February 2024 Edition of The Christian Recorder

Multiple AME Churches Awarded Grants From The National Fund For Historic Preservation

As the nation commemorates the life and impact of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is awarding $4 million in its second round of Preserving Black Churches grants to 31 historic black churches across the U.S. With over $95 million in funding, the Action Fund is the largest U.S. resource dedicated to preserving historic African American places. Since launching Preserving Black Churches in 2022, the Action Fund has provided $8.7 million in grants to over 70 historic churches.

Black churches stand as timeless bastions of faith, resilience, and achievement in communities across America. These sacred spaces have been the birthplace of movements, the planning grounds for change, and a refuge for those seeking solace.

“We created the Preserving Black Churches program to ensure the historic Black Church’s legacy is told and secured. That these cultural assets can continue to foster community resilience and drive meaningful change in our society,” said Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. “We couldn’t be more excited to honor our second round of grantees and ensure that African Americans – and our entire nation – can enjoy an empowered future built on the inspiring foundations of our past.”

Preserving Black Churches is a $20 Million Action Fund program that equips historic black churches and their congregations with the critical

resources and technical preservation expertise to protect the historic assets and legacies they steward. With this round’s grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, the Preserving Black Churches program helps congregations solve urgent and ongoing preservation threats such as deferred maintenance, insufficient funding, demolition, water filtration, and mold contamination.

“Black churches have been at the forefront of meaningful democratic reform since this nation’s founding. They’re a living testament to the resilience of our ancestors in the face of unimaginably daunting challenges,” said Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., historian and advisor to the Action Fund. “The heart of our spiritual world is the Black Church. These places of worship, these sacred cultural centers, must exist for future generations to understand who we were as a people.”

With leadership support from Lilly Endowment Inc., ...continued on p2

Currently, We Have No Choice

Rev. Dr. V. Gordon Glenn III

I sit on my conference’s Committee on Ministerial Efficiency. A few year’s back, we had to make recommendations on one of the itinerant elders in our conference who performed a same sex marriage that was held at the residence of one of their members. My position then is the same as it is today. Namely, our Discipline does not allow our ministers to perform same sex marriages. Under the rules described therein, there are penalties delineated for breaking this rule, up to and including defrocking of the offender.

How I feel about this rule in our Discipline is irrelevant. How I read and interpret the Bible’s limited ruling on the subject is a matter of my faith. The fact of the matter is that in the United States of America, these unions are legal. The Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 made it so. In addition, same-sex marriage is legal

Forty Foods for Longevity That Increase Physical and Spiritual Well-Being: PART

1

Rev. Dr. Betty Holley, Contributing Writer

“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” III John 2 (NLT)

1. Almonds

These energy-rich snacks lower bad cholesterol, thanks to plant sterols, and benefit diabetics by lowering blood sugar. They are also rich in amino

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In Defense of Online Theological Training: Its Value for Ministry and Character Formation

Rev. Q.W. Liebenberg, 15th District, Boland Annual Conference

1. Introduction

Residential training for all aspiring students has its benefits and equally its challenges. In South Africa’s current context financing further education and training has become a huge challenge and in most cases deprived many students from entering universities, colleges, and seminaries, Hence the need to understand online training and its benefits. I will use a seminary case study to address this issue and aim to motivate students to

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FEBRUARY 2024

the Action Fund advances strategies that model and strengthen historic black churches' stewardship and asset management, interpretation, and fundraising activities across the country.

2024 Preserving Black Churches Grant Announcement

PLANNING GRANTS

Ward Chapel AME Church

Grant Category: Planning Grants

Grantee: The Cairo Historical Preservation Project, Inc. | Cairo, Illinois Originally built in 1907 (and rebuilt following a fire in 1918), Ward Chapel AME Church has hosted notable social justice activists throughout its history, including a young John Lewis, who conducted non-violent protest training in the basement, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who held rallies to bolster community support for economic boycotts demanding equal opportunity. Funding will support the development of a master plan laying out the steps required to move forward with the adaptive reuse and sustainability of the structure.

PROGRAMMING & INTERPRETATION

Mt. Zion AME Church

Grant Category: Programming & Interpretation

Grantee: Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum | Skillman, New Jersey

As an African American-led organization housed in the restored Mt. Zion AME Church, the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), built in 1899, shares the important story of survival of black faith, food, freedom, culture, creativity, and joy. SSAAM features permanent and rotating exhibits, and creates programs associated with local and national black history. Funding will support reenactments and educational and

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musical programming to engage the community around faith, culture, and activism.

Yardley's AME Church

Grant Category: Programming & Interpretation

Grantee: Gather Place - Generational Voices Project | Yardley, Pennsylvania

Constructed in 1877, the Yardley AME Church has been a place of worship and a pillar of support, forging a sense of belonging and religious expression for the borough’s African American community. Funding will enable a project to leverage oral history interviews connected to this vital historical landmark to safeguard this church's crucial history, cultural heritage, and legacy and counter concerns about cultural displacement.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Grant Category: Capital Projects

Grantee: Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church | Atlanta, Georgia

The oldest predominantly African American congregation in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Big Bethel AME Church was founded in 1847 and is the birthplace of Morris Brown College—the first educational institution in Georgia to be owned and operated entirely by African Americans. The church hosted the first National Convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1920. The capital project will address time-critical structural repairs and safety concerns due to severe interior and exterior water damage.

Union Bethel AME Church

Grant Category: Capital Projects

thechristianrecorder.com

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THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER: The Christian Recorder (ISSN 1050-6039, USPS 16880) is the official organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a member of the Associated Church Press and the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Founded in 1852, it is printed monthly by the AMEC Sunday School Union, 900 13th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville, TN.

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to The Christian Recorder , 900 13th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. Subscription price is $36 per year. Single issues are $3.25.

Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chair of the General Board Commission on Publications

Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher, AMEC Sunday School Union

Dr. John Thomas III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

Office: 615.601.0450

General queries: editor@thechristianrecorder.com

Submissions: articles@thechristianrecorder.com

Views expressed by the editor and/or other writers do not necessarily reflect the official views of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Christian Recorder welcomes letters from its readers on matters of general interest. Letters must be exclusive to The Christian Recorder and must be signed, including the writer’s home address and business telephone number. No defamatory, libelous or slanderous letters will be printed; and The Christian Recorder reserves the right to reject or edit any letter or article to conform to good taste, style and space requirements. Although we are unable to acknowledge those letters we cannot publish, we appreciate the interest and value the views of those who take the time to send us their comments.

Letters intended for publication should be addressed to The Christian Recorder /Letters to the Editor, 900 13th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. All photograph submissions are the property of The Christian Recorder and will not be returned.

Grantee: Union Bethel AME Church | Great Falls, Montana

At the center of the African American community in Central Montana for more than a century, the Union Bethel AME Church congregation began holding regular services in 1890 and built its current church building in 1917. Grant funding will support the repair of all existing mortar joints in the brick facade of the church and address significant weather-related deterioration.

Jacob’s Chapel AME Church

Grant Category: Capital Projects

Grantee: Jacobs Chapel AME Church | Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Jacob’s Chapel AME Church and the Colemantown Meeting House are the last remaining buildings from the African American enclave of Colemantown, established in 1828. Along with the Colemantown Meeting House, Jacobs Chapel Church was a known stop on the Underground Railroad, serving as the first worship sanctuary in Colemantown and a schoolhouse for the neighborhood’s black students. Grant funding will restore the roof, HVAC, and windows.

St. James AME Church

Grant Category: Capital Projects

Grantee: St. James AME Church | New Orleans, Louisiana

Historic St. James Church, founded by a group of freedmen, is the oldest black Protestant church in New Orleans. The church was the headquarters for the Louisiana Native Guards - black Union soldiers during the Civil War - and was a staging site for marches during the Civil Rights movement. Funding will allow the church to make roof repairs that will stop 18 years of water intrusion in the upper sanctuary balcony and restore the church’s historic facade.

Historic St. Paul AME Church

Grant Category: Capital Projects

Grantee: St. Paul AME Church | Lexington, Kentucky

St. Paul AME Church opened its doors in 1826 as a place of worship and refuge. According to oral histories, the church also served as a sanctuary where enslaved people could hide while escaping bondage. The site is a rare example of Underground Railroad history. The grant will support the

church’s building restoration project and efforts to interpret this national story.

Mother Bethel AME Church

Grant Category: Capital Projects

Grantee: Mother Bethel AME Church | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In 1794, formerly enslaved person Richard Allen - a minister, educator, and national leader - founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), the first black denomination in the United States. Bishop Allen opened his first church that year, Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The current building was dedicated in 1890 and was designed by Hazlehurst and Huckel in the 19 th century Romanesque Revival style. It features a three-story limestone entrance and a four-story tower, with its beauty amplified by intricate stained-glass windows. Grant funding will support the exterior rehabilitation of the deteriorated window surfaces and ensure the preservation of its historical and architectural grandeur.

Campbell AME Church

Grant Category: Capital Projects

Grantee: Campbell AME Church | Washington, D.C.

In 1938, Campbell AME Church was built by black Washingtonians and served as a base for organizing the Civil Rights movement. The stained glass windows convey rich theological meaning with their portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ on one side, the passion of Jesus Christ on the other, and the resurrection above the pulpit. Grant funding will allow the church to restore the existing structure.

St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church

Grant Category: Capital Projects

Grantee: St. Paul AME Church | Augusta, Kentucky

Originally built by a freed black man and brick mason, John Pattie, the original St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church building was completed in 1894. The structure was saved in 1976 when a local couple was informed that a different buyer would demolish the building unless they purchased it. Since then, the building has remained vacant and is awaiting restoration. Grant funding will support the church's rehabilitation and allow it to be converted into a new Emancipation Heritage Center.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is deeply committed to preserving and protecting places that illuminate the story of African American activism, achievement, and resilience. In partnership with the Ford, Mellon, JPB, and Lilly Endowment foundations, totalling more than $90 million in funding, the Action Fund stands as the largest U.S. resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places.

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in several countries with AME churches, namely: Canada, Brazil, Cuba, the United Kingdom, France, and South Africa.

If you are an “originalist” as it pertains to our Discipline , claiming that our founder Richard Allen and the men who attended the first General Conference never envisioned a world where the Supreme Court would make same sex unions legal, know this, the penalty wasn’t added until 2004 as a response to Massachusetts legalizing same sex marriages.

Full Disclosure: This is personal for me. I have a wonderful family friend. While we were growing

up in Boston, this person was like another older sibling to me. This person is in a same sex relationship and has been for years. If they asked me today if I would perform their marriage, our Discipline gives me no choice but to say, “No.” I can’t bless it, affirm it, or even attend incognito not wearing my clergy collar.

The addition to our Discipline takes the choice out of the hands of our ministers and forces members, who have been members in good and regular standing, to go elsewhere to have a legal act performed on their behalf, instead of entrusting it to our well-trained, well-educated, resolute AME ministers.

Reflecting on the case in my Annual Conference, I have submitted legislation to remedy this removal of choice. It proposes to take away the penalty threatened to our ministers for performing same sex marriages since it is legal to do so in all 50 United States and territories. It is a compromise, I know. Some will feel that this proposed removal is a bridge too far and is unbiblical. Others will feel that it doesn’t go far enough, since it retains the prevention of same sex marriages to be held on AME properties. Getting this legislation out of committee and onto the floor at this year’s General Conference will be an up-hill battle, but one that is worth it.

acids, which bolster testosterone levels and muscle growth. Almonds are also stuffed with vitamin E, which helps defend against sun damage. In a study, volunteers who consumed 14 milligrams of the vitamin (about 20 almonds) per day and then were exposed to UV light burned less than those who took none. And because vitamin E is an antioxidant, it also works to keep your arteries free of dangerous free radicals. Low levels of vitamin E are also associated with poor memory performance and cognitive decline, says dietitian Sari Greaves of New York Presbyterian Hospital–Cornell.

2. Flaxseeds

Rich in protein and fiber, these little seeds offer a payload of omega-3 fatty acids, which erase spots and iron out fine lines in the skin. The British Journal of Nutrition reported that participants in one study who downed about half a teaspoon of omega-3s daily in 6 weeks experienced significantly less irritation and redness, along with better-hydrated skin. A recent study of people with high cholesterol (greater than 240 mg/dL) compared statin treatment with eating 20 grams of flaxseed a day. After 60 days, those eating flaxseed did just as well as those on statins. Try sprinkling ground flaxseed on oatmeal, yogurt, and salads.

3. Tomatoes

There are two things you need to know about tomatoes: red is the best, because they are packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene; and processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones, because it is easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, and help eliminate skin-aging free radicals caused by ultraviolet rays. “Cooked tomatoes and tomato paste work best,” says celebrity trainer Gunnar Petersen.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Often confused with yams, these tubers are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. In addition to countering the effects of secondhand smoke and preventing diabetes, sweet potatoes contain glutathione, an antioxidant that can enhance nutrient metabolism and immune-system health, as well as protect against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, HIV, cancer, heart attack, and stroke. What is more, they are also loaded with vitamin C, which smooths out wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen. A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that volunteers who consumed four milligrams of C (about half a small sweet potato) daily for 3 years decreased the appearance of wrinkles by 11 percent.

5.

Spinach

It may be green and leafy, but spinach—a renowned muscle builder—is also the ultimate man food. The heart-health equivalent of a first-ballot Hall of Famer, spinach is replete with the essential minerals, potassium, and magnesium, and it is one of the top sources of lutein, an antioxidant that may help prevent clogged arteries. Plus, its vitamins and nutrients can bolster bone-mineral density, attack prostate cancer cells, reduce the risk of skin tumors, fight colon cancer, and increase blood flow to the penis. “Popeye was on to something,” says Susan Bowerman, assistant director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California at Los Angeles.

More foods to come.. ❏ ❏ ❏

consider online training as a option for future studies. Dana M. Harris (2017, 93) defines theological education broadly as preparation-intellectual, experiential, and spiritual- for serving and leading a church or community of faith. Harris further states that theological education aims to teach students how to think theologically and how to live Christianly before God (93). My theological training and character formation for ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church were undeniably ascribed to both face-to-face and online training. All my undergraduate studies were completed at residential seminaries while postgraduate studies were done online. My research paper will highlight perspectives on the online shift, focus briefly on an understanding of character formation, and reflect on the value online theological training has ministry and character formation.

2. The Online Shift

According to studies done by Drennan and Bolsinger, many seminaries in their case study still hold the presumption that theological training can only happen in face-to-face settings (Drenman and Bolsinger 2021, 137). In preparing seminaries for this wave of online theological training Kipimo (2020, 8) states that it gives a strong argument for the development of pedagogical skills to enhance online training. As part of Kipimo’s research, he indicates that there are dramatic changes in the way theology is conducted. His research has shown that residential seminaries in Europe and America experienced difficulty in attracting students and sustaining programs (2020, 1-2). Lisa Lamb (2019, 94) reinforces the responsibility that online theological education should happen with a deeper and more substantive transformation of the institution’s pedagogy. Lawrence Wood (32) also supports this statement and stresses the importance of more discussion groups and lengthy written assignments to emphasize greater responsibility for learner participation.

Although strong cases could be made for face-to-face learning, I believe delaying the shift could become an even greater challenge in our technologically developing world. Joel Harlow (2007, 22) sees the gap between student and instructor as a challenge. According to Harlow, a greater responsibility is laid upon the instructors to interact differently with learners addressing this specific challenge. The online platform addresses this gap between learners and teachers being in different places and times during the course, through numerous digital notifications, online discussion groups, and interactive lessons.

2.1 Understanding Character Formation

Kevin Smith (2020, 156) states that the seminary’s task is to train thinking practitioners, who can function as pastoral theologians for the community of God’s people which they serve or lead. In my view, the primary goal of theological training should be to form students’ character and not just increase their theological knowledge. Hockridge (Kipimo [2011] 2020, 2) observes that all education should be about the formation and not only imparting knowledge but preparing people for life. Kipimo (2020, 3) uses different views to define formation as the holistic preparation of a person for a life of ministry. Kipimo (2020, 3) further states that e-learning should be measured against essential features such as interaction and development of a supportive community, developing and maintaining relationships of mutuality and respect, and personal interaction between teacher-students and student-students (2020, 3).

Kipimo is convinced that online education does meet the criteria for these essentials and that the purpose of theological education is captured within the models of education (4). He further states that according to Banks (Kipimo [1999] 2020, 4) who developed the Jerusalem approach or model, there is a strong connection between study and practice or between reflection and action and that spiritual formation is a dimension of every aspect.

In my view, I have most probably done more reading and reflection in the online platform classes than in any residential setting where I studied. I was enthusiastically encouraged to operate in the hybrid platform with self-discipline, which is one of the characteristics any student should have. Drenman and Bolsinger (2021, 153) also note that the power of online formation involved how a student’s ministry context is disrupted by the diversity of perspectives and voices that are now available to the online student. Harris (2017, 99) gives a balanced view that the most common objections to online theological education concern the issue of spiritual formation. He further states that even in a face-to-face setting there is no guarantee that all students will participate in the discussion and therefore physical presence does not mean or guarantee meaningful participation. Harris (2017, 101) believes that in online platforms opportunities to interact with professors and other students are intentionally created

2.1 Value of Online Theological Training

Kipimo (2020, 5-7) uses his personal experiences and shares the following six advantages of online learning, namely: increased number of students’ enrolment, reduced cost of studies, in-context

learning, effective assessment and quality training, rich and updated course material, and active participation of the virtual community. He further argues that online education has come as a blessing for both students and seminaries and that spiritual formation which is at the heart of theological education can now be possible through tools of technology (Kipimo 2020, 8).

A further value of online theological training is the bringing of the diversity of thought and perspectives into a community (Drenman and Bolsinger 2021, 153). One of the values identified by Harris is the connectedness to an online community which is already our reality (Harris 2017, 100). I was fortunate in my Masters of Divinity to study at Payne Theological Seminary where I have met people in both African countries and the United States of America. This connectedness created a sense of belonging to a greater community for me. What was more noticeable was how different students from various countries and cultures considered the same issue in ministry and theological understanding, but responded so differently. This exposure to the online community not only broadened my view but gave me a new and deeper insight to address issues in my ministry. In my view this may not have happened in a residential setting

where traditionally a limited diverse group of students would be in the same setting. The shift to online theological training mostly impacted my ministry with regards to Bible interpretations and homiletics because of the diversity and online community.

In the research done by Kipimo (2020) although most theological institutions have moved to online theological education some scholars e.g. Van Driel and Jung made a strong case for a face-to-face setting. They argue that character formation is influenced by the teacher-learner relationship and the classroom ecology (Kipimo [2015] 2020, 2). Reflecting on my own experience shifting from face-to-face to online theological training was indeed a huge paradigm shift in my thought processes; however, it challenged me to engage the online community and become technologically savvy. My years in the residential environment made me confined to the knowledge world of my lecturer, classroom, and students, whereas the online training challenged me to engage the global world from where I was located.

Jeff Groeling and Lester Ruth prepares us for the journey by stating that technology goes along with adequate training to make the right impact upon the online students (Groeling and Ruth, 2007, 57). Considering the thoughts shared, I strongly agree that

institutions should be developing online pedagogical skills that could enhance the training of men and women for the ministry where they live (Kipimo 8). The online alternative to theological training should add great value to ministry and character formation. I also hold the view that in our technologically developing world online theological training operates at a much faster pace and can connect a diversity of people and cultures by just one click. At the heart of online theological training, therefore, is character formation.

3. Conclusion

I agree with Jason Ohler (1991, 34) who states that distance education forces our thinking beyond the confines of the campus and out into the changing world for which our students should be prepared. Complementing Ohler’s view, Lee Longden (2013, 113) states that the time has come for training to step out of their comfort zone and realize that not everything in the online world is bad, but that everything is dangerous, heeding institutions of the challenges within both face-to-face and online theological training environments. It is my hope that students across the globe and especially the clergy men and women will press on to be educated and continue the work of aspiring for greater heights as we prepare ourseles for service. ❏ ❏ ❏

Remembering the Remnants: Praying for Ostracized and Alienated Christian People

Rev. Dr. Jason Richard Curry, Columnist

I count it a blessing to have encountered and encouraged relatively small groups of Christians who have suffered tremendously because of their love for and devotion to the teaching of Jesus Christ. For example, I have had conversations with young men and young women who have ended relationships with people that they loved because their boyfriends or girlfriends absolutely refused to live a life in accord with the teaching of Christ. These couples could not reach common ground concerning subjects like forgiveness, premarital sex, growing in generosity, expressing genuine grace, and embracing humility. These young Christians have displayed their love for and trust in the Lord, and they have often searched for social, professional, and spiritual spaces (e.g., churches) where they will be accepted and embraced as followers of Christ. One may argue that these young people can be identified as remnants within the Christian faith inasmuch as they constitute a small group of people who may not be necessarily affiliated with a larger, Christian body. The scriptures inform

us that God often blesses remnants of people (Jeremiah 23:3; Zephaniah 2:7). In fact, God has either remained with a group of people (Romans 11:5) or refused to abandon or destroy a place (Ezekiel 6:8) because of a “righteous” remnant of people. God’s truly sees and embraces remnants of God’s people.

Ezra was a member of a Jewish community that was once in exile. Ezra and others praised God when they were permitted to return to Jerusalem. According to Ezra: “… our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. (God) has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia…” (Ezra 9:9). He went on to say: “Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant” (Ezra 9:15). The release of Ezra and others from captivity with the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar and King Cyrus of Persia provides evidence that God often blesses remnants of people.

As we look to the Lord in prayer, I would like to ask you to pray for the remnants, which are small groups of Christian

people who are often ostracized or alienated by individuals and sometimes institutions because of their commitment to Jesus Christ.

Leadership and Decision Making

Byron Washington, Columnist

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding –Proverbs 4:7

Everybody, whether a leader, parent, social worker, teacher, spouse or even a child, must make decisions. Decisions are a part of life. We often interchange the words decision and choice; whichever word you prefer, they both amount to the same thing: you must pick something.

As a leader, it is essential to make decisions based on the most data or information that is available to you. This process of using the available data is known as datadriven decision-making. Based on the data that is available to me, I will make the best decision. Now, the power in making decisions with

data is that it suggests that you have taken the necessary steps to obtain as much information as possible before coming to a conclusion. Stated differently, a person should acquire as much information as possible before they come to a definite answer. Let me give you an example: When I see a news article or a newsworthy event, I intend to understand what happened before I make a decision.

So, in this case, I will start with an online news outlet; then, I will read the same article on a competing news site. Then, I will read the same article on a major newspaper’s site and then read the same article on an international news site. What I am doing is trying to get a better understanding of the entire situation. I am not looking for an opinion to match my ideals. I

In my prayers, I often pray that God might strengthen their resolve and commitment to righteousness as God continues to provide help,

want to know what happened first, and then I make a decision. Many leaders falter at this point because they seek answers that match their opinions or thoughts, which is dangerous and can lead to a poor outcome.

You must know as much as possible as a leader before deciding on an outcome. If you are leading a manufacturing organization, you cannot ignore that the company is losing money in 3 out of 4 areas because you prefer to read stories and hear feedback about how your consumer base loves your product. Consumers can love your product, and you can still be losing money. The key is what the data says and how that leader can use that information to make better decisions to make them profitable and keep their consumer base

Know Your Church History Connectional Lay Organization (CLO)

1. Who was the first president of the 15 th District Lay Organization and later organized and served as the first president of the 19 th District Lay Organization located in the Republic of South Africa (RSA)?

2. What is the name of the outstanding layperson who served as an AME Church general officer and has an office building named in his honor in downtown Washington, D.C.?

3. Who is the current “president/publisher” of the AME Church Publishing House?

4. Who was the first elected bishop of the AME Church?

5. What is the name of the first female president of the Connectional Lay Organization who served the CLO from 1985-1993?

6. Who was elected to serve as the fourth and fifth district president of the 19 th District Lay Organization (RSA)?

7. Who was the CLO president when the 2006 Empowerment Summit was held in Johannesburg (RSA)?

8 What is the name of the historiographer’s book every layperson should own as a resource tool?

9. What do the initials “YAR” mean?

10. He is a former general officer (Publishing House), a former Lay Commission chair, and is currently a retired bishop. What is his name?

11. What is the name of the Connectional Lay Organization’s quarterly publication?

healing and a sense of community for them. ❏ ❏

happy.

Let me close with this as we head further

into this new year. Let us all do ourselves a favor and take the time to gather the needed information to make informed decisions. I travel a lot and never book a plane ticket without researching. The cheapest ticket is not always the best option; there is always a reason why it is the cheapest option.

Make it your goal this year as a leader not to gather information based on your personal opinion but to get as much information as possible so you can make the right decisions for your organization and your personal life. ❏ ❏ ❏

12. The CLO Biennial was held in what city and state in 2015?

13. Sister Christian Brogdon Gilchrist was president of which Episcopal District’s Lay Organization?

14. When and where was the first AME Church founded?

15. Who are referred to as the “Four Horsemen” of the AME Church?

16. He served four years as the AME Church historiographer and published the book “History of the AME Church.” Name him.

17. He served as a member of the AME Church General Board from 1972 to 1976 from the 4 th District. What is his name?

18. He represented the 16 th District as a member of the General Board in 1972 - from Trinidad, West Indies. What is his name?

19. In what year were laymen given equal lay representation in the General Conference and in all other areas of the AME Church?

20. She was one of ten persons from the 1 st District to serve as an officer in the CLO. Her dad was an officer as well. What is her name?

Mr. Matikane A. Makita, CLO President Mr. William “Bill” Ayers, CLO Historiographer (See p. 7 for answers.)

Answers to Know Your Church and Its History

1. Dr. Wilfred Noel Nduna. He was selected to organize the 15 th and 19 th District lay organizations (RSA) because of his outstanding leadership qualities and organizational skills. Dr. Nduna received a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the USA. He was an active participant in Trinity AME Church in Evaton (RSA). The AME Church in Letihabile Brits North West (RSA) honors him and bears his name.

2. Dr. Joseph Columbus McKinney. The building was rededicated and renamed in 2010. General Officer McKinney served as treasurer of the AME Church from 1972 to 1990. “Joe”/“Doc” also served as one of the outstanding presidents of the 2 nd District Lay Organization and was an active member of Ward Memorial AME Church in Washington, D.C.

3. The Rev. Dr. Roderick Dwayne Belin.

4. The Rev. Daniel Coker. However, while he was

elected bishop, he did not serve. Richard Allen was then elected, consecrated, and ordained the first bishop of the AME denomination.

5. Dr. Kathryn Vernetta Middleton Brown - A principal in the Georgia school system, she also served as a president of the World Methodist Council Presidium. A talented and gifted woman, “Dr. Kay”/ “Kay” was an active member of Cosmopolitan AME Church in Atlanta, GA.

6. Brother Matikane Abednego Makiti - Our current Connectional Lay Organization president.

7. Dr. Jesse L. Burns, Jr. (See the tribute to Dr. Burns in the October historiographers webpage on the CLO website as submitted by 11th District Historiographer Sister Deborah Gillard).

8. The CLO Historical Journal (a written history of the Connectional Lay Organization of the AME Church).

9. (Y) Young (A) Adult (R) Representative.

10. Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr.

11. We Speak - Published by the CLO Director of Public Relations (DOPR).

12. Charleston, SC.

13. Seventh Episcopal District Lay Organization.

14. The first AME Church was founded in 1816 in Philadelphia, PA.

15. Richard Allen, William Paul Quinn, Daniel A. Payne, and Henry McNeal Turner.

16. Dr. Howard D. Gregg.

17. Judge Sidney A. Jones.

18. Mr. S. Napoleon Cuffy.

19. 1928.

20. Mrs. Ethel M. Wallace Jenkins - Director of Lay Activities and first vice president. ❏ ❏ ❏

AME Member Honored as 2024 American Heart Association “Go Red for Women” Survivor; Shares Story on

Once an avid runner, Dr. Chantrise Sim Holliman had a heart attack and severe complications that changed the direction of her life. Now a bilateral amputee, she shares a message of hope and healing with everyone she meets.

She is the proud wife of the Rev. Dr. C.J. Holliman, pastor of St. Philip AME Church in Savannah, GA, the proud mom and bonus mom of five, the YaYa of two, and the doggie grandma of three. Holliman always led an active lifestyle. When she turned 45, she was the picture of health as she trained for a half-marathon.

“I would run five miles every morning at 5 a.m.,” she said. “I was drinking all the water. I was eating all the kale. I was doing all of the things.”

So, when she woke up one day in 2018 with chest pains, she assumed it was gas from her dinner from the previous night. She tried to get out of bed but was immediately nauseous and could barely move. Her husband was worried and called 911.

When paramedics arrived, they determined she was having a heart attack. She was rushed to the nearest hospital.

“I remember getting loaded into the ambulance,” she said. “I remember seeing my husband sitting outside, getting ready to get in the car looking completely bewildered and disheveled. I remember the ambulance ride. I remember hearing the sirens.”

Chantrise’s heart condition was complicated by years of living with lupus, an autoimmune disease.

“All of the medicine that they were giving me to save my life, my immune system was rejecting,” she said. “My heart kept stopping, and they couldn’t get my heart to stay beating.”

She found out later that her heart “stopped” several times and doctors used paddles that deliver electric shocks, in increasing strength each time, to successfully stabilize her heart beats.

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While recovering in the intensive care unit, her first thought was about her legs, specifically why they didn’t work. Nurses told her it was just because she had been immobile, and her legs were fine.

Blood flow to her extremities was also decreased by medications she was given. Plus, she has Raynaud’s disease, which lessens blood flow to outer parts of the body.

As a result, her feet, fingertips, ears, and nose were completely black. Then, infection set into her legs and a surgeon delivered some shattering news.

“The doctor came in and said, ‘We’re going to have to amputate,’” she said. “I remember thinking, ‘I came in with a heart attack. What do you mean, I’m now going to be an amputee?’”

The first surgery amputated her left toes and right leg below the knee. Because of persistent infection, she needed multiple surgeries on her left foot and also had to have her right leg amputated above the knee. When she was told that she faced at least five more surgeries, she decided not to wait out treatment and had her left leg amputated below the knee. Adjusting to her new life as a bilateral amputee was challenging. She spent months in rehab and underwent several more surgeries.

“I had to begin to figure out how to live my life again, and very honestly, I didn’t want to live,” she said. “I was devastated.”

She credits a strong support system of family and friends for pulling her through some dark times. Tough love from her daughter also came at a critical time in her recovery. A few weeks after leaving rehab, Chantrise tried to get out of a promise she made to celebrate her daughter’s 21st birthday.

“The year before, I had promised her that we would go out for Bellinis and mimosas to celebrate,” she said. “I did everything I could

to get out of it, but my daughter wasn’t having any of that! That was the first time she used choice words to get me out of the house.”

Venturing out of her comfort zone was exactly what Chantrise needed. It made her realize she wanted her life back. So, Chantrise, now 51, reexamined her lifestyle before her heart attack. She also learned that not managing a preexisting condition like lupus was putting her heart at risk.

“I was doing all the things that I thought I was supposed to be doing, but I wasn’t doing some

of the most important things,” she said. “I wasn’t getting enough sleep. I was allowing things to stress me out. I really needed to be in therapy. I wasn’t in therapy.”

Chantrise also was putting her needs last.

“I was a wife. I was a mother. I was an educator, and I was trying to move up in the ranks. I was the person that got there first thing in the morning. I was the last person to leave. If you needed me to do something, go somewhere, do anything, I was your woman.”

That dedication to everyone else was hurting her health. Even one of her doctors would tease her, “The only time you come to see me is when your body is falling apart.” So, she made changes and started putting herself first, in part because of something she heard at a celebration-of-life service for a friend’s mother.

“At the service, they said, ‘She loved herself better so she could love others more.’ That is now my mantra. I have to love myself better, so I can love the people in my life more.”

Reprinted from the American Heart Association.

New Funding to Preserve Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Meir Rinde

The 134-year-old structure in Society Hill will get $90,000 to rehab its intricately designed stained-glass windows.

Mother Bethel is famously one of the nation’s oldest black churches and the first African Methodist Episcopal Church. It was established by Richard Allen, who was formerly enslaved in 1794, so black Methodists could worship without having to sit in segregated sections of local white churches.

That makes it the oldest parcel in the country continuously owned by African Americans. The current building, built in 1890, is the fourth Mother Bethel erected on the property.

Designed by the architectural firm of Hazlehurst and Huckel in the 19th century Romanesque Revival style, it has a three-story limestone entrance and a four-story tower.

“With this great beauty comes a lot of responsibility,” Tyler said. “There are huge and numerous stained glass windows all around the building, and there’s a lot of intricate work around the metalwork and the wood. This is going to help keep those windows beautiful and keep the building more energy efficient.”

He said the work is costly and time-consuming because it requires planning and handiwork by experts in historic preservation, as well as the

erection of scaffolding for months.

The work will benefit not just the church’s 700 members, but thousands of AME members and others who visit from around the world every year to admire the denomination’s mother church, Tyler said.

In addition to its historical and architectural significance, the church is the “cradle” of a larger Black Church movement that gave rise

to renowned social justice leaders like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he said.

King’s daughter, Dr. Bernice L. King, visited the church last year for a Black History Month event to talk with Tyler and discuss her work with the King Center in Atlanta, advancing nonviolent social change. ❏ ❏ ❏

Ward AME Church Hosts Community Wellness Fair

LA Sentinel Staff

Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church, in partnership with the South Central Prevention

Coalition, sponsored a Community Wellness Fair on January 6. According to Pastor Barry Settle, the event was spearheaded by the church’s Social Action Commission, Band of Men, Lay Organization, and Women’s Missionary Society.

Free resources included health screenings for blood pressure, vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19, and fresh produce and dairy products from Glen Curado of World Harvest Food Bank and Farm. Information on childcare options, preventive healthcare, healthy eating, small business survival, financial services, and more was also available.

“The theme focused on getting facts about one’s condition and relief through medical treatments or holistic medicine. Also, each participant could enjoy smash burgers by DD J Barbecue and music by RogCher Oki,” said Billie Green, Ward member.

“Each participant could get questions answered that related to their basic needs from trusted voices, not scammers,” explained Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, another Ward member.

“The health screenings that focused on prevention and early detection help us appreciate elders and the wonder of passing down generational secrets so that future generations could do better.

“The historic Black Church provided social, educational, emotional, and

Elaborate stained glass windows at the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/ WHYY)

L-R: Billie Green, Glen Curado, and Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker. (Courtesy photo)

physical health outlets. Early detection makes the difference in the length and quality of life as our elders make room for the next generation. Healing our community is a prime goal.”

Supporters of the fair included UCLA Health, Ward Economic Development Corporation, Providence Hospital, 996 Pharmacy, Covered California, Charles Drew University, Children’s Hospital of LA, St John’s Health Center, Stop COVID 19 CA, USC Headstart, Neighborhood Housing Services of LA, Brotherhood Crusade, LA Metro, LA County Public Health, ILCAC, Alzheimer’s of LA, LA City Sanitation, Councilmember Marqueece Harris Dawson, and Councilmember Heather Hutt.

Reprinted with permission.

Feeling Hopeless?

Rev. Dr. Kent L. Poindexter, Contributing Writer

The beginning of a new year normally provides a sense of opportunity to start afresh, to implement new ideas and change lives. For many the new year is only a continuation of despair and hopelessness, with no end in sight. Too many are living under circumstances reminiscent of the plight of the exiled Israelites as they pondered whether God could hear them in a “strange land.”

The writer of Lamentations speaks of the hopelessness of dependence upon Yahweh and sensing that his prayers and cries are not falling on the ears of a compassionate Creator:

“I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.

2 He has driven and brought me into darkness without any light.

3 Surely against me has he turned his hand

The Truth Is the Light

Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., Retired, Itinerant Elder

Isaiah 9:6 NRSV

continually, the whole day long.”

Clearly, the one petitioning God is experiencing a sense of abandonment and moves through his list of circumstances to a point of deciding that there is nothing left to do but to give up, to present a case against God and faith. As he attempts to speak about his despair, he suddenly has an epiphany:

Remember my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

20 Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me.

21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed; his compassions do not fail.

23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

In the throes of despair, the man of sorrows comes to the conclusion that hope is still in order;

For a child has been born for us. A son given to us. Authority rests upon his shoulders and he is named wonderful counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.

Beloved, during the Christmas Yuletide season we celebrate Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

We celebrate the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that Jesus brings to us all.

The Lord Jesus Christ is that child that was born. Jesus Christ is that son that was given. The Word informs us that God so loved us that he gave his beloved son, Jesus, to us, to be our redeemer. Every name and attribute ascribed to him has the seal of the eternal trinity etched into the very fabric. Only God can be qualified to be named Wonderful. Our text affirms his name is Wonderful. God alone is the perfect counselor.

The Word affirms to the faithful. For in Christ dwelt all the Godhead

faith is yet appropriate because God’s grace has been the everpresent antidote in the past and God does not abandon what God loves!

As many move through this valley of despair called life in the 21 st Century, God is still speaking--God’s mercies are new every morning! The evidence for hope? We are here for the next phase of the journey. God’s mercies will guide us to where we should be, to the places where God needs us to be to bear witness to the fact that God does not abandon what God loves! The challenges look and feel overwhelming for the moment. But we are also challenged to look at what God has done for us in the past. We are here in this moment because God’s compassions have not failed. 2024 is the next phase of the journey—keep traveling— God’s mercies are new—every morning! ❏ ❏ ❏

boldly and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him; the spirit of wisdom and of understanding rested upon him. The spirit of counsel and of might rested upon him.

The spirit of knowledge and reverence rested upon him, for the Lord Christ Jesus is indeed our wonderful Counselor. God alone is Omnipotent.

He alone has the authority to call himself Mighty. God alone is eternal so he alone can be entitled Everlasting Father.

God alone in the person of Jesus Christ shed his blood so that all who believe on his name would have eternal peace with God.

That perfect peace of God that passes all understanding. Christ alone has the right to be called Prince of Peace.

The Eternal Almighty God of Peace, the second person of the Triune Godhead set aside his heavenly glory to be God’s Word in the image of man. He set aside his heavenly glory to take on the form of man.

Council District 10 sponsored the distribution of fresh produce at the fair. (Courtesy photo)

Many resources were available at the wellness fair. (Courtesy photo)

He was given by the Father as the Son of God, a gift of grace from God to a lost world so that all who believe on his name would be saved. The Lord Jesus Christ is that child that was born. The Lord Jesus Christ is that son that was given. There should be no surprise that his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.

Our text is meant to clearly communicate to us that this deliverer of the people and of the world would be divine in and of himself. Through Jesus, God has offered us a great exchange through the only one with enough dominion, power, strength, and wisdom to pay our sin debt in full that we might be saved. Through the birth of this one babe God established his

kingdom. A kingdom overflowing with justice, righteousness, and eternal peace. When God unleashed his might through Jesus to defeat sin and death for all eternity, he also empowered us to desire and do what he would not be able to do without Jesus working in and through us.

By his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus welcomes us into his family. Jesus is the door by which we have access to God. He lavishes all his fatherly love upon us, and we are blessed with all the rights and privileges of being his children.

Through Jesus we are no longer separated, lost, alienated; instead, now we live forever as sons and daughters of the King. Our text communicates to us how the Messiah is precisely what we desperately need.

Tips for Love and Finance in 2024

Teri Williams, President of OneUnited Bank

Prayer:

Living Father. No matter how many times we read of the wonder of your incarnation. No matter how many times we read of the Word made flesh it fills us with wonder and praise.

Lord, we worship you in the beauty of holiness. Jesus is our Prince of Peace. We know by faith that amidst the stormy times of our lives, there is no storm he cannot calm.

We know by faith, there is no obstacle too big for him to overcome. Lord, we bow down before your throne of grace in wonderment, for Holy is your name. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., retired, itinerant elder, Summerville, South Carolina.

The new year brings new beginnings, which is a great time to focus on love and finances. Whether it’s self-love, romantic love, or the love of our children, love has an impact on our money. Better to be intentional about the mixture of the two, rather than put our head in the sand and pretend as though they are completely separate. In fact, if our love and finances are not aligned, it could be disastrous! In 2024, here are some tips on how to have a more successful year:

Self-Love and Finances

There are many psychological studies about the importance of lovi ng yourself. Self-love is needed to achieve true happiness. With all the divisiveness happening in 2024, self-love is even more important. However, self-love and particularly self-care can also impact your wallet. Some questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you pay yourself first? Whether you have a job or are self-employed, do you put aside money in an emergency savings account, retirement account, or even a vacation savings account before you spend money on your wants or even other people’s needs? Self-love requires you to put yourself first before you can help others.

2. Are you an emotional spender? As you go through the ups and downs of life, do you soothe your emotions by shopping? Although many of us are familiar with “retail therapy” because we’re depressed, we can also “manic shop” when we experience success. Getting a new job or contract, experiencing a new romantic relationship, or celebrating the holidays, including Valentine’s Day, can send us into overdrive. Being able to control these moments of emotional spending can help us stay within our budget.

Romantic Love and Finances

Whether you are seeking a relationship or currently in one, romance cannot exist without finance! The number one issue that impacts couple relationships in money. Many of us were raised on the fairy tale that we will meet our soul mate and live happily ever after. Well, the high cost of living today – whether its housing or transportation – can impact our happily ever after. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. What financial resources are you bringing to your relationship? The high cost of housing can require multiple sources of income and even multiple job earners. It’s possible that we will see a reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve in 2024, which could make home loans more affordable. However, housing costs – whether rent or mortgage – are still high! It has become increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to find a partner to fill a hole in your finances, help pay your financial obligations, or help achieve a higher financial status if you’re not bringing resources to the table. To achieve a more simpatico relationship, get your personal financial house in order.

2. What’s the financial status or requirement of your potential or current partner? Sometimes love is blinding, and we forget to ask some basic questions, like what’s your employment status? What’s your credit score? How much debt do you have? How much savings? It’s important to have a clear understanding of the whole person, particularly their money, as you navigate romantic relationships. Money can no longer be a taboo subject.

Parental Love and Finances

Let’s face it, having children costs money…lots of money! There’s housing, food, clothing, and then there’s college tuition and/or helping our children

achieve financial independence. While being a parent is joyful, it can also be financially stressful. Here’s some questions to ask yourself in 2024:

1. What insurance do you need to protect your loved ones? We all expect to live a long and happy life. However, life can throw us a curve ball when we least expect it. We can experience health issues or unexpected financial issues such as litigation that can impact our livelihood. There are insurance policies that can protect us against life events including health insurance, life insurance, and even umbrella insurance in case we’re sued. Make sure you have the right insurance coverage to meet the needs of your loved ones.

2. Are you modeling good financial behavior? Our children are more likely to do what we do rather than what we say. How we spend, save, and share our money provides the best role model for them. In the old days, children would see their parents writing checks to pay bills at the kitchen table. They also taught home economics in school. In 2024, most of our financial activity happens online, which is less visible, and schools no longer teach financial literacy. So today, look around your house to assess the financial messages you’re sending to your children. As a simple approach, consider adding a financial goal as a note on the refrigerator. Remember, your children are watching.

We all wish for love, happiness, and prosperity in 2024. To achieve it, we need to embrace the relationship between love and finances. To be in love is a powerful thing. To be in love and simpatico with our finances is even more powerful. Happy new year!

2024

Community of Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church COH - The Hope Pac - The Young Adult Ministry - Hosted a Young Adult Ministry Weekend

Ministry Leads - Rev. Kaila Haynes and Min. Quinting Lacewell

The Young Adult Ministry of Community of Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church hosted a Young Adult Ministry Weekend from December 15, 2023 to December 17, 2023.

December 17, 2023 - The Turn Up - Beat the Bomb D.C. THE HOPE PAC - COH Young Adult Ministry hosted a Fellowship of Young Adults ages 18-35 in collaboration with Ebenezer AME’s Young Adult Ministry and Kingdom Fellowship AME’s Young Adult Ministry, with over 60 young adults in attendance.

December 16, 2023 - The Link Up - Empowerment Brunch - Sponsored by Amazon and Starbucks

Location: Sycamore & Oak

Food: Dionne’s Good Food

Empowerment Panel: Host Min. Keisha Nelson (Community of Hope AME - Ministerial Team)

Panelist: Deborah Isaac, Deputy Press Secretary, D.C. Public Schools

Panelist: The Rev. Sean Lewis, Young Adult Minister, St. Paul AME Church, Cambridge, MA

Panelist: The Rev. Marcus Jean, Young Adult Minister, Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, Calverton, MD

December 17, 2023 - The Bless Up - Young Adult Sunday - Young Adults Lead the Worship Service

Welcome the Visitors - COH Young Adults (Chris Best and Mazmin Page)

Spoken Word - COH Young Adult (Chela Smith)

Mental Health Moment: Special Guest Tracie

Jade Jenkins, Founder & Executive Director, Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation

Intentional Breathing - COH Young Adult (Jordan Steward)

Worship Leader - The Rev. Kaila Haynes Preacher Minister - Quinting Lacewell Contributing Writer, Mary Walton, Community of Hope AMEC

The Rev. Tony Lee, Pastor ❏ ❏ ❏

UNCF’s Bold $1 Billion Campaign Will Enhance Endowments at HBCUs

During a press conference held recently at Clark Atlanta University, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) announced that Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a $100 million unrestricted grant to support UNCF’s capital campaign.

UNCF is undertaking a bold $1 billion capital campaign that includes five components: student scholarships, unrestricted funds to enhance the endowments for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), capacity-building programs for member HBCUs (such as technology, training, and research), cash reserves and endowed funds for UNCF, and support for UNCF’s annual campaign.

“Since our founding in 1944, Lilly Endowment has been a consistent and significant philanthropic supporter. This $100 million grant is the largest unrestricted private grant we have ever received. It follows a $50 million grant from Lilly Endowment in 2015 that enabled UNCF to launch the Career Pathways Initiative (CPI), which sought to strengthen the programs and capabilities of HBCUs to enhance career outcomes for students,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF.

After careful consideration on how to utilize Lilly Endowment’s unrestricted grant, UNCF has decided to deploy it to the capital campaign’s objective of building a pooled endowment fund that will increase the endowments at UNCF’s 37 member institutions by $10 million each.

“Lilly Endowment’s unrestricted grant will be used as UNCF’s initial investment toward the establishment of an HBCU pooled endowment fund of $370 million,” Lomax said.

The objective is to increase the unrestricted endowment for each of UNCF’s 37 member institutions by $10 million, or a total of $370 million. Through its capital campaign, UNCF will raise $185 million, or $5 million per

institution. It will collaborate with the institutions to match this contribution through their own fundraising efforts. This infusion of $100 million will immediately increase each UNCF member’s endowment by $2.7 million, at least doubling the endowments of several institutions.

“We plan to establish endowments for our member HBCUs that will be pooled and managed at UNCF. They will become permanent assets of the institutions. Rising tides do lift all boats and UNCF is committed to making this a reality because 100 percent of this grant will be used to enhance the endowments at our 37 member colleges and universities. We believe this is the most prudent way to use Lilly Endowment’s transformational support,” said Lomax.

Pooled endowments can offer several benefits to HBCUs, including increased investment power to access a wider range of investment opportunities in stocks, bonds, and real estate that can potentially generate higher returns. In addition, pooled endowments promote collaboration and networking among HBCUs, which can lead to enhanced fundraising efforts, increased visibility, and improved financial stability.

Research from UNCF’s Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute found that the median endowment for UNCF member institutions is $15.9 million. After the successful completion of the capital campaign, the median will grow to $25.9 million, an increase of 63%, bringing

it closer to the median private college endowment of $214.6 million as determined by the National Association of College University Business Officers (NACUBO).

“For nearly 80 years, Lilly Endowment has supported ...continued on p12

UNCF’s efforts to strengthen its member institutions and thereby enhance the educational attainment of their students,” said N. Clay Robbins, Lilly Endowment’s chairman and CEO. “The UNCF programs we have helped fund in the past have been successful, and we are confident that the efforts to be supported by this bold campaign will have a great impact on UNCF’s member institutions and their students’ lives.”

Willing to Serve

“This grant from Lilly Endowment is far-reaching and long-lasting. It will change the financial trajectory of many HBCUs for many years to come. We are incredibly grateful for Lilly Endowment’s continued support of UNCF and higher education,” said Marc Barnes, senior vice president, capital campaign, UNCF. “Our commitment is to generate philanthropic funding to not just increase scholarships but also strengthen HBCUs, raise graduation rates, ensure greater

economic mobility, and grow endowments at all our 37 member HBCUs.”

UNCF Board Chair Milton H. Jones, Jr., affirmed Barnes’ comments. “I commend Lilly Endowment for their ongoing commitment and support of UNCF and its member institutions. This historic grant is going to provide great momentum for our capital campaign and now serves as a catalyst for others in the philanthropic community to join us as we take our member HBCUs

to the next level.”

Clark Atlanta University president and chair of UNCF’s Institutional Board Dr. George T. French, Jr., said, “Today’s announcement is a major accomplishment and will provide unprecedented support for the financial stability and continued success of UNCF’s member institutions. Our campuses stand ready to work with UNCF to accomplish the $370 million goal for the pooled unrestricted endowment.” ❏ ❏ ❏

The first public announcement of my desire to serve the church as a bishop was in March of 2014. For almost 10 years on this campaign trail, I have often been asked why I want to be a bishop. My response is, I want to serve the people. For me, ministry has always been about serving God and God’s people by utilizing the gifts and skills that I have gained from my experiences.

I want to serve as a bishop because I believe that God has allowed me to go through these experiences in preparation to serve the people and the community. This includes my experience as a manager for over 15 years, my experience in the Office of Sponsored Programs at Southern University, Baton Rouge, where I was responsible for tracking and managing over $20 million dollars in federal funding. My undergraduate degree in Electronics Engineering has helped me to gain problem solving skills, and my experience as a manager helped me to explore ventures from a business perspective. These perspectives afford me the opportunity to utilize and implement business best practices in the ministry context.

Churches need resources, both physical and financial, to meet the needs of the people and communities served. This has forced the church to view our approach to ministry in a different way. On average, statistics show that people only give 3 to 5 percent of their income towards charitable donations, inclusive of Christians. Based on this data, churches face difficulties meeting their financial obligations and meeting the needs of the people from the resources given by the members of our congregations. In other words, the contributions given by the members are insufficient to do the work of the church. There may be many reasons why members do not give more, such as the lack of transparency and accountability. However, I believe that we do not have a money problem, I believe that we have a trust problem. There are resources beyond the church, that if we prove ourselves to be trustworthy, will allow us to forge relationships with other entities to broaden our funding streams.

My years of experience have taught me that to overcome a trust issue, we must gain the respect of those whom we lead. I have realized that people don’t trust those that they don’t respect. I have also learned that respect isn’t given, it is earned. This is why I have worked hard to earn and maintain the respect of those that I have the privilege to serve, both as a pastor and a manager. The approach that has worked for me both in and outside of the church has been through three principles: transparency, integrity,

and accountability.

Transparency in decisions and financial matters allows officers to understand the challenges that we face. Transparency provides the officers with an opportunity to share their concerns, an opportunity to be a part of the decision-making process, and it gives them a better understanding of our approach to addressing these challenges. For me, integrity is keeping your word and being consistent with what you say and what you do. One of the first things that I share with a congregation is that part of my responsibility is to hold them accountable and that part of their responsibility is to hold me accountable. I also share that no one is above the law and that as stewards of God in the local setting, God expects us to be accountable.

These principles have helped me to gain the respect and trust of those whom I have served, which has made me an effective pastor. I firmly believe that these principles will enable me to be an effective bishop. Utilizing these principles, I was able to partner with a bank that provided a $3.7 million line of credit at zero percent interest to develop a multimilliondollar affordable housing project. This project was designed to provide affordable housing to members and others in the community, while generating outside resources for other projects, through the separate non-profit arm of the local church. This was accomplished by partnering with a local bank with whom we developed a relationship and because of our integrity, they

trusted us to do what was right with the funds. This relationship also led the church to purchase one of their former branches for less than 50% of its appraised value.

This venture was led by a 50-member congregation, with limited reach and resources; however, as a bishop, I would have more leverage and a larger platform to have a greater impact and access to more resources to help local churches. Helping local churches become financially sound with resources beyond the tithe would position them to be more ministry focused and to meet the needs of the people and community. However, this approach was effective by being inclusive, bringing the people to the table where everyone has a voice. This empowered lay persons to utilize their gifts, education, background, and expertise to meet the needs of the community.

All of us have a call on our lives. We believe in the priesthood of all believers. There are no greater or lesser callings. The only limits that we have are self-imposed and based on our willingness to surrender to the will of God. When we allow God to use us, we become vessels of honor that God anoints us to become.

We are greater together; it will take all of us working together to make the African Methodist Episcopal Church her best self. This can only be accomplished when everyone who is willing to serve and every Episcopal district has a seat at the table. ❏ ❏ ❏

Second Episcopal District Dominican Republic We Care Mission Tour

From November 23-26, 2023, the Second Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop James L. Davis and Episcopal Supervisor Arelis B. Davis undertook the “We Care Mission Sharing Tour” throughout the country of the Dominican Republic. Through an itinerary that traversed the entire country, these ambassadors of Christian charity visited Santo Domingo, La Romana, Samana, and Las Galeras. Every place they visited, they left behind tangible acts of kindness and good works. This trip was especially important to the Mother Davis who is a native of the Dominican Republic.

Here is a relation of the We Care Tour, the mission work, and the donations given:

1. Impacto De Vida AME Church - The Rev. Abraham Rodriguez Jones, pastor - $10,000

a. Escuela Hogar Emaus School - $7,000

b. Assist 4 doctors with dental procedures and basic medical exams for adults and children

c. Contributed and shared 100 reading glasses for adults and children

d. Contributed the food supplies and prepared 150 food boxes

e. Assist the kitchen staff with feeding lunch to over 100 students and

staff members

f. Contributed a monetary gift of $7.00 to each teacher and $2.00 to each student

2. Instituto FUCAC Instituto Tecnico Professional En Salud - Dr. Isabel Medina - 4 Mannequins

3. Samana Clinica Centro De Salud - Primavia Urbano CPN- Dr. Nabal Baez Beevers, director - $500

4. Bethel AME Church, Samana - The Rev. Justino Rodriguez Jones, pastor - $2,000

5. Parroquia Santa Barbara Catholic Church, Samana - The Rev. Padre Roberto Nunez - $2,000

6. Five public schools in Las Galeras (100 students) - $3,800

7. FIRE TRUCK Donated to the town of Las Galeras - 1 st fire truck in the town of Las Galeras, 14 volunteer firemen received $100 (more than a month’s salary in the country)

Second Episcopal District Dominican Republic We Care Mission Tour

Nurturing Generosity in Black Faith Communities: A Perspective

Dr. Carlos W. Perkins, 4th Episcopal District and Bishop Charley Hames, Jr., Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

On October 5-6, 2023, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving gathered religious leaders from the three historic Black Methodist traditions and several other Black Christian traditions, along with academicians and philanthropic organizations, into a new community of practice, focused on “Nurturing Generosity in Black Faith Communities.”

The first phase of this very special gathering was a conversation with Episcopal leaders and general officers from the three historic denominations. The conversation focused on the attitudes, beliefs, experience, and practices of generosity as leaders within their faith communities.

Resonating throughout that initial conversation was an attention to the rich tradition of generosity that has been passed down through generations. Nurturing generosity within black faith communities is a deeply ingrained practice that reflects the value s and principles central to our communities’ beliefs. The Episcopal leaders generally agreed that “generosity and/or giving is never about the amount, but always about the attitude.” One of the themes of the conversation is that black faith communities’ commitment to generosity not only strengthens the bonds within the community but also creates a positive impact on society at large, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that black individuals and families face. This history of generosity in many black faith communities exemplifies the notion that faith and giving are interconnected, serving as a source of inspiratio n and hope for all.

The following is a reflection from one of the participants at the October gathering.

Bishop Charley Hames, Jr., CME Church

The African American Church has long played a central role not only in the spiritual lives of its members but also in uplifting and empowering our communities. One significant aspect of this role is in the practice of giving and philanthropy. Faith leaders have been instrumental in fostering a culture of generosity and advocating for social justice while encouraging the people of faith to leave a legacy of giving through estate planning. In this article, we will explore the trends and challenges within this faith community and discuss how faith leaders can continue to drive transformative change through giving.

Vibrant Giving Culture

The African American Church has a vibrant tradition of legacy giving, deeply rooted in faith, resilience, and the pursuit of social justice. Members are encouraged to support their churches’ ongoing community programs by establishing legacy funds in the name of a deceased family member and including the church in their estate planning. This culture of legacy giving not only helps secure the church’s financial stability but also ensures ongoing support for vital community initiatives.

Addressing Financial Literacy Gaps

One challenge faced by those who attended the Lake Institute gathering in October is in addressing financial literacy gaps. Many congregants may not have access to resources

or knowledge about effective financial planning and philanthropy. Faith leaders can play a crucial role in conducting workshops and educational programs to enhance financial literacy within the congregation. Equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge, individuals can make more informed decisions regarding their charitable giving and estate planning.

Fostering Transparency and Accountability

It is essential to foster transparency and accountability in fundraising efforts. I would add that your giving increases based on your levels of openness! Faith leaders can implement robust systems for tracking and reporting funds, ensuring that donations are effectively utilized for community programs and initiatives. Transparent communication about the impact of these programs will further encourage congregants to continue their generous support.

Navigating Cultural Barriers to Giving

Cultural barriers can sometimes hinder philanthropic efforts within the African American Church community. There may be skepticism or mistrust due to historical injustices or a lack of understanding about the impact of charitable giving. Faith leaders can address these barriers by engaging in open dialogue, sharing success stories, and highlighting the positive societal transformations that result from collective giving. This process can help

dispel misconceptions and build confidence in the power of philanthropy.

Leveraging Technology, Partnerships, and Education

The African American Church community has significant opportunities to enhance the impact of giving and philanthropy efforts through technology, partnerships, and education. Utilizing online platforms for fundraising and donor engagement can expand reach and make it easier for congregants to contribute. Collaborations with other organizations and institutions, such as universities and foundations, can provide access to additional resources and expertise. Lastly, ongoing education and training for faith leaders can ensure they are well equipped to guide their congregations in effective philanthropic practices.

The practice around giving and philanthropy in the African American Church is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith, resilience, and social justice. By addressing financial literacy gaps, fostering transparency and accountability, and navigating cultural barriers, faith leaders can continue to strengthen this community and drive transformative change. Through leveraging technology, partnerships, and education, the African American Church can further enhance its impact and bring about positive societal transformation, leaving a lasting legacy of giving and social change. ❏ ❏ ❏

FAME Oakland Hosts Fire Commemoration Weekend

Unbelievable. Awe-struck. Paralyzed. Broken. Such emotions overwhelmed the FAME Oakland congregation when a three-alarm fire destroyed their beloved church structure on February 19, 2023.

“It was as if time stood still,” said senior pastor the Rev. Dr. Rodney D. Smith, remembering the smoke that covered the skies as Oakland firefighters heroically fought for seven hours to protect the East Bay’s oldest black church.

In spite of calamity, God’s grace and mercy has held FAME Oakland together and now they prepare for an uplifting community-driven, worship-elevating, soul-stirring, God-praising three-day commemorative weekend experience themed “Up From the Ashes!” (UFTA24)

“Despite what it looks like, we know God will give us joy instead of mourning and beauty for ashes! This is a major opportunity to reflect and remember that God always turns everything in your favor when he is in control,” said first lady, the Rev. Amittia Smith.

Presented by the Bay Area Ministerial Alliance, and sponsored by AT&T, PG&E, and Radius Recycling, the UFTA24 weekend kicks off on February 17, 2024 with a high-spirited Community Day filled with exciting activities and games, food trucks, and dance classes. A variety of vendors will be on hand to provide vital information on health and wellness, education,

and employment opportunities. In addition, each and every family attending will receive grocery cards to promote and prioritize good nutrition.

Award-winning actor Delroy Lindo, local radio personality Cuzzin Dre, and other surprise guests will take part in a conversation titled “Black Men Need Therapy” led by Pastor Rodney. Sunday, February 18 th, FAME Oakland will host a next level worship service as the congregation marks the last gathering they shared as a “FAMEly” in the beloved sanctuary before the fire.

The weekend concludes with a POWER PACKED

musical experience with Grammy nominated artist Zacardi Cortez, Gospel extraordinaire the Rev. Jeffery Williams along with a debut from Pastor Rodney as FAME embarks on the next phase of its rebuild journey.

“I have always believed that this was an opportunity to build back bigger and better, and to embrace FAME’s rich legacy of service and spiritual empowerment in Oakland,” said Smith. “I am overwhelmingly proud of FAME’s resilience and steadfastness to lean on God.”

More information, including tickets for the UFTA musical experience and Community Day registration, can be found at www.fameoakland. org or on the church’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Dexter King Died Believing That the Truth of His Father’s Killing Will Someday Rise

Dr. Barbara Reynolds

Not another King dying far too soon. This was the immediate reaction of many at the news that Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, had died from prostate cancer at age 62. In 2007 his sister Yolanda died at age 52.

At the time of his death, Dexter had served as both chairman of the King Center and president of the King Estate. In that capacity he engaged in legal intellectual property fights with corporations, federal agencies, and court suits with family members to protect his parents’ legacy. His strongest crusade, however, was his battle to bring to justice those responsible for his father’s murder.

Born in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 1961, he was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served in his first pastorate and helped launch the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott. He was the second-born son of Dr. King and Mrs. King and was only 7 years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968.

For years, Dexter King, who has an amazing resemblance to his globally acclaimed father, confessed that when he “looked in the mirror he saw his father’s face trapped in mine.” In his memoir, Growing Up King, he spoke of

gazing upon the writing on his father’s crypt, “Free At Last,” and feeling that same sense of freedom. Yet he was freed in a different way - not in death - but in the resolution of living his best life on his own terms and not becoming a prisoner of the King name. As a journalist and later biographer of Coretta Scott King, I was in and out of the King household since the seventies watching their becoming years. As a teenager Dexter used to love talking about one day becoming a businessman and he started his first enterprise, a music company where he hired himself out as a disc jockey for weddings. In later years, his zest for business skills took root at the King Center, where he sometimes took the reins of the King Center with his siblings helping it to become a beloved world house of peace and non-violence.

Coretta King said all four siblings—Martin III, Yolanda, Dexter, and –Bernice had inherited specific qualities from her and their father. Yolanda had a love for the performing arts and became an actress. Martin III, a social justice activist; Bernice, a call to ministry and pastoral and organizational leadership; and Dexter, a drive to master the complexities of life by pushing forward, overcoming the most difficult problems, even when at the very root he had to overcome himself.

Church Responds to Senseli Disaster

Samuel Phiri, The Times

African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) 17 th Episcopal District

Presiding Bishop David Daniels has directed all the 506 AME churches in Zambia to contribute a special offering for the Senseli open pit mine tragedy.

In a letter circulated to all the AME churches dated December 17, 2023, Bishop Daniels described the Chingola disaster as a heavy burden on the families of the deceased, President Hakainde Hichilema, the government, and the entire community.

The bishop, based in the United States of America, said he has keenly followed how President Hichilema has led the government and the people of Zambia through the tragedy and says the church feels obligated to help in both prayers and resources.

Earlier in the month, Bishop Daniels assigned the Rev. Royd Mwendu from the South West Zambia conference where the tragedy occurred and a team of church members to be part of the recovery efforts team of the over 30 miners.

“We, as the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will continue to be part of the programme. Kindly allow me to also, on behalf of the 17 th Episcopal

Embrace the Journey

Robbie Colson-Ramsey, Contributing Writer

District and indeed on behalf of the Connectional church to also pass our heartfelt condolences to the South West Zambia conference on the loss of lives of the hard-working who each day went out to work for their families,” the bishop said.

Bishop Daniels further directed that each local AME church in Zambia should, by December 18, send all the special offerings to the Episcopal treasury, who will present the money to the government structures coordinating the programme upon completion of all formalities. ❏ ❏ ❏

This is the season that we make resolutions, sign up for the gym again, search the house for magazines, glue, and scissors to make our yearly vision boards, and run to Walmart or Target for the perfect planner and a journal. We watched and saved all the motivational clips on social media because this is the year of becoming. This year we will rise to the occasion and give oursel ves a standing ovation because we have a sense of purpose and a commitment to personal and community growth.

We must embrace the journey of responsibility that comes with being a first spouse in the context of our faith community. It can be meaningful and impactful.

You approach this role with a sense of purpose and a commitment to serving the greater good of the kingdom. On the journey’s path, you must be well equipped for the smooth sunny days and storm-filled nights that create rough terrain. Here are keys that will help you become b etter equipped:

1. Prioritize Prayer and Seek Spiritual Guidance: Praying regularly and seeing spiritual guidance is critical to your life’s journey. Connecting with God’s wisdom and people filled with wisdom can provide insight and strength in fulfilling your responsibilities. You must remember the power of prayer is so powerful in maintaining a peaceful life.

2. Lead by Example: Be compassionate, kind, and inclusive in your interactions. Serving as a positive role model can inspire those around you. Stop being standoffish, be welcoming, create conversations, and learn something about the members so that you can always have something to talk to them about: recipes, grandchildren, work, school, and significant others; this creates fellowship

and relationships with members. Members go hard for people they feel connected to.

3. Be a Supportive Presence: Be present and supportive of members of your church community. Actively engage in events, gatherings, and activities to foster a sense of unity. In simple words, show up for church and church events; if you don’t show up with a smile, why do you think the parishioner will support the church? Remember, you are the number one cheerleader of the church.

4. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment within the church. If people see you as cold and mean, people don’t want to be a part of a non-welcoming environment; be warm and always remember the joy of Jesus.

When thinking about the church and the community, ask yourself if the church would move out of the community, would any miss it, and if the answer is no, we are not creating an atmosphere where people want to be.

5. Be a Listening Ear: Create a space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Actively listen and respond empathetically, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

As you navigate the journey ahead, continue to adapt and refine these keys based on the evolving needs of the congregation. Continue to stay connected to the Word of God and have ongoing conversations with your spouse to ensure that you are both on the same accord to embrace the journey. ❏ ❏ ❏

140 Years of Worship at Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church

Desiree V. O’Bryant, 6th Episcopal District

“The Cornerstone of Our Worship” was the theme for Saint Peter AME Church’s 140th Church Anniversary in Fort Valley, GA. The theme was descriptive of the worship experience received by all on this celebratory occasion which commenced on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The servant leader of the anniversary program was the Reverend Anthony A. Dixon II, pastor of Saint Peter. The celebration began with the Tolling of the Bell which symbolizes the founding church fathers and the generational family members of Saint Peter. A Praise and Thanksgiving selection titled “He’s Able” was performed by the Saint Peter Anniversary Celebration Ensemble. The Saint Peter musicians were Brother Jabarri Johnson, el ectric keyboard; Brother Nicholas Ross, percussionist, and Garren Walker, pianist. The Litany of Empowerment was led by Pastor Dixon II. The praise festival continued with an uplifting selection, “One Day It Rained.” After the selection Sister Frances O’Bryant delivered a thankful and fervent prayer. The Rev. Ruben Brown read the New Testament scripture, Romans 12:1-13. As a preface to the occasion, Sister Raven Johnson and Brother Allen Brown recited the words from a song titled “Just Us’’ by William Murphy…Seek Justice, seek purpose, we stand together for justice, we gon’ change the world, we gon’ change the world.

Brother Ashley Ballard, anniversary general chairperson, gave a warm welcome along with the occasion. He spoke about how the African Methodist Episcopal Church has always embraced change, while helping those in need, transforming souls and glorifying God. The AME Church, he said, continues the historic legacy of freedom, faith, love, and God, and has always been a dwelling place for all generations. As we celebrate the cornerstone of our worship, Saint Peter has always been and will continue to be a beacon of hope for justice while also continuing to play a pivotal role in the fight for equality, racial injustice, and the voting rights movement. Brother Ballard emphasized that St. Peter is looking forward to many more years of faith, community, and unwavering commitment to “freedom for all.” Next on the anniversary program was the presentation of “The M.E. Singleton Service Award.” This marks the 19 th anniversary of this prestigious award which is presented annually in memory of Brother Merchant E. Singleton. Brother Singleton was an esteemed servant who was faithful and dedicated to his beloved church, St. Peter, and the Fort Valley community. The first recipient of the award was the Honorable District Attorney Anita Reynolds Howard. District Attorney Howard is the first African American and the first female to serve in the Macon Judicial Circuit. She possesses qualities of character and honor, and has served as an advocate for positive change throughout the communities. The second

The Harvest Will Come

Debra

Whitlock-Lax

People have asked Pastor Debra, why do you invest so much time in the community when your efforts do not bear fruit or add members to your congregation?

She responds that investing time in the community, even when efforts may not bear immediate fruit, can be grounded in various scriptures:

1.We walk by faith and not by sight. The harvest will come. The Bible says in Galatians 6:9 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

2.We are called to glorify God and trust him to add members to his church. The Bible says in Matthew 5:16 (NIV): “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

3. Our labor is not in vain; we will press on! The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV): “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

recipient was none other than Saint Peter’s pastor, the Rev. A. Dixon II. The Rev. Dixon possesses a caring, compassionate, and cheerful spirit. He is an effective leader and always takes a stand for justice in the community. The Rev. Dixon introduced the anniversary messenger, the Rev. Dexter R. Burney, pastor of Old Bethel Baptist Church in Bartow, GA. The Rev. Burney’s sermon scripture was Luke 13:10-11 and his sermon title was “You Make It Look Easy.” The Rev. Burney preached about Christians who are going through tough times… they need to have the peace of God operating in their life. He testified that he has learned to encourage himself when no one else will, and when he is going through struggles, he has learned how to pray for himself. In times of trials and tribulations, he said, Christians should be giving God the praise. Do not focus on your dilemma, but make your way to the church because there is power in the church. His sermonic message resonated with the worshippers in a mighty way. After the enthusiastic remarks from the Rev. Dixon, the grace and benediction were given by the Rev. Burney. A tasteful anniversary dinner awaited the congregants in the Ulric George Fellowship Hall. The Rev. Dr. Harvey R. Williamson is the Macon Georgia South District presiding elder and the Right Rev. Reginald T. Jackson is the Sixth Episcopal District presiding prelate. ❏ ❏ ❏

4. Earthly-minded people measure success by numbers. I measure success by the souls touched. We dig up, sow seeds, and water the ground. God gets the increase. We don’t know what God is going to do with the lives we

The Rev. Dexter Burney, Lady Melissa Dixon, and the Rev. Anthony Dixon.

encounter in the community. Thus, I choose to have an eternal perspective rather than a secular or carnal one of measuring fruitfulness. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17 (NIV): “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

While tangible results may not always be apparent, the biblical principle is to trust in God’s timing and continue to faithfully serve the community for his glory, with or without the help of others. Ignore the naysayers who do nothing but throw shade, complain, and gossip. Do what God has called you to do. The Harvest Will Come. ❏ ❏ ❏

“Vermin:” Trump Crosses Fully Into Nazi Territory

“Poisoning the blood of our country,” “our religion,” “root out...vermin”

Robert P. Jones, White Too Long

One of the most dangerous things about Donald Trump is the way he has normalized hate speech. The venom and vitriol come so often that even when it is reported, its extremism fails to register with a fatigued and desensitized public. For a campaign that began with vulgar boasts about grabbing women by the genitalia and the mocking of a disabled reporter, to a presidency marred by repeated nods to white supremacists, it’s no surprise that Trump has produced outrage after outrage throughout his post-defeat, perpetual vengeance campaign.

Even as a scholar who has tracked Trump’s rhetoric and its impact on his followers carefully since 2015, I have found myself, too often, responding to Trump’s latest hateful outburst with a demoralized shrug. Back in early 2016, I was keeping a list. It soon became unwieldy and impossible to keep up. Over the last eight years, the sheer volume has made us, collectively, comfortably numb.

But Trump’s most recent comments should jar us back to our senses. They signal something new, even for Trump—that he has now fully embraced the rhetoric and strategies of the Nazis. If we care about democracy and the safety of all of our neighbors and fellow citizens, we can’t dismiss these comments as typical bluster or with a wave of the hand because “Trump is just being Trump.”

Trump MAGA Rally in Mesa, AZ. Photo credit: The Epoch Times (Creative Commons license).

Here’s what former President Donald J. Trump—the leading GOP presidential candidate—has said in the last few weeks:

• ROOT OUT…THE VERMIN.

Recently, Trump was in New Hampshire, where he delivered a nearly two-hour rambling tirade on Veterans Day. Trump’s closing should send a chill up the spine of every student of history and everyone who cares about democracy: “We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country that lie and steal and cheat on elections. They’ll do anything, whet her legally or illegally, to destroy America and to destroy the American Dream.”

• POISONING THE BLOOD OF OUR COUNTRY. On October 5th, a late September interview Trump gave to a right wing website surfaced in which he made these bigoted and unfounded claims about immigrants: “Nobody has any idea where these people are coming from, and we know

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they come from prisons. We know they come from mental institutions and insane asylums. We know they’re terrorists. Nobody has ever seen anything like we’re witnessing right now. It is a very sad thing for our country. It’s poisoning the blood of our country. It’s so bad, and people are coming in with disease. People are coming in with every possible thing that you could have.”

• THE THREAT FROM WITHIN. Trump’s Veterans Day speech also encouraged his followers to view their fellow citizens as agents of evil: “The threat from outside forces is far less sinister, dangerous, and grave than the threat from within. Our threat is from within…. Despite the hatred and anger of the radical left lunatics who want to destroy our country, we will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

In the past, one of Trump’s favorite rhetorical games was to make hateful statements, only to wave them off with half denials when challenged. Trump’s behavior these last weeks signals that he’s moved beyond even that tactic. Trump doubled down on the use of “vermin” to describe his political opponents in a Truth Social post the same day as his speech.

And when The Washington Post reached out to the Trump campaign to respond to criticisms that these comments echoed the rhetoric of Nazi and fascist leaders, Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman, replied defiantly, “Those who try to make that ridiculous assertion are clearly snowflakes grasping for anything because they are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and their entire existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House.” [Note: In a puzzling move, the Trump campaign later tried to amend the statement to replace the phrase “entire existence” with “sad, miserable existence.”]

In graduate school, I concentrated in political philosophy and ethics, where I was rightly trained to be wary of arguments that tried to score rhetorical points by deploying a Nazi analogy, a move sometimes called reductio ad Hitlerum in philosophical circles. This tactic is a logical fallacy, typically taking the form of a slippery slope argument (“this policy sounds like it would lead to…”) or an ad hominem argument (“you know who else made a claim like that?”). Basically, the invocation of Hitler or the Holocaust in an argument about something else is illegitimate because it is intended to be a conversation stopper by making hyperbolic claims about consequences or impugning the speaker as Hitler-like.

But I fear that our rightful reticence to invoke an inappropriate Nazi analogy has rendered us incapable of calling out instances of actual Nazi ideology.

What we are hearing from Trump over the last few weeks are not Nazi-like statements, but outright Nazi sentiments. Lest you think I am exaggerating, here are just a few selections from Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf that are soberingly similar to Trump’s most recent rhetoric (You can search the text yourself using Project Gutenburg Australia’s open source edition).

• Mein Kampf uses the term “vermin” three times and “rats” four times. Here is a sample: “The time seemed to have arrived for proceeding against the whole Jewish gang of public pests…. Now that the German worker had rediscovered the road to nationhood, it ought to have been the duty of any Government which had the care of the people in its keeping, to take this opportunity of mercilessly rooting out everything that was opposed to the national spirit. While the flower of the nation’s manhood was dying at the front, there was time enough at home at least to exterminate this vermin.”

• Mein Kampf references the word “blood” nearly 150 times, mostly in the context of notions of purity vs. contamination or poison. It notably intermixes references to both ethnicity and culture. References to blood as ethnicity appear right up top in chapter one with this claim: “German-Austria must be restored to the great German Motherland.… People of the same blood should be in the same Reich.” And here is Hitler railing against what he saw as a Jewish-controlled press, with a metaphorical reference to blood as culture: “And so this poison was allowed to enter the national bloodstream and infect public life without the Government taking any effectual measures to master the course of the disease. The ridiculous half-measures that were taken were in themselves an indication of the process of disintegration that was already threatening to break up the Empire. For an institution practically surrenders its existence when it is no longer determined to defend itself with all the weapons at its command.” And this: “All the great civilizations of the past became decadent because the originally creative race died out, as a result of contamination of the blood.”

• Mein Kampf also characterizes the real threat to Germany as enemies within the country: “For never in our history have we been conquered by the strength of our outside enemies but only through our own failings and the enemy in our own camp.” And again: “The strength of a nation lies, first of all, not in its arms but in its will, and that before conquering the external enemy the enemy at home would have to be eliminated.”

In 1940, after Hitler had invaded Poland sparking a war with France and England that eventually led to World War II, George Orwell reviewed a new edition of Mein Kampf in the New English Weekly (the same edition available at the Gutenberg link above). His words about Hitler—

written five years before Animal Farm (1945) and nine years before Nineteen Eighty-four (1949)— are prescient for the American context today:

Ever since [Hitler] came to power—till then, like nearly everyone, I had been deceived into thinking that he did not matter—I have reflected that I would certainly kill him if I could get within reach of him, but that I could feel no personal animosity. The fact is that there is something deeply appealing about him. One feels it again when one sees his photographs—and I recommend especially the photograph at the beginning of Hurst and Blackett’s edition, which shows Hitler in his early Brownshirt days. It is a pathetic, doglike face, the face of a man suffering under intolerable wrongs. In a rather more manly way it reproduces the expression of innumerable pictures of Christ crucified, and there is little doubt that that is how Hitler sees himself….

One feels, as with Napoleon, that he is fighting against destiny, that he can’t win, and yet that he somehow deserves to. The attraction of such a pose is of course enormous; half the films that one sees turn upon some such theme….

Whereas Socialism, and even capitalism in a more grudging way, have said to people “I offer you a good time,” Hitler has said to them “I offer you struggle, danger, and death,” and as a result a whole nation flings itself at his feet. Perhaps later on they will get sick of it and change their minds, as at the end of the last war. After a few years of slaughter and starvation “Greatest happiness of the greatest number” is a good slogan, but at this moment “Better an end with horror than a horror without end” is a winner. Now that we are fighting against the man who coined it, we ought not to underrate its emotional appeal.

If we ever could, we certainly can no longer afford to think that Trump does not matter. He is the presumed nominee of one of America’s two major political parties; no other Republican candidate is within striking distance. In virtually every national poll—and in recent battleground state polls—a two-way election between Trump and Joe Biden is a tossup. In PRRI’s recent American Values Survey, conducted in partnership with the Brookings Institution, nearly all voters who supported Trump in 2020 (94%) said they planned to support him in 2024. More than three quarters of white evangelicals—along with nearly six in ten of both white non-evangelical/mainline Protestants (57%) and white Catholics (59%)— say that if the election were held today, they would vote for Trump. These levels of support from white Christians are virtually unchanged from 2016 and 2020.

Like other successful authoritarian leaders, Trump has uncanny political

instincts. Ever since he rose to power, his MAGA mantra has been conjuring a vision of an ethno-religious, white Christian state. His use of the phrase “poisoning the blood of our country” conjures both ethnic (where a contemporary conception of whiteness stands in for Aryan ethnicity) and metaphorical (where white Christian nationalism becomes the American expression of Hitler’s call for a new German Weltanschauung ) visions of things that are to be kept pure and protected from defilement.

His characterization of immigrants as dangerous, deranged, and diseased is setting the stage for what likely future Trump administration appointees such as Stephen Miller have promised will be “the most spectacular migration crackdown” and “the largest deportation operation this country’s ever seen” should Trump be re-elected.

Trump’s calls to “root out…vermin” who present a sinister threat from within the ranks of Americans intentionally dehumanize, in the eyes of his followers, all those who oppose him. The word “vermin” is a peculiar and deliberate word choice in political speech. Its appearance on Trump’s lips is no accident.

Finally, it is important to understand the religious dimensions of Trump’s rhetoric. As I’ve documented extensively (e.g., see the Afterword in White Too Long ), Trump has regularly appealed to white Christian audiences by promising to protect and restore the power of Christian churches. Speaking to a raucous crowd in New Hampshire on October 23 rd , Trump vowed to reinstate a Muslim travel ban and halt all refugee resettlement to the U.S. Then he went on to say this: “I will implement strong ideological screening of all immigrants. If you

hate America, if you want to abolish Israel, if you don’t like our religion — which a lot of them don’t — if you sympathize with the jihadists, then we don’t want you in our country and you are not getting in. Right?”

At his rallies, Trump’s favorite closing incantation of “one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God” echoes the rhythms of Hitler’s “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer” (one people, one realm, one leader).

Taken together, Trump’s recent statements reflect a willingness to trade in well-known Nazi propaganda tactics. Unlike Hitler, his speech most explicitly targets Muslims and immigrants rather than Jews (but it’s a risky bet to think American Jews won’t eventually be targeted if they don’t fit Trump’s narrow, rather Christian understanding of what he sees as America’s “Judeo-Christian” culture). But Trump’s rhetoric follows the blueprint used by Hitler and other authoritarian leaders who dehumanized their political opponents to enhance their own power. Ultimately, these Nazi tactics are the bricks that pave the road to political violence.

Indeed, we are already seeing the seeds of political violence sprouting in American soil, not only in the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 th but in what Trump’s followers are prepared to accept. One of the

most disturbing findings of PRRI’s American Values Survey was the increase in support for political violence. The number of Americans who agreed that “Because things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country” has jumped from 15% to 23% over the past two years. Today approximately one in three Republicans (33%) and white evangelical Protestants (31%) believe that political violence might be necessary to save the country.

Moreover, among those who believe the Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump, support for political violence rises to nearly half (46%). Among those who affirm the so-called Great Replacement Theory that immigrants are invading the country and replacing real Americans, and among those who understand America to be a divinely-ordained promised land for white Christians, support for political violence rises to four in ten (41% and 39% respectively).

Trump knows exactly what he is doing, and so should we. We should be clear about the basis of his appeal to his followers. And we should anticipate the violence to both our country and our neighbors that is sure to follow if he is reelected to the presidency. ❏ ❏ ❏

Signs of Everlasting Hope: the Christ-Child and Children’s Nurture in 2024

Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. — Psalm 90:2 and Psalm 103:17-18 RSV

2023 was marked by profound conflict and war— as well as increased hunger, poverty, unhoused peoples, and migration. This is expected to continue in 2024 and beyond. In early 2023, the United Nations issued a discouraging press report: “With the Highest Number of Violent Conflicts Since Second World War, United Nations Must Rethink Efforts to Achieve, Sustain Peace, Speakers Tell Security Council.” In the article, the British Nigerian Deputy SecretaryGeneral Amina J. Mohammed says, “Six out of seven worldwide are plagued by feelings of

insecurity, the world is facing the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War, and 2 billion people—a quarter of humanity— live in places affected by such conflict.

While 2023 fades and 2024 rises, many of us pray for peace. Some may have done this especially during the Advent-Christmas season and Watch Night services, where prayers were offered on New Year’s Eve in a tradition of people of African descent. This annual prayer tradition follows the ancestors who prayed in anticipation of their freedom during the enslavement period.

In so doing, many of us affirmed the words of the Psalter that “the steadfast love of the Lord (Emanuel) is from everlasting to everlasting.”

But the Psalter also reminds us that although we have this everlasting assurance of God with us, we are called to be living witnesses of this good news. He invites us to wrestle deeply with the question of what righteousness looks like for us now, knowing the everlasting assurance of God is with us—not just for ourselves but for all. More specifically, the Psalter says the answer to this question starts with understanding that our children must be a priority and that our covenant with God is lived out in our

testimonial actions of keeping God’s commandment of loving God, neighbor, and self (Matthew 12:30-31).

Children are those most affected by conflicts and wars. The United Nations Food Programme says that conflict is, by far, the number one cause of hunger and is especially cruel to children.

Recently Bread for the World launched our new advocacy campaign centered on children called Nourish Our Future! Domestic and international issues are included in the campaign. Passing a farm bill that protects and strengthens nutrition programs is critical. At the same time, there are other child-focused policies and programs that

we are pursuing together in this campaign. We invite you to come together as we move forward with this focus in 2024. Go to Bread.org to learn more about this.

Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World.

Twenty-Five Percent of Churches Disaffi liated From the United Methodist Church

Lovett

H. Weems, Jr., Lewis Center

The Lewis Center has issued a final report on disaffiliating churches in the United Methodist Church covering 7,631 churches approved by annual conferences for disaffiliation by December 31, 2023. There continue to be more similarities than differences between the cohort of disaffiliating churches and the total pool of United Methodist churches. Disaffiliating churches are disproportionately in the Southeastern (50 percent) and South Central (21 percent) jurisdictions. Conferences with 30 percent or more churches disaffiliating are highlighted here.

Twenty-Five Percent of Churches Disaffiliated

The 25 percent of churches disaffiliating between 2019 and 2023 represented 24 percent of the denomination’s membership in the United States.

The 25 percent of churches disaffiliating between 2019 and 2023 represented 24 percent of the denomination’s membership in the United States.

No one knew what to expect when disaffiliations began, certainly not how many churches would leave. For those expecting limited disaffiliations, the percentage of under 10 percent would have represented the comparable losses of churches and members in other similar denominations experiencing division in recent years such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

On the other hand, the 1844 division of Methodism over slavery, the break that served as a model for many proposing this denominational split, resulted in a 40 percent membership loss to the Methodist Episcopal Church when the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was formed.

The Southeastern Jurisdiction Accounted for 50 Percent of Disaffiliations

From the earliest disaffiliations, churches in the Southeastern Jurisdiction showed the most interest in disaffiliating. In 2019, 35 percent of United Methodist churches in the United States were in the Southeastern Jurisdiction. However, 50 percent of disaffiliating churches were in that jurisdiction. The other jurisdiction with disproportionately more disaffiliations is the South Central Jurisdiction. In 2019, 17 percent of churches were in the South Central Jurisdiction,

whereas 21 percent of disaffiliations were in that jurisdiction. Another significant block of conferences with higher than average rates of disaffiliations includes Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

Figure 1 shows the percentage of churches in each district before disaffiliations began, the percentage of disaffiliating churches from each jurisdiction, and the percentage of churches remaining from each jurisdiction.

Figure 2 shows the percentage of members in each jurisdiction before disaffiliations began, the percentage of members from disaffiliating churches in each jurisdiction, and the percentage of members in churches remaining from each jurisdiction. These figures are not exact because memberships often changed based on the disaffiliation decisions, with some transferring or changing their church membership in response to the action taken by churches.

Churches Seceding and Staying Were the Same Size

From the beginning of the disaffiliation process, the sizes of churches disaffiliating and those remaining have been similar. The median worship attendance for disaffiliating churches was 38, the same as the median attendance of all United Methodist churches.

Furthermore, disaffiliating churches and all United Methodist churches tend to match in the sizes of congregations based on worship attendance cohorts (table 1). The percentages

are not exactly the same in every size group but always very close to each other.

Notice the predominance of smaller churches in both groups. Churches with 50 or fewer in worship attendance constitute 62 percent before disaffiliation and 63 percent of disaffiliating churches. In fact, the current attendance of these churches is probably lower than these figures from 2019. Attendance numbers reported in subsequent years have been much smaller for virtually all congregations. Chances are that the median attendance today is well below the 38 each group reported in 2019.

Disaffiliating Churches Are Disproportionately White

Disaffiliation had far greater appeal for churches with majority white memberships (figure 3). There were churches comprised of people of color that disaffiliated including some, it was reported, with much enthusiasm. However, in the end, relatively few did so (table 2).

Disaffiliating Churches Were Less Likely to Have an Elder as Pastor

Compared to all United Methodist churches, disaffiliating churches have pastors who are less likely to be an active elder. Only 37 percent of

...continued on p23

disaffiliating churches were served by an active elder compared to 43 percent for all United Methodist churches. The difference for disaffiliating churches is made up by local pastors and lay supply pastors (figure 4).

Disaffiliating Churches Were More Likely to Have a Male Pastor

Only 19 percent of disaffiliating churches had a woman as lead pastor at the time of disaffiliation compared to 29 percent of United Methodist congregations as a whole who had a clergywoman as lead pastor (figure 5). This does not represent the proportion of pastors who are disaffiliating or remaining themselves. The pastor’s decision to remain a United Methodist pastor or to disaffiliate is a separate decision made by the pastors.

In previous reports, we have identified a range of similarities and differences between churches staying and leaving. Each time we noted that the similarities far outnumbered the differences. One reason is that those things that differentiate churches are often a function of their size. For example, a church with 25 worshipers will be more similar to a church of the same size a thousand miles away than to a neighboring church that is much larger.

Annual Conferences Most Impacted by Disaffiliations

Most United Methodist annual conferences are currently adjusting their operations based on changes due to disaffiliations. The financial impact at the conference level is not part of this report’s analysis, but it can be expected to vary

with the percentage and size of congregations lost. Obviously, the impact is not felt equally across conferences. Some face minimal impact while others must make major realignments. Below is one way of looking at the degree of impact of disaffiliations on conferences considering only scope and location of disaffiliations (table 3). This list includes conferences with 30 percent or more churches disaffiliating. Keep in mind that overall 25 percent of churches disaffiliated.

(1) = Median worship attendance of disaffiliating churches is 5 percent or higher than the overall conference median worship attendance.

(2) = Twenty percent or more of disaffiliating churches are located in highly populated counties in which two-thirds of the U.S. population resides. ❏ ❏ ❏

Always Be Mindful to Schedule Some Centering Time for Yourself”

Dr. Michael C. Carson, Full Columnist

I practice Mindfulness Meditation, striving to be fully present and aware of where I am at in life. Focusing on what I am doing and striving to not always being reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around me.

While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we strive to practice it on a d aily basis.

Mindfulness helps to wake up the inner workings of our mental, emotional, and physical processes.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is exploring. It’s not a fixed destination. Your head doesn’t become vacuumed free of thought, utterly undistracted. It’s a special place where each and every moment is momentous. When we meditate we venture into the workings of our minds: our sensations, emotions, and thoughts.

Mindfulness meditation will ask you to suspend judgment and unleash your natural curiosity about the workings of the mind, approaching your experience with warmth and kindness, to yourself and others.

While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we strive to practice it on a daily basis.

The goal of mindfulness is to wake up to the inner workings of our mental, emotional, and physical processes.

Author, speaker, and coach Rich Lewis focuses on “centering prayer” as a means of inner transformation. Lewis shares “Centering down consists of three steps. They are release, receive,

and rest.”

Jesus understood the purpose and place of spending quality personal time with God. “Jesus withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (St. Luke 5:16).

Engaging in thought, reflection, meditation, and prayer you are actively seeking the advice and guidance of the Holy Spirit!

Take the blessed opportunity to be alone with God and enjoy God’s command to “Be still” (Psalm 46:10).

Yes you are a part of society where it’s so very important to interact with others. You were not created to always be by yourself. You should be an active member of the community you belong to. How true it is that at the beginning of humankind’s existence God invoked community.

I hear Evangelist Catherine L. Carson sharing, “Community is so essential (Genesis 2:18; 1:27); however, it is also mandatory for you to spend precious and necessary time alone with God.” God declares to you, “Call unto me, and I will

answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3).

Be very intentional to schedule private time to bask in the beauty of contemplative holiness. Enjoy your “private prayer closet!” Patiently wait on the move of God in your life and listen for the voice of God to proclaim where God wants you to proceed in life!

Beloved, take time to pause and breathe. Be very dedicated to centering down with God. God has some wonderful things to tell you if you will only take time and listen.

I’m just saying!

On any given day you will hit a home run, get on base, or strike out. The only requirement is that you practice and every day come up to the plate and swing!

Dr. Carson can be contacted at refreshingcoach@gmail.com.

Carson’s Photo by: Photojournalist Kelly Lafferty Gerber

Transitions

Retired Episcopal Supervisor Dr. Dolly D. Adams (1931-2024)

Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams was born in Marksville, Louisiana, on August 13, 1931, and reared in New Orleans. The only child of the late Mr. and Mrs. Moses J. Desselle, Dolly was a graduate of Xavier University Preparatory High School in New Orleans and received a B.S. degree from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Magna Cum Laude; the Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and the Doctor of Education from Baylor University, Waco, Texas. Her academic preparation and strong Christian upbringing established the foundation for her life as an educator, Christian, and civic leader, and as a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Dr. Adams married the Right Reverend John Hurst Adams, 87 th bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, who preceded her in death. Bishop Adams served the church as bishop for 32 years, 16 of which he served as senior bishop.

As an educator, Dr. Adams has held various positions: elementary teacher and administrator, college dean, and university professor at the University of Michigan, Wilberforce University, Albany State College, Paul Quinn College, and Howard University School of Law. She last served as an adjunct professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

A woman of deep commitment to community service, Dr. Adams has held outstanding leadership positions in community service organizations. She served for four years as national president of The Links, Inc., and The Links Foundation, Inc., five years as national president of the Black Women’s Agenda, Inc., on the Board of Directors of the U.N.C.F., and the WHMM TV (Howard University) of Washington, D.C., Paul Quinn College, the Southern University Foundation and the Sisters of Charity Foundation. Dr. Adams served on the Board of Directors of the Black Women’s Agenda, Inc., the WMS Foundation, and the Links, Inc. From 1982-86, Dr. Adams was cited as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans by Ebony Magazine and Dollars & Sense Magazine named her as one of the Top 100 Black Business and Professional Women 1986 and 1987. Dr. Adams is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the N.A.A.C.P.

Her role as Episcopal supervisor of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) and the Ministers’ Wives of the Tenth (Texas), Second (Mid-Atlantic states), Sixth (Georgia), Seventh (South Carolina), and Eleventh (Florida and Bahamas) Episcopal districts covered a span of 32 years. Dr. Adams actively led the WMS, YPD, and Ministers’ Spouses in civic, religious, economic, political, and social endeavors. Examples of her leadership are the involvement of the WMS in foster care and adoption, support for cancer research, the digging of water wells in Africa, establishing daycare centers for homeless and abused women and children, and the Big MAK (Missionary Advocates for Kids). She leaves her mark with the educationally and spiritually enriching retreats conducted for WMS, YPD, and Ministers Spouses. She was instrumental in establishing and

funding the only African American Adoption Center in South Carolina, administered by the Reid House of Christian Service. In recognition of her services in South Carolina, the governor presented to her the Order of the Palmetto, the highest citation given by the state to a citizen.

Dr. Adams departed this life on February 3, 2024. She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters: Mrs. Gaye Adams Massey, Dr. Jann Adams, and Ms. Madelyn R. Adams; eight grandchildren: Amina Desselle Massey, Amilcar Kamau Massey, and Nyah Estelle Massey; Mitchell Gino Brogdon, Jr., John H. Adams-Brogdon, and Malcolm Moses Adams Brogdon; and Harrison Avery Adams Cobb and Timothy Fitzgerald S. Cobb, Jr.; and a host of extended family and friends.

Rev. Stephen Pierson (1941-2023)

Stephen Pierson was born January 5, 1941, in Houston, Texas to Swan Needa Canon and Ben Callandret. His mother later married Cleveland Pierson, whom in their union, Stephan became the second son of twelve children. Stephen graduated from Kashmere Gardnes High School and the Texas Barber College, pursuing a career as a professional barber. He often spoke of his “Conversion Experience” as a young man. Shortly after he accepted Christ, he acknowledged his call to the ministry at Wayman Chapel AME Church, Houston, Texas. After having been admitted to the Texas Annual Conference, he enrolled in the Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston, Texas, and graduated. Desiring to further his education, he attended the Interdenominational Theological Center and received certificates in Theology and Continuing Education. In 1964, he was assigned to Carverdale Mission (Woldridge Chapel AME Church), Cypress, Texas. In 1965, he was assigned to Union Bethel AME Church. In 1974, he was appointed to serve the Saint John AME Church, Brenham, Texas and in 1979 he was assigned to Bethel AME Church, Lubbock, Texas. In the 10 th Episcopal District, he was known as a builder of churches and communities.

Bishop Henry Wendell Murph invited the Reverend Stephen Pierson to transfer to the Fifth Episcopal District from the Tenth Episcopal District. On Sunday, September 3, 1984, Pastor Stephen Pierson preached his first sermon as pastor of Second AME Church, Los Angeles. At Second Church, he served graciously and initiated a radio broadcast, hosted the Fifth District West Mid-Year meeting and was a social activist for environmental justice in South Central Los Angeles. After a tremendous fire at Second Church, he initiated the restoration program of Second Church facilities. In 1991, he was assigned to Grant AME Church, Long Beach. And there, he reduced the mortgage and initiated a charitable giving program valued at approximately 1 million dollars in benefits to Grant Church. In 20072008, he served as the pastor of Ward AME Church, Junction City, Kansas. In 2008 upon the return of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, he was assigned as the pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, Riverside, California. Later he served the Primm Tabernacle AME Church of Pomona, ...continued on p25

California. He served as a delegate to the General Conference from 1976 to 2000. He was also a member of the Preliminary Inquiry Committee of the AME Church and after fifty-one years of ministry he retired in 2014.

The Reverend Stephen Pierson departed this life on December 29, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 57 years, Thelma Holmes Pierson; brothers, John A. Pierson, Clarence B. Pierson, Frederick E. Pierson, and two sisters, Diane E. Pierson and Lynda J. Pierson, all of Houston, Texas. He

will be greatly missed by his children, Stephanie Pierson-Ragland (Arthur) (Houston, Texas); the Reverend Mark (Kelli) Pierson (Macon, Georgia); the Reverend Timothy (Candice) Gregoir-Pierson (Modesto, CA); Loneeda Pierson. Grandchildren; the Reverend Roderick Pierson, Tanisha Pierson, Antoine Ragland, Avery Ragland, Adrian Ragland, Brittany Irvin, Stephanie Pauletta Pierson, James Pierson, and Candice Gregoire-Pierson. Great grandchildren, Jayce Pierson, Jordyn Pierson, and Princeton Royce as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Rev. James E. Deas (1948-2023)

James Elton Deas was born on March 9, 1948, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Eula Canty. After marrying his mother, Alfred Deas adopted James as his son.

The Rev. Deas transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home on December 20, 2023, after a long period of illness. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eula Canty Deas, his father, Alfred Deas, Sr., and his brothers, the Rev. Alfred Deas, Jr., and Major McFadden.

James received his formal public school education in the city of Wilmington, North Carolina. He was very inquisitive and studious at an early age. After kindergarten, he was placed in the second grade where he developed a love for reading and science. In high school, James was inducted into many honor societies. He was president of the Student Council of Williston Senior High School and also president of the state of North Carolina’s student council at the age of 15. He was a member of the high school band, and during his senior year, he was the band’s drum major.

In 1965, he received a 4-year scholarship to Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey. James earned his Bachelor’s degree (Science and History Education) and Master’s degree (Student Personnel Services) at Seton Hall. As a student, he was one of the founders of the Black Student League and he served as the first president. For 12 years, he was employed by Seton Hall as a guidance counselor. During his time at the University, he became the first president of the Black Administrators, Faculty, and Staff Association. He founded a daycare center to provide care for the children of students attending the university. He also served as the first director of the Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Program. After leaving Seton Hall University, he was a guidance counselor in the Irvington Public School System.

James was ordained an itinerant deacon and itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He attended Drew University, Madison, NJ, and New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick, NJ, where he earned his Doctor of Ministry in Urban Ministry.

The Rev. Deas served in the New Jersey Conference as the pastor of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Washington, NJ; Bethel AME Church, Boonton, NJ; Allen AME Church, Newark, NJ; and St. Mark AME Church, East Orange, NJ.

The Rev. Deas served as the assistant secretary of the New Jersey Annual Conference and a member of the NJ Board of Trustees and Board of Examiners. For 30 years, he served in various capacities in the Department of Christian Education of the New Jersey Conference, from dorm counselor

at the Christian Education Congress in Dover, Delaware to chairman of the New Jersey Conference Board of Christian Education. He served as the executive director of the First Episcopal District Christian Education Department of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for four years. The Rev. Deas enjoyed researching and reading AME history. On Founder’s Day, there would always be a special program. He initiated the Poster and Essay Contest, “Who Wants to Be an AME” game show, the presiding elder district quilt display, and a museum of AME history.

He served as presiding elder of the Newark District, New Jersey Conference for three years. Under his leadership, the district developed a Faith Fund, raised $10,000 to help churches in the district, and the Newark District Choir was composed of a 50-plus membership. On March 9, 2008, he was appointed pastor of St. Luke AME Church, Newark, NJ. He retired from pastoring at the New Jersey Annual Conference in March 2015, but he did not retire from ministry.

The Rev. Deas and his wife Ruth returned to their home church, St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ. He was a member of the Marriage Ministry, Men’s Bible Study, and the Sons of Allen Ministry. He also served as the advisor to the ministerial staff.

The Rev. Deas was a humble servant of God who believed that loving God’s people was the key to a productive ministry. He believed that ministry should be centered around the needs of the congregation and community. Throughout his ministry numerous programs, projects, and ministries were developed: The Marriage Ministry, Christian Girls Club, Boys to Men Club, Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, After School Tutoring Programs, Women’s and Men’s Fellowships, strong church schools and Christian education departments, powerful Bible studies, men’s, women’s and marriage retreats, and vibrant young adult network. He knew that he was called to serve and not to be served. He found joy in serving God, even when he was faced with numerous health challenges.

The Rev. Deas departed this life on December 20, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Ruth, of 54 years, his daughter, Rhonda (the Rev. Samuel) of Mt. Wolf, PA, and his son, James, Jr. (Elizabeth) of San Ramon, CA. Three granddaughters, Rachel, Samara, and Emery; sistersin-law, Hazel (the Rev. Albert), Mildred, Evelyn, Carrie (Kevin), and Ann; brother-in-law Berman (Margaret); beloved friends (BRODEAS) Mike, Diane, Joe, and Darlene, two godsons (Jay and Mike, Jr.), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. ❏ ❏ ❏

CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS

* Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font , General Of ficers; and Blue font , Connectional Officers.

Congratulations to Dr. Thema Bryant, Who Begins Her Term as Convener of the Global Psychology Alliance With Over 70 Associations Represented From Around the World

Thema S. Bryant, Ph.D., is the 2023 president of the American Psychological Association (APA), the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology with more than 130,000 members.

Dr. Thema completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at Duke University and her postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical Center’s Victims of Violence Program. Upon graduating, she became coordinator of the Princeton University SHARE Program, which provides intervention and prevention programming to combat sexual assault, sexual harassment, and harassment based on sexual orientation.

She is a tenured professor of psychology in the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University, where she directs the Culture and Trauma Research Laboratory. Her clinical and research interests center on interpersonal trauma and the societal trauma of oppression.

She is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women and a past APA representative to the United Nations. Dr. Thema is author of the best seller Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole Authentic Self and host of the critically acclaimed mental health podcast Homecoming. She shares psychological and spiritual insights on television, radio, and social media.

JANUARY 2024

Clinical psychologist Thema Bryant appears on CBS Mornings to discuss how to reclaim and reconnect with your authentic self.

Dr. Thema is also an ordained minister, sacred artist, and mother, and she is the daughter of Bishop John R. Bryant (retired) and retired Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant.

Congratulatory expressions can be emailed to: queenakosua@icloud.com (the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant).

Presiding Elder Reverend Dr. Kenneth D. Love and the Reverend Dr. Donna S. Love, Consultant, Celebrates Their 40 th Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations to the Reverend Dr. Kenneth D. Love and the Reverend Dr. Donna S. Love as they celebrate their 40th , Ruby, wedding anniversary on January 20, 2024. They were married in Los Angeles, CA, and are currently serving in the Tennessee Mountain District of the East Tennessee Conference of the Thirteenth Episcopal District. Dr. Kenneth serves as presiding elder and Dr. Donna serves as consultant. It has been 480 months of hugs, 2,087 weeks of happiness, 14,610 days of togetherness, and 350,640 hours of love.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: Tennessee.Mountain.District@ gmail.com.

On behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sund ay School Union) the Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder Dr. John Thomas III, we celebrate and applaud your achievements.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV)

To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center: Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC.

NECROLOGY LISTINGS JANUARY 2023

* Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font , General Of ficers; and Blue font , Connectional Officers.

Mr. Edward Cole, father of the Reverend Helen Crosby, pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lexington, Mississippi, Eighth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church

Mrs. Frankie Mae Collier, the mother and mother-in-law of Brother Alfred and the Reverend Dr. Anese Collier, trustee pro tem and pastor of Miller Chapel AME Christ Centered Ministries; she was a pillar in her family, the church, and community, Fourth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church

Sister Bwalya Shula Musa, Miss Area 1 YPD’ER, the daughter to the Reverend Dr. Charles Musa, Seventeenth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church

The Reverend Dr. Steven Allen Jackson, a retired itinerant elder from the Pittsburgh/West Virginia Conference, Third Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church

The Reverend Maggie J. Patterson, (retired), an itinerant elder and former pastor of Wesley Chapel AME Church in Grenada, MS, Eighth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church

Sister Doris Mae Pinkney Lewis, the mother of the Reverend Richelle Lewis-Castine, pastor, Zion Chapel AME Church, Patterson, LA, Central North Louisiana Conference and the Reverend Kecia A. Lewis, itinerant elder, Louisiana Annual Conference, Eighth Episcopal District, and the grandmother of the Reverend Ritney A. Castine, pastor, Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Jersey City, NJ, First Episcopal District

The Reverend Dr. Dudley Trotman, an itinerant elder and pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Barbados, Sixteenth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church

Mrs. Gloria Lee Grant Horne, mother of the Reverend Dr. George G. Hartsfield, Sr. (the Reverend Dr. Cynthia), pastor of New Fountain Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL, Eleventh Episcopal District

The Reverend Carolyn Johnson, itinerant elder and former pastor in the Eighth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Sister Leatrice Jones, the mother of the Reverend Charles F. Flowers (Bettie), the pastor of Friendship AME Church,

Chattahoochee, FL, Florida Conference of the Eleventh Episcopal District

Mrs. Mildred Smith, the mother of the Reverend Dr. Stanley G. Smith, presiding elder of the Philadelphia District, of the Philadelphia Annual Conference of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Mrs. Emma Jewel Stevens, the mother of the Reverend Dr. Pamela Rivera, presiding elder of the Austin Capital District, Southwest Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District

Mrs. M. Faye Moore, the sister of the Reverend Dr. Deborah McCaffity, pastor of St. George African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lewis, Delaware in the First Episcopal District

Mrs. Clara Barbour, the wife of retired general officer, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour Jr., former president/publisher of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday School Union

The Reverend Robert C. Sherrod, Sr., age 47, a lifelong member of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Louisville, Kentucky, elected, and ordained a deacon in the AME Church in 2022, he was the pastor of Ward Chapel AME in Scottsville, Kentucky and had been a supply pastor of Waymen Chapel AME in Georgetown Kentucky, Thirteenth Episcopal District

Ms. Shenika Weaver, the daughter of Brother John Weaver who is the husband of the Reverend Elizabeth Shaw-Weaver, associate minister at Providence AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee, West Tennessee Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District

Sister Gertrude Long White, mother of the Reverend Dovie Lewis, pastor of Pleasant Grove AME Church, Marianna, FL, Eleventh Episcopal District

Presiding Elder T. W. Adair (retired), the former presiding elder for the Magnolia District of the West Arkansas Conference of the Twelfth Episcopal District

The Reverend Mari Darrough served as an itinerant deacon in the Greater Dallas District, serving as pastor (supply) at Evening Chapel AME Church, and then as the appointed pastor of Greater Allen Temple AME Church, both in Grand Prairie, Texas, Tenth Episcopal District

Condolences to the bereaved are expressed on behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/ publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Reverend Dr. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder, Dr. John Thomas III.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRSV)

To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC.

EDITORIAL

Founder’s Day Message 2024

Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, President of the Council of Bishops

As we gather in spirit and in truth to commemorate the hallowed Founder’s Day of our beloved African Methodist Episcopal Church, we do so with hearts filled with gratitude and reverence for the legacy of Bishop Richard Allen. His unwavering faith, indomitable spirit, and visionary leadership continue to guide us as we navigate the complexities of our time.

In this momentous period, we find ourselves amidst a critical juncture in our nation’s history, marked by pivotal national and local elections. The imperative of voter registration, education, and participation cannot be overstated. It is incumbent upon us, as stewards of the liberties we have been afforded, to engage actively in the democratic process. This engagement is not merely a civic duty but a sacred obligation to ensure that the principles of justice, equity, and compassion are

...From Dexter p16

upheld in the governance of our communities and our nation.

Furthermore, I am pleased to underscore the significance of the upcoming 52 nd Session of the General Conference, scheduled to take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, from August 21-28, 2024. This paramount assembly, hosted by the 3 rd Episcopal District, will convene under the theme “The Pandemics. The Promise. The Plan,” inspired by the divine assurance found in Jeremiah 29:11. This theme not only acknowledges the multifaceted challenges we face in the wake of global pandemics but also reaffirms God’s unchanging promise of hope and a future. I earnestly urge each of you to mark your calendars, for your attendance, participation, and engagement are essential as we collectively discern and implement God’s plan for our church and our world.

Confronted with the fear of death, instead of running from it, he freed himself by running into it. At age 16, he started working at a funeral home, the same one that buried his father. The experiences in the mortuary he attributed to his quest to come to terms with death and dying. To understand the intricacies of the criminal justice system, in 1982, for a short spell, he became a police officer in Atlanta. His stance to wear a uniform with a sidearm shocked the principled non-violent, anti-gun workers at the King Center. But he was determined to understand the system from the inside out.

Dexter also wanted to test his acting abilities. With his uncanny resemblance to his father, he portrayed him in the 2002 television movie, The Rosa Parks Story. His love for the creative arts drew him to relocate to California but he also continued his work with the King Center and commitment to the King family legacy,

As deftly as he helped free himself from fear and tradition, he also took responsibility for freeing his family, especially his mother, from digging their graves with their forks. He became a strict vegetarian, giving up sugars and starches until his body craved natural foods. He said he was bothered that his grandfather, Daddy King, might have lived a longer life had he eaten differently. At her son’s insistence, Coretta,

In our continuous pursuit of the well-being of our community, the Council of Bishops is unequivocally committed to the restoration and fortification of our retirement services department. This endeavor is not merely an administrative priority but a profound expression of our covenant to care for those who have shepherded God’s flock with diligence and devotion. Ensuring that our enrolled ministering families are adequately provided for is a testament to our collective responsibility and our shared values.

As we reflect on the current political climate, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. The global concerns that confront us—ranging from environmental degradation to the plight of the marginalized— call for our collective action and unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. Let

who had mastered the art of rich Southern style cooking, became a vegetarian. Once when I traveled with her to a Florida spa, I was dismayed that for a week, they served nothing but raw vegetables and veggie smoothies. Yet, she also believed her strict regimen eased her pain from gout and other discomforts prolonging her life. She died at the age of 78.

Both mother and son shared an intense determination to prove to the nation that James Earl Ray did not kill Martin Luther King, Jr., that his murder was the result of a conspiracy involving the U.S. government and the assassins should be held accountable.

In the early 1990’s I picked Dexter up at the D.C. airport and took him to the National Press Club where I had helped arrange a briefing on the assassination. He spoke about his plans to meet with Ray and that he believed Ray’s claim of innocence and, based on other evidence, felt along with other family members that Ray was not the lone assassin.

On December 8, 1999, Dexter and Mrs. King, on behalf of the family, pursued a civil suit in Memphis. A jury of six whites and six blacks unanimously implicated U.S. government agencies in the wrongful death of Dr. King. The shocking evidence convinced the jury that

us, therefore, be inspired by the example of Bishop Richard Allen, whose life was a beacon of hope and transformation.

In this season of remembrance and anticipation, let us recommit ourselves to the work before us with renewed faith and fervor. May the legacy of our founder invigorate us to embody the values of our faith in every aspect of our lives, advocating for a world that reflects God’s kingdom of peace, justice, and love. ❏ ❏ ❏

Dr. King had been the victim of assassination by a conspiracy involving the Memphis Police Department as well as local, state, and federal government agencies, and the mafia. The jury also concluded, just as Dexter had argued all along, that Ray was not the shooter, but had been set up as a patsy to take the blame.

This news, where both Dexter and Mrs. King testified, should have rocked the world, but unfortunately it landed like the noise of a feather hitting the ground. The verdict and shocking testimony were virtually ignored by the media - as it is today.

Dexter was often criticized for his insistence on following up on details ignored by the press, but he argued that it was hard for him to believe looking into his father’s murder was somehow illogical.

Yet, even in this failure, Dexter believed as his mother did, that they had both freed themselves of the guilt of not pushing for the truth. So many times, they had heard their father and husband say, “Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again.”

And they left this world believing that one day it would.

The Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds is co-author of the memoir, CorettaScottKing:MyLife,MyLove,My Legacy. Reprinted from TriceEdneyWire.com.

Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker Guest Editorial