February 2023 Edition of The Christian Recorder

Baptism of Caleb Akil Dickens

On December 27, 2022, Master Caleb Akil Dickens was baptized in front of an adoring crowd of family and friends at the home church of his mother, St. John AME Church in Fairburn, Georgia pastored by the Rev. Dr. Charles Ramsey. His mother, Rev. Conitras Houston Dickens, is the pastor of DuPage AME Church in Lisle, Illinois, and his father, the Rev. Akil Dickens, serves as the executive minister. The

secretary of the

Church.

Blessing Families in Need

Rev. Shadi Sasha Diale, 19th Episcopal District

P.A. Khiba Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Shasha Diale, celebrated Christmas with 19 members in need. The church, in partnership with one local supermarket, blessed the family with groceries and clothes. This family, led by an elderly mother, has 30 members, none of them working, living in a four-room house with no electricity. The church provided blankets and toiletries during wintertime and has now given them food and clothes for Christmas. The church is taking its position in the community. One church member helped by finding employment for a young lady in the family to help to sustain some of the needs.

P.A. Khiba Memorial AME Church would like to thank God for this wonderful gesture. If it was not through God’s might we could not have

Take Me to the Water: Lessons in Christian Baptism

Rev. Dr. James Keeton, Jr., Contributing Writer

Christian baptism is one of two sacraments we recognize in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. The word “sacrament” derives from a Latin word that means “mystery.” Consequently, sacraments are mysteries of faith where we cannot explain what happens in the sacrament, but by faith, we understand that God's grace meets us. Although baptism is a sacrament held in common by most Christian denominations, several make particular distinctions. Three primary differences with baptism include infant baptism, modes of baptism, and re-baptism.

10th District Lay Organization: Focused Training, Application, and Celebration

Kathy Drayton and L. Denise Powell, 10th Episcopal District

To enhance the Lay ministry and develop robust participation in the church, the 10th District Lay Organization will continue to facilitate training opportunities for members. The goal is to help participants put what they have learned into action. The Virtual Training Series focuses on the objectives of the Connectional Lay

Rev. Conitras Houston Dickens also serves as the special assistant to the general

AME

As a testament to his parents’ service to the Connectional AME Church, the baptism service included a bishop, general officers, and a member of the Judicial Council.

FEBRUARY 2023

The first distinction made with Christian baptism is with infant baptism. Baptism is the sacrament that incorporates us into the family of God that is made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (2021) states, "We hold that all children are members of the Kingdom of God by virtue of the unconditional benefits of atonement." In other words, Jesus's salvific work at Calvary is not relegated to specific age groups. Therefore, the denomination does not exclude children from being incorporated into the family of God. However, a missing component of the AME Church in embracing infant baptism is a uniform confirmation class. In other denominations, confirmation usually happens around the child's eighthgrade school term. Confirmation teaches the students the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith and allows them to make a public confession of Jesus Christ. As we continue to be a proponent of infant baptism, we must add a confirmation curriculum for our young people.

A second distinction with Christian baptism is the mode of baptism. Some denominations believe that immersion is the only acceptable mode. However, as African Methodists, this is not our belief. We believe that true baptism is a spiritual baptism that happens internally that is a mark of new birth and regeneration. Thus, the mode of baptism is a physical sign of an internal experience. In the

AME Church, adults and parents of children have a choice of three methods: Immersion, sprinkling, and pouring. Neither of these methods is greater than the other, and each has a scriptural foundation for its implantation.

Immersion or dipping is performed in a large body of water or a pool. It is most referenced when John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:13 (NRSV) says,

“And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him." This verse refers to Jesus coming up from the river after John has baptized him.

Sprinkling and pouring are carried out at a baptismal font around the altar in the sanctuary. Sprinkling is referenced in Ezekiel 36:25 (NRSV) when the text says, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.” Pouring is referenced in Acts 2:33 (NRSV) when the text says, “Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear.” Although these three verses are not exhaustive, they demonstrate that all three modes have foundations in scripture.

A third distinction is that the AME Church does not permit re-baptism. We do not embrace the concept of re-baptism because the sacrament is about what God is doing in our lives. God extends grace to us through the waters of baptism. As a result, for someone to say that they need to be re-baptized suggests that God's grace to them the first time was insufficient. As a result, the consequences for a pastor knowingly re-baptizing someone will be subject to either a suspension or location. There are, however, services designed to allow us to recommit ourselves to our baptismal vows. These services do not re-baptize us, but they will enable us to rededicate ourselves as baptized believers in Jesus Christ. Christian baptism is essential because it allows us to experience the grace of God that incorporates us into the family of God. God's grace cannot be taken for granted and should not be withheld from anyone, regardless of age.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER: The Christian Recorder (ISSN 1050-6039, USPS 16880) is the of icial 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.

thechristianrecorder.com

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

Of ice: 615.601.0450

General queries: editor@thechristianrecorder.com

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER

Submissions: articles@thechristianrecorder.com

Views expressed by the editor and/or other writers do not necessarily re lect the of icial views of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. TheChristianRecorder welcomes letters from its readers on matters of general interest. Letters must be exclusive to TheChristianRecorderand must be signed, including the writer’s home address and business telephone number. No defamatory, libelous or slanderous letters will be printed; and TheChristianRecorderreserves 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.

The Reverend Dr. James A. Keeton, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

2023

The service was presided over by the Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, general secretary/CIO and senior general officer of the AME Church. The opening prayer was given by the Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Bess, member of the Judicial Council. The scripture was read by Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown, executive director of the Department of Research and Scholarship of the AME Church. After a selection rendered by Dr. Leo Wheat (Caleb’s great uncle), Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry performed the baptismal service and liturgy. In her charge to the parents, she encouraged them to model the relationship that Caleb would need to guide himself on his Christian journey. We cordially congratulate Master Caleb and his family! ❏ ❏ ❏

Whatsoever

Byron Washington, Columnist

2023 is already gaining speed and momentum. The beginning of the year is when we hear declarations and people stating what they plan to change so that 2023 can be their best year.

This year, I encourage us to be mindful of a spiritual law at work, even when we do not realize it: 7Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the `Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-8 (NRSVU)

The Apostle Paul admonishes the Galatian church to be mindful of what they are sowing. Paul says, “whatsoever” that could be expressed as “anything” you sow, you will reap.

That is a powerful statement. This year we should be careful about what we are sowing, intentionally and unintentionally. We should consider how we talk about our job or life. Consider what seeds we have sown in 2023. Paul provides some additional guidance stating that in our process of sowing, there are two places we can sow into, the flesh or spirit.

Brothers and sisters, make the utmost effort to sow to the spirit. Instead of getting so upset because somebody cut you off, that you start yelling, try to cut them off and escalate a minor infraction into a more significant issue. Sow to the spirit,

achieved this if it was not through God’s wisdom and power. ❏ ❏ ❏

stay relaxed, have self-control and continue about your day. For example, as I closed yesterday, I was driving and looking for a business I had never been to, and this gentleman was very close driving behind me, revving his engine and all of this. At first, I wanted to get upset. Instead, I pulled over and let him pass and then continued to look for the place I was going.

The world we live in is full of darkness. So sow to the spirit to reap spiritual things in the end. Anger, rage, jealousy, lying, hurtful words, and so on will grow into an unwanted harvest.

As we are swiftly moving through 2023, sow good seeds so that at the end of 2023, you will be proud of your spiritual harvest and thank God. God bless, and always be encouraged. ❏

Organization.

The series began with “Creating an Evangelistic Atmosphere.”

Objective H: Promote the spread of personal evangelism.

Associated Activity: Encourage laity to participate in evangelistic efforts. Members will obey the great commission by employing a systematic approach to introduce others to Christ.

The Rev. Dr. Mark Crutcher, Pastor of Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Miami, Florida, encouraged members to be concerned for people without a personal relationship with Christ.

Next in the series was ”Be in the Know: AMEC Publications,” introducing members to various publications. Wiliam “Bill” Ayers led the discussion and provided historical information on the publications.

OBJECTIVE J: Increase the circulation of church periodicals. Provide information on church publications and how to submit articles.

Associated Activity: Encourage laity to participate by submitting articles and subscribing to publications.

The final lesson in the virtual series scheduled for December 2022 is Know Thy Numbers which will fulfill…

OBJECTIVE I: Provide training in

Christian stewardship . Understand the finances of various levels of the church.

Associated Activity: Members will be able to read and understand various financial reports and use this information to inform decisions affecting the church.

The State Lay Convention provided other training opportunities. The Tenth Episcopal District Director of Lay Activities (DOLA), Kathy Drayton, led a workshop titled “Who Will Take Care of You?” She discussed finding balance in life and service while acknowledging that it is okay to say “No” to avoid burnout. The convention also addressed two factors that will shape the future of the church, for good or bad. An open dialogue must exist between laity and clergy to determine how to keep the church relevant in these times. Presiding Elder Chuma Okoli, North Houston District, led a workshop on “Communicating Through the Quarterly Conference,” focusing on the quarterly conference as a key place for members to hear the official, legal status of their church. The key takeaway from the workshop was the question: Are there any appeals? This question opens the door for members to express concerns.

In shaping our future, understanding the necessity and power of the legislative process is paramount. The laity and clergy can rewrite, update, or add to the laws of the denomination. William Earl, the

10th District Legislation Committee chairperson, led the workshop “Let’s Write a Bill,” which discussed the whys and hows of submitting legislation.

The training was the focus as we celebrated our founder Richard Allen with a 15-minute collaborative project. Participants created poems or short stories using dates 1760, 1787, 1865, 1794, 1816, or 2022, or the words “education,” “self-help,” or “self-determination.”

The following is an example of a futuristic poem.

Richard

Allen

Reflection on 2022

Authors: Phyllis Bergen Jackson, Wyline Thompson & Sherry Williams

–I’m very proud of how the church has thrived. It is strong and inclusive, especially for women and youth.

–When we walked out of St. George in 1787, I’m surprised that the 11:00 worship hour is still the most segregated hour.

–I’m elated to see how we have moved from the blacksmith shop to the beautiful sanctuaries of all sizes designed by some AME members.

–I’m overjoyed to see the influence the church has had on social issues and how we are now located in 20 Episcopal Districts.

–I’m proud to see women in the ministry but sad to see it took until 2000 to elect a female bishop.

–As I reflect, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1865, and it took until 2021 for it to become an official holiday.

–As I consider all that has happened in the world, much has not really changed. We’ve endured Yellow Fever in 1793, and in 2020, until the present, we have the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic.

–To my AME Family, I’m proud of the progress that has been made, the beautiful colleges that have been established, and the influence our members have in the justice system. However, I challenge you to not become complacent, there is much work to be done and many lost souls to save.

As Lay members, we accept this challenge to continue the work through training and associated activities that began in 1787. Members are determined to make our church the best it can be.

Kathy Drayton is the director of Lay activities for the 10th Episcopal District Lay Organization, where Dr. Rodrick Moore is president. Mrs. Drayton is a member of St. Paul AME Church in Houston, Texas (the Rev. Roderick Dawson, pastor) and treasurer of the Connectional Lay Organization.

L. Denise Powell is a librarian, freelance copy editor, and avid reader. Her other interests include plants and healthy living. She currently lives in Houston, Texas.

Receiving God’s Letter of Recommendation: Displaying Excellence in Christian Stewardship

Rev. Dr. Jason Curry, Columnist

Depending on your line of work, you may have received a letter of recommendation. Perhaps a high-school teacher, a college professor, or a colleague at work has written an outstanding letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters of recommendation are important inasmuch as we often need them to climb the ladder of personal and professional success.

The Apostle Paul understood the importance of writing letters of recommendation. In 2 Corinthians 3:1-2, he writes: “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Surely we do not need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you or from you, do we? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by all…” Although paper or “physical” letters of recommendation are important, the kind words, commendations, or values expressed in the physical letter of recommendation should also be evident in the behavior of the person being recommended.

Paul was a leader in Christian ministry in the early church, and in 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 Paul provided a person that he recrui ted for the ministry with an outstanding letter of recommendation. Paul spoke of the “earnest care” of Titus as well as Titus’ enthusiasm for Christian service (2 Corinthians 8:16-17). Paul regarded him as a “partner and coworker” (2 Corinthians 8:24), and he trusted Titus to lead a small delegation of three people to direct a financial collection effort in Corinth. The offerings would help churches in need of financial assistance throughout the region. Paul commended Titus for his Christian stewardship.

You and I resemble Titus since we have a “divinely orchestrated” assignment to fulfill. However, if God were to advocate for others on our behalf, would we receive glowing letters of recommendation based on our stewardship of God’s assignments for us? Would God brag about our willingness to forgive? Would God boast about our inclination to love? What would God say about our commitment to building “the kingdom” on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10)? Would our behavior truly match God’s comments in God’s recommendation for us?

We should constantly strive to receive a good letter of recommendation from the Lord. Let us continue to draw on the resources of the faith

(e.g., prayer, fasting, and reading God’s Word) so that there will be a little discrepancy between what God says about us (e.g., God loves us - see John 3:16) and how we live our lives. James 1:17 reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows”; therefore, let us strive to continue to be outstanding stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. ❏

America Is Praying Mightily for the Healing and Recovery of Damar Hamlin

James B. Ewers, Jr., Ed.D., Columnist

Did we win? Those were the first words written by Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills safety, after regaining consciousness. The doctors said, “Yes, Damar, you won. You won the game of life.”

On Monday Night Football, Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, Tee Higgins.

Watching this unfold on national prime time television was shocking and unnerving. My immediate reaction was that it was concussion related. If you recall just a few weeks ago, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa got up after being hit on a play and then fell back to the ground. By the reaction of the players, this was a life-threatening matter that needed immediate and direct attention.

I have watched professional football for years, and what happened was a first for me. As we later found out from broadcasters Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, this had never before happened. On the field, reporter Lisa Salters provided much needed updates for television viewers as well. The football world stopped in its tracks and came to a screeching halt. First downs and touchdowns did not matter. Offsides and onside kicks were of no importance. The only thing that mattered was the life of Damar Hamlin.

When the game was halted, the Bengals were leading 7-3 in the first quarter, yet the players did not have that on their minds. Men were

emotional and on their knees praying for Damar Hamlin and his life not as a football player but as a person. The responses by the medical professionals and the training staffs were timely. They knew what they were doing. Credit the National Football League for having the resources there that provided the necessary assistance that Damar Hamlin needed.

As football fans, I do not think we appreciate how comprehensive the National Football League (NFL) is when it comes to emergency situations. By any barometer, this was a medical emergency that required quick thinking and intentional action. One Buffalo Bills athletic trainer is being singled out for high praise. Head

An Old Challenge for a New Year

Rev. Jason D. Thompson, Ph.D., Contributing Writer

The advent of the New Year prompts many of us to think about our lives and its meaning. This time of the year motivates me to do what I read in a caption recently, to “teach them early what we learned late.” To facilitate a discussion about our lives now and in the future, grab a blank sheet of paper and at the top, write “January 1, 2023”; at the bottom, write “December 31, 2023.” This blank sheet of paper represents (metaphorically) the year ahead. Right now, the space between those two dates is similar to what this impending year offers us: A blank space waiting to be filled.

What will you do with this space? To get the right answer, we must first ask the right question, and I believe both the question and answer find their source in God, not in material possessions that society uses to determine “success.” So the question every person must ask in 2023 is this: What is God doing, and how can I join?

Genesis 1, a text most appropriate for a beginning, asserts that God, the one almighty, benevolent God, created the world out of “nothing.” God’s power calls forth something purposeful and valuable that doesn’t exist until God calls it. At the beginning of the created order, God sees the earth as “a formless void” (Genesis 1:2). The Hebrew word for formless suggests that the earth was

coach, Sean McDermott gave assistant athletic trainer, Danny Kellington praise for “saving Damar’s life.” It was Kellington who administered CPR to Damar Hamlin who had lost his pulse on the field.

Coach McDermott said, “For an assistant to find himself at that position and needing to take the action that he did and step up and take charge like he did and there were others on the field as well is nothing short of amazing.”

America had a restless night that Monday as we watched Damar Hamlin being taken off the field to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. But, eventually, the breathing

tube was removed and now Damar Hamlin is breathing on his own.

The emotional highs and lows of this football story are gut wrenching. People not associated with football have given their prayers and support. There has been an immediate kinship with him as if he is our own brother or cousin. My days recently have started out with a daily update on Damar Hamlin. His daily prognosis was a major factor in how the rest of my day was going to go.

The NFL had placed remaining games on standby. They were not sure about the direction and what they would do. The power of prayer has been a healing factor as he has continued to improve. As believers, we know that prayer warriors were asking for healing for this young man.

Now there is daylight on the horizon and his health is being restored. Rest assured that God was in that hospital room guiding the hands of the doctors as they worked over Damar Hamlin. Let us continue to pray for him.

“desolate,” “worthless,” and “vain”; the earth was confused, empty, literally nothing. And then, according to the creation account, the moment and event change everything: “...a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said…” (Genesis 1:2-3a). Yes, God spoke, and when God speaks, God is trying to accomplish something. God speaks to bring something from nothing, light from darkness, and order from chaos.

Now, what will you do with that paper, representing a metaphor for your life?

Ask again: What is God doing, and how can I join? We are called to join God in God’s work. “The Rabbis say, the work of creation continues, and the world is still in the process of creation, as long as the conflict between good and evil remains undecided. Ethically the world is thus still ‘unfinished,’ and it is man’s glorious privilege to help finish it. He can by his life hasten the triumph of the forces of good in the universe” (Pentateuch and Haftorahs, p. 6).

Here is our challenge, should we choose to accept it: If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you do not, you will find an excuse. So, for what exactly are you waiting? Sure, you have tried and failed, messed up, embarrassed yourself, or felt ashamed. You might even have a few lingering regrets now. But here is what you need to know and embrace: It does not matter what you have done. What matters is what you do! And the fact that you are still alive – created and made in God’s image – means that God is still creating and is waiting for you to join God in accomplishing God’s work.

Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “It takes three things to attain a sense of significant being: God, a soul (me, you), and a moment. And the three are (already) here” (I Asked for Wonder, 65). God is here. You are here. The question remains: How will you join God in God’s work with the moment you have?

The Rev. Jason Thompson is Pastor of the Historic St. Andrews AME Church in Sacramento, CA, the oldest congregation on the Pacific Coast. He is also the Interim Director of Music Education and a Visiting Professor at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. ❏ ❏ ❏

Millennial Coffee Church Ministry

Samantha Smith, 8th Episcopal District

Who Are We?

The young folks.

What Are We Doing?

We are chasing after Christ boldly and unapologetically.

Why Now?

Now more than ever, we have found how important it is to be a part of a community when chasing after Jesus. As millennials of the church, we serve as a bridge between our elders and the generations coming after us. The generations coming after us need guidance. They need to be in a church that has an environment of passion for Christ. As millennials, we are the people the younger generation looks up to and wants to model.

To our elders, who have guided us, there are things that we have to teach. With more innovation, we can help the elders stay in touch with the evergrowing and changing advancements of technology and developments in the world. We keep them young! We help them understand the world we live in now and, in turn, they continue to guide us with their wisdom. Bridges are an important aspect of transportation; some places are unreachable without

them, and we do not serve an unreachable God. We must commit ourselves to being a bridge. Our worship should reflect that connection.

We should be bold and passionate about what God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. We have found that the church has lost its passion for worship. God is calling on our leadership. As millennials, we are challenged by the world to be everything other than what God has called us to be, and if we are honest, it is not always easy. Sometimes we fall on our faces. Our faith talks over coffee, or as the Rev. Kelly would call it, Coffee Church, give us an opportunity to share and fellowship. It creates space for being honest, open, and transparent in a non-judgemental environment. It’s not churchy, it is not traditional, but it is truthful, and that is what God intends for us all. The first Coffee Church revealed that we face similar situations in our day-to-day lives and that it is more beneficial for us to be together than apart.

Saint Peter AMEC Church Anniversary: “The Rock” Church in the Valley Celebrates 139 Years

Desiree V. O’Bryant, 6th Episcopal District

Using scripture, the living word helps us work through life with guidance that comes with provision. We don’t want to go through the motions anymore. We are active and intentional about our worship. By being together, we realize that we aren’t alone, crazy, or struggling by ourselves. We can laugh and cry, agree and disagree, and challenge each other in the name of love and growing closer to God. We pray that this ministry will continue to grow and draw more people back into the house of God. We are the hands and feet of Christ. We want to serve in the choir, in the committees, be ushers, and in the various ministries within the church, and we want to do it in a way that feels good to us instead of trying to fit into molds that we have outgrown

Matthew 16:18 reads, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fort Valley, Georgia, better known as “The Rock” Church in the Valley, enjoyed a day of celebration, worship, and thanksgiving for 139 glorious years.

The church anniversary program commenced on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The theme for this special occasion was “One Church, One Family.” The worship leader was the Reverend Anthony Angelo Dixon II, pastor of Saint Peter. The worship experience began with the Ringing of the Bell by the generational family members of Saint Peter. Saint Peter Anniversary Celebration Ensemble performed the morning praise and thanksgiving. The gifted musicians were Brother Jabarri Johnson, pianist; Brother Nicholas Ross, percussionist, and Brother Grant Alexander, saxophonist. Pastor Dixon II led the opening acclamation and the litany of empowerment. “How Great Is Our God” was the morning hymn of praise. After singing the hymn, Sister Frances O’Bryant delivered a spiritually moving prayer. The liturgy of the Word was read: The Old Testament, Sister Desiree O’Bryant; The Epistle, Sister Raven Johnson; and The Gospel; Brother Gerald Ellison, Sr. Finally, The Anniversary Ensemble blessed the congregants in song with “Thank You, Jesus.” It was a time of praising and thanking God.

Brother Ashley Ballard, anniversary general chairperson, gave a celebratory welcome and the occasion. He exclaimed that the church is very much alive and not dead. He talked about the vision and the mission of Saint Peter, which is “to minister to the needs of all people by creating a loving environment that will touch and transform lives.” He then paused for a special presentation that involved interactive participation. He presented each church member with a cup of colored sand representing each member’s generation (i.e., Millennial, Baby Boomers). The church members collectively poured their colored sand into a vial. The vial symbolized unity and signified that the church is a dwelling place for all generations. Sister Willie M. Johnson fervently prayed for unity in our

churches, homes, and families.

Eagerly awaited was the presentation of “The M.E. Singleton Service Award.” This award is presented annually in memory of Brother Merchant E. Singleton, a faithful servant to St. Peter and the community. Brother Ballard presented the first award to Sister Yvonne H. Ellison. He stated she was most deserving of this award because of her loyal, faithful, and distinguished service to the church. The Anniversary Core Steering Team: Sister Raven Johnson, Sister Bianca Ballard, and Sister KenShayala Johnson presented the second award to Sister Cydne Gee, for her selfless acts, creativity, and for being an advocate for those who do

The Rev. A. Angelo Dixon, II, First Lady Melissa Dixon, Sister Carolyn Sampson, the Rev. Joanne Williams-Cooper, M.D., and the Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper

not have a voice. Pastor Dixon also shared his remarks of gratefulness to Sister Gee, adding that she was a trailblazer.

The Reverend Dixon introduced the anniversary messenger, the Reverend Doctor Jeffery B. Cooper who serves the African Methodist Episcopal Church as general secretary/chief information officer. Doctor Cooper holds a Master of

Arts in Practical Theology from Regent University School of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Graduate Theological Seminary. He is married to the Rev. Joanne E. Williams-Cooper, M.D.; they are the proud parents of four children and

five adorable grandchildren. Doctor Cooper preached “Things to Come” from John 14:8-14. He reflected on Jesus telling the disciples that he must leave and go with his Father, and whoever believes in him will do even greater things.

The Reverend Dixon and Brother Ballard gave remarks. A delightful

Local WMS Missionary and God’s Directive

Rev. Debra A. Whitlock-Lax, 5th Episcopal District

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

It fills a pastor’s soul to witness a member stepping out on faith and fulfilling God’s divine directive with compassion and a get-it-done willingness to serve God.

January 1, 2023, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Sparks, Nevada, was blessed to worship the Lord using the Zoom online video platform; we were snowed in. Nevertheless, that did not stop dedicated members from attending church. God has a way when you are where you are supposed to be, of connecting God’s children for God’s divine purpose. Because we were online, Pastor Lerato Pisto of Ivory Park AME Church joined our service.

Following the service, Pastor Debra A. Whitlock-Lax asked Pastor Lerato to share about her ministry in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her testimony prompted Pastor Debra to ask if the Rev. Lerato’s children needed warm hats. There was no hesitation. Yes! Pastor Pisto asked to receive 50 hats. Bethel Sparks will provide her with 100 hats. We expect to finish all the hats by March 10.

Pastor Lerato Pisto is traveling to California at the end of March; Bethel hopes to deliver them personally to her.

Missionary Cynthia Hunter agreed to lead, strategize, and implement the effort while working closely with PDebz. Sandy Bovee, Bethel’s Food Pantry leader and stewardess, agreed to help. Brother Marcus

––Transitions ––

Montgomery and the Rev. Richard L. Lax also will be helping. In addition, Cynthia and PDebz met two individuals in the yarn store who, too, want to add their labor of love. Sunday, January 8, nine hats were completed – the first cycle done, and on to the next! So we are off to a great start. Missionary Hunter plans for her team to make nine hats every

REV. WILLE LEE LANGLEY (1936-2023)

The Rev. Willie L. Langley passed on January 15, 2023, at Emory Midtown Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, after a long illness. He was born on May 16, 1936, to the late Aggie Mae Langley and Fred Douglas Langley in Camden, Arkansas.

The Rev. Langley, affectionally called “Bill” while growing up, graduated from Lincoln High School. He then attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. Sensing the need for a different experience, he transferred to Morehouse College, where he studied chemistry. The Rev. Langley interrupted his college studies to enlist in the United States Air Force. Following his time in the Air Force, he returned to Atlanta and enrolled at Morris Brown College, earning a degree in religious studies. He did further study at the Interdenominational

week for 11 weeks. March 19, 2023, is the target finish date.

Someone asked after church, why are we making hats for Africans? South Africa gets cold. Some cities get snow. What a blessing not to have to purchase a hat for your son or daughter. So, why not just buy some hats, box them up, and ship them to Pastor Pisto? There is

dinner awaited congregants in the Ulric George Fellowship Hall.

The Reverend Doctor Harvey R. Williamson is the presiding elder of the Macon Georgia South District, and the Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson is the presiding prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District.

something about giving gifts that your hands have made and prayed over. Yes, it would be easier to purchase and ship. However, the fun, fabulous fellowship, and the faith witnessed by God’s people fulfilling his commission to go to the utter parts of the world with the gospel of compassion are invaluable. We would love your involvement. Would you like to get involved? Make sure that you include your email address and cell phone so that you are kept in the loop regarding our progress.

Purchase yarn from Amazon and deliver it to Pastor Debra A. Whitlock-Lax–3660 Shale Court, Reno, Nevada 89503.

Make a financial contribution to purchase yarn:

Givelify: Search for Bethel Sparks; check/cashier’s check payable to Bethel AME Church with Memo: Hats for Africa and mail to Bethel AME Church — Attention: Pastor Debra A. Whitlock-Lax, 2655 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks, Nevada 89431.

Theological Center.

On December 13, 1969, Willie and Jacquelyn Ashe were married. God blessed them with two beautiful daughters, Gwendolyn and Keshia.

The entire Langley family found much joy in being members of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. They were greatly inspired and devoted to making a difference in the church and community. The Rev. Langley became an associate minister. His ministry involved visiting the sick and shutin and giving Holy Communion. He and his wife, Jacquelyn, were a team, and they looked forward to carrying out this ministry. Additionally, the Rev. Langley was affiliated with many other organizations, including Hands on Atlanta, Men of Big Bethel, The Heaven Bound cast, Daughters and Sons of Bethel, Truth Seekers Sunday School Class, Willing Workers Pastor Aid

...From Saint Peter p6

2023

Board, Schofield Johnson Gospel Choir, and vacation Bible school.

The Rev. Langley was employed for 38 years as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. He was a gold member of the Carrier Union. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, traveling, taking pictures, and flying lessons.

The Rev. Langley was a member of the Morris Brown College Alumni Association and a patron of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

The Rev. Langley was predeceased by his wife, Jacquelyn Ashe Langley; his

PEOLA HIMES MCCASKILL (1926-2022)

Peola Himes McCaskill was born on November 21, 1926 and peacefully passed away on November 22, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd A. McCaskill, and is survived by her two sons Winston C. McCaskill (Cassandra) and John W. McCaskill, and granddaughters Lakeia Davis and Kristian Thomas, and a host of other family members and friends. She was a long-time member of Turner Memorial AME Church in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Mrs. McCaskill was a former elected Connectional officer of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving admirably as the parliamentarian. She had also served as a parliamentarian of the Second Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society.

sister, Eurene Hurd; and his brothers, Fred D. Langley and Jerry Langley. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Gwendolyn Langley and Keisha Langley; granddaughters, Jalyn Buster and Dominique Langley; grandsons, Jamal Buster (Kia) and David Langley; sisters, Mary L. Jackson of Chesapeake, Virginia, Gladys Nettles (the Rev. Gregory), and Amy Johnson of Camden, Arkansas; brothers Dr. Curtis Langley (Thalia) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Bobby Langley of Manhattan Beach, California; and Robert Langley (Cinnamon) of Lawrenceville, New Jersey; two sisters-in-law, Heloise Langley of Menifee, California and Gwendolyn Collins of Birmingham, Alabama; and godchild, Trent Langley; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. ❏ ❏ ❏

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) also honors the life and contributions of esteemed member Peola Himes McCaskill. Mrs. McCaskill was a close and trusted ally of NCNW president emerita, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. She served the NCNW faithfully for decades as parliamentarian. In 2020, in recognition of her dedication, Mrs. McCaskill was honored with the title Parliamentarian Emerita by the NCNW Executive Committee.

Mrs. McCaskill served as liaison to Chi Eta Phi, Inc., an affiliate of NCNW. She was recently honored at the Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority’s 44th anniversary celebration as a charter officer and Supreme Basileus. Chi Eta Phi is a professional organization for nurses and student nurses which seeks to elevate and increase interest in the field of nursing. Chapters are throughout the country, including the Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C.

A Time to Celebrate and a Time to Remember!

Happy New Year! As we just celebrated New Year’s Eve, also referred to as “Watch Night” in many African American churches, we enter a new year, a new beginning, a new tomorrow still remembering and honoring the days that have been ingrained in our hearts and minds about our past. Watch Night began as a celebration and remembrance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in the Confederate states during the American Civil War on January 1, 1863. President Abraham Lincoln declared more than three million slaves to be free; however, this news did not immediately make it to African Americans living in Texas. For two additional years, they remained enslaved until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, letting them know that slavery was abolished and they were free. The former slaves celebrated with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. Over 100 years later in 1980, the state of Texas declared Juneteenth a state holiday as a sign of restitution to those it had wronged.

In 2021, Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden for the United States of America to remember the sacrifices that our foremothers and forefathers made and honor the contributions of African Americans to this country.

This past year in June 2022, Juneteenth was celebrated for the first time by the first African American female vice president of the United States of America, Vice President Kamala Harris. The celebration was held at the vice president’s residence in Washington, D.C., and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 487, chartered by Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fort Washington, Maryland under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Grainger and CoPastor JoAnne Browning, Senior Patrol Leader Aaron Lundy and his family, were invited to represent the Boy Scouts of America and the National Capital Area Council at this inaugural celebration. The day included a family-style cookout, poetry, singing, and reflections from Annette Gordon-Reed’s book “On Juneteenth” to honor the “tradition of Juneteenth.” Vice President Harris shared what an honor it was for her to initially present the bill (along with other members of Congress) to make Juneteenth a holiday and that once the Senate approved the bill, she while acting as president of the Senate, was able to sign the Senate’s approval to make the day a national holiday. Vice President Harris told guests not only are they “free” physically, but they are “free” to be whomever they want to be and free to do whatever they desire in life…the limits are off.

The sun was bright and seemingly representative of the smiles of our ancestors smiling down on this day. Laughter, conversations, and joy covered the lawn of the residence. The crowd ...continued on p9

of distinguished guests included Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge and the first African Ameri can Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. It was truly a day of reflection and remembrance from whence we have come. Senior Patrol Leader Aaron Lundy was able to glean words of wisdom from the secretary of Defense. Secretary Austin encouraged him to keep achieving greatness and press on to obtain his Eagle award, knowing that it will be recognized and set him apart as he continues his journey through life. Senior Patrol Leader Lundy also met other former scouts and an Eagle award recipient from Nevada who also encouraged him to stay the course. Aaron shared that this experience showed him the expansive reach the scouting program has and affirmed his awareness that scouting brings about recognition and honor that he is proud to represent. Aaron says although it was very “organized and secure,” he felt “welcomed, relaxed, and calm” as he roamed the VP’s lawn. He enjoyed his lunch of pasta salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, garden salad, peach cobbler, and Sprite. He says this experience is one he will never forget and although he was honored to be there, he expressed that he wished it “didn’t have to be celebrated,” and that the inhumane acts shown to our ancestors s hould have never happened. Aaron is grateful to his troop and leaders for the opportunity to represent them at such an illustrious event.

To learn more about AAMES and how to start a scout unit or the AAMES 2024 Camporee contact: Michele Neal, Connectional director of AME Girl Scouts, Email: michele@amescouts.org; the Rev. Dr. Missiouri McPhee, Connectional director of AME Boy Scouts, Email: info@amescouts.org.

And to see what AAMES is up to visit our AAMES WEBSITE: amescouts.org; or our Facebook Page “AAMES Scouting Connection.” ❏ ❏ ❏

“What Does This Mean?”

Rev. Gregory C. Nettles, 12th Episcopal District Coordinator, Sons of Allen

Acts 2:12- “All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, what does this mean?” (NRSV)

January 2, 2023, 5:58 on the game clock, the world came to its knees. Safety Damar Hamlin was making a routine tackle on wide receiver T. Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin completed the job of stopping the receiver. Then, he stood up, took two steps back, and collapsed. No one knew what was happening at the moment. It was later revealed he had a cardiac arrest, and CPR had to be administered. The game was suspended and eventually canceled. I ask: “What does this mean?” Later it was discovered the player had a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his Chasing M’s Foundation, which supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, and kid camps. Prior to Monday night, his total was slightly above $2,900. The love, prayers, and financial donations increased. Donations rose to over 8 million dollars. I ask: “What does this mean?”

January 8, 2023, the Buffalo Bills are playing in the first game since the incident on Monday night against the New England Patriots. The opening kick-off is returned 96 yards for a touchdown. The irony of this event; it has been three years and three months since that happened for the Bills. To seal the deal, it happened twice in this game; two kick-offs returned for touchdowns. Josh Allen, the quarterback and captain, when asked his thoughts: “Look at God.” Damar prior wore number 31. He changed his number to three.

No Youth, No Future

Miya Johnson, Connectional YPD Stewardship and Finance Committee Chairperson

The Season of Epiphany begins in January. The focus for the season is on the manifestation of Jesus to the world, the illumination, and revelation of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. The magi, wise men, followed the star and brought three gifts to honor the Christ child. Very few people knew Damar Hamlin before January 2, 2023, but now he has been revealed to the whole world. The world has heard and seen signs asking people of all races, genders, and religious backgrounds to “Pray for Damar.”

I ask again: “What does this mean?”I wish I could give us a deeply spiritual, theological response. I can only tell you what I have heard from the saints of old, “Won’t He Do It!” Jesus has told us, “ask…receive; seek…find; knock…door opened.” As we march toward April 13, 2023, watch God move when we come together, pray,

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. Proverbs 22:6 (NRSV)

When young people graduate from the Young People’s and Children’s Division (YPD), do you make space for them in your organization? Do you welcome them with open arms or tell them to sit in the back and be quiet? How you welcome people to your organization can determine how long they stay and how active they will be. For example, consider starting a new job; everyone greets you with big smiles, attempts to get to know you, and someone takes you under their wing to show you the ropes.

A person is more likely to be excited to come to work and willing to jump in and help wherever possible if they feel welcomed. This welcoming is the kind of experience we should have in the church. The

and let our request be made known. The world was focused on praying for Damar. In contrast, during the same week, the Republican majority Congress of the United States focused on plans, power, and purposeful diabolic decisions to continue obstructiveness attacks. I ask again: “What does this mean?”

It was not a bomb threat or terroristic attack, but it was an athlete who died on the field, and God raised him through the care of dedicated medical staff. Our foreparents said, “He may not come when you want him, but he is always on time.”

In conclusion, Luke 19:41-48 gives us an account of Jesus looking at the city, and he wept because of the impending destruction. He goes into the temple and says the people have made “the house of prayer a den of thieves.” What does this mean? Let us return to a house of prayer on April 13, 2023. ❏ ❏ ❏

church cannot grow if we do not accept new people and invite them into our different organizations to serve.

We welcome young people by allowing them to use their skills to complement the work already being done. We can embrace young people by listening to their ideas and learning from their new perspectives. Being open to these new perspectives can help grow our organizations, the church, and, most importantly, the body of Christ. Remember, people

want to join a church where they feel welcomed and not judged. Being open to new ways of thinking is the best way to keep and retain new and young members. Our Zion has the tools to be greater than it is; it is just a matter of looking to our youth. The youth are the key to keeping Bishop Richard Allen’s dream and legacy alive. ❏ ❏ ❏

Emergency Faith

Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, Columnist

As a curious child growing up, I would take notice of the little red fire alarm boxes mounted on school building walls. This curiosity was before smoke detectors and fire sprinklers. These boxes were shaped like the old outdoor fire alarm boxes. These emergency sentinels all had the same characteristics: A small hammer-like device on a chain mounted on the side, an inside handle covered by glass with these words printed in red: In Case Of Emergency Break Glass. While I was never in a building where a fire caused someone to break the glass and pull the handle, it was comforting to know that the little red fire alarm box was there to be used to summon help in case the need arose.

Three good friends, mentees, and “daughters” called me within the same week with dire health emergencies. I prayed for each sister, mother, and wife as earnestly as I could in the moment. As I prayed, I saw my friends in my mind’s eye. I was in touch with their fear as words spilled out deep within. I fought hard not to allow my mounting fear to be heard in my voice. I wanted to be strong; I had to be present; I had to have faith.

Many people talk about faith as if they have faith. It is important to note that faith, for many people, is an existential concept until one is in a situation where faith is needed. It is easy to take faith for granted or relegate faith to the high back shelf of the mind. Faith for folk who have

never been in deep trouble can be thought of as the last refuge of the desperate, alongside hope. It is not my intention to convince anyone to have faith, especially if there is no faith in faith. But, just in case someone wants to understand faith, needs faith, or wants to take a deeper

faith dive, here are several little red fire alarm box and faith analogies:

1. Faith may not be as visible as a wall-mounted fire alarm box or, more currently, a smoke detector, but it is always at the ready in case of an emergency.

2. Faith must be activated. In other words, something, usually unexpected, happens that initiates the need for a faith response.

3. Faith has an inside handle called prayer. The hammer must break the glass of fear and doubt to sound the alarm.

4. Faith is the belief that once the handle of prayer is pulled, an alarm will sound, and a response will occur.

When I saw the little red fire alarm box, I never questioned whether it would work. I assumed it would do what it was designed to do if the handle were pulled. It is possible and quite human to question if our Emergency Faith alarm will be heard in time. It is important to know there is trouble—and then there is

Christian Nationalism: The Word Found Next to Oxymoron

Rev. Monica C. Jones, Ph.D., Columnist

trouble. If you can solve a problem on your own, you don’t need to pull the faith handle if you can “tolerate” your problem. Never confuse having faith in one’s ability as being the same as having faith in God’s ability. These are two opposite examples and understanding of faith.

See faith as an emergency alarm box mounted along your destined life path. You may travel for miles and miles and not notice little faith alarm boxes mounted along the way. No one is immune from the type of trouble that will never make an appointment, will never ask for permission to be troubling—or could care less how you feel about being in trouble. If an emergency happens, and you don’t know what to do or where to turn, think of the little red fire alarm box and its only message: In Case Of Emergency Break Glass. What is not said is to have faith that there will be a response—This is Emergency Faith in action.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 ❏ ❏ ❏

I heard it said once that if Jesus were here today, he would be pro-choice. We obviously cannot make substantive statements abo ut what Jesus would or would not say today, but we do know what he said when he walked the earth. He gave people a choice to accep t redemption. He gave people a choice to accept salvation. He gave people a choice to accept the faith. “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking” (Revelation 3:20) would indicate that the Lord had no intention of forcing himself on anyone. We must make our minds up about who we will serve and what kind of life we will live.

Although the separation of church and state may be controversial and sometimes difficult, one thing is very clear: Religion cannot be legislated. We all have free will to follow the path that we choose. When we attempt to define the Christian faith or the status and identity of a nation based on one’s belief in that faith, then we do not have Christianity, but rather politic-anity. Politics have replaced Christ.

As a proud member of the African Methodist Episcopal tradition, I am quite experienced in utilizing the resources of the church to bring about social change and individual self-reliance among my people. However, I am also quite aware that that does not give me the right to pass judgment on persons who do not believe as I do. My only task is to preach the Word, teach the Word, and do as the Word says to do. Beyond that, those who hear me have the same choice Jesus gave his followers.

Dangers on the Horizon

“Jesus. Guns. Trump.”

What is wrong with that picture?

Do we equate a human being, any human being, with the Son of God (especially one standing with an upside-down Bible for a photo op while innocent protesters are gassed)? Do we see guns as a part of what we believe in as we focus on our relationship with Jesus Christ?

It is not much different than when racist, greedy slave owners used the Bible and miseducation, twisting

it to their benefit to justify and rationalize slavery.

Likewise, Christian nationalism is dangerous and very volatile, especially today, as we see more and more pulpits preach white supremacy and bigotry under the guise of Christian principles. The organization, Christians Against Christian Nationalism and other like groups, have called attention to the need for all Christian believers to resist this destructive movement. As we join the fight, the Black Church has a special role to play as

we continue to protest institutional racism joined, now, by her cousin Christian nationalism. This we must do, for any principle that teaches hate, irrespective of what banner that teaching is under, is evil. If we do not, we face two very real dangers.

First, our people who listen to or who in the past have supported misguided TV and media evangelists who teach Christian nationalism can fall into unexpected advocacy traps. By signing on to these popular preaching voices, they inadvertently align themselves with the platform

of nationalist-fueled hate in the church.

In addition, by subconsciously accepting a concept that includes the word Christian, some listeners may ignore the actual danger that this movement represents. For, believe me, Christian nationalism is definitely the first expression in the dictionary next to the word “oxymoron.”

Christian nationalism has already sneaked up on the black community, and we cannot afford to let it go

unabated. We must speak out and speak against this evil. We must teach about it and preach about it. We must resist it in all forms. There is nothing about Christ in a movement that purports to be superior to any other

belief, organizes violence and white supremacist groups against other human beings, or preaches hate and rejection toward anyone who does not see religion through its lens.

The Black Church generally

understands its position and responsibility as it regards liberation.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church, in particular, is quite clear on our task to embrace justice, decency, respect, and equality for all people. We do that with biblical

principles that support us every step of the way. Jesus was an activist; Jesus was anointed to preach to the oppressed; Jesus was sent to set the captives free--but Jesus was not a Christian Nationalist.

The Reverend Monica C. Jones, Ph.D., is the director of Christian Education Ministries and an associate minister at Big Bethel in Atlanta.

March for Reparations

Rev. Jazmine L. Brooks, News Editor

“There’s no issue more important for black people than reparations for the exploitation of our labor, because we’re still harvesting the fruits of that wicked tree”

In May of 2021, Chief Editor Dr. John Thomas III sat down with Pastor Robert Turner for a TCR Dialogue on reparations for black Americans. At the time, the Rev. Turner was advocating for reparations specifically related to the race massacre of 1921. He began attending and advocating in city hall meetings every week, but has since moved the fight to Baltimore, MD where he recently took a 40 mile walk from Baltimore to the White House - a campaign he is calling “40 miles for 40 acres.”

The “40 acres” referenced in his campaign title refers to the “40 acres and a mule” promise made to formerly enslaved persons. When asked what that promise looks like now, Turner says that the years 1526-1865 are centuries of unpaid labor that “amounts to $14 trillion today. And this is before we make account of black codes, Jim Crow, and the terrors that didn’t just deprive us of wages, but gave us an inferior sense of self.” Apart from cash payouts, he believes that fully-funded social safety nets for black institutions and black communities should be part of the reparations package. The cash payout is just one, most obvious form of compensation, but the Rev. Turner is working on a book that offers 100+ ways to give reparations. The book should be released in 2023.

Though the 2020 presidential election campaign popularized the political push for reparations for black Americans during what appeared to be heightening racial polarization, for those who understand the history of race relations in America, reparations has been a “hot topic” since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and subsequent shift from chattel slavery as it was practiced at that time. The Rev. Turner says that he began advocating

Enduring Problems Vs. Solving Problems

Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, Columnist

When I was in my sophomore year at Howard University (You Know!) I enrolled in a constitutional law class as I flirted with the idea of becoming a constitutional lawyer. One of the requirements of the class was to visit the Supreme Court. I was so moved being in the place where laws were made. I could not believe I was there a year after Justice Thurgood Marshall arrived. As I looked around, I felt the power that can make laws or cancel laws. While I have your attention, I want to bring up a class action case that involves more people than you can count. This case I am referring to has the power to change lives and situations, yet the Supreme Court will never hear this case. This case does not involve legal precedence, but it does involve psychological behavior. Hear ye, hear ye the case on Life’s Docket presented before the people is Enduring Problems vs. Solving Problems. Counsel for Enduring Problems, please approach the bench and lay out your case:

for reparations in 2002. Having taken a college course where he learned about the Middle Passage, slavery, and the conditions of black life post-slavery, he realized that “no one has been brought to trial and no one has received compensation” for years of political, social, and economic subjugation. Furthermore, reparations aren’t a concept without precedence. Former slave owners received reparations for loss of property, Holocaust victims, victims of Japanese internment camps, and indigenous people have all received or continue to receive reparations from the U.S. government. This undeniable truth led Turner “from the classroom to the streets” to demand what has already been made available to other marginalized, yet deserving groups.

The Rev. Turner has noted his struggle as primarily “a spiritual journey, even with its political implications that require momentum.” So, while there are several organizations across the country who are organizing around the issue, the Rev. Turner is primarily working independently. He hopes that more citizens will offer their support to House Bill HR40, representatives Sheila Jackson Lee, Jim Bowman, and Corey Booker.

The 40 miles for 40 acres trek will take place every month, with the next journey taking place November 11th. A few members of Empowerment Temple walked a portion of the way with him and/or drove behind him in their own vehicles during the last march on October 15th, but the momentum is growing. He expects to have more participants on Veterans Day as he continues to “walk for God, for the ancestors and those who haven’t gotten what they deserve to receive.” Apart from your prayers, the Rev. Turner invites all who wish to join in the struggle to petition your elected officials by emailing legislators, senators, and the president. In addition, “local pastors and churches are welcomed to march with us or meet us at some of the checkpoints if you’re unable to walk the whole way.”

“I represent all of the people who are overwhelmed—there are so many citizens in this silent majority who find ways to endure problems. Before you point a disparaging finger at this group, consider all the problems they have learned. I repeat, for the court learned how to endure. It is impossible to solve all the problems that life throws at a person, so we must endure some problems. You have heard the term ‘too much on one’s plate.’ Some of what constitutes ‘too much’ are problems put on the back burner and may have been forgotten out of convenience, desperation, frustration, or the ability to ignore pressing issues. I rest my case.”

Counsel for Solving Problems, please approach the bench and lay out your case:

“I see things differently as I represent people who have learned, I repeat, learned how to solve problems. Yes, my colleague on the other side makes an interesting argument– more like offers a rationale that it is more efficacious to store up problems in what I would imagine is some kind of problem storehouse than it is to try and solve problems. Who could argue with clear linear thinking that leads to action that addresses the problem as opposed to squirreling away the problem? I yield the rest of my time as I think this case is solved by all stretches of the imagination, is solved—so be it resolved. I rest my case.”

CONGRATULATORY Listings JANUARY 2023

Thema S. Bryant, Ph.D., Begins Term as the 2023 President of the American Psychological Association - Get to Know APA’s 2023 President: Thema S. Bryant, Ph.D.

The biography and work of APA Thema S. Bryant, Ph.D.:

Thema S. Bryant, Ph.D., 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 has raised public awareness regarding mental health by extending the reach of psychology beyond the academy and private therapy office through community programming, organizational consultation, popular books, and media engagement.

Bryant is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women and a past APA representative to the United Nations. She also served on the APA Committee on International Relations in Psychology and the Committee on Women in Psychology.

In 2013, APA honored Bryant for distinguished early career contributions to psychology in the public interest. The Institute of Violence, Abuse and Trauma presented her their media award for the film “Psychology of Human Trafficking” in 2016, and the Donald Fridley Memorial Award for excellence in mentoring in the field of trauma in 2018. The California Psychological Association recognized her for Distinguished Scientific Achievement in Psychology in 2015. One of the foundational scholars on the topic of the trauma of racism, she gave an invited keynote address on the topic at APA2020. That year, APA’s international division honored her for her international contributions to the study of gender and women for her work in Africa and the Diaspora.

Bryant—known popularly as Dr. Thema—is host of “Homecoming,” a mental health podcast, and director of the mental health ministry at First AME Church in South Los Angeles. She is author of the book Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole Authentic Self and co-author of The Antiracism Handbook: Practical Tools to Shift Your Mindset & Uproot Racism in Your Life and Community. She is editor or co-editor of the APA books Womanist and Mujerista Psychologies: Voices of Fire, Acts of Courage and Multicultural Feminist Therapy: Helping Adolescent Girls of Color to Thrive. Her presidential initiatives aim to enhance belonging and engagement within APA and use psychological science to address trauma, grief, and oppression nationally and internationally.

Bryant 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 the 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.

Thema S. Bryant-Davis, Ph.D. is the daughter of Bishop John Richard Bryant (retired) and the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, supervisor retired. Congratulatory emails can be sent to: Bishopjohn4th@aol.com (Bishop John R. Bryant) and queenakosua@hotmail.com (Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant).

Congratulations to the Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, Ph.D.

We extend congratulations to the Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, Ph.D., pastor and presiding elder in the 13th Episcopal District and current associate dean at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, for being nominated and selected by the Tennessee Technological University Alumni Association Board of Directors as the recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award. The alumni association annually presents awards to individuals who have demonstrated professional success or recognition such as to effect great pride among the faculty, students, and alumni of Tennessee Tech.

This is the second such honor granted to Dr. Sinkfield, having been granted the 2020 Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Vanderbilt University Divinity School. The honor to Dr. Sinkfield stated, “After reviewing the nomination materials, the Awards Committee has selected you as the most deserving candidate for 2023. We would be honored to recognize you with this award at the Evening of Excellence Celebration that will be held in the fall at Tennessee Tech University’s Homecoming Night Celebration 2023.

Dr. Sinkfield has served AME churches in the 2nd, 13th, 3rd, and 7th Episcopal districts; presided over a district in the 13th Episcopal District; and held a deanship and currently serves on a board of trustees in our AME Church higher education institutions.

Congratulation messages can be shared at: wsinkfield@aol.com

Bethel Cathedral African Methodist Episcopal Church Congratulates Pastor Dr. Carlos W. Perkins on New Appointment

Dr. Carlos W. Perkins is the newly appointed assistant resource scientist and associate director for Engagement in the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Late Institute of Faith and Giving, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana. Also,

the Rev. Dr. Carlos Wesley Perkins, the anointed, visionary pastor of Bethel Cathedral AME Church, a native of Jamaica, West Indies has served as an interim principal with the metropolitan school district of Pike Township in Indiana.

Before moving to Indianapolis, Dr. Perkins pastored St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church – St. Croix (2015-2018), served as an associate minister at the Greater Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Weaver, and as a principal with the District of Columbia public schools (Washington Metropolitan High School). The Rev. Perkins also served as the chief operations officer at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid III.

He graduated with honors from the prestigious Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University with a masters of divinity from the University of Maryland with a masters of education and counseling; and from Ithaca College (New York) with a bachelor of arts degree in politics and sociology. Dr. Perkins graduated from the Payne Theological Seminary (Wilberforce, Ohio) with a doctor of ministry in pastoral leadership and community engagement.

Called by God, Dr. Perkins works to empower others through the demonstration of the Holy Spirit. God has used him to powerfully minister to the needs of today’s generation by planning and implementing a number of cutting-edge ministry opportunities and activities. He has also been blessed to preach to and instruct youth and young adults in spiritual development and leadership around the United States, Caribbean, and across the continent of Africa; he has been instrumental in planning spiritual conferences, college tours, mentoring programs, athletic events, and spiritual retreats. Dr. Carlos led missionary teams of youth, young adults, and youth ministers to Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, Rwanda, and Ghana.

In addition to his work with youth and young adults, Dr. Perkins taught classes in sociology, psychology, and human development at a local community college. He is a certified youth development specialist and holds certificates in diversity training and designing and implementing diversity initiatives. He is the published author of:

Leadership Insights and Applications: African American Students—National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs, and Student Outcomes of Community Service: Assessing the Impact of Service-Learning on Student’s Awareness of and Acceptance of Social Responsibility—University of Maryland Department of Counseling and Personnel Services.

Dr. Perkins is married to the Rev.

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

Carla Sharon Perkins, and they have two children, Jebron Carlos and Jemila Carla. He has a profound love for his family and believes that “eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, neither entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.”

The Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons Has Been Elected the President of the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service

The Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons has been elected the president of the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service. Dr. Lyons was appointed to the board by Gov. Roy Cooper and represents the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association. The purpose of the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service is to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare of North Carolina citizens by ensuring that those individuals and entities licensed for the practice of funeral services in this state are duly qualified. A 1991 graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service (AS), St. Augustine’s University (BS), Shaw University Divinity School (M.Div.), and Hood Theological Seminary (D.Min.), Dr. Lyons has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer and has practiced in the state of NC for over 30 years. He is the president and manager of the Steven L. Lyons Funeral Home of Raleigh, NC. An ordained itinerant elder, Dr. Lyons is the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, Hillsborough, NC where the Rev. Anita M. Thompson is the presiding elder (Eastern District WNCC) and Bishop James L. Davis is the servant leader (2nd Episcopal District).

Contact: Dr. Steven L. Lyons, sllyonsfuneralhome@ gmail.com.

Congratulations Attorney Ruth L. Tisdale

Ruth L. Tisdale, attorney at law, joined the nation’s largest employer, the Walmart corporation, in December 2022 as senior counsel for Walmart Health and Wellness Division. She will be working in the corporate office.

Ruth, a proud graduate of the Wake Forest Law School, began her legal career in the state of New York in 2014 as an assistant district attorney in the district attorney’s office in the Bronx. In 2016, she transitioned into private practice where she represented physicians, hospitals, clinics, and other health-related entities in major litigation and transactional matters. In 2021, she accepted a new position as an assistant corporate counsel with the Christiana Care Health System, the largest hospital system in Delaware, where she was primarily responsible for handling polices, contracts, and other legal matters.

Ruth has been a servant of the church for many years, serving as a minister of music. Although she served with many churches in that capacity, her most recent service was with the St. James AME Church in Hightstown, New Jersey. She also gave back to the church and the community, sharing her expertise on legal matters and providing a forum to assist the members and the community in constructing wills, living wills, etc.

In addition to meeting the challenges of her current position, Ruth is continuing to pursue excellence in education as she is a candidate for a master’s degree in public health (MPH) at Harvard University. She vows to continue to pursue

education and to give back to the church and the community the wisdom apprehended through the grace of God.

Ruth is the youngest daughter of the Reverend Julius W. Tisdale, pastor of St. Phillips AME Church in Monticello, FL, and the Rev. Sylvia E. Tisdale. She is the niece of the Rev. Glannie E. Tisdale, pastor of New Mt. Carmel AME Church, Hemingway, SC.

Congratulatory emails can be sent to: ruth. tisdale@yahoo.com (Ruth L. Tisdale) or jwtallen@ aol.com (Rev. J. W. Tisdale).

Sandra Stevens, Daughter of the Reverend Patrea Wilson Received Bachelor of Arts Degree and Selected as Graduate Assistant to Study Abroad in Ecuador This Summer

Congratulations to the Rev. Patrea Wilson, former pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Skipperville, Alabama, on the graduation of her daughter, Sandra Stevens, at the commencement ceremony held on December 10, 2022. Sandra graduated with a bachelor of arts in anthropology and sociology with a minor in philosophy. She was also selected to be a graduate assistant for student life and will continue graduate studies at Valdosta State University. Sandra desires to become an archeologist. Please keep Sandra in your prayers as she prepares to study abroad in Ecuador this summer. The Rev. Patrea Wilson has recently relocated to the 11th Episcopal District, Central Florida Conference and is serving on the ministerial staff at Ward Chapel AME, Winter Park, Florida.

Congratulatory emails can be sent to: Patreaw@ outlook.com.

On behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday 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 Officers; and Blue font, Connectional Officers.

The Reverend Julia M. Patterson, who served as pastor of Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Guthrie, Oklahoma, western district of the Oklahoma State Annual Conference of the Twelfth Episcopal District

Professor Vinita Ruth Davis

Carter Holman, age 78, of Nashville, Tennessee, a professor of accounting at Fisk University for many years and prior to that served in the corporate setting as a certified public accountant (CPA);

she was the daughter of Dr. Henderson S. Davis, retired historiographer of the AME Church and Mrs. Ruth Vinita Davis, artist, painter, sculptor, and historian

Ms. Kaiyah Tselani Tyanna Horton-Seawright, age 21, a resident of Columbia, South Carolina, and the great niece of Bishop Harry L. and Supervisor Sherita Moon Seawright, Ninth Episcopal District

Deaconess Carrie S. PolkPowe, age 85, of Jackson,

Tennessee, Thirteenth Episcopal District; she was active in her church and community and tutored and counseled children of all ages even after she retired from the Chicago Public School System after 33 years of service

Mrs. Margaret R. Brooks, on December 23, 2022, the mother of the Reverend Makeeda E. Brooks, the pastor of St. John AME Church, Niagara Falls, NY, Buffalo Annual Conference, First Episcopal District

Mrs. Ella Mae King who was 91 years of age, the sister of the late Reverend George M. Perkins, an elder and pastor in the Tennessee Annual Conference

Mrs. Carol Shepherd, the mother of the Reverend Dr. Valdes J. Snipes, the Second Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church, bereavement notification contributing designee from the office of the bishop, the Rt. Rev. James L. Davis; the pas...continued on p14

NECROLOGY Listings

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

tor of Mt. Zion AME Church, Severn, MD

The Reverend Gerald Cardwell, an associate minister at Oak Grove AME Church, Detroit; he served as an adjunct professor of church administration at Ashland Seminary and on the Detroit Campus Advisory Board; he was a devoted family man who was married to his wife Betty for more than fifty years, this union produced two children: Geneen and Gerard and three grandchildren: Antonio, Angelo, and Gianni

Mrs. Juanita Johnson-Abel, widow of the Reverend William Lewis (WL) Johnson, Jr.; they shared a vibrant ministry together that spanned forty years in the Fourth Episcopal District, and she was a very active member of the Women’s Missionary Society at all levels of the church

Mrs. Elnora Caldwell, the sister of the Reverend Fred Flowers, pastor of Parks Chapel AME Church, Dothan, Alabama, in the Southeast Alabama Annual Conference, Ninth Episcopal District

The Reverend Clarence G. Robinson, chief financial officer and retired presiding elder served faithfully in the Fourth Episcopal District for over 65 years as a pastor, presiding elder, and staff of the Fourth Episcopal District headquarters; pastored Emanuel Temple AME-Chicago, Olivet AMESouth Bend, Bethel AME-Saginaw, Ebenezer AME-Detroit, and St. Mark AME-Milwaukee and he was appointed presiding elder in 2001

The Reverend Angela Ward Fair, age 57, an itinerant deacon for over 20 years, married

to the Reverend Garry L. Fair for thirty-five years and together they had two children; she served in a unified ministry and pastorship with the Reverend Garry where their passion for Christ’s Word and God’s children remains a dynamic force in the local Memphis community, West Tennessee Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District

The Reverend Ida Grooms, mother of the Reverend Jesse Grooms, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Opelika, Alabama in the Northeast Alabama Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District

Sister Sandra B. Calvin, the grandmother of Sister Braea Green, the wife of the Reverend Stephen A. Green, pastor of St. Luke AME Church, New York, New York Annual Conference of the First Episcopal District

Mrs. Peola Himes McCaskill (Age 96), a former elected Connectional officer of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a close and trusted ally of NCNW president emerita, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, where she served NCNW faithfully for decades as a parliamentarian Sister Mary Vaughn Garnett, the wife of the Reverend Joseph T. Garnett, Jr., pastor of Israel Chapel AME Church, West Columbia of the Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District

Princess Aura Alexandria Tolliver, age 31, a victim of a drive by shooting in Tallahassee, Florida; she was the niece of the Reverend Juan Tolliver, presiding elder, Fort Worth District, African Meth-

odist Episcopal Church, Tenth Episcopal District

Sister Ruby Mae Brooks, the mother of the Reverend Prudie Milam, a retired associate minister serving at Mt. Zion Porter AME Church in the Southwest Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District

Mr. Horace Hawkins, Jr., the beloved father of the Reverend Evonski Bulgar, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Havana, Florida, Eleventh Episcopal District

The Reverend Johnnie Edison, Sr., retired pastor of the Northwest Alabama Conference and the husband of the Reverend Glenzel Edison, pastor of St. John AME Church, Graysville, in the West Birmingham Ensley Greensboro District, Ninth Episcopal District

Brother Kenneth White, the brother of the Reverend Dr. Gertie Hurley of Love AME Church and the brother-in-law of the Reverend Rowena Webster White, former Episcopal supervisor-AME Church, pastor of Campfield AME Church, Pikesville, Maryland, Second Episcopal District

Brother Stanley Otis Roberts, the brother of WMS life member and former first lady, Mother Doris Porter, and Sister Mary Spencer; and the uncle of Connectional officer, Mrs. Robin Porter Smith, chair, Fellowship of Church Educators

The Reverend John Floyd Sumpter, Sr., an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the spouse of Mrs. Patricia Sumpter, and the pastor of Bethel (Plantersville)

African Methodist Episcopal Church, Georgetown District,

Palmetto Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church

Mrs. Elizabeth Swinton the mother of the Reverend Dr. William Swinton, Jr., pastor of Ebenezer (Charleston) African Methodist Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church, and the mother in love of Mrs. Cheryl Swinton, past Seventh Episcopal District YPD director

Sister Octavia Crummy, the daughter of the Reverend Richard Crummy and Mrs. Bonnie Crummy, and the sister of the Reverend Jerald Crummy; the Reverend Richard Crummy is the pastor of Greater St. James (Lake City) African Methodist Episcopal Church, Kingstree District, Palmetto Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church

The Reverend Clarence Rivers, retired itinerant elder whose last pastoral assignment was Mt. Olive (Smoaks) African Methodist Episcopal Church, Beaufort District, South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church

Brother William (Bobby) Parrott, the brother of the Reverend Dr. Allen W. Parrott, presiding elder and brother-in-law of Sister Barbara Parrott of the Charleston District, South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

The Reverend Adam Troy Carrington, Sr., pastor of Brooks AME Worship Center, Corpus Christi, Texas, San Antonio District, Southwest Texas Conference, 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 Rev. 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

The Video Release of Tyre Nichols

Winford K. Rice, Jr.

The video of Tyre Nichols being made available for public consumption is extremely problematic. It showcases him being maimed and beaten by a mob of black police officers. It is analogous to a crowd of white citizens gathering for a public lynching and execution of Negroes in the American south during Jim/Jane1 Crow, who viewed the act of lynching as a mere sport and disregarded the humanity of the person being executed2. The public viewing of black bodies being killed or beaten at the hands of police is pornographic – given the rhetoric of police chief Cerelyn Davis around its release and the growing anticipation as if it were a movie premiere – and largely reinscribes white supremacist logic. Considering Davis’ language around the video, her repeatedly framing the officers’ actions as “inhumane” and its release gestures towards a voyeuristic exploitation of blackness that sensationalizes black death. Further, it desensitizes the American population to the perennial victimization of black bodies. This construct is critical to the logic of white supremacy.

White supremacist logic illustrates grossly erroneous tropes and images of blackness, which perpetuates the ideology that black bodies are the subject of the state – regardless of who kills them. This logic is present in some black officers who unconsciously hyper-police other black bodies, akin to how black overseers used to reprimand enslaved Africans during chattel slavery on behalf of the slave master. This dynamic is foundational to the slave-master dialectic3 and reiterates the notion that the entrapments of white supremacy occupy and inhabit black bodies, too, not just white ones. It is just as damnable for black police officers to conduct themselves in this manner as for white police officers. White supremacy is not inherently racialized – it is often masqueraded in black faces and disguises itself through the mirage or illusion of blackness. The objective of white supremacy is to subjugate and dominate its property – the black body – by any means necessary, as we

witnessed with Tyre Nichols. From chattel slavery to present-day forms of policing, this travesty has reminded the general public that white supremacist logic manifests itself in many ways and unjustly weaponizes blackness.

It is repugnant then for our society to incessantly consume such perturbing images of the dismemberment of the black body. It highlights and normalizes violence against black bodies, which is irrefutably traumatizing. Moreover, it reifies basic (mis) conceptions about the black body ontologically. It suggests that black life and bodies are disposable when they do not acquiesce to the demands of law enforcement or subscribe to a politic of respectability. Why does the general public need to see “acts that defy humanity” and “a disregard for life” if the culprits of this atrocity have already been held accountable (by being arrested, fired, and charged)?

In the past, when there have been growing demands, and public outcry, for video footage to be released of police-civilian encounters, it is

because of the elusiveness of local police departments and their lack of accountability for debasing human life. However, this preoccupation with ingesting footage of the black body being desecrated is foundational to the tapestry of the American project.

Central to this phenomenon is a continuum of state-sanctioned murders against black bodies (albeit Emmett Till, Rodney King, or Tyre Nichols) and a tacit normalizing of violence against black people. The release of this video, highlighting five black police officers mangling Tyre Nichols, is fundamentally a tool of white supremacy, is antiblack, and is damaging to the social imagination and collective consciousness of our nation, particularly black America.

The two sides of this argument deal with a fascinating conundrum that is held together not so much by the people involved but by situation and personality. Some people bear the weight of too many problems so much that it becomes difficult to pick and prioritize what problems should be addressed instead of what problems should be left alone. Facts? But there will come a time when too many enduring problems become the problem. Please do not hear this as a blame-the-victim lost in a state of enduring problems. We all have faced some problems that took time to figure out, address, and prayerfully solve. Facts?

I have lived long enough to know that there are categories of problems—some are more difficult to deal with than others. For instance, take the Pandemic (please take it away!)—there were problems that no one person, no matter how talented, strong, determined, or resourceful, could satisfactorily solve. With

that said, some people create problems for themselves and others—this person actually has more promise to solve their problems by learning how to get out of their way. The case of Enduring Problems vs. Solving Problems is actually on a continuum where timing, awareness, and readiness must converge. It is equally important to differentiate problems that can and must be solved vs. problems that are beyond the spectrum of the human capacity to solve.

It is time to rest your case or call it back into session. If you are representing the state of enduring problems or solving problems—know that two states can exist simultaneously. I rest my case!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” Matthew 7:7 ❏ ❏ ❏

1 The term “Jane Crow” was coined by Pauli Murry, a civil rights activist and lawyer and Episcopal priest. 2 James Cone. The Cross and the Lynching Tree. Orbis Books. 2013.

3 G.W.F. Hegel’s “Master-Slave Dialectic,” in Phenomenology of Spirit, paragraphs 178-196.

Winford K. Rice, Jr. is an adjunct professor of Religion at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

We Must Go to Work!

Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr., President of the Council of Bishops

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (St. James 2:26) We are a people of faith and works. We must demonstrate true faith. We must go to work!

As we celebrate the African Methodist Episcopal Church Founder’s Day, one cannot help but pause and wonder what Richard and Sarah Allen would do in these challenging times. What would their position be on some of the most pressing issues facing our nation and our world today? How would they address voter protection rights?

Policing reform? Global warming?

Immigration Reform? Affordable Health Care?

Gun control?

Fair Taxes for all Americans?

Social Security protection? Medicare protection?

Feeding the hungry?

Clothing the naked?

Housing the homeless? Unemployment and underemployment?

Bigotry? Benign and neglect?

Misogyny? Isolationism?

Racism? Sexism?

Classism?

And all the other “isms” predicated upon injustice, inequality, lack of freedom and untruths?

What action would they take in the face of the rising up, speaking out, and impact of the Alt-Right, White Supremacist, Christian Nationalist agenda being promoted at some of the highest levels in our nation?

What would they say about all the schisms in the church today that have rendered us almost voiceless? And when we do rise up, it is usually against each other rather than against the evil in the world and for the poor and needy . What would they say or do about us turning on each other rather than turning to each other as brothers and sisters?

These are dangerous times we are living in. In 1967, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pinned his final manuscript: Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? This is a relevant and powerful question for us 56 years later.

For it can be argued that we stand at the crossroads of chaos or community in our church, nation, and worldwide. We stand at the crossroads of living together as brothers and sisters of the human race, the only race GOD created or perishing as fools.

As we celebrate this, our 207th Founder’s Day, I believe God is speaking to the body of believers in Jesus Christ, saying: Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, mind, and soul and love your neighbor as ourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Make a lifestyle out of helping people to reach their God-given potential. Be an example of unconditional love and love even your enemies. Remember the mercy God has shown you and show mercy unto others.

And just as our founders, Richard and Sarah Allen spoke truth to power then, I believe God is calling us to speak truth to power now. We must go to work!

Religious community. We must operate in the prophetic and Kingdom authority given to us by the power of GOD. We have become too quiet for too long, allowing our comfort to cause us to neglect the “least of these” whom God expects us to serve and fight for justice on their behalf. Too often we allow the culture to influence us when we should be influencing the culture. Political community. We need more statesmen and stateswomen, and fewer “cookie cutter” politicians lining up with partisan ideology and self-serving rhetoric that plays to fear, anger, and the division of our nation. We must creat policy that strengthens, unites, and creates a more equitable world. Education community. We must remember the lives that you help to shape

today will help to shape the world tomorrow. We must teach knowledge but also teach character. Otherwise, we may end up with a world full of educated fools without moral or spiritual foundations. For example, Adolf Hitler was well educated and because of the unjust laws of Germany, everything he did was legal, but spiritually and morally wrong!

This Founder’s Day, as we honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we thank GOD for 200-plus years of our denomination’s existence. As we celebrate the life and legacy of Richard and Sarah Allen, let us be reminded that we can honor them best by allowing our works to reflect our faith and hope for an even brighter future. We are pressing forward in the struggles with prophetic voices and action as prophetic problem solvers continuing this great work of mission and ministry. We honor our founders by preaching the liberating gospel of salvation and being filled with the Holy Spirit while still fighting for equal justice and rights, ushering in the Kingdom of GOD on earth.

I asked the question, what would Richard and Sarah Allen do in these challenging times? And I believe their resounding question would be “We Must Go To Work!”

For as long as there are systemic attempts to suppress voting rights–we must go to work!

As long as some have the right to vote but do not vote–we must go to work!

As long as everyone in the wealthiest nation in the world does not have affordable health care–we must go to work!

As long as children are homeless and going to bed hungry at night and are too hungry to focus and learn at school–we must go to work!

As long as there are “corridors of shame” because of a lack of commitment to provide equitable funding for quality education for all God’s children, rural and city–we must go to work!

As long as there is racial profiling and other forms of racism–we must go to work!

As long as a country built by and on the backs of immigrants does not have the appropriate immigration reform policies that allow for legalized full citizenship–we must go to work!

As long as there are unfair and unjust employment and procurement practices, we must work!

As long as children and adults are being killed in schools, movie theaters, grocery stores, malls, college campuses, or anywhere and there is more concern for assault weapons ownership under the 2nd Amendment than for gun control and the protection of life–we must go to work!

The list could go on. The war for freedom, justice, equality, and the truth is not over. We must go to work!

As I close, as long as we live in a nation and a world that does not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior---we must go to work!

We must make our presence known in the halls of Congress, the White House, our state houses, city and county councils, and school board meetings.

Let us recommit and rededicate ourselves to making a positive difference 365 days of the year---in our lives, in our churches, in our homes, in our schools, in our businesses, on our jobs, in our communities, in our cities, in our states, in our nation, in our world. Wherever we are, let’s make a positive difference. Let’s go to work as the AMEC. We are a gift to the world. God is not through with us yet. “We Must Go To Work!” ❏ ❏ ❏

Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr. Guest Editorial