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.

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