THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER Online: 06/12/2016

6/16/2016

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (06/16/16)

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 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

The 50^th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, July 6-13, 2016

-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, Friday, June 17

1. TCR EDITORIAL – A CHANGE IS COMING – THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW:

The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20^th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Wouldn’t it be nice if things remain the same? Unfortunately, things change. The world is changing!

I wish I had been wise enough to share that with several college and seminary professors who used the same crib-notes semester after semester. They were oblivious to the changing mores and folkways that were happening all around them. Historical events happened as they happened, but research provides insights and perspectives that earlier historians and theologians did not have.

Sometimes change requires a readjustment in thinking and behavior, which can be hard, especially when we have become comfortable and understand the rules we have lived by for years. Sometimes change occurs when we have gotten the system “down pat.” It is in those times that change makes us uncomfortable.

When I pastored at St. James AME Church in Danville, Kentucky, borrowing money from the local bank was a “piece of cake.” I simply called the banker and told him I needed to borrow a certain amount of money. His response was always, “Sure, Reverend Sydnor, come on by the bank and sign a note when you have time.” I never had to fill out a loan form. Life was good!

The same procedure was followed even after I went into the Army. When I got ready to buy a car, I simply called the bank and told them how much the car was going to cost and their response was always (and at the point we were on a first name basis), “Calvin, just write a check and pay for the car. The money will be in your account in a few minutes.” Life was good!

Fast forward to 18 years and a few cars later, I was deployed with the VII (US) Corps to Desert Storm. When I returned we saw a nice Volvo we wanted to buy. I called my banker and gave him the good news and “Ooops, a response I wasn’t expecting!” He said, “Calvin, we have been taken over by a large bank and the way we have been doing business in the past, is no more. I am sorry, but you have to fill out a loan application. We don’t like all the changes, but if we are going to stay in business we have to go with the flow.” I filled out the papers and got the loan. The new procedure was an uncomfortable change. I often reminisce about how, in the past, we did banking by a handshake and a signature.

In thinking about change, some change is good. There are some changes that are negative, but often change occurs because it increases efficiency and productivity. Some changes bring inclusiveness and in many instances, change is the right thing.

For instance, the 13^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ended slavery, which was a good change, not only for black people, but for the United States. The Civil Rights Laws were good changes. Allowing women to be full participants in the AME itinerant ministry in 1960 was a good change.

Change occurs in our homes, in relationships, in marriages and even in the life of the church.

I am certain that most of the quadrennial disciplinary changes evolved over time as the AME Church sought to make itself more efficient, eliminate duplication and adjust to the changing environment.

Early in the life of the AME Church, a person announced the call to preach, did not have to be a college or seminary graduate, was examined and approved by the annual conference; and later by a Board of Examiners. There was a time when most of the AME preachers were not college and seminary graduates.

The AME Church Discipline 1980 says that “A candidate for ordination as Itinerant Elder should be a graduate of an approved Seminary” as does The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 1996.

Times change and The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2000 states, “A candidate for ordination as itinerant elder must be a graduate of a Seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or similar Accrediting agencies.” The ATS requirement for itinerant ordination held firm in 2004, 2008, and 2012.

Change

Organizations, including the church must be in a posture of awareness of the “winds of change” and must be amenable to changes that will facilitate efficiency and growth.

Higher education has experienced an explosive revolution. Seminary education has experienced dynamic changes. Prospective students used to quit jobs, make gargantuan sacrifices, move their families great distances to attend seminary. The reality is that those days are gone; technology has changed the academic landscape. Colleges and seminaries have added asynchronous online studies and students don’t have to move their families and if they are highly motivated, do not need to quit their jobs.

The demographics are changing in churches and attendance is decreasing and more churches are finding themselves in financial difficulties. The reality is that some churches need to close their doors and others need to merge with other churches. Too many of our churches have not stayed “on top” of their deferred maintenance and repairs to church buildings are astronomical. The bottomline is too many of our churches cannot pay livable salaries and some local churches are struggling to pay their portion of the general budget.

Seminaries generally and ATS specifically, resisted online education, but gradually have moved in the direction of offering online degrees. Some seminaries have abandoned “brick and mortar” institutions and have switched entirely to being online degree granting institutions and they are fully accredited ATS institutions.

As an aside, remember when the regional accrediting agencies, i.e., the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Accreditation Commission, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges - were the academic “gods” of higher education.

In 1991, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) received federal recognition and serves as the accrediting agency for a number of Christian academic institutions. TRACS is a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Some institutions of higher education have not sought accreditation by one of the regional accrediting agencies, but instead sought and were accredited by TRACS. AME academic institutions, Paul Quinn College and Shorter College are accredited by TRACS.

There is another change coming

Seminaries are experiencing financial struggles. Some like Andover Newton School of Theology; the oldest graduate school in the United States, reportedly will sell its campus and become “a partner” with the Yale Divinity School. It is predicted that other seminaries might follow suit. Several seminaries have already aligned themselves with other academic institutions and still other seminaries are closing and modifying their theological programs.

As a matter of fact the change is already upon us, and it involves the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The big change on the horizon, and it’s a big change; some theological and religious degree programs are forgoing the ATS accreditation route and instead are adding religious and theological studies to their academic programs and securing regional accreditation, i.e., the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, etc.

For instance, a person can get M.A. in Religion, the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry degrees from a university that has regional accreditation, but not the ATS accreditation. Numerous universities across the United States are opting for regional accreditation rather than the ATS accreditation. The landscape is changing; or rather the landscape has already changed.

Do we fight the change by “traveling down the same road” or do we adjust to the change. Are we a thermometer or a thermostat?

If we choose to be a thermometer, we will keep doing what we are doing, resist change and react to the status quo or the environment around us. If we choose to create the environment and do the right thing for the AME Church and our constituency, then we would adjust our priorities and function as a thermostat and "regulate our own environment" to benefit our needs and to do what’s best for us. Another way of differentiating the same thing; a thermometer reacts to what happens around them and a thermostat regulates the environment.

The notion that Association of Theological Schools (ATS) is the best option for qualification of AME ordination is parochial and may have been a good “barometer” in the past, but times have changed. The “winds” of theological education have shifted.

Regional accreditation agencies are encroaching upon the “sacred altar” of ATS accreditation; ATS is not the only “game in town.” They used to be; but that was then, this is now!

ATS is a United States and Canada-focused agency and it was an efficient “thermostat” for maintaining a quality standard for theological education in North America.

I am not sure if ATS is a fair model for our constituents in Episcopal Districts 14 – 20.

Using ATS as our gauge in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2000 effectively excludes and limits individual aspirants of Districts 14-20 for the itinerant ministry and the episcopacy in the AME Church. Is that what we want to do as the African Methodist Episcopal Church? We say the “doors are open,” but the “doors are closed” for aspirants for the ministry and the episcopacy of Episcopal District 14 – 20.

Christianity in Africa is growing faster than in any other part of the world. The non-ATS certified pastors who have served and sacrificed for our Zion in Episcopal Districts 14 – 20 must have been and still are, doing something right!

If universities in the United States are offering regionally accredited religious and theological degree programs that will surely be quality academic programs, it might be time for the AME Church to rescind the ATS exclusion in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2016.

I do not believe we, in the United States, can accurately affirm and dictate the best practices for ministerial training in Episcopal Districts 14 – 20.

We must think globally and our decisions should be made from a global perspective and instead of a parochial and U.S. focused church.

Change is upon us and theological and religious education is in the midst of that change. It’s time for the AME Church to remove exclusions and reaffirm our inclusiveness in Episcopal Districts 1 – 20.

Remove the ATS exclusion, strengthen the Boards of Examiners, and in the United States accept regional accrediting agencies, i.e., the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, etc. in fulfillment of the academic requirements for AME ministry. In Episcopal Districts 14 – 20, accept the academic accrediting agencies of those countries and in unusual cases accept the Boards of Examiners’ recommendations for persons who aspire for the itinerant ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Let’s be a thermostat instead of a thermometer and make the decisions that best suit our Zion!

Jesus was inclusive and the AME Church must find a way to be inclusive for Episcopal Districts 1-20.

2. TCR OP-ED - AN AUTHENTIC RESPONSE TO VIOLENCE AGAINST LGBTQ COMMUNITY:

*The Rev. Velma E. Grant, M.Div., Th.M.

What is the Church’s responsibility in addressing issues that affect society overall but are not necessarily issues embraced by the Church or condoned by the Church. Is it the responsibility of the Church, particularly the African Methodist Episcopal Church, to voice an opinion, a concern when society ails because of death, disease, famine, economic crisis?

The late night Saturday, or early Sunday morning (June 11/June 12) massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida resulted in the death of 49 attendees, and, over 50 severely injured in the carnage and mayhem.

Attendees of the nightclub were reputedly members and or friends of the LGBTQ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer). It would appear that those slain, injured or survivors thought that they were in a “safe space,” sans the ostracism, discrimination, hate and hostility that they experience from certain members of society, family members, co-workers or members of the faith community.

Perhaps the Church does not have to respond or issue a statement regarding this atrocity since the LGBTQ community is certainly not welcomed with open arms by most faith communities, particularly the black church, but the Church did respond albeit in a lukewarm manner.

How is it that the response is considered “lukewarm” when an attempt was made to address this atrocity, offer comfort, and consolation to a community affected by hatred and bigotry within their safe space?

Last year another community was also affected by hatred, bigotry within its own safe space, that community was “Mother” Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church where nine died, and those who survived have the memories etched forever in their minds because of the horrors of a deranged individual. The AME Church although grieving, was swift to respond to the horrors of June 17, 2015 perhaps because those who died or those who were injured and survived were members of the denomination some spanning several generations.

In 2015, the Church condemned the evil, highlighted and addressed (named the community), but for some reason the Church was hesitant to name the community that was recently affected by death and violence over the recent weekend in Orlando, Florida. The reluctance to name the community in my opinion resulted in a lukewarm response to such a horrific tragedy and did not pay tribute to those who died or those who were injured as well as their family members and friends.

Why was it so difficult for the Church to refer to and identify those who were members of the LGBTQ community both in the written response and in the collective response, was it because the Church does not condone the lifestyle or sexual choice of the LGBTQ community?

In the written response presented by the Church, there were many strong mentions of racism, gun control, and questions as to why this nation cannot regulate the purchase of arms, but only one word used “gay” briefly to identify the entire community. The collective response from the Black Methodist Churches via YouTube was a worthy attempt, but somehow fell short of authenticity by not identifying the community that was greatly affected over the weekend. Identifying the community would not have been an endorsement of the community or the sexual orientation of members, but simply a way of showing Christ love to those who are ostracized and marginalized by society, family members and the Church.

Issuing a response that albeit conveniently ignores the prime identifying reason for the carnage does not address the reason for the carnage. The individuals were targeted because of their sexuality and even if the Church does not agree or support such lifestyle choices, the responses would have been more authentic and true if the individuals were identified for who they were - members and friends of the LGBTQ community. Anything less or short of identifying these individuals as members of the LGBTQ community, defeats the purpose for addressing or offering a response to the tragedy.

Yes, the Church needs to respond and demand nationwide gun control especially since mass murderers seem to have easy access to weapons that kill, and injure many without regard to race, age, gender and now sexual orientation. Yes, the Church needs to respond and demand nationwide end to discrimination and racism that seems to raise its head in almost every avenue of society that particularly affect African Americans disproportionately.

The Church also needs to respond to homophobia and discrimination against the LGBTQ community instead of forcing individuals to remain closeted by the constant barrage of hate speech through sermons and teachings that conveniently omit abusers, adulterers and other “sinners.”

The Church’s responsibility is to spread, offer God’s love to God’s people by addressing issues that affect society when society ails because of death, disease, famine, economic crisis, and even sexual orientation. A Church borne out of discrimination, borne out of a need to create its own safe space over two hundred years ago, should find space to love strongly and exhibit the same strongly through word and deed in the 21st century.

*The Rev. Velma E. Grant, M.Div., Th.M. is an associate pastor at Frist Saint Paul AME Church in Lithonia, Georgia

3. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

-- Reflecting on the Charleston church massacre, one year later...

A year ago this week, nine black churchgoers were gunned down inside Charleston's historic Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church by alleged white...

-- Group gathers in Detroit to remember Charleston AME shooting victims

The service, titled “A Memorial in Remembrance of Mother Emanuel Church,” was held at Bethel AME Church in Detroit and additionally was...

-- Baltimore Honors Victims of Orlando Massacre

CBS Local

A mega church in Baltimore held a vigil Tuesday to remember the victims ... my children,” said Atiya Stevenson, Empowerment Temple AME Church.

-- Newark Pastor Emerges As Social Justice Leader

4. COUNCIL OF BISHOPS STATEMENT IN COMMEMORATION OF MOTHER EMANUEL AME CHURCH SHOOTING:

June 17, 2015 is a day in which the nation and the world was shocked and traumatized as nine parishioners, including the pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, South Carolina were killed as they participated in Bible Study. They had warmly welcomed a visitor, Dylann Roof, into their midst to study the Word of God. They did not suspect the visitor was actually a racist, who justified his demonic act by declaring he was doing it because, “you are taking over our country.”

One year later, the shock and trauma of this shooting still remains with the families who lost loved ones, leaving an aching void that time will never fill, with Mother Emanuel Church, with a nation which is reluctant to act or remains in denial about how pervasive racism is among us, and the world, which believed that the United States had put hatred and racism behind us.

One year later, racism remains the number one domestic issue facing this nation. The mindset of this shooter and many others in this country, that “you are taking over our country” must be acted upon and confronted. How polarizing and hateful these words are. “You,” meaning minorities and others are separate, un-American, foreigners in this country. And “our” inferring the United States belongs to “whites.” The tragedy that occurred at Mother Emanuel AME Church is not the only instance where lives have been lost or people hurt because of this mindset.

Some seek to justify this mindset calling it “nationalism”, but whatever it is called, it the end result is the same, racism. Tragically and alarmingly, this mindset has become a common occurrence around the nation. It is not coincidence that we first heard this cry with the election of the nation’s first black president in 2008, and we hear inferences and references to it in the national dialogue and discussion about immigration, employment, economic opportunity and religion. It is even more troubling that this thinking, and pitting people against each other on the basis of race and religion, is being fanned during this current election campaign.

This mindset is that minorities, or those considered foreigners are taking the jobs and opportunities that Americans (whites) are entitled to, that eleven million people, predominantly Mexicans and other Hispanics should be deported, and that Muslims, because of their religion, should not be allowed in the United States. “Liberty and justice” and opportunity, are not intended for all, only for certain Americans, and that Affirmative Action is unconstitutional.

The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church believes that this environment requires the church and the faith community, to be at our best, and that means to act and assert leadership. It should not be that those nine faithful believers at Mother Emanuel Church and countless others, black, white, brown and others, across the country that have lost their lives, or are discriminated against, because of racism are in vain. They cry out for the nation to act, to confront and destroy racism. Our commemoration of the shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church must also be our commitment and determination to fight against this sinful, demonic, and evil that is racism. Our commitment and determination must be not to talk, but to act.

This nation is indebted to the families of the Mother Emanuel Nine who in loss and pain, did not exhibit hatred and anger, but instead demonstrated the love of God, and declared to Dylann Roof’s face, “We forgive you.” Their Christian response helped to calm the nation and deny what this racist hoped to achieve, a race war. Glory to God, for God’s presence within them.

It is imperative that the nation act against the demonic and evil forces which would divide the nation even more, and seek to turn back time. The commemoration of the tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church provides an opportunity for both action and reconciliation for the nation. The example of the families of the Mother Emanuel Nine, call the nation to reconcile.

Reconciliation requires those who advocate and practice racism to cease, and those who are discriminated against to be willing to forgive. Forgiveness does not mean we forget, it means I know what you did, but I’m not going to hold it against you. We cannot forgive without the help of God.

Therefore, the African Methodist Episcopal Church calls upon our sister communions and our interfaith partners to join with us to lead this nation in the battle against racism.

We call upon you to take the following actions:

We call upon other communions, particularly our predominantly white communions to join with us in preaching, teaching and condemning racism. Racism is sin and must not be tolerated or ignored. The Black Church must not be the only faith body to denounce and fight against racism. There are predominantly white communions who have spoken out, but there is a large number who have been quiet or unengaged on this issue. Faithfulness demands that we speak. The advancement of the kingdom of God on earth requires that we act.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. decried the fact that Sunday morning is the most segregated time in America, acknowledging that most of our faith bodies are segregated. It is still shocking that this racist and hateful act took place in a church.

The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church request that clergy across the nation, during the weekend of June 24^th to 26^th seek a pulpit exchange with another church or faith body and preach about race, diversity and inclusion. Also arrange for fellowship and interactions between local congregations. This exchange should be with communion or interfaith organization of a different race or religion.

That local clergy and interfaith organizations begin discussions with local political leaders on issues of policing, education, housing and other issues where race is a factor and impacts any group negatively.

Further, we are concerned about the role race and racism is playing across the nation as we prepare for this year’s national elections. This is a time for race and racism to be confronted, not avoided. The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has invited the presumptive nominees of both major political parties to address the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, July 12th in Philadelphia, PA. At this meeting we ask them to address their position on race and racism, equal opportunity, immigration and how they would heal and bring the nation together. It is our hope that both candidates would accept this invitation and speak to these issues.

We also lift in our prayers and thoughts the families of those who lost loved ones, and those who were injured in the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida on Sunday. This mass shooting, the largest in American history, like the shooting at Mother Emanuel is another reminder of the need to act against hate, racism and the need to reform gun laws. Because of our failure to act, mass shootings due to hate, racism and domestic terrorism have become commonplace.

Let us continue to pray, believe and act, with the hope that in our lifetimes, we will become, “one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Bishop John Richard Bryant, Senior Bishop

Bishop McKinley Young

Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr.

Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland

Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr.

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

Bishop Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram

Bishop Preston Warren Williams II

Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah

Bishop Paul Jones Mulenga Kawimbe

Bishop James Levert Davis

Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr.

Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr.

Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr.

Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath

Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr.

Bishop John Franklin White, President Council of Bishops

Bishop Clement Willie Fugh

Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson

Retired Bishops

Bishop John Hurst Adams

Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot

Bishop Frederick Calhoun James

Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings

Bishop Phillip Robert Cousin, Sr.

Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr.

Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster

Bishop Zedekiah LaZett Grady

Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr.

Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry

5. SENIOR BISHOPS ADDRESS THE TRAGEDY OF THE MASS SHOOTING THAT OCCURRED IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA

The Senior Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME), African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) and Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Churches address the mass shooting that occurred in Orlando Florida on Sunday, June 12, 2016.

The bishops of the AME, AMEZ and CME Churches would like for their collective message to be widely disseminated.

View video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=fP5BRTcpJZo

*Submitted by the Reverend Stephen A. Green, Morehouse College B.A. ’14 and currently a student at the University of Chicago Divinity School M.Div. Candidate ‘17

6. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH STATEMENT ON SHOOTING IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA:

-- African Methodist Episcopal Church Statement on Shooting in Orlando, Florida, Monday, June 13, 2016

The African Methodist Episcopal Church condemns the mass shooting that occurred in Orlando, Florida on Sunday morning, June 12. It was the deadliest mass shooting in United States history that caused 50 deaths and 53 injuries. We commend law enforcement because their intervention likely prevented more deaths and casualties.

A year ago this Friday, the African Methodist Episcopal Church experienced the brutal and tragic death of nine of our congregants at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina and we feel the loss, hurt and sorrow of those whose loved ones have been injured and killed in Orlando, Florida. We extend our sympathy and our prayers and ask God to comfort them in their sorrow, fill the void in their lives, and give them the peace of God. We also lift our prayers for those who have been injured, believing that God will heal and restore them, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

This mass shooting, which has been labeled as domestic terrorism, again reminds us of the critical times in which we live. We live every day with the threat of attacks from international or domestic terrorists. No longer is the United States protected by the waters which separate us from those who are our enemies. As we saw in Orlando yesterday, some of our enemies come from within our borders; homegrown terrorist, whose determined goal is to kill, injure and bring fear to Americans.

Yesterday’s mass shooting is also a reminder that racism and hate are still a part of American life. The gunman in yesterday’s shooting, Omar Mateen, in conversations with family, former employees and others, expressed his racist feelings and hatred toward blacks and those who were gay.

We, as a nation, once again have been confronted with the significant loss of lives and violence caused by guns; in one day, in one place, 53 people killed and 50 persons wounded by a gun.

What will it take for the United States to act on these very important issues? In some ways we invite the tragedies which have become so commonplace among us. Many of our political leaders are making it easier for terrorists to recruit and incite Americans to commit terrorist acts. Calls to ban all Muslims from entering the United States and the profiling of Muslims because of their religion are invitations to trouble. It is no coincidence that the increase in domestic terrorism parallels the increased rhetoric against Muslims.

The nation’s denial about the reality of racism and how pervasive it is has caused polarization and anger. The mindset of denial, fanned by our political leadership, does not speak well for the United States. What will it take for the nation’s political leadership in both political parties to reform of our gun laws? The gun lobby in this country is clearly the strongest lobby in this country. Most things are just common sense, unless it applies to guns.

The gunman in yesterday’s shooting had an assault style rifle. Six months ago in San Bernardino the gunman had an assault style rifle. In 2012 at a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado and at a school in Newtown, Connecticut the gunmen had assault style rifles. In the past 10 years, assault style weapons have been used in 14 mass shootings, with half of them since last June. These type weapons were banned in 1994, but the ban expired in 2004 and Congress because of the fear of the gun lobby has not acted to renew it. Another mass shooting has taken place, the largest in American history; and again, Congress will not act.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church will continue its efforts on the issue of gun control. We will continue to speak out against racism and seek to get the nation to act on gun reform laws.

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath and Ms. Jacqueline DuPont Walker will join with the National Council of Churches to meet with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell this week in Washington to discuss gun reform legislation and a call for the immediate reinstatement of the Assault Weapons Ban.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church joins with the nation in praying for the families of those who lost loved ones and healing for those who are injured; but we also commit ourselves to continue to advocate and seek to abate and nullify the circumstances that create the environment for tragedies like this to happen.

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chairman, Social Action Commission
Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, Consultant

7. CHRIST OUR REDEEMER AME CHURCH, SPEAKS OUT AGAINST LGBT MASSACRE IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA:

Irvine, CA (June 13, 2016) -The barbarism and carnage of fifty men and women in Orlando, FL is a result of hate for the LGBT community. “The faith community must speak out and stand up against hate, homophobia, and gun violence,” says Rev. Mark Whitlock, Senior Minister of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Irvine, CA. It was just one year ago nine lives were taken in a plan act of racial hatred at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. “We have become a country that preys on one another instead of praying for one another. We must have stronger gun control laws!”

Christ Our Redeemer AME Church stands with President Obama and the LGBT community to demand stronger legislation for gun control, hate crimes, and any form of terrorism. Rev. Mark Whitlock is available for media interviews.

The Rev. Mark E. Whitlock, Jr., pastor

8. BREAD FOR THE WORLD STATEMENT ON ORLANDO TRAGEDY:

Washington, D.C., June 13, 2016 – Today, Bread for the World released the following statement on Sunday's tragedy in Orlando, Florida:

“Bread for the World is saddened beyond words to learn of the violence against the LGBTQ and Latino communities in Orlando, FL on June 12, 2016. To the families and friends of those who died or were injured, we offer our deepest condolences and prayers that you feel God’s peace and love. Today, Bread for the World staff joined in prayer and lamentation to ask God’s continuing presence with you in Orlando and with our nation. We know, as the Psalmist says in Psalm 46:1, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble...’ We pledge to continue to work for public policies that reflect God's love.”

Bread for the World (www.bread.org) is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad

9. AME DELEGATION, LED BY BISHOP JOHN WHITE, WORKS TO ESTABLISH AME CHURCH PRESENCE IN BRAZIL:

From June 11-13, 2016 a delegation from the African Methodist Episcopal Church visited the Comunidade Cristã Metodista (CCM) - Christian Methodist Community - in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

'The Comunidade Cristã Metodista (Christian Methodist Community – CCM) is pastored by the Rev. Paulo Mudesto and his wife the Rev. Mirian Mudesto.

The following persons formed the AME delegation: Bishop John F. White (Presiding Prelate, 16^th and 18^th Episcopal Districts); the Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers (Executive Director, Department of Global Witness and Ministry); the Rev. Mashod A. Evans (Pastor, St. John AME Church--Birmingham, Alabama) and Mr. John Thomas III (General Board Member, At-Large). The group was also joined by Ms. Kiratiana Freelon, a Chicago native and AME member currently working as a freelance journalist in Brazil.

Efforts to establish an AME presence in Brazil date back to the 1996 World Methodist Conference in Rio de Janeiro when several persons approached the AME delegation about the possibility of starting an AME Church in Brazil. Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and the late Bishop Sarah Frances Davis both met with members of the Methodist Church in Brazil who were interested in joining the AME Church. In February 2016, the Rev. Paulo Mudesto and the Rev. Mirian Mudesto were invited to attend the Dominican Republic Annual Conference. Upon their return to Brazil, the Congregation voted to formally petition the AME Church for membership the delegation visit is a response to this petition

The team met with the clergy and lay leaders of the congregation as well as attended a specially convened church conference. The delegation was warmly and genuinely received by the membership and ministerial staff. Bishop White preached the Sunday Service after the Church Conference. The team also visited the outreach programs of the church including an urban youth outreach program and a relationship with a chemical dependency treatment center.

The delegation will present its report to the Council of Bishops after the General Conference to determine the next steps regarding admission of the Christian Methodist Community (CCM) to the denomination.

*Submitted by Mr. John Thomas III, Ph.D. Student, Department of Political Science, University of Chicago

10. REFLECTIONS ON THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:

*John Thomas III

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church was held May 10-20, 2016 in Portland, Oregon. An important highlight of the UMC General Conference was the moving tribute to the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church lead by the Rev. Alfred T. Day III (General Secretary of Archives and History) and Bishop Larry Palmer during the ecumenical service. (The full text of the tribute is available here: http://gcah.org/history/birth-of-the-amec-celebrated-at-gc).

As I read and watched the deliberations and outcomes, I reflected on the upcoming bicentennial General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 1) How will the AME Church rise up to its mandate? 2) When members leave Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will they think that that the AME Church is better for the time spent there?

Below are some of the highlights from the UMC General Conference and questions/observations for the AME Church.

The Bishops provided leadership and unity in difficult debates.

For over two decades, the debate on the acceptance of LGBT persons has been a flashpoint in the UMC. Over 50 petitions (bills) were sent in to the General Conference to address the issue. After a particularly contentious debate, there was a sentiment from the floor that the Council of Bishops needed to provide direction. The Council of Bishops offered the proposal on how to proceed on debating LGBT issues.

In his report, Council President Bishop Bruce R. Ough stated: “Unanimity is not required for unity.” In other words, while the Bishops were themselves divided, they presented a united front to the General Conference and the Church. AMEs as well will look to our Council of Bishops for direction during the General Conference. What leadership will we find?

There were clear areas of focus for ministry that were approved by the General Conference.

The theme for the UMC General Conference was “Go, Therefore.” The UMC General Conference approved four areas of focus: 1) childhood health, 2) poverty, 3) leadership development, and 4) new faith communities. In addition, the 2012-2016 quadrennial goal of raising $75 million dollars to fight malaria was almost reached by the membership of the Connectional Church.

The theme for General Conference of the AME Church is “An Extraordinary History, An Incredible Future”. What ministry goals does the African Methodist Episcopal Church have for 2016-2020? How will we translate this theme into tangible action items across the Connectional Church?

Intentional spaces were made for diverse voices to speak.

During the UMC General Conference, time was made for three key addresses: Episcopal, Laity and Youth. I marveled watching laypersons and youth and young adults being “on the stage” speaking to the entire body. Additionally, there were two speakers for each speech: one from the US and one from the Central Jurisdictions (areas outside of the United States). It is true that members of the AME Church are a “Liberating and Reconciling People,” however at General Conference, the voices that will be heard from the stage or the floor will be mostly ordained, American, middle-aged and male. What can we do to make our General Conference better reflect the demographics of the church?

In closing, many anxiously await what the AME Church will do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To survive 200 years is an achievement in its own right. This is a moment for reflection and action. The 50^th Quadrennial Session of the AME General Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will set the course for the denomination for years to come. These reflections serve as orientation points as we strive to “Serve the Present Age.”

John Thomas III (13^th District) is an At-Large Member of the General Board.

11. THE DEATH OF GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES AT UNION BETHEL AME CHURCH:

*Mrs. Lorraine B. McMillan

In the past, Union Bethel AME Church in New Orleans was famous for the Good Friday worship services. Church people of various denominations would make their entrances to these Good Friday services. The services were instituted more than 60 years ago under the leadership of the most famous AME pastor, the Rev. Dr. Howard Thomas Primm who later became the 71^st Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The format of the services included the seven last sayings of the Sacrificial Lamb - Jesus who followed his Father's lead of the temple being torn down and rebuilt in three days. The high-spirited celebration also included anthems, hymns, spirituals, solos, gospel selections, and instrumental music from the host choir and later years of service evolved to include a conference choir from various choirs of the Louisiana Annual Conference.

Today, we have no inclusive and basically nowhere to go in the city of New Orleans under the leadership of "AME." The flagship Church, Union Bethel, sits idle during the hours of 12 – 3 p.m. on Good Friday. The regulars are sidelined to either remain home or relegated to travel outside New Orleans to various presiding elder district presentations. Presiding elder districts are the gathering of the new ministers of the districts to display their pulpiteering or whatever.

The death of Union Bethel has come as a result of the demise of the New Orleans District, which was the most influential presiding elder district prior to the leadership of the then assigned Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming. Today our celebration of Good Friday is a true second religious death; however. Can another resurrection be forth coming?

Union Bethel is not the center of New Orleans as it was in the past. We are missing the fellowship of all who sit in the nave of the church; we are missing the spoken word given by great pulpiteers; we are missing those who are aspiring leaders in our churches and even miss some who are entertainers.

Revive us again! Let Good Friday be resurrected again in New Orleans under the leadership of the New Orleans Ministerial Alliance. The New Orleans Minister alliance and Good Friday services were synonymous with pastors like the Reverend Hally Harris, the Reverend Alex Gibson and more recently the Reverend Douglas Taylor, who kept the Good Friday services alive. Now who gets the credit for the failure today? Who's the president of the New Orleans Ministerial Alliance? The three presiding elder districts do not work successfully here; division like this results in no one individual representing us successful life at any major event! We need the leadership again in New Orleans that existed in past years. Revive us again! Let's put Good Friday back at Union Bethel and the leadership that made our churches stronger in religion and the community.

Calling all laity of the city to utter this plea! Revive the Good Friday services at Union Bethel!

*Mrs. Lorraine B. McMillan is a 4^th Generation AME

12. 200^TH CELEBRATION OF PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE LIVES UP TO MILESTONE DISTINCTION:

*Sister Angelena Spears

Persons who have been coming to the Philadelphia Annual Conference under the leadership of the Right Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, have come with high expectations – and this 200th celebration (held May 16 to 22 in Philadelphia) lived up to the milestone distinction.

The host church for this historic conference was appropriately Mother Bethel AME Church, Philadelphia, whose members worked diligently with their pastor, Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler, and First Lady, Sister Leslie Patterson Tyler – to ensure the week’s success.

The celebrations began Monday, May 16, when the Rev. Juanita Walters, the pastor of Greater Mount Olive AME Church, Philadelphia, preached for the Women in Ministry service, held at Tyree AME Church, in Philadelphia.

Later that evening, the Rev. Jacqueline Capers, the pastor of Disney-Nichols AME Church, Philadelphia, preached for the Ministry of Evangelism service. At that service, also held at Tyree, evangelists who had completed two years of studying received certificates and appointments from Bishop Ingram.

Monday’s services paved the way for a week full of spectacular preaching, amazing worship through music, revolutionary workshops, exhilarating pastoral reports, and stirring praise and testimonials.

Although Mother Bethel was the host church, several worship services were held at other area churches because of vigorous undertakings to complete the Richard Allen Statue and Memorial Courtyard.

On day two of the conference, missionaries gathered at Mount Tabor AME Church, on North 7th Street in Philadelphia, for an afternoon worship service. The preacher was the Rev. Lois Wilkerson, who is the pastor of Bethany AME Church in Northeast Philadelphia.

The music from the Mother Bethel Choir, under the enthusiastic directorship of Brother Jonas Crenshaw, Jr., was second to none. Licentiate Earl Knight, of Zion AME Church, Philadelphia, was the accompanying pianist for the choir.

The official opening day of the conference was Wednesday May 18 and sessions were held at the First District’s Headquarters, 3801 Market Street, Philadelphia.

Roll call began promptly at 8:01 a.m., and the atmosphere was immediately ignited with praise when the Rev. Melvin D. Wayns gave a testimony of how he had been healed from prostate cancer. Rev. Wayns had retired at the 2010 Annual Conference. After months of chemotherapy, Rev. Wayns announced he was now “cancer free” and he couldn’t keep God’s healing graces to himself.

Other retired pastors in attendance included the Rev. Simon P. Bouie, who retired in 2014 (after serving as the pastor of Zion AME Church, Philadelphia). Rev. Bouie traveled over 600 miles from his home in Columbia, SC, to be present for the official opening day.

Esteemed guests also included Bishop Jeffrey L. Leath, of the 13th Episcopal District, who sat in on several of the Wednesday morning sessions and was encouraged by Bishop Ingram to offer words of insight throughout the morning events. Episcopal Supervisor Dr. Susan J. Leath was also present.

The Annual Sermon, delivered on Wednesday afternoon, had everyone spellbound as the Rev. Terrence C. Hensford, pastor of the newly merged Ward Emanuel AME Church, in the West District of the Conference, totally dissected Matthew 14: 22-33 and told the story of Peter attempting to walk out onto the water to meet Jesus.

Rev. Hensford explained that when the boat first began to experience trouble – it represents the crises that arise in our lives. He pointed out, that just as Jesus was not far away when the boat experienced trouble – Jesus is always near to us when we are in a storm. He also reassured us, that just like Jesus cared for the disciples, and went out to meet them – He always cares for us.

Everyone was enthralled at the powerful delivery of this familiar text and how relevant Rev. Hensford made it to the individual storms we encounter in our own lives.

Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, the episcopal supervisor, presented a phenomenal workshop on the First Episcopal District’s current theme, “Transforming Our Minds.” Her workshop was titled “Personal Spiritual Transformation” and she explained the purpose of challenges in our lives. She outlined that we need to emerge from a storm differently than how we entered into it and that oftentimes the storms are presented to us for spiritual growth.

The delivery of the workshop showcased why Dr. Jessica is a much-sought-after workshop presenter and preacher.

Conference attendees were also introduced to Sister Channabel Lathem-Morris, who had been invited by Dr. Jessica Ingram to share a story of personal loss.

Sister Lathem-Morris is a member of the Western New York Annual Conference, where she is an active missionary at Union AME Church, Warwick, NY. Sister Morris shared that in April, she lost her only son, in a preventable tragedy.

Her son, Jamal Morris, a 25-year-old graduate of Drexel University in Philadelphia, was riding his bicycle in the city when he was struck by an automobile and died two days later. His organs were donated and the unselfish act saved seven lives and another 50 persons received his tissue donations; however, the hit-and-run driver remains at large.

Sister Morris thanked Bishop Ingram and Dr. Jessica for the invitation to address the conference about issues related to bicycle and motor vehicle safety. She was accompanied by several community group activists, including representatives of the Bicycle Coalition, and a petition was circulated to gather signatures to take to the state’s capital to fight for tougher laws.

On a personal note, Sister Morris thanked Bishop Ingram and Dr. Jessica for reaching out to her during the tragedy. She said Dr. Jessica sent her spiritually uplifting texts and called her on an almost daily basis and both Dr. Jessica and Bishop Ingram had attended her son’s funeral.

She added that the words Bishop Ingram had shared during her son’s funeral had resonated with many, who later shared with her that as a result, “they now viewed death differently.”

Morning and afternoon sessions during the conference were reserved for committee reports and reports from the Philadelphia Conference’s four presiding elders: the host presiding elder, the Rev. Jocelyn K. Hart, of the Philadelphia District; Dr. Charles H. Lett, Sr., of the West District; Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant of the South District; and the Rev. Lawrence Henryhand of the Harrisburg District.

Each of the presiding elders gave luminous reports, and on a very personal note it was announced that Presiding Elder Hart is now engaged to be married to Brother Ed Lovelace, who is president of the Lay Organization at Bethel AME Church, Bristol, PA.

After one of the committee reports, one pastor shared that he had recently experienced severe depression – and gave God the glory for getting him through such a dark period in his life.

The Rev. Dr. Miriam J. Burnett, who is a medical doctor and the medical director of the Connectional Health Commission of the AME Church, cautioned however, that pastors and others who face depression, need to tackle it with a three-prong approach that includes professional counseling, appropriate medications [when necessary] and the spiritual undergirding of faith.

Pastors who volunteered to read their reports included the Rev. Garrison Lockley, who was commended for doing such a phenomenal job at his first pastoral charge, which is Bethel AME Church, Pottstown, PA. Under his leadership, the church, which had dropped to a low of 15 members, has grown to 55 members over the 12 months he has been there.

The Rev. Victoria Brown also gave a stirring report when she announced that since she has been at Ebenezer AME Church, Middletown, PA, she has become involved with the community and the response has been promising.

Wednesday ended on a high and solemn note as congregants prepared to take the Holy Communion. Prior to the serving of the elements, the Rev. D. Albert Turk, pastor of Emanuel AME Church, New York City, and also the First District’s director of ministry and evangelism, delivered a poignant sermon about how we should look upward, inward and outward whenever we take Communion.

The spirit of reverence and praise continued throughout the week.

Thursday was Lay Night and the preacher was the Rev. Jay Broadnax, of Mount Pisgah AME Church, Philadelphia. During the evening service, Sister Cheryl Hammond Hopewell, the president of the Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization, and member of Mount Pisgah, was presented with an award for her service and dedication. This is her last year to serve as president.

On Saturday, several persons were ordained. Among them was the Rev. Richard Norris, II, who is the son of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and Episcopal Supervisor Mary Ann Norris, who preside over the Seventh Episcopal District. Both Bishop Norris and his wife, Mother Mary Ann Norris, were in attendance.

Sunday began with a Model Church School at Mt. Tabor AME Church. After the Model Church School, guests were welcome to attend Mt. Tabor’s morning worship service, where their pastor, the Rev. Albert Johnson, delivered the message.

On the closing day of the conference, the Philadelphia Conference Choir presented the music and they sang beautifully under the leadership of Sister Sheila Booker, the choir’s director, who is a member of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Philadelphia.

The District Headquarters filled up quickly as members from area churches joined delegates and clergy to witness the closing session of this historical 200th Annual Conference.

At the onset, a memorial was observed for several leaders who had passed during the Annual Conference Year. They were: Presiding Elder Joseph Patterson, who died in January; Presiding Elder James E.F. Lawrence who died in May; Sister Doris Thornton who died in May; Sister E. Catherine Shepherd, who died in December; Sister Fannie Sherrod, who died in May, and the Rev. Daisy Samuels who died in May.

The closing sermon was delivered with power by Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, who added in his remarks, “What a privilege it has been to serve the First Episcopal District during this momentous year - including as hosts of the 50th Session of the General Conference that will convene in Philadelphia.”

He also publicly congratulated his wife, Episcopal Supervisor Dr. Jessica Ingram, for her hard work and dedication.

Both Bishop Ingram and Dr. Jessica have said on many occasions how honored and humbled they are to lead the First Episcopal District at such a pivotal time in the denomination’s history.

*Sister Angelena Spears is the Philadelphia Annual Conference Reporter

13. 2016 PRESIDING ELDER APPOINTMENTS IN THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Baltimore- (Baltimore and Eastern)

Presiding Elders Ernest Montague and Presiding Elder Cordell Hunter

Washington (Capitol and Potomac)

Presiding Elder Louis-Charles Harvey and Presiding Elder Ronald Braxton

Virginia (Norfolk/Eastern Shore and Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District

Presiding Elder Chester Morris and Presiding Elder Quentin White

North Carolina (Southern and Northern)

Presiding Elder Gail Dunn and Presiding Elder Larry Hinton

Western North Carolina (Eastern and Western)

Presiding Elder J. Bernard Wilder and Presiding Elder Conrad Pridgen

14. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins

Based on Biblical Text: Acts 5:29: Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, we ought to obey God rather than men.

Laws established by our elected politicians and appointed judges, were patterned after the morality established and demonstrated by God in the Bible. The truth is that, until now, there were not many who would even think to challenge such laws.

It is so very obvious that we live in a different era now. In this time of technological genius, we appear to be so intent on maximizing our freedoms that we now have the audacity to challenge even God. We were led by God to draft a constitution affirming that He is no respecter of persons. We seem to have become no respecter of God.

We find biblical morality is being challenged on every front as the divide between church and state grows wider and wider. No prayer in school, no Ten Commandments posted in the courthouse. We find ourselves in an age of confrontation with the political “right” and “left.” The question is - what is a Christian to do?

The answer is very clear for those of us who are “the called according to God’s purpose.” We, who profess to be “children of the most High God”, are mandated to preserve the Word of God at any cost. It would certainly appear that the battle lines have been drawn. How far will we go to defend our cause for Christ?

In our text we find that Peter and John have taken a stand for the Lord. They have preached the unadulterated Word of God in city after city, despite warnings of imprisonment and even death. Now they find themselves standing before the Jewish high court. All the high priest needed to say was, “We gave you strict orders.” Peter and John boasted boldly, “We must obey God rather than men.”

As Christians, it is important for us to realize that we can sometimes do the right thing, and end up guilty before the law and innocent before God. We must understand that it is never a light thing to break the laws of our nation. However, there are times when, as the Apostles did in Jerusalem, “we must obey God rather than man.” It is the way that we show that God is truly in charge. It is also the only way that the Word of God will be preserved for our future generations. Jesus warned that the Word of God would not, could not and must not be altered.

The question for us now becomes “How much effort are we willing to put forth to preserve the influence of the Word of God in our daily lives?” Peter and John’s ministry did not fail the Lord, will ours? Will we have the courage to face off against the political enemies of God? Christ is seated at the throne of God, waiting for the Church to take a stand. Now is not the time for lukewarm Christianity! Clearly it is high time for us to reach our boiling point and take a stand for the Lord. The truth of the matter is; it is time to get back to doing things God’s way.

In the same week we observe the anniversary of the senseless murder of the Emmanuel 9, we find ourselves grief-stricken as yet another lunatic has for whatever reason opened fire in a crowded night club killing 49 and wounding at least 50 others. Once again the Church of Jesus Christ should have been overwhelmed with sadness to see our citizens pouring into the streets with lighted candles, searching for answers and not knowing where to look. Again, too soon, we find folk forced to their knees by overwhelming circumstance, yet we still find that too many did not know how to pray or whom to pray to. Has the Church of Jesus Christ lost its influence and impact on America?

Well, I for one believe it is time for the church to clear its vision, re-align its priorities, revive its heart, and remold its attitude. It is time for us to once again submit to God’s authority with unyielding faith. It is time that we “lean not to our own understanding” and trust in God’s Word. It is time we come to grips with the fact that alone we have no strength to deal with evil. We must believe in God’s power and surrender to God’s will.

We are challenged in these critical times to take a stand for the Lord. We must summon the courage of Peter and John to face our adversaries, the wisdom of the Son of God to face our trials and the assurance of the Word of God to overcome our temptations. Beloved, we need the help of the Spirit of God to restore our power. “Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.” (Psalm 95:6-7) and “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15)

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

15. GETTING TO ZERO: FROM THE REAL AFRICA, PART 2

*The Rev. Dr. Oveta Fuller

Greetings from field work sites in Lusaka and Livingstone in Zambia.

We have completed another packed week.

It is interesting when someone in the USA asks, "How was your trip to Zambia?" It is difficult to capture in words the richness that occurs from engaged learning here. The Micro 450 course "Global Impact of

Microbes: Fieldwork" is considered an engaged education or an experiential learning course. Many universities seek to provide more of these contextual learning opportunities for their enrolled students.

In Livingstone, we stayed in rooms at The King's School on the campus of Rainbow Trust Africa.

The United Kingdom based non-government organization has two campuses.

Livingstone is the location of a school, a community health clinic, a guesthouse with medical interns who staff a mobile medical unit, a conference center and individual self-catering lodge rooms.

They also run a granny support program for about 14 grandmothers or grandfathers in the surrounding communities. These grannies may or may take care of their vulnerable grandchildren or great-grands. However, each of the elderly parents is made vulnerable because their adult children (a form of family security for the elderly) have died or are ill from HIV/AIDS or other causes. Those in the Rainbow Africa program or other similar ones are fortunate; many others struggle to survive and care for their family and themselves. We visited with two grandmothers and among other items were pleased to provide warm blankets or stoles crocheted by members of Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The smiles and great joy of these 80 years plus women wrapped in whatever color of blanket that they selected from the choices will remain with us. The Rainbow Trust staff will make delivers to others during their upcoming monthly visits.

The Rainbow Africa campus includes a school for grades 1-9 with 33 teachers and about 520 fee-paying or vulnerable children. Monday morning's assembly was at the grass-thatch open picnic shelter very near to our rooms. I awakened to the sounds of chattering children and a deputy headmaster calling them to order for the week's assembly and special instructions. They were given instructions on preparing for field athletic competitions of the next week. It is an exciting time. As "the professor visiting from America" I was invited to greet the students. I was thrilled to hear their beautiful singing of the Zambia National Anthem to close out the morning assembly.

Our Trusted Messenger Intervention (TMI) research team conducted a highly engaged 2-day HIV/AIDS workshop with 23 members of the Livingstone Pastor's Forum. We explored the amazing Victoria Falls and relaxing with a sunset cruise dinner on the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It is in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with part of the mile wide falls in Zambia and part in Zimbabwe. Later I will write more about these.

We spent last Friday at a rural village, Nympande that is a 90 minute drive east of Lusaka. Besides engaging with teachers and students of one school far into 'the bush', we were shown the new borehole (well) in this village and told of the efforts required to secure safe water.

Climate change is prominent here. It decreases the annual rainfall in most of Zambia to affect crops and livestock and intensify the constant quest for water.

TMI team members are busy making the most of their short time so far with home stay families in Lusaka. They are learning first-hand of the warm hospitality of the Zambian people and that sharing and family life are foundational values of this country. While we are aware of being away from loved ones in the USA, all agree that our time of immersion in this country that identifies itself as "the real Africa" goes by much too quickly.

*The Rev. Dr. Oveta Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the

University of Michigan and is currently in Africa and will submit her column as her schedule permits. She is the incoming Director, African Studies Center Associate Professor Dept Microbiology and Immunology University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan

16. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2016 - THE REMNANT REJOICING - ZEPHANIAH 3:9-14 & 20:

*Brother Bill Dickens

Key Verse: Sing Daughter's Zion, shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all of your heart, Daughter Jerusalem. Zephaniah 3:14

Introduction

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, there are two definitions for the term “remnant.” A remnant can be “a small surviving group” or “an unsold or unused end of a piece of goods,” e.g., a piece of fabric when making clothes.

The Adult AME Church School lesson for June 19, 2016 applies the first meaning of remnant. A surviving small number of God's people will be rewarded for their faithfulness and obedience in the third chapter of Zephaniah's prophecy. The Old Testament story of Gideon also illustrates the application of the first definition of a remnant. Gideon only needed 300 men to successfully carry out the military objective set by Jehovah God. In recent years a popular Hollywood movie (300) was released depicting the courage of 300 soldiers.

300 is a 2006 American epic fantasy war film based on the 1998 comic series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. Both are fictionalized retellings of the Battle of Thermopylae within the Persian Wars. The plot revolves around King Leonidas (Gerard Butler), who leads 300 Spartans into battle against the Persian "god-King" Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his invading army of more than 300,000 soldiers. The Spartans fought with great courage but in the end they were all killed by the larger Persian army.

Life is defined by a series of ups and downs. People who persevere through the trials and tribulations understandably will rejoice when they see the brighter side of life experiences. Let's see the "silver lining" in Israel's cloud through the careful prophetic lens of Zephaniah.

Bible Lesson

The first two chapters of Zephaniah describe an angry deity where serial disobedience can only be met with appropriate punishment. When we turn to chapter three we see a different personality profile where God is now merciful. Is this a case of a split-personality? Can we conclude that God changes as the wind blows? Such skeptical questions miss the point. God is a God of justice. Justice requires correction and elimination of any form of sin or evil in order for a nation of believers to grow and prosper in spirit and in truth. The remnant described in chapter three of Zephaniah comprises a small population of believers who have remained steadfast in their worship of Jehovah God. They have witness physical destruction from an eye-witness position. They have seen many of their family members and loved ones turn their back on God. Despite these challenges the remnant are resilient. When a sinful majority says, "Let's go this direction" the remnant takes the road less-travelled. Their faithfulness is now rewarded. They are spared of punishment and further destruction of property and people. They can now make a joyful noise because God is their deliverer. Good and great things do come to those who wait and are faithful.

Bible Application

June 19 is a special Sunday in the African American Christian worship experience. It is Father's Day. Father's Day is significant because it allows for a time of recognition for the invaluable position and status of fathers in our society. In recent years many fathers have been criticized for being derelict in their duty causing many mothers to take on the dual role of mother and father. However, there is a remnant of fathers who are unsung heroes and faithfully discharging their parental duty without fanfare. We should always encourage and uplift these Dads for the impact they have in our homes, communities and churches. Too many of our black fathers are incarcerated, unemployed and absentee church members. Too many of our black fathers are not providing supporting care in the caring and development of their families. Nonetheless, we can rejoice with the evidence of those fathers who are not incarcerated, who are gainfully employed and being the Dad their children desire. Happy Father's Day to all! QED

*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

17. MEDITATION BASED ON AMOS 5:10-24:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing this Meditation in the wake of an unspeakable - but all too familiar - act of mayhem. Forty-nine people were murdered and an even greater number were injured by an angry and heavily armed young man at a bar in Orlando, Florida. Much can be said about that horrific act - the sixteenth such act since Barack Obama became President of the United States - but one thing in particular stood out for me.

When U.S. House of Representatives speaker Paul Ryan called for a now obligatory “moment of silence” to remember those who lost their lives in a session of Congress, some members of the House walked out in disgust, others “shouted him down” and my friend and Congressman Jim Clyburn - whose District includes Mother Emanuel AME Church - asked when legislation for reasonable restrictions on gun ownership would be considered before Speaker Ryan ruled him out of order.

I commend those principled members of Congress for their justifiable and appropriate breach of “decorum.” They drew attention to what happens every time a gun is used to commit mass murder - an obligatory moment of “silence” followed by political “silence” on the need for gun control by elected officials who are more interested in staying in office than in doing what’s right.

I encourage those who read this Meditation to do better than those cowardly, self-serving elected officials. It’s easy, in a world that elevates the value of popularity and acceptance, to quietly ignore racial, cultural, religious, gender based and economic prejudice, to compliantly “go along to get along” and to accept things as they are instead of working to make things what they should be.

We’d do well to remember the Jesus who never accepted things as they were, who advocated for, elevated and encouraged those scorned by polite society and by the religious leaders of His day and who was executed primarily because He spoke truth to those in power.

Don’t limit your expression of faith to what you safely do in formal and comfortable weekly worship. Step out of your “comfort zone, walk in the footsteps of Jesus and make a difference in your community by standing up and speaking out, regardless of the cost. You’ll see new blessings, see lives changed, see justice and fairness for all of God’s children and understand why one hymn writer looked beyond the demands of a world that demands quiet conformity and said, “Only what you do for Christ will last.”

*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

18. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Opralee Beatty, the last remaining sister of former Episcopal Supervisor, Mother Beverly Thomas, passed last week.

The homegoing information is as follows:

Service Information:

Family Visitation and Viewing

Friday, June 17, 2016 - 3-8 p.m.

Swanson's Funeral Home [North West]

14751 W. Nichols Road

Detroit, Michigan 48235

Telephone: (313) 272-9000

Fax: (313) 272-4494

Homegoing Services

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Family Hour: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Hartford Memorial Baptist Church

18700 James Couzens Hwy.

Detroit, MI

The Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams, Pastor

Website: http://hmbcdetroit.org/

Cards and expression may be sent to:

Mrs. Beverly Thomas

17751 Hamilton Road

Detroit, MI 48203

Telephone: (313) 345-9823

Email: artx.ame@gmail.com

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Orlando Nightclub Tragedy Victim

It is with heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of Ms. Deonka Deidra Drayton. Ms. Drayton was killed during the Orlando Massacre.

Eastover, SC (WLTX) - A woman who grew up in Richland County is among the victims of the Orlando nightclub tragedy.

Orlando City officials confirmed that Deonka Deidra Drayton 32 is one of the 49 who were killed at the Pulse nightclub early Sunday morning.

One of her friends told WLTX that Drayton grew up near Eastover and had moved down to Orlando several years ago.

Law enforcement officials say a heavily armed gunman rushed into the club around 2 a.m., opening fire on those inside. At present, 49 people have been confirmed dead, and over four dozen more were wounded. The FBI is leading the investigation into what happened, but it's classified as a terror attack.

---

Ms. Drayton is the daughter of the Reverend Shepherd Drayton Jr. and Andrea Drayton of Columbia, South Carolina; granddaughter of Bishop Shepherd Drayton and the Reverend Mamie Drayton of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; and the niece of the Reverend Dr. Sandy W. Drayton, Presiding Elder of the Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District, AME Church.

Condolences may be shared with the family, c/o:

Bishop Shepherd Drayton

352 Green Drive

Pawleys Island, South Carolina 29585

Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton

Email: draytonsw@homesc.com

20. 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

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21. 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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