The Coronation began and each Princess and
Master was asked to answer five questions pertaining to biblical and church
history.
This year winners were.
2015 PMD MSA Little Miss Princess is, Airel
Janalya Silva
2015 PMD MSA 1st Runner up is, Princess
Angel Dublin
2015 PMD MSA Little Master is, Bryson
Godwin
2015 PMD MSA 1st Runner up is Zorren
Peterson
The Reverend Lawrence Gantt also known as
“The Horn Blowin’ Preacher performed a special tribute.
The Reverend Gregory L. Harris did the
Invitation to Discipleship and remarks were given by Mistresses of Ceremony and
the Ministers' Spouses Coordinator Sister Mae F. Myrick.
The Reverend Alicia Hudson gave a soul
stirring closing prayer. The Reverend D. Sinclair Forbes closed out the service
by introducing the ministers and closing remarks.
With the excitement from the participants,
parents and supporters the program was greatly attended, which contributed to a
successful event. To God be the glory!
The Rt. Reverend Adam J. Richardson Jr.,
Presiding Bishop
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, Episcopal
Supervisor
The Reverend James Hardy Davis, Presiding
Elder
Mrs. Deborah K. Davis, District Consultant
Mrs. Mae F. Myrick, District MSA
Coordinator
Mrs. Monica Tellis, 1st Vice President
21. A PRAYER FOR PASTORS AND
CHURCHES IN TRANSITION:
It’s that time of year again for many
churches and pastors – time to say goodbye and hello. It’s a bittersweet time
of year, really. On the one hand, change is exciting. New pastors mean new
ideas. New churches mean new people to develop relationships and share ministry
with. On the other hand, change is really hard. Some pastors are leaving great
churches filled with many close friends – friends who have shared life’s ups
and downs. Some churches are losing pastors who have meant a great deal to them
– pastors who have shared life’s ups and downs in a variety of ways.
As a pastor who is not moving this year I
want to share a prayer for all pastors and churches who are experiencing
transition. I know it’s hard and exciting all at once. Know that none of you
are alone. And as John Wesley reminds us, “best of all God is with us.”
Almighty God, You who called the universe
into bring, You who formed our inmost being and called us to be your people:
We give you thanks for you constant
presence. Through seasons of constancy and even change, you are with us –
calling us into deeper waters, calling us together in your spirit of unity,
calling us out of ourselves into the world to serve others.
Grant that those pastors bring called into
new waters might hold fast to unending love and mercy – a love that promised to
hold onto us even as we go where your Spirit leads us. May the churches that
receive them be communities of mercy and grace.
May the churches experiencing loss and
change hold fast to the promise that your mission is bigger than any single
pastor, local church, or annual conference. Grant that such a promise would
bring both comfort and discomfort – comfort in a season of change and
discomfort as it drives us all to love you and each other more.
Strengthen us to be your Church in all
times and seasons of life – a place where all are truly welcomed and embraced
in your love (even new pastors and church members); a place where we find ways
you are active among us and calling us to join in your saving work (even in
communities that weren’t our top choice to move to); a place where the story of
your love and grace and mercy are embodied (even if it comes in shapes and
sizes and languages that are new to us). We offer our prayers in the name of
the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
- See more at: http://mastersdust.com/2015/06/12/a-prayer-for-pastors-and-churches-in-transition/#sthash.8nN2Qkpv.dpuf
*Used with permission of the United
Methodist News Service
TCR Editor’s Note:
UMC Annual Conferences held in June.
22. EIGHTH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES AND POST CONFERENCE PLANNING
MEETING 2015:
The Rt.
Reverend Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate
Mother
Joan Marla McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor
The 148th
Session of the South Mississippi Annual Conference
August 26 – 30,
2015
Host Church: Pearl Street AME Church
2519 Robinson Street
Jackson, Mississippi
Host Pastor: The Reverend Dr. Samuel H.
Boyd, Sr.
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
George W. Tyler
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
Sylvester Marshall
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
Joseph Young
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
Anthony C. Mills
The 145th
Session of the Central North Louisiana Annual
Conference
September 16 –
20, 2015
Host Church: St. Matthew AME Church
1610 Murphy Street
Shreveport, Louisiana
Host Pastor: The Reverend Dr. Glenell
Lee Pruitt
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
Michele R. Goodloe
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
Lloyd Washington, Jr.
The 141st
Session of the NORTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 7 – 11,
2015
Host Church: Ball Temple AME Church
326 Kentucky Street
Greenville, Mississippi
Host Pastor: The Reverend John Arnold
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
Archie Smith
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
John L. Moore, Jr.
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
William Hardiman, Jr.
The 151st
Session of the Louisiana Annual Conference
October 21 – 25, 2015
Host Church: Mount Olive AME Church
2457 Second Street
Slidell, Louisiana
Host Pastor: The Reverend Margaret
Simms
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
Jacob W. Hilton, Jr.
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
David J. Campbell, Jr.
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend
Otis S. Lewis, Sr.
The Post
Conference Convocation & Theological Institute
November 19 –
21, 2015
BONNER-CAMPBELL CAMPUS
Multi-Purpose Complex
18449 Old Highway 80 W
Edwards,
Mississippi
23. THE
TRUTH IS THE LIGHT
*The Rev. Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical
Text: Ezekiel 17:22-24: The Lord God says: "I will take
a tender sprout from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant it on the top of
Israel’s highest mountain. It shall become a noble cedar, bringing forth
branches and bearing seed. Animals of every sort will gather under it; its
branches will shelter every kind of bird. And everyone shall know that it is I,
the Lord, who cuts down the high trees and exalts the low; that I make the
green tree wither and the dead tree grow. I, the Lord, have said that I would
do it, and I will."
Although there is
not much fan fare, Fathers Day is just around the corner. A day when we thank
fathers for all they do. Interestingly, a shallow inspection of what fathers do
would probably list that Dad will bring the car around when it rains, so everybody
else stays dry. Dad carves the turkey on Thanksgiving. Dad is usually in charge
of mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges.
A more serious
inspection would reveal that a real Father contributes to the health and
welfare of a child’s life. A real Father deserves respect and honor. A father
is a man who is constantly being observed by his children. They learn from him
how to handle adversity. He is an example of how to control anger. He teaches
how to handle both disappointment and success. The truth of the matter is a
real Father won't laugh at his children’s dreams no matter how outlandish they
might seem. Father, by example, involves himself in the life of his children
instilling in them a desire to give something back to the community.
As a matter of fact
a real father has the potential to be a powerful force in the life of a child.
King Solomon passed God’s wisdom on to his son when he told him to “Train up a
child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6). That, of course, begs the question how do you train a child?
Father helps train up children teaching them what God teaches him! Father is
the children’s link with God, until they establish a relationship of their own.
We find in our text
Ezekiel is presenting a striking image of God’s promise to send a Messiah to
Israel. God promises to pluck a tender sprout, obviously Jesus Christ, from the
top of a tall cedar and plant it on top of Israel’s highest mountain. God then
promises that it will be a “noble cedar, bringing forth branches and bearing
seed”. Jesus is the promised tender sprout, and Christian fathers are His seed!
The spiritual
guidance that real fathers give is critical in the life of his children. It may
be that some are able to find Jesus without his help however; many are led to
Jesus by a father who long ago accepted Him as his personal Savior. Real
fathers set the example while the children are young actually taking them to
church and introducing them to his best friend, Jesus. Father gathers the
children together and shares with them stories of Jesus’ love. Father nurtures
his children’s faith until they come to know Jesus for themselves. That’s a
great father!
Fathers work very
hard to provide for their families, but they must be careful not to sacrifice
their children to their work. Fathers must be careful to strike the appropriate
balance between work and parenting to ensure that “tender sprouts” springing
from their branches are properly nurtured. Fathers garner the strength required
to be effective from Jesus, and learn from His wise counsel. The Bible reminds
us that our children are a gift from God. They are, in fact, God’s reward.
Fathers are in
essence the seed of Christ. As such fathers are challenged to plant themselves
in fertile soil and grow. Fathers are charged to then spread their branches and
nurture the tender sprouts that are God’s reward to them. Real fathers bid their children “Follow me,
as I follow Christ!” Children nurtured by a Christ led father will one day walk
in his spiritual shoes, reflecting the same Christ he serves.
*The Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston,
S.C.
24.
GETTING TO ZERO: FIELDWORK IN ZAMBIA:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
Greetings from
Lusaka, Zambia in the heart of the 17th Episcopal District: We
traveled ere on June 5 to begin five weeks of fieldwork and follow-up of the
impacts of the Trusted Messenger Intervention (TMI) and research for
elimination of HIV/AIDS.
The TMI efforts
have gone forward since 2006 through the guidance, grace and blessings of God.
It was initiated by an invitation from Bishop Paul Kawimbe in a request to
AME-SADA for assistance in preparing clergy and laypersons in the 17th District
to more effectively address the impacts of HIV in this country. The request
came in a year of sabbatical leave from the University of Michigan for me. It
was an ideal combination of events- a link divinely timed and purposed.
The first travel
was to South Africa and Zambia with Robert Nicolas, Director of AME-SADA. In
South Africa we visited the AMEC supported school and seminary in Evaton that
is just outside of Johannesburg. Interestingly, Evaton is not far from Sandton.
Yet the two locations in Gauteng Province of South Africa are so difference,
polar opposites.
Sandton is opulent,
affluent, the location of the most amazing shopping center I have ever seen.
The mall has an indoor dome with a ceiling that changes throughout the day to
look like the sky at any given time of the day. At night there are stars and a
moon above the strolling shoppers, browsers and restaurant goers. The mall
includes amazing shops of beautiful expensive unique items. At the front
entrance is the larger than life statue of the South African President Nelson
Mandela.
Evaton, on the
other hand, is a regular community with crowded homes made with tin tops and
side walls from wherever one can get the material.
On the drive to the
AMEC-owned College in Evaton there are many people walking. They have no
vehicle and there is limited public transportation. This community is
physically only a few kilometers from Sandton, but economically it is light
years distance.
This striking
difference is a result of long-term practices of apartheid. Although the
policies have changed, after effects of years of oppression and injustice are
most evident. They will be for some time.
A role of the
church is to bring light to dark places, to help bring about progress to places
where it is delayed. The mission of AME-SADA, the request of Bishop Kawimbe and
my preparation as both a microbiologist (virologist) and clergyperson divinely
intertwined. The AMEC (SADA, the bishop, ministry) was well positioned for such
a time as this- to bring light to darkness.
After a week in
South Africa, Mr. Nicolas and I traveled to Zambia to participate in a well
planned program prepared by Bishop Kawimbe and his AMEC- Zambia Conference
team. The country of Zambia was captivating. People were friendly, welcoming,
and gracious. I remember the utter joy
of enjoying the country that is full of people kissed by the sun who look like
me- the entire country.
Zambia is a
peaceful, peace loving, peace-seeking place Over 72 ethnic tribes lived and
worked together in mutual respect and harmony.
Zambia is a country
of over 13 million people that is about the geographical size of the state of
Texas. The HIV prevalence at one time reached to over 25%. Through many efforts
of government, NGO’s, public media and educational institutions, the HIV
infection rate now almost 10 years after my first visit to the country is
12-14% prevalence. (This means that 1 of every 8 people are infected with HIV).
The partnership
continues with community hosts the AMEC Bishop Wilford J. Messiah and the Council
of Churches of Zambia (CCZ). The six
well-prepared and committed student team members and I will remain in Lusaka,
Livingstone and the Copperbelt region of Zambia through July 5 to extend the
community engagement research begun in 2006.
The goal is to empower religious leaders of the AMEC and other
denominations to set up effective ministries to address aspects of
HIV/AIDS.
I am pleased to be
here again to continue the work, divinely placed, for such a time as this.
*The Rev. Oveta
Fuller Caldwell, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
at the University of Michigan (U-M) Medical School, Associate Director of the
U-M African Studies Center and an AMEC itinerant elder and former pastor. She
lived in Zambia for most of 2013 to study HIV/AIDS prevention among networks of
religious leaders.
25. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JUNE
14, 2015 - GOD ABHORS SELFISHNESS - AMOS 6:4-8, 11-14:
*Brother Bill
Dickens
Introduction
Narcissistic,
self-centered behavior is a core component of our society. People appear to be more concerned about
fulfilling the law of self-preservation than showing concern for others. The
Adult AME Church School lesson for June 21, 2015 offers definitive answers for
why God hates selfish behavior. The
fearless prophet Amos offers an airtight argument against selfishness.
Bible
Lesson
Why does God hate
selfish behavior? Amos offers three reasons:
1) Selfish behavior
fosters inequality. (Amos 6:4-5) Amos
criticizes the wealthy in these passages because their ostentatious lifestyle
exacerbates the economic inequality between those who have and those that do
not. The accumulation of wealth for the sole purpose of engaging in decadent
indulgence is an offense to God.
2) Selfish behavior
fosters indifference to our neighbor. (Amos 6:6-8) Amos continues his critique
by explaining the connection between inequality and indifference. The two are
collocated in social relations. Persistent inequality leads to callous indifference
about the poor and doing what is right. Indifference results from no empathy
about our neighbor. If we can't empathize we won't relate to the conditions
experienced by others and will be reluctant to offer help. This attitudinal response is un-Godly and God
abhors this action.
3) Selfish behavior
fosters iniquity. (Amos 6:11-14)
Inequality and
indifference lead to iniquity. Iniquity
is sin. The judgment for sin is punishment.
Amos describes in vivid detail the consequences of Israel's sins. The country
will be captured by the Assyrians and their inhabitants will experience pain
and suffering thru slavery by an occupying state. Pain and punishment can be
averted if a person chooses to follow God instead of selfish desires.
Bible
Application
The Chicago Bears
legendary Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers wrote a book with the title - I
am Third. The book was a tribute to his relationship with former teammate Brian
Piccolo who succumbed to cancer while they were teammates. Mr. Sayers stressed
that God was first, family and friends second, and his needs were
"third". The priority rankings provided by Mr. Sayers resonates with
wisdom and perspicacious spiritual insight. If Israel had adopted this model
their outcome would've been quite different. As Solomon indicated in one of his
proverbs God hates a lying tongue, hands that indulge in mischief and a
"proud look". A proud look reeks of selfishness. Let us not make this
part of our deportment.
Knowledge is an
asset, Ignorance is a liability
*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 African Methodist Episcopal Church
26.
MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 51:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph
A. Darby
Being the Presiding
Elder for 32 churches in the 6 counties of the Beaufort District means that I
put in a lot of “road time.” I’m blessed
to have a sturdy, comfortable vehicle that can handle the travel demands, and
one of my favorite features on my vehicle is “remote start.” When weather temperatures become extreme, I
can use my electronic key to start my vehicle from a distance and then wait a
few minutes before getting in, so that I don’t have to enter a very hot or very
cold car.
Because of that, I
was - to put it politely - more than a bit dismayed when my “remote start”
stopped working last week....just in time for hundred degree heat in South
Carolina! When I took my vehicle in for
service, the technician said, “Reverend, we found the problem. Your electronic key somehow lost its
programming and your car doesn’t recognize it anymore. Give us a few minutes, and we’ll put them
back in touch” - and thankfully, they did!
What my service
technician said about my electronic key is an “object lesson” that applies to
our lives. Life gets better and is more
meaningful and complete when we believe in, trust in and follow the Jesus who
gave His life as the price for our sins.
It’s very easy, however, for all of us to become so focused on and
overwhelmed by the pressures, challenges and demands of daily life that we put
our relationship with the God who created us far down on our list of priorities
- the best of us can easily and unintentionally fall “out of touch” with our
Creator and Savior.
Maybe that’s why
the perfect prayer that Jesus taught to His disciples - and by extension to us
- includes the words, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who
trespass against us.”
When we take the
time daily to go to God in prayer, humbly confess our sins and our weaknesses
and earnestly seek forgiveness and renewal, God will bless us, fix us, restore
us and put us “back in touch.”
Take the time each
day - in spite of life’s demands - to go to God in contrite prayer and to seek
God’s will and God’s way for your life.
When you do, you can stay in touch with Jesus and find new energy, new
hope and new encouragement. You can then
face life’s most challenging times not with fear, doubt or uncertainty, but
with the joyful and committed assurance that led one writer to say, “All along
my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.”
This Meditation is
also available as a Blog on the Beaufort District’s Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org
Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BeaufortDistrictAMEC
Get Ready for
Sunday, and have a great day in your house of worship!
*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
27. CLERGY
FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
-- The
Reverend Larry E. Campbell received the Doctor of Ministry Degree
Congratulations to
the Reverend Larry E. Campbell, Senior Pastor of First African Methodist
Episcopal Church Pasadena, California, who received the Doctor of Ministry
Degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio on May 22, 2015.
Congratulatory
messages can be emailed to:
The Rev. Dr. Larry
E. Campbell: larrycampbell14@ca.rr.com
28. CLERGY
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness
that we share the passing of Mother Wilhelmina Ryk, born on 09 September 1940
and passed on to be with the Lord on Saturday, 13 June 2015.
The Homegoing
celebration will be held on Saturday, 20 June in Calvinia. Mother Wilhelmina is
the mother of the Rev. Raynold Matthys, pastor of Morris Brown AME Chatsworth
in the Piketberg District where the Rev. Dawid Moses is the Presiding Elder.
Expressions of
sympathy may be emailed:
The Rev. Raynold
Matthys: raynol.matthys@gmail.com
29. CLERGY
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Sister Maria
Magdalena Brown (nee Booysen), born 10 November 1952 passed on in her sleep on
15 June 2015, uniquely “the same date her mom passed away 29 years ago!”
Sister Brown was
the daughter of one of the stalwarts in African Methodism, the late Rev. F. A.
M. Booysen.
Expressions of
sympathy may be emailed to the family of Sister Maria Brown to Ruth Lewis: rlewis@pawc.wcape.gov.za.
30. CLERGY
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of Mr. George McCoppin, Jr.
He died on Tuesday, June 9, 2015.
Mr. McCoppin is the brother of the Rev. Judy M. Richardson, Presiding
Elder of the Greenville District, Piedmont Annual Conference of the Seventh
Episcopal District of the AME Church, and the brother-in—law of the Rev.
Cornell Richardson, pastor, Mt. Carmel AME Church, Gray Court, South Carolina.
Celebration of Life
Services for Mr. McCoppin
Saturday, June 13,
2015
2:00 p.m.
Flatrock AME Church
1136 Flat Rock Road
Abbeville, SC 29620
Telephone: (864)
446-8873
Email: flatrockamec@wetel.net
The Rev. Wayman
Coleman, III, Pastor
Services Entrusted
to:
The Marcus D. Brown
Funeral Home, Inc.
1212 South Main St.
Anderson, SC 29624
Telephone: (864)
225-2220
Website: http://marcusdbrownfuneralhome.net/
Family and Friends
will be received at the home of a sister:
William and Eunice
McCoppin Tate
5391 Highway 28
North
Abbeville, SC 29620
Expressions of
sympathy may be sent to the McCoppin family at:
The Rev. Judy M.
Richardson and the Rev. Cornell Richardson
P O Box 1345
Anderson, SC 29622
Email: memej@bellsouth.net
Or to the Tate
Family (address listed above)
31. CLERGY
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with great
sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Winston Aaron, the son of Presiding
Elder Rudolph and Mrs. Gloria Arron of the European Annual Conference, 16th
Episcopal District.
Service:
Monday, 18th
June, 2015 at 11 a.m.
Park Lane Methodist
Church
Wembley HA9 75G
Condolence May be
Sent to:
The Rev. Rudolph
Arron and Mrs. Gloria Arron
104A Harlington Rd.
West, Feltham
MIDDX, England
Telephone Number:
442088905381
Email: reva1942@aol.co.uk
32.
CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to
announce the passing of Brother David Busch on June 18, 2015. He was a former
President and President Emeritus of the First Episcopal District Lay
Organization.
The following information
has been provided regarding the funeral services arrangements:
Tuesday, June 23,
2015
Viewing – 9:00 a.m.
– 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing Services
– 11:00 a.m.
Bethel A.M.E.
Church
255 Goffe Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Telephone: (203)
865-0514
Fax: (203) 624-7977
Email: bamenhoffice@gmail.com
The Rev. Steven
Cousin, pastor
Eulogist: Bishop
Jeffrey N. Leath
Presiding Prelate
of the Thirteenth Episcopal District
Expressions of
sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Janie Busch
58 Ellsworth Street
West Haven, CT
06516
33.
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family
Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Telephone: (615) 837-9736
(H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936
(O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
34.
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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