November 2023 Edition of The Christian Recorder

$3.25

thechristianrecorder.com

VOLUME 173, NO. 2

NOVEMBER 2023

Historic Election of the Reverend Anthony S. Steele, Sr. Vice Chair of the City of Tacoma Planning Commission In a groundbreaking move, the Reverend Anthony S. Steele, Sr. was unanimously elected on August 2, 2023, as the vice chair of the city of Tacoma Planning Commission (established July 6, 1954), making history as the first African American to hold this position in the city’s esteemed history.

The vice chair of the city of Tacoma Planning Commission, the Rev. Anthony S. Steele, Sr. is also the pastor of Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Fifth Episcopal District of the Pacific Northwest Conference Cascade District. His dual roles highlight his dedication to faith, community, and civic engagement.

The Rev. Steele, a prominent local figure, has been actively involved in various community organizations,

including the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, Tacoma Neighborhood Council, and Tacoma Urban League, and is a volunteer classroom teacher at Delong Elementary School. He is known for his tireless work advocating for affordable housing, economic development, and equitable access to resources in underserved neighborhoods.

Steele’s election to this influential position marks a significant milestone in Tacoma’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in local government. With a long and distinguished history of community service and advocacy, he brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Commission. His election to the vice chair position reflects our city’s dedication to fostering diversity and ensuring that all voices are heard in the planning and development of our city. ...continued on p2

AME Itinerant Deacon Appointed to Arizona State Legislature On June 5, 2023, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed the Reverend Quantá Crews to the Arizona State Legislature as the state representative for Legislative District 26. She is one of two African Americans and the only Black Democrat in the Arizona State House.

The Rev. Quantá Crews was raised in Amity Baptist Church, Inkster, Michigan, and baptized at the tender age of six. By high school, she had drawn away from her first love. She knows firsthand of God’s grace and mercy, God’s ability to heal, and the importance of growing past one’s circumstances. God sent the Rev. Crews to Grand Canyon University, a private Christian University in Phoenix. After hearing God’s Word and experiencing God’s love through his people, the Rev. Crews rededicated her life to Christ via the S.A.L.T. Young Adult Ministry in 2005. She found her way to the Historic Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2007 and served faithfully both with her church family and community ever since.

Ordained as an itinerant deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she currently serves the Young Adult and No Limits Special Needs Ministries at Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Young Adult Ministry is a social action and mentoring ministry that seeks to enrich and empower young adults through the intimate study of God’s Word. No Limits takes the active role of ensuring that those with special needs and their families are provided adequate support and accommodation in all aspects of their spiritual lives. No Limits also trains the church family in special needs awareness and gives leaders and volunteers the tools necessary to successfully support all with special needs in the church. She previously served as chaplain of the Arizona State University Gospel Choir, giving back to college ministry, the ministry that saved her life. ...continued on p2

Examine Your Life and How You Fit Into Society Dr. Michael C. Carson, Columnist

Songstress Diana Ross asks in the “Theme From Mahogany,” “Do you know where you are going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Where are you going to? Do you know? Do you get what you’re hopin’ for, when you look behind you, there’s no open doors. What are you hoping for? Do you know?”

I conduct “Holistic Transformational Coaching.”

Researcher, writer, content manager Caroline Rou shares, “Transformational coaching is a powerful approach that focuses on facilitating deep personal growth and development.

Through a collaborative partnership between the coach and the client, transformational coaching aims to create lasting change and transformation in various areas of life.”

Thirty Days That Changed the Ecumenical Movement… p3

Examining your perspectives, values, and beliefs will always help you understand how what you do in life is interconnected and interrelated to God, self, and others. This will help you to better experience balance and harmony in your life.

The Psalmist encourages examination. King David “petitioned” God: “Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; crossexamine and test me, get a clear picture of what

Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Partners With the U.S. Naval Academy.… p9

Global Witness Ministry Director Dr. John F. Green Visits 20th Episcopal District … p17

I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life” (Psalm 139:23-24 MSG).

Greek philosopher Socrates shared, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” Strive to know who you are. You are a ...continued on p2

St. John Celebrates Family and Friends Day in Community Service and Worship… p22

Denial’s Costly Benefit … p25

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

...From Historic Election p1

In his new role as vice chair of the Planning Commission, Steele will play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s growth and development policies. The Commission’s responsibilities include reviewing land use proposals, zoning regulations, and urban development plans, making it a crucial entity in guiding Tacoma’s future.

The Reverend Steele expressed his gratitude and commitment to the role, stating, “I am honored to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I am fully dedicated to ensuring that the Planning Commission continues to prioritize equity and inclusivity in our city’s planning processes. Tacoma is a diverse and vibrant community, and our policies must reflect the needs and aspirations of all our residents.”

Community leaders and residents are celebrating the historic moment of Steele’s election, which is seen as a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative government in Tacoma.

The city of Tacoma Planning Commission, with the Reverend Anthony S. Steele, Sr. as its vice chair, is poised to promote equitable development and ensure that the city’s growth benefits all its residents, regardless of their background or circumstances. This historic election serves as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and just future in Tacoma. ❏ ❏ ❏

...From AME Itinerant p1 The Reverend Crews is an experienced real estate and property appraiser who has spent most of her years in the government administration industry. She is a loving mother of three growing boys, a theological scholar, an aspiring lyricist, and most importantly, a child of the most high. She is dedicated to the education, empowerment, freedom, and advancement of all by sharing the good news of our liberating Savior, Jesus Christ.

For more information visit https://quantaforaz.com/ ❏ ❏ ❏ ...From Examine Your p1

member very wonderful “communities in life.”

Ivy Tech Community College-Kokomo, Indiana Program chair, surgical technology, Jia Hardimon-Eddington MS, CST shares, “Belonging is often defined as one having the support of a place or a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a person as a particular member or with a certain group. People feel a sense of belonging when an individual can bring

their authentic self to work. In contrast, when employees feel like they do not belong at their workplaces, their performance and productivity is stifled.

This sense of belonging can show up in other places as well. For example, as Christians, we have a place where we belong. We have always been created to be in intimate vicinity to God.” “It’s in that relationship that we acknowledge,

accept, and know how to love one another (1 John 4:19). As the world will know that we are his disciples by our love for one another (St. John 13:35). This belief, attitude, and display of God’s love is the essence of true belonging.”

Actively engage with self, trusted others, and God in constantly learning who you are and who you are not.

Always strive to determine “what makes you ...continued on p26

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER: The Christian Recorder (ISSN 1050-6039, USPS 16880) is the official organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a member of the Associated Church Press and the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Founded in 1852, it is printed monthly by the AMEC Sunday School Union, 900 13th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville, TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Christian Recorder, 900 13th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. Subscription price is $36 per year. Single issues are $3.25.

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

ONLINE OR

BY MAIL

Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher, AMEC Sunday School Union Dr. John Thomas III, Editor, The Christian Recorder

Office: 615.601.0450 General queries: editor@thechristianrecorder.com

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER 900 13TH AVENUE SOUTH #220 NASHVILLE, TN 37212

Submissions: articles@thechristianrecorder.com Views expressed by the editor and/or other writers do not necessarily reflect the official views of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Christian Recorder welcomes letters from its readers on matters of general interest.

Letters must be exclusive to The Christian Recorder and must be signed, including the writer’s home address and business telephone number. No defamatory, libelous or slanderous letters will be printed; and The Christian Recorder reserves the right to reject or edit any letter or article to conform to good taste, style and space requirements. Although we are unable to acknowledge those letters we cannot publish, we appreciate the interest and value the views of those who take the time to send us their comments.

Letters intended for publication should be addressed to The Christian Recorder/Letters to the Editor, 900 13th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212.

All photograph submissions are the property of The Christian Recorder and will not be returned.

2

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

ECUMENICAL NEWS

Thirty Days That Changed the Ecumenical Movement Odair Pedroso Mateus, World Council of Churches

The archbishop of York was in Edinburgh for the second world conference of the ecumenical Movement on Faith and Order, an amazing constellation of eastern Orthodox hierarchs and western Protestant and Anglican professors engaged in theological work for reconciliation between Christian churches. As the leader of Faith and Order, he was busy supervising the very final preparations for the conference, thinking about a sermon and a presidential address he had to deliver in the following days, and welcoming 443 delegates from 122 Christian churches or denominations in 43 countries.

On 3 August, Temple preached at the conference opening service at the “Presbyterian Cathedral” of Saint Giles. No rest after that. In the following days, an incident with racial connotations, involving his African American colleague Bishop William Heard, required immediate response.

And on top of all that, the archbishop was concerned with mounting fear and resistance within the Movement on Faith and Order to the proposal to bring Life and Work and Faith and Order Miss Caldwell (the bishop's niece) and Bishop under the roof of a future World Council of Churches.

Heard of the African M. E. Church, at the World Conference on Faith and Order, Edinburgh, 1937.

“We could not seek union if we did not already possess unity.”

Temple’s sermon on 3 August, on Ephesians 4:13, could be read as an outline of the emerging ecumenical vision. Seen in hindsight, the choice of Ephesians was no surprise. That letter, with its future-oriented vision of unity centred on the cosmic, reconciling power of Christ’s cross, would become a kind of “canon within the canon” in future Faith and Order work until the recent The Church: Towards a Common Vision.

The unity of the church, Temple launched at the outset, “is grounded in the unity of God and the uniqueness of his redeeming act in Jesus Christ.” Thus, our task is not to create it. “We could not seek union if we did not already possess unity.” However, the church, in its present state of division in history, is like a lantern covered with a dark veil. It is truly a lantern, yet “the world may see the sin of Christians more clearly than the holiness of the church, and the divisions which that sin has caused more clearly than the unity which endures in spite of them.”

And he asked: How can the church claim to bridge the divisions in human society “if when men are drawn into it they find that another division has been added to the old ones – a division of Catholic from Evangelical, of Episcopalian from Presbyterian or Independent?” Through division we have obscured our witness to the Gospel and lost “some spiritual treasure” given to others.

After celebrating the ecumenical achievements following the 1927 world conference, the archbishop of York concluded by challenging the conference participants to open themselves to the Spirit and grow to full perfection in Christ: “It is only by coming closer to him that we can come nearer to one another.”

Hotel accommodation refused to black American Bishop William Heard It was time to address the incident involving his Faith and Order friend William Heard.

Born into slavery in 1850, the young William fell in love with education at Sunday school.

Restrictions imposed on black people’s access to education did not break his resolve to learn.

He studied at the University of South Carolina and later on in Philadelphia. He was elected to the senate of South Carolina in the late 1870s and in the 1890s he was U.S. consul general in Liberia. The African Methodist Episcopal Church ordained him in 1883 and elected him bishop in 1908. Heard was a delegate to the first world conference on Faith and Order, held in Lausanne in 1927, and subsequently a member

of its Continuation Committee until 1937.

Aged 88—the most senior delegate at the Faith and Order conference—Bishop Heard had registered for the conference and rooms had been reserved for him and his grand-niece, the lawyer Valerie Caldwell, at Edinburgh Hotel.

They learned on arrival that the reserved rooms were no longer available due, according to the hotel, to overbooking. The incident made the news. The Scotsman of 9 August titled “Alleged ‘Colour Bar.’” Chancellor John Simon, the British minister of finances, and his wife, who had authored a book supporting the abolition of slavery, met with Heard and Caldwell to express their sympathy. Temple offered them accommodation at Cowan House, where he was staying during the conference.

Temple was in the chair when the conference convened in plenary session on 4 August at 10 a.m.

The first point in the agenda was the adoption of the rules of procedure for the conference. That was easily done. The second was the proposal to bring the movements on Life and Work and Faith and Order under the same roof of a global 3

fellowship of churches. The time had come.

Between economic crisis and national socialism: the long and winding road that led to the World Council of Churches Temple may have recalled for a short moment the day in 1933 when, encouraged by William Adams Brown from Union Theological Seminary and the Movement on Life and Work, he had hosted at Bishopthorpe, south of York, an informal consultation of leaders of different ecumenical movements to brainstorm on the pressing issue of a viable future for them and, particularly, for the movements on Life and Work and Faith and Order.

The two movements had been hit by the global economic crisis of the early 1930s. The Bostonbased Faith and Order, which had opened an office in Geneva in 1930, was forced to close it in 1933. Its Continuation Committee cancelled its 1932 and 1933 meetings for budget problems.

Its theological committee was unable to start a planned study on the sacraments and the publication of the churches’ responses to the 1927 conference was postponed sine die. Ralph W. Brown, the movement’s general secretary, resigned early in 1933. Leonard Hodgson, the theological secretary, added Brown’s work to his own and his house in Winchester became the new official address of the Faith and Order Secretariat. How would Faith and Order pursue its ecumenical theological mission?

Other reasons spoke in favour of greater institutional coordination in the work of the two movements. Unlike other ecumenical movements, both were church-based and shared a similar constituency. Both had realised in recent years that they were increasingly complementary: After 1925, Life and Work felt the need to give greater theological depth to its practical agenda while ...continued on p4

NOVEMBER 2023 ...From Thirty Days p3 during the 1930s, Faith and Order gained progressively the awareness that the origin of church divisions and the search for church unity could not be confined to issues of doctrine and ordained ministry alone as they were also a matter of “non-theological factors.”

In the two years following the 1933 Bishopthorpe consultation, the project of establishing a World Council of Churches gained momentum as the Confessing Church in Germany struggled against the attempts of the Nazi regime to submit the church to its nationalist, racial, and totalitarian agenda. The struggle of the Confessing Church raised radical questions about the spiritual and ecclesial self-understanding of the two ecumenical movements. If they understood themselves as Church of Christ, they had to struggle with the fundamental question of being the church in times of paganism and consequently with crucial questions such as the distinction between true and false church and solidarity with persecuted minorities.

In the northern summer 1936 meeting near Montreux, on the postcard shores of the Lake of Geneva, the Continuation Committee of Faith and Order received a series of reports and resolutions from a U.S. meeting of ecumenical leaders and from Life and Work on possible steps to be taken towards the urgent reconfiguration of the ecumenical movement. “Considerable discussion took place on the questions raised by these reports and resolutions” noted the minute taker of the meeting, suggesting hesitation, if not opposition, to the idea of embarking Faith and Order in an institutional adventure with a movement (Life and Work), whose members believed that “doctrine divides, but service unites,” and increasingly aligned themselves with the German Confessing Church in opposition to the “official” German Evangelical Church, whose leadership opposed the growing influence of Life and Work on the ecumenical movement.

The Continuation Committee finally agreed with the other ecumenical movements on “the

The Christian Recorder appointment of a committee to review the work of ecumenical cooperation since the Stockholm and the Lausanne Conference, and to report to the Oxford and Edinburgh conferences regarding the future of the ecumenical movement.”

Concerned with its autonomy and relations with official churches, Faith and Order noted diplomatically that after its upcoming 1937 world conference, the future of the movement would rest entirely “in the hands of the officially appointed representatives of churches there assembled” (meaning: and not in the hands of any another ecumenical organisation…)

A race against time was launched. The committee in charge of proposing a reconfiguration of the ecumenical movement—later known as the Committee of the Thirty-Five—had to be appointed in the following months through a complex process of consultation with churches, councils of churches, Faith and Order, Life and Work, the World Alliance for Promoting International Friendship Through the Churches, the International Missionary Council, the World Student Christian Federation, the Young Women’s Christian Association, and the Young Men’s Christian Association. It would have to meet and develop a detailed proposal to be submitted at the latest by mid-July 1937 to the Oxford World Conference on Life and Work and early in August to the World Conference on Faith and Order.

The Committee of the Thirty-Five finally met in London, 8-10 July 1937, just a few days before the Oxford World Conference. Three of its members – the Germans Hanns Lilje, Reinold von Thadden, and Wilhelm Zoellner were refused permission to attend the meeting. The committee managed in two-and-a-half-days to accomplish its mission. The Life and Work World Conference, meeting under the antitotalitarian theme “Church, Community, and State,” approved the committee’s report and the proposal to form a World Council of Churches and forwarded it and its decision to Faith and Order in Edinburgh.

Group of American delegates at the World Conference on Faith and Order, Edinburgh, 1937 (where Bishop Heard can be seen too.)

4

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

Faith and Order “intends to be married and with equal determination to remain single.”

Temple, as you may remember from nine paragraphs ago, was in the chair on 4 August at 10 a.m. The chairman introduced the report from the Committee of Thirty-Five but did not open a discussion on its proposals. He referred it immediately to a special committee of 60 members, appointed to consider it and report in plenary one week later. On 11 August at 20:30, the special committee reported. Its recommendations concerning the next steps towards placing Faith and Order and Life and Work under a World Council of Churches were a “yes, but…”

Yes, Faith and Order and Life and Work should move to appoint a Constituent Committee to complete the plans for a World Council of Churches and convene its first assembly when plans would be approved by the churches. But the Continuation Committee would give its final approval to the complete plan in 1938 “only if the following guarantees be incorporated:” the future WCC “Commission on Faith and Order” will be the Continuation Committee appointed by the Edinburgh World Conference; any further WCC appointments to the Commission on Faith and Order shall be of persons from churches “which accept our Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour”; the Faith and Order Secretariat will be appointed by the commission “in consultation with the Council”; the World Council “shall consist of official representatives of the Churches participating.”

Discussion followed. J. Ross Stevenson had introduced the report by warning that “we are facing a world situation quite different from that in which the Faith and Order movement began.”

Faith and Order “is no longer a unique and interesting new venture for which financial and other support can easily be secured… it must adjust itself to the changed situation.” Temple noted that the proposal in deliberation had two main objects: to make it easier to interest the public in the world movement of the churches and to associate the churches more closely together so that they would be drawn into unity.

Archdeacon Alfred E. Monahan, of the church in Wales, was initially afraid that Faith and Order would abandon its trinitarian theological basis and adopt the unitarian basis of some members of Life and Work. He did not see the need for a WCC. However, “as so many better men are in favour of it and no vital principles are involved, I intend to vote for the approval of this report.” Liu Tingfang (T. T. Lew), representing the “younger churches,” noted that in China people often asked him about closer cooperation between Faith and Order and Life and Work: “If this report is approved, it will lead to a great increase of interest in Faith and Order in China.”

The report was approved with ...continued on p5

NOVEMBER 2023 ...From Thirty Days p4

one

voice

The Christian Recorder in

opposition.

Three days later the proposal to establish a World Council of Churches was back in plenary, this time through the report of Section IV on “The Church’s Unity in Life and Worship.” The Anglican Arthur C. Headlam, bishop of Gloucester, asked for the floor. “I am sorry, but I wish to record my opposition to the proposal for the creation of a World Council of Churches in the last paragraph of the report. I do not know how many there are who are

opposed to it, but there is a definite body of members of the Conference who are opposed to this idea, and many opposed to any definite connection with the Life and Work Movement. If such a Council were to exist, and if it passed resolutions on public affairs, it might do a considerable amount of harm.”

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

on 6 August: “We do not believe that the modes of life growing up on the basis of the totalitarian state in its actual existence, which have brought to our country and nation [Germany] new courage, unity, and strength, are necessarily opposed to the Gospel.”

The Faith and Order Continuation Committee met one year after those 30 days that had changed the modern ecumenical movement. A new round of discussions yielded in agreement with the new draft of the WCC Constitution, which

Headlam’s views were aligned with those of the leadership of the German Evangelical Church and with those of the Methodist J.W.E. Sommer and the Old Catholic Bishop Erwin Kreuzer who declared in plenary

protected the autonomy of Faith and Order. Bishop Headlam once again voted against, foreseeing the end of Faith and Order. He wrote to Bishop Theodor Heckel, head of the foreign office of the German Evangelical Church: “We have not been successful in preventing the World Council…” Joseph Oldham wrote to W. A. Visser ‘t Hooft, the first general secretary of the WCC: “The Faith and Order movement intends to be married and with equal determination to remain single.”

Odair Pedroso Mateus was director of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order (2015-2022), WCC deputy general secretary (2020-2022), and professor of ecumenical theology at the WCC Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, Switzerland (2004-2021).bThe author dedicates this text to Anne-Emmanuelle Tankam-Tene, WCC Archives, in recognition for her service to ecumenical research.

The Story of Emmett Till Is the Story of America; the Hidden Past Explains Our Divided Present Robert P. Jones, White Too Long

On August 14, 2023, six white former Mississippi police officers pled guilty to torturing two black men with tasers and a sex toy for 90 minutes after kicking in the door to the men’s home without a warrant. The group, which dubbed itself “the goon squad,” taunted them with racial slurs, telling the men to “stop taking advantage of a white woman who lived there” and “go back to Jackson or ‘their side’ of the Pearl River.” Only after a gun went off during a staged mock execution, shooting one of the men in the mouth, did the violence cease as they hastily tried to cover their tracks. The two victims survived, but they will undoubtedly be scarred by this experience for the rest of their lives.

like this, standing in the light of wisdom, grace, and deliverance.”

This horrific news comes just twenty days after President Joe Biden’s July 25th proclamation establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument on what would have been Emmett Till’s 82nd birthday.

The new monument will be jointly located in Mississippi, where he was tortured and murdered in 1955 at age 14, and in Illinois, where he spent his childhood and is buried.

The names on contemporary maps harken back four centuries to the encounter between indigenous peoples and the first Europeans seeking new acquisitions in the name of the church and Christian nations. Tallahatchie County and the Tallahatchie River, where the broken body of Emmett Till was found, retains its Choctaw name, meaning “rock of waters” for the iron sandstone outcroppings near its source. Nearby DeSoto county was named after Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto, who reached the Mississippi River in 1541, 400 years before Till’s birth.

The continued legacy of white supremacy is evident, however, in the eerie parallels between these incidents, separated by nearly seven decades. If we trace the historical stream further, we can see, in Emmett Till’s story, America’s oldest struggles. Indeed, the land itself testifies to the chain of events that created the cultural world in which Till’s murder was conceivable.

De Soto claimed the land for Spain, with military might supplied by the crown and moral justification supplied by the church and its Christian Doctrine of Discovery, which asserted the religious and racial superiority of Europeans over indigenous peoples. This significant event is memorialized today in one of four massive 8x12-foot paintings hanging in the rotunda of the United States Capitol. (Do not miss the significance of the artillery in the bottom left corner and the giant crucifix in the bottom right corner.)

Discovery of the Mississippi by De Soto, by William H. Powell, painted 1855.

Nearly three centuries after de Soto, this ethnoreligious worldview remained a driving force in American culture, fueling President Andrew Jackson’s merciless “Indian removal” policy. In the unusually bitter winter of 1831, near the point of de Soto’s Mississippi River crossing, the young Frenchman ...continued on p6

Photo courtesy of National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The establishment of the new national monument is undoubtedly a sign of progress. In an emotional speech during the signing ceremony at the White House, the Rev. Wheeler Parker, Emmett Till’s cousin who was in the next room when two white men abducted Till at gunpoint in the middle of the night, spoke of moving from “a time when we lived in fear” to “a moment 5

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

...From The Story p5 Alexis de Tocqueville, who was visiting the United States to observe American

democracy in action, witnessed this atrocity. He vividly described the death and misery that accompanied these forced migrations of our land’s original inhabitants as “sufferings that I have not the power to portray.”

Money, Mississippi, the tiny town where Till had his fateful encounter with Carolyn Bryant at a local store, was named after Confederate officer and later United States Senator Hernando De Soto Money, whose name and commitments vividly tie together the conquest of native peoples and the enslavement of African peoples in the name of Christianity and “civilization.”

These cartographical testimonies—not only in the Mississippi Delta but in every state in the nation—preserve clues to a hidden past that helps explain our divided present.

Today, our strongest debates are marked less by philosophical disagreements over policy than visceral battles over American identity and history. The dramatic demographic changes the country has undergone over the

last twenty years—from a majority white Christian nation to one with no single majority ethno-religious group—has resurfaced an unresolved fundamental question: Are we a divinely ordained promised land for Christians of European descent in which all others have their subservient place, or are we a pluralist democracy in which everyone stands on equal footing as citizens?

Just as white authorities in Mississippi attempted to hastily bury Emmett Till’s body before Mamie’s courageous demand to “let the people see what they did to my boy,” there are those today who want to hide the challenging parts of our past. At the White House signing ceremony establishing the new Till National Monument, Vice President Kamala Harris castigated this impulse, declaring, “Let us not be seduced into

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

believing that somehow we will be better if we forget. We will be better if we remember. We will be stronger if we remember.”

America is, thankfully, a nation that is tearing down Confederate monuments to white supremacy and erecting new monuments to racial equality, signaling a public commitment to a better future. But America is also the nation in which six white police officers, in 2023, tortured and nearly killed two black men, driven by these same ancient forces of hate.

Telling Till’s story—and understanding it as our story—is important because it establishes an honest place to stand and to say, collectively, “No more!” Such truth-telling is vital for healing relationships, repairing the damage, and any viable future we may have together as a multiracial, pluralistic democracy. *This essay is adapted from material in Robert P. Jones’s new book,b The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future, which will be published

by Simon & Schuster on September 5, 2023.

An Historical Overview: A Global Candidate’s Call for Inclusivity Rev. Dr. Keith Donaldson Lawrence

AMEs, our time under God for intentional inclusivity is now! As we approach the 52nd session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to be held in Columbus, Ohio, in August 2024, we cannot overlook the recognition and election of global candidates among the field of qualified choices. Why now? Because the 52nd session will mark 52 years since a global candidate has been elected bishop from the 16th Episcopal District. In 1972 Bishop Frederick H. Talbot was elected from Guyana (16th Episcopal District - Caribbean and London). Bishop Talbot was the third bishop elected from outside the continental United States. The first was Bishop Joseph Gomez, from Trinidad, elected in 1948. In 1956, Bishop Francis Herman Gow, the second global candidate, was elected from South Africa. Other global candidates elected and consecrated bishop were bishops Vinton Anderson in 1972 (Bermuda), Donald G. K. Ming in 1976 (Bermuda), Harold Benjamin Senatle in 1984 (South Africa), Wilfred J. Messiah (South Africa), Paul J. M. Kawimbe (Zambia), and David Daniels in 2004 (Liberia). These facts mean that in the 207-year history of the AME Church, 93% of the 142 elected and consecrated bishops have been born in the continental United States; this is the inverse of the membership of our Zion. The time is NOW to intentionally include and elect global candidates at the 52nd session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church!

What is the significance of being a global candidate? Global candidates bring a diverse, inclusive, holistic leadership perspective that can only benefit Zion’s growth and overall health.

Their lived experiences as global citizens provide a worldview that will make the AME Church grow exponentially in numbers and impact. Fervent proponents of the Great Commandment, AME history records the tremendous denominational value-added of global candidates throughout the AME Church’s existence.

What is the global need? With the advent of the Internet and social media, injustices that were once oblivious to the local eye can now be seen everywhere around the globe, often in real-time.

As one of the Global Candidates, the Reverend Dr. Keith D. Lawrence is uniquely positioned as an experienced pastor and educator to blow the trumpet in Zion, giving God’s people clear warnings of spiritual perils in our time. As the unique global candidate, Lawrence is strategically positioned to empower the Connectional Church

to model the value of connectionalism in the church and community throughout the globe.

Lawrence is committed to further enhancing God’s kingdom by “Empowering the World Spiritually, Physically, and Economically Through Liberation.”

Who is standing out as part of the global candidates running in 2024? With over 44 years of pastoral experience, educational wisdom, and academic teaching experience, God has encouraged, equipped, and empowered the Reverend Dr. Keith D. Lawrence (a native of Trinidad from the 16th Episcopal District) for this moment in salvation history. As director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio, and pastor of First AME Church, Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Lawrence expanded and shared his vision to Educate, Encourage, and Empower. During his pastoral career, Lawrence planted and served an international congregation with over thirty-five nations under one roof. As an aspired bishop, 6

Lawrence is poised and positioned to share and, where required, enhance critical skills for preparing clergy and lay leaders, acquiring advanced professional talent while joining our current leadership in leading the AME Church into its next dimension of ministry service to the church and community. As your potential global candidate of choice, prayerfully to be elected at the 52nd session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Lawrence presents, amongst others, untapped professional and religious experience of over 47 years combined. The TIME TO ELECT A LEADER OF THIS CALIBER IS NOW! What is Lawrence’s global platform? Lawrence’s global platform, in short, is to “Educate, Encourage, and Empower” the people of the AME Church around the globe.

Educate – Every church member/disciple must be allowed to be equipped through biblical, theological, and denominational education to live saved lives. This would ...continued on p13

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

Solidarity to Palestine Rev. Kendall L. McBroom, 2nd Episcopal District

As an ordained clergyperson in the African Methodist Episcopal tradition, the director of civil and human rights for a faithbased agency, and a follower of Malcolm X and Jesus Christ, I write as one who believes in freedom and justice, mercy and grace, love and self-empowerment, and salvation and liberation. I do not come to this conversation lightly, nor do I come presuming I have all the answers. Nevertheless, I write as one guided by the spirit of Christ, the wisdom and insight of my African and indigenous ancestors, and the stories of impacted persons throughout the African Diaspora. These perspectives influence this writing and my very being.

We have heard multiple stories and perspectives about the tragedies in both Israel and Palestine.

We have heard countless stories of death, rape, and bombing of innocent civilians. We have not heard as much about the theological underpinnings that have brought us to this point. In Genesis 12, the writers share that God promised to give the land, Canaan, to Abram and his descendants. As we know, this does not happen immediately, and it will be several books and generations before they are able to enter the land. Nevertheless, the language around their arrival is what we must pay close attention to.

See the words of Joshua 3:10: “This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites.”

There is a declaration that God, the divine Creator and sustainer of life, will be with the people as they enter occupied territory and rain down violence upon innocent victims. The text does not deal with the nuances of the people already

living there, their history, or their livelihoods.

Rather, it makes them collateral damage and dismisses their story as peripheral to the story of God’s relationship with the presumed people of promise.

I take issue with this manifest destiny theology for the same reasons indigenous populations take issue with Christianity and the imperial conquest of the West under the guise of being sent by God. Across history, the narrative is the same. The English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch came to “new lands” and claimed them as their own under the unction and notion that God had preordained the land as theirs, despite the fact that people, humans, and others made in the /imago dei/, were already there. We have seen this narrative played out in the land of our foremothers and forefathers as they stripped away the resources while people, also made in the image and likeness of God, inhabited the land. To assert that the divine instructs us to move in violent, colonizing conquests is to project onto the divine power human emotions,

actions, and instincts.

Palestinians are not only up against claims to their homeland. They are up against claims to their humanity and dignity. What we are witnessing is genocide of a people in multiple places of the world at the same time. The church—the African Methodist Episcopal Church in particular, and the Black Church broadly—cannot be silent when we have been victims of these same atrocities. Consider that black town in your community that is no more– its history gone forever. If we refuse to call what we are seeing what it really is, we will simply allow our history and the history of folk with whom we share a lot in common to plummet into oblivion.

So, I leave you with this question---what will you and your church do to stand in solidarity with those being persecuted in the Middle East, in Sudan, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in South Sudan, in Venezuela, in Guatemala? How will we show our witness rather than simply attempt to pray these things away? ❏ ❏ ❏

U.S. Religious Groups Stand Together Across Faiths to Care for Creation and Our Climate ONE HOME – ONE FUTURE Campaign Launches for Congregations Nationwide October 4, 2023 — In a historic moment, today 29 U.S. denominations and faith organizations have joined together to launch One Home One Future, a multi-faith campaign to strengthen vitality, relevance, and community connection across generations – to care for our shared home – in local congregations nationwide. Acknowledging the urgency and opportunity of the IPCC goal of seven years to make significant progress toward climate solutions, the partners have put aside past differences to launch this campaign and make care for creation more visible, empowering, accessible, and prolific. They recognized the significance of the number seven across faith traditions, and how it offers a profound framework to champion climate action as a spiritual and ethical issue, and chose October 4th as the launch date as it coincides with the Feast of Saint Francis which is the last day of the Season of Creation and the day that Pope Francis is launching his Laudato sí 2.0. It also falls during Sukkot and just after Milad un Nabi.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said, “In the ELCA we are called to care for creation and for each other. The ELCA is proud to be part of One Home One Future. We invite all of our congregations to participate, no matter if they have a creation care team or are just getting started. I look forward to seeing ELCA congregations participate in cities and towns across the country and I am proud to stand together across faith traditions to protect our given and shared home.”

Bishop David C. Rice, diocese of San Joaquin of the Episcopal Church, said, “We are a faith

community completely and utterly committed to creation care. It is our delight and our pleasure to participate, to engage in the One Home One Future campaign.”

Congregations who participate in One Home One Future agree to visibly lead on creation care, display the One Home One Future banner in front of their house of worship, and take action within any number of the seven pathways to educate, activate, and empower clergy, congregants, youth, and all spiritual people – progressing beyond the climate activists – in meaningful and just climate solutions at the local, regional, and national level.

7

They are supported with a banner, congregational toolkit, a breadth of resources and tools relevant for their faith tradition, and the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other faith leaders and congregations within and across faiths nationwide.

One Home One Future recognizes that each of us can take steps to care for our shared home, every day. Equitable climate action does not have to be a new burden or responsibility; it can and should be part of our existing priorities and enrich our everyday lives. The goal of the campaign is to inspire the participation ...continued on p8

NOVEMBER 2023 ...From U.S. Religious p7

of tens of thousands of congregations, in every state, over the next seven years. Many denomination leaders are coming together in support of this initiative.

Bishop Vashti McKenzie, president and general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, said, “We are happy to be a part of this national faith and justice movement, One Home One Future campaign. We are called to be stewards, protectors, and preservers. As people of many faiths, our collective work is just as important as our individual work. Let’s accelerate and amplify our action and advocacy to protect our given and shared home.”

Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, said, “The African Methodist Episcopal Church is excited to be part of the One Home One Future campaign.

We are called with other faiths to advocate and act for the care, support, and protection of our shared home.”

The Rev. Dr. Willie Gable, Jr., director of Faith Based Initiatives of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., said, “The National Baptist Convention is excited about participating in the One Home One Future campaign, and our constituent churches all across the United States eagerly await the launching of this campaign.”

“Presbyterians are called to care for all people and all of creation as we live out our Matthew 25 vision. With this in mind, the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) is pleased to be part of One Home One Future,” adds the Rev. Dr. Diane L. Givens Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. “I look forward to seeing PCUSA congregations in cities and towns nationwide be part of this wonderful campaign and I am proud to stand together across faith traditions to protect our given and shared earthly home.”

Becky O’Brien from Adamah shared, “We

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

believe in the ancient Jewish teaching that people and the planet are one, Adam and Adamah. We want and need a natural world that thrives, and this is our warm invitation to you, your neighbors, your congregants, and your communities to join us. If you’re not already involved, let this be in your portal into action that will strengthen your community and help protect our shared home.”

“Americans believe in their moral responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy climate for their children and future generations,” said Meighen Speiser, executive director of ecoAmerica. She continued, “People assume that folks around them–particularly people of faith–are unconcerned when the exact opposite is true. One Home One Future is a testament of how concern can convert into action, and how people of faith can set aside past differences to stand together for our common home.”

Midway Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), The Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, Midway, KY general minister and president of the in this campaign along with other advocates Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), said, and people of faith.” United Church of Christ’s “Our creation is in our hands. It’s time to commit to making sure that our One Home One Future the Rev. Dr. Jim Antal added, “The One Home One Future campaign will show America that both endures and is bright with possibility and denominations and faith organizations are sustenance for all.” united in our commitment to care for God’s The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, general minister and president of the United Church of creation. Whatever your faith tradition, taking action to protect and restore God’s creation is Christ, noted that “as people of many faiths, we central to your tradition’s teaching.” are called to accelerate and amplify our action and advocacy to protect our given and shared One Home One Future invites people and home on this planet we call earth. We can make a difference in averting the climate crisis. The congregations nationwide to participate, no United Church of Christ is excited and grateful matter if they have been engaging in creation to be a part of this national faith and climate care for some time, or just getting started. Learn justice campaign, One Home One Future. I more and join at OneHomeOneFuture.org. look forward to our United Church of Christ congregations across the nation participating Faith leader videos available on request. ❏ ❏ ❏

Second Episcopal District Is First for Christ and Second to None!

Presiding Elder A. Qismat Alim, 2nd Episcopal District

Under the capable and forward-thinking leadership of our servant leaders Bishop James Levert Davis and Episcopal Supervisor Arelis Bevers Davis, this district is doing GREAT THINGS for the glory of God! Not to mention purchasing an office building named after former connectional Lay President Valerie Faith Gary Bell to generate revenue for the district; not to mention burning the three million dollar mortgage note on the building at the recent Summer Summit in July 2023; not to mention the gathering of the five annual conferences of the district for a combined ordination service; not to mention the powerful preaching of Bishop Samuel L. Greene, Sr. (7th) encouraging the ordinands; not to mention regathering the people of God to glean from one another and to sit at the feet of Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. (3rd) who poured into stewards and trustees in a training session; not to mention clergy reignited and refueled during the clergy retreat; not to mention youth and young adults engaged in workshops to promote Christian values wrapped in fun activities; not to mention the recognition of those honored as pastor of the year at an awards celebration service; not to mention award winning Gospel artists such as Minister Ricky Dillard and JeKalyn Carr moved by the spirit of the most high God to ignite hearts with praise and thanksgiving; not to mention an explosion of youth and young adults reminding us they love Jesus too and know how to worship and praise him; not to mention the number of lives saved through prophetic preaching, and nurturing ambassadors from the Rev. Dr. Christopher Burnett and the Rev. Anton G. Elwood, Sr. ...continued on p9

8

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

...From Second Episcopal p8

The Second Episcopal District also welcomed and received three new presiding elders during this last series of annual conferences…the Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Weaver, the Rev. Thomas O. Nixon, and the Rev. Dr. A. Qismat Alim.

These new presiding elders join the Presiding Elders Council with - the Rev. Chester W. Morris, president of the Council, the Rev. Dr. Samuel E. Hayward, the Rev. Evelyn G. Dunn, the Rev. Conrad K. Pridgen, the Rev. Charles T. Sembly, the Rev. Johnny R. Calhoun, and the Rev. Wanda E. London to provide middle level service to the body of Christ under the esteemed leadership of our servant leaders, Bishop James L. Davis and Episcopal Supervisor Arelis B. Davis.

God is up to something extraordinary, and he is up to something extraordinary in the Second Episcopal District, second to none and first for Christ making a difference in the African Methodist Episcopal Church! ❏❏❏

Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Partners With the U.S. Naval Academy Rev. Dr. Mark E. Whitlock, Jr., Pastor of Reid Temple; Jamie Carter Davidson, Worship Arts and Public Relations Commissioner

This summer a historic partnership was created between Reid Temple AME Church, Glenn Dale, MD and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD to provide weekly Gospel worship services and Bible study starting with Plebe Summer, the summer training program which is required of all incoming freshmen to the United States Naval Academy.

The Naval Academy has approximately four thousand or more midshipmen/students enrolled each year, preparing young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. These midshipmen/students are future U.S. presidents, Supreme Court judges, senators, congresspersons, corporate presidents, pastors, professors, and community leaders. Reid Temple’s primary partnership goal is to strengthen Christian spiritual formation to enable them to take Jesus to the end of the earth.

The partnership began with a recommendation

by USN Commander Christilene Whalen, CHA. U.S. Navy Captain Maurice A. Buford, CHC, USN Command Chaplain, who is also an AME itinerate elder, Dr. Mark E. Whitlock, Jr. along with Reid Temple executive minister, the Rev. Hermia Shegog Whitlock, Chief Operating Officer Kisha Broady, Steward Pro Tem Dr. Anton Bizzell, and Worship Arts Commissioner Jamie Carter Davidson worked together with Chaplain Ryan Whitfield to oversee the partnership. This is the first time in the history of the U.S. Naval Academy an AME Church has led a Gospel worship service on a weekly basis.

For five weeks, starting on June 30th, Reid Temple led the Friday night Gospel service for Plebe Summer. The U.S. Naval Academy provided space for the weekly worship service and a classroom for the weekly Bible study classes.

Midshipmen/students from diverse communities and races attended the services. Not knowing what to expect, the partnership team anticipated an audience of 30 to 50 students, but God had a different forecast! Three hundred students came to the first Friday night Gospel service.

The next week chairs had to be placed in the aisles to accommodate the overflow when over 800 hundred students attended the service. Each week, the services went higher and higher.

The partnership’s purpose is to develop, deepen, and enrich the students’ spiritual formation, and focus one’s relationship with God to become missional representatives of God in Jesus Christ.

In short, the goal is to teach about the power, principles, and the purpose of spiritual gifts that take God’s mission to the ends of the earth.

In the Fall, the partnership will continue with Bible studies to include teaching the scriptures, memorizing Bible scriptures, Christian meditation, and Christian discipleship to strengthen their faith in God in Jesus Christ. We also expect to participate in weekly worship services with naval chaplains offering 9

Dr. Mark A. Whitlock

Captain Maurice Buford

Commander Christilene Whalen

preaching, prayer, and Gospel congregational singing to the Naval Academy students. We believe the program will save lives.

Why is this partnership important? We believe this partnership will save lives. The Navy’s suicide rate for 2021 was 58 deaths for 100,000 activeduty sailors, according to its annual report, down from 65 deaths per 100,000 active-duty sailors the year before. Most service members who die by suicide are young, male enlistees according to the U.S. Navy Institute report. For the Navy, the largest percentage of suicides – 37.9 percent – were among active duty sailors between 21 and 24 years old, according to the report. The next highest – 27.6 percent – were among sailors 25 to 29 years old.

Finally, in addition to providing Gospel worship services, Reid Temple members will be sponsoring U.S. Naval midshipmen.

By providing a “home away from home” for midshipmen, church members will offer transportation to church, provide lunch or dinner, and create a family like atmosphere for the young midshipmen. We thank God for this historic partnership between the AME Church and the U.S. Naval Academy. ❏ ❏ ❏

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

New Pastor appointed to Bethel AME Church, San Francisco At the 99th session of the Southern California Annual Conference, the Reverend Cecil L. Williams, Jr. was appointed as the pastor of Bethel AME Church in San Francisco. He succeeds the Rev. Robert L. Shaw, who was appointed the pastor of First AME Church in Los Angeles.

The Rev. Cecil L. Williams, Jr. was born to Cecil L. and Cynthia R. Williams in San Francisco, CA. As a child, he was raised in church with a family of preachers, teachers, and Gospel recording artists. He was taught to reverence God, love God’s people, and do kingdom work to the honor and glory of the Savior. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior in the fourth grade. Matriculating and graduating through the public and private schools of Northern California, he successfully entered college; he was conferred with the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities from the New College of California. He sought out direction for his life at First AME Church in Oakland where he soon became a member, matured and accepted the call to ordained ministry under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Harold R. Mayberry (now presiding elder), chairperson of the AME Episcopal Committee. but the Lord elevated his work at the call of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland in February of 2012 to become the pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in San Francisco, where God moved in a mighty way. Allen’s membership and spirits grew almost immediately as souls were being won for Christ. New ministries were started, and existing ministries were revived. During his brief tenure there, he was elected as the vice president of the California Conference’s Ministerial Alliance and appointed the assistant secretary of the 149th Session of the California Annual Conference, and the statistician of the 150th Session of the California Conference. ❏ ❏ ❏

As an associate minister, he successfully completed the AME Board of Examiners, and a Master of Divinity from the American Baptist Seminary of the West. He was ordained an itinerant deacon under the leadership of Bishop John R. Bryant, and an itinerant elder in under the hand of the Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, in the 5th Episcopal District. The Rev. Williams became a guest speaker on the local, conference, and district levels in several experiences around the 5th Episcopal District, and ecumenically in the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area.

In 2011, he was appointed the assistant to the pastor of First AME Church,

The Harvest Is Ready Rev. Dr. Debra A. Whitlock Lax

As the late Reverend Dr. Robert Schuller wisely said, “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.” Contemplating his words, I think of the 40+ sunflower seeds I planted, unsure of what the harvest would yield. Harvesting those seeds, however, taught me valuable lessons.

First, I let the flowers become brown and crusty, making the seeds difficult to harvest and bringing unwanted debris. It was a challenging process, sifting through the chaff and trash. Some dried-out seeds still await my attention.

from birds and excessive moisture is vital. Harvesting requires constant vigilance.

The second approach, learned from wise individuals who generously shared their wisdom, emphasized patience. Sunflowers are only ready to harvest when their backside turns yellow. Seeds need time to mature within the stalk, ensuring they have the potential to reproduce. Protecting them

Like sunflower seeds, some things in life require patience and careful nurturing. Rushing can yield less-than-optimal results. Protect your dreams and endeavors from external pressures, and be vigilant in pursuing growth and success. ❏ ❏ ❏

Life & Ministry Application:

“Let the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me” The Reverend Delores A.B. Prioleau is the recipient of the Human Rights Award presented by the Church Women United on September 8, 2023 at ten o’clock in the morning at the celebration of Human Rights Day at Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church in Washington, District of Columbia.

The Rev. Prioleau was recognized because of her efforts for equality for all persons and fair housing treatment. She organized and led the tenants to peacefully protest every Saturday morning from 0830 until noon. Some are in wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and scooters. Since 2020 the tenants at The Marlton in Upper Marlboro, MD, where they reside have carried the signs that state the unfair practices at the senior’s building, which are: rent increases, lack of security, inadequate parking, and discrimination.

They have made it clear that they won’t stop until every issue has been addressed.

The Rev. Prioleau has been successful in obtaining new in-house property management and a 3% rent stabilization bill for one year. She has represented the seniors in a working group led by the Prince George’s City Council to legislate for one term.

Congratulations, Rev. Prioleau! ❏ ❏ ❏ 10

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

We Are Phenomenal Women Rev. Dr. Alice Hubbard Crenshaw, 8th Episcopal District

Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 719 Walthall St., in the city of Greenwood, Mississippi, sponsored a FREE Women’s Conference on August 12, 2023. The conference began promptly at 9 a.m.

Randii Reaves, licensed massage therapist, provided deep tissue massages to the first thirty-five (35) registrants, complements of the pastor. Attendees received a continental breakfast, hot lunch, free conference bags, shirts, and pens that declared “I’m a Phenomenal Woman,” along with other gifts and $25.00 gift cards with COVID-19 vaccines and health tests at no cost. Turner welcomed seven presenters who shared valuable information with participants.

Kristi Cofer, manager of Operations for the All of Us Research Program led by the National Institute of Health (NIH) at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, Mississippi, presented its program as a meaningful effort to advance individualized prevention, treatment, and care for people of all backgrounds. The All of Us Research Program aims to help researchers understand why people get sick or stay healthy. They seek to improve communication regarding population research studies among rural Mississippi populations and build trust in the community.

Ella G. Jackson, executive director of Abundant Living Community Foundations of Congregational Health Nursing and Ministry, shared the foundation’s focus on ministering to the whole person in body, mind, and spirit the way God intends. Turner partnered with Dr. Alex Brooks and ONXY/CARE to provide a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic through which more than five hundred people, ages five years and up, received their shots between May 20 and August 12, 2023.

Tomeka Beamon presented My Brother’s Keeper’s (MBK) organizational infrastructure consisting of three complementary centers designed to create an integrated services approach to preventing, treating, and caring

for health disparities that marginalize African American communities.

Pamela Hilgon of Guaranty Bank presented Credit Management Counseling Credit 101, sharing eight issues participants should focus on to improve financial health, increase wealth, and make wiser consumer choices.

Minister Gail P. Thompson, Esq.: Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Awareness.

Ja’Quilla Newsome, director of Suicide Prevention for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health: Mental Health Awareness (Pandemic COVID-19). Newsome is a mental health therapist for youth in an intensive in-

home program and a certified instructor for adults utilizing Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.

Joyce McCoy, JRM Consulting, highlighted Medicare Preventative Health Services through Medicare and Medicaid Services, reinforcing free services provided through existing plans B & D. Turner Chapel has taken the challenge to be the forerunner among African American churches in Greenwood, Mississippi, to enlighten and empower all women, regardless of race, creed, or nationality, to be healthy, and this year marked the 13th Annual Phenomenal Women’s Conference, sponsored by the Rev. Dr. Crenshaw. ❏ ❏ ❏

Two Firsts for the Jamaica Long Island District Rev. Dr. Jo-An L. Owings

On Friday, September 22, 2023, clergy and lay of the Jamaica Long Island District of the New York Annual Conference gathered for the District Conference convened by the Reverend Dr. Jo-An L. Owings, presiding elder. The district adopted the First Episcopal District theme, “The Church Is Moving On.” Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cambria Heights, New York, where the Rev. Robert Lowe is the pastor, served as conference host. The day began with a workshop presented by the Rev. Dr. Zorina Costello, associate minister at Bethel AME Church in Freeport, entitled “Critical Issues in Clergy Self-Care: Health Equity and Social Justice.” The afternoon workshops presented by the Rev. Carla Hunter-Ramsey, Dr. Rochelle Robinson, and Brother Robert Steptoe discussed subjects of interest to clergy and lay ...continued on p12 11

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

...From Two Firsts p11 alike. The district was blessed with the preached word

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

Island District, the average age of the congregations is 120 years old, and the buildings themselves are over 100 years old. Many buildings have fallen into disrepair due to aging members, dwindling resources, and a need for more knowledge in maintaining such structures. The Fund helps these congregations financially, provides information to help preserve the legacy of the AME Church, and to ease the financial burden caused by needed repairs. The Fund also provides training seminars for pastors and officers, teaching them how to maintain their properties and resources better. For more information about The Fund, e-mail Dr. Owings at jamaicalidistrict@gmail.com.

delivered by the Rev. Tristan Salley, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Rockville Centre, New York, at noon and the Rev. Keith Harris, presiding elder of the Long Island District of the AME Zion church, in the evening.

One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation of the first grant of the Jamaica Long Island Fund, also known as The Fund. The Fund awarded $3,000 to Bethel AME Church in Arverne, New York, where the Rev. Paul Montgomery is the pastor. The award was given to help with the cost of repairing a water main break not covered by insurance. Bethel AME Church in Arverne, New York, has a membership of twenty-five (25) members. Because of the water main break, the water had to be shut off, which caused the building to be closed. The closure also affected the ability to continue operating the pantry, which serves 700 families monthly. Unfortunately, disaster is not new to the Bethel AME Church congregation founded in 1920. The building has endured several fires over the years and was flooded during Hurricane Sandy. This time, The Fund was there to help.

The second “first” for the Jamaica Long Island District was the debut of the Jamaica Long Island District Men’s Choir. Twenty men from the district churches joined their voices during the evening worship service. The choir was organized by Presiding Elder Jo-An L. Owings and directed by Brother David Bratton of the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York and the Rev. Robert R. Lowe, pastor of Mount Moriah AME Church in Cambria Heights, New York. One of the selections sung by the choir was “Every Praise,” written by Brother Bratton. ❏❏❏

The Jamaica Long Island Fund was established in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to help congregations financially with repairs to their buildings. Of the nineteen (19) churches in the Jamaica Long

West Tennessee Annual Conference Consecrates Record Number of Deaconesses On October 21, 2023, at the 149th Session of the West Tennessee Annual Conference held at St. Andrew AME Church in Memphis, 21 deaconesses were connected representing 7 churches:

NAME

CHURCH

Annette Anderson

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee)

NAME Audrey Irene Rogers Lashay

Renee Carey-Odell

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee)

Beatrice Jackson Martin

St. James (Memphis, Tennessee)

Evelyn King Carr

St. James (Memphis, Tennessee)

Helen Miller

New Tyler (Memphis, Tennessee)

Mildred Cook

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee)

Mary Louise Poindexter McVay Mt. Olive (Millington, Tennessee)

Sylverna Ford

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee)

Lizzie Slaughter

Bethel (Memphis, Tennessee)

Allegra Ham

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee)

Kacy Taylor

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee)

Lovie K. Jacocks

Galilee (Memphis, Tennessee)

Peggy H. Taylor

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee)

Retha Jeffers

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee)

Gloria Spight

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee)

Gale Anita Jennings

St. James (Memphis, Tennessee)

Arnell Strickland

Galilee (Memphis, Tennessee)

Sherilyn King

Galilee (Memphis, Tennessee)

Pamela Wooten

St. Andrew (Memphis, Tennessee) ❏ ❏ ❏

12

CHURCH New Tyler (Memphis, Tennessee)

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

Wilberforce University Alumni Association’s (WUAA) 54th Conference July 27-July 30, 2023 In the Queen City of Cincinnati, Ohio Preserving Our Legacy and Future by Sowing Our Treasures Mary Frances Walton

Wilberforce University is the nation’s oldest private, historically black university owned and operated by African Americans. Its roots trace back to its founding in 1856, a period of American history marred by the physical bondage of people of African descent.

Wilberforce University was named after the great eighteenth-century abolitionist William Wilberforce, who said, “We are too young to realize that certain things are impossible… So, we will do them anyway.”

This can-do spirit infused Wilberforce University with the strength to persevere, and the institution met with early success through 1862.

The outbreak of the Civil War forced the school to close its doors temporarily. This short setback did not deter the institution for long. In March 1863, Daniel A. Payne, a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, negotiated to purchase the buildings, and the university was re-incorporated on July 10, 1863.

Bishop Payne opened the university’s doors with six students and a debt of $10,000. He became the first person of African descent to be the president of an American institution of higher learning. Wilberforce University prospered as young African Americans sought to educate themselves at the end of the Civil War and promised a new social order. On April 21, 1865, a headline in The New York Times announced Wilberforce University was destroyed by fire. Yet, Wilberforce recovered, endured, and continued to grow. Throughout its 163-year history, Wilberforce University has demonstrated a formidable spirit of resilience and triumph and has never wavered from its sacred duty to educate and enrich its students.

The Wilberforce University Alumni Association (WUAA) aims to prepare students as global citizens with funding, student referrals, and inspiring lifelong learning through practical applications and overall support for the good of the continuing existence of Wilberforce University, which aligns with its mission.

The Cincinnati Alumni Chapter worked hard to assemble an array of activities, an epic experience for everyone, including the Spirit of Cincinnati - the Distinguished Hall of Fame Awardees - Alumni Spotlight Brunch, Riverboat Cruise, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Tour, Day Party, Green and Gold Gala, Golden Wilberforce Club Inductees - Class of 1973, eight-four graduates in that class.

As Wilberforce University embarks upon 167 years of educating the next generation of leaders of this rich heritage, we must continue strengthening our legacy, the class of 1973. /Suo Marte/: “By One’s Own Toil, Effort, Courage” Mary Frances Walton, ‘73, is the author. She serves under the Reverend Tony Lee, pastor of Community of Hope AME Church. ...From An Historical p6

ensure that members/disciples are grounded in what it means to be children of God serving the AME Church.

Methodist Episcopal Church. All members/disciples must be empowered to use the Word of God to creatively rise to our highest possibility and be adequately equipped to advance the kingdom of God and transform lives wherever planted.

Encourage – Encouragement must be provided to pastors, particularly women and others living and serving, to improve the quality of life at the intersections and margins in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the Connection. The Church must focus on the size and quality of its service, not the size and quantity of its congregations. “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Delegates and attendees of the 52nd session of the General Conference of the AME Church, be intentional—Get to know and vote for the Reverend Dr. Keith D. Lawrence, the exceptionally gifted global candidate for bishop of the AME Church in 2024.

Empower – The church must be empowered to trust the Word of God in advancing and enhancing the kingdom of God for the people of the African

For more information on Lawrence, visit www.leadingwithlawrence.com. ❏❏❏ 13

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

12th Episcopal District State of the Country To Bishop Michael Leon Mitchell, presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal District; Mrs. Cordelia Daniel Mitchell, Episcopal supervisor of Mission; Presiding Elder James Giles, presiding elder of Hot Springs/Arkadelphia District; Presiding Elder Kent J. Broughton of the Camden/El Dorado District; host pastor the Rev. Tom Scott; pastors, clergy, missionary, laity and youth of the 140th Session of the West Arkansas Annual Conference; we the Committee on the state of the country wish to submit the following literary report for consideration: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.

There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matt 24:6-10).

What is the state of the country in 2023? The scripture reminds us not to be alarmed by the many issues that have been amassed in our country within the last year. With its slanted opinions, the news continues to be pessimistic, with left or right-winged ideas infiltrating our country, causing discord and despair. We wanted to find a commonality between all the issues we faced in 2023. As we reflect on the state of the country, the scripture points to the birth pains of a nation, system, economy, ecological, environmental, and the continued disparity between people of God. The country still faces a crisis of hate and extremism, which threatens our church, communities, families, and nation. “There’s a fire blazing in the United States of America. That fire is burning throughout the democracy” (Marc H. Morial).

The top topics surrounding us are many, yet not inclusive. At the forefront of the discussion, we borrow words from the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: “The demon of white supremacy and the desire to prevent people from participating in the democratic process has risen throughout the United States of America. Since the start of 2023, close to 400 anti-voting bills have been introduced in state legislatures. From voter suppression bills to hostile local government takeovers, these Republican-enacted bills are seeking to strip us of all the rights we have fought to gain and must be afforded as citizens of the United States of America.”

This demon is evident as hate crimes in the largest U.S. cities soared by 44%. The extremist demonic ideology is taking root in our children’s classrooms, law enforcement, the Supreme Court, and our places of employment. We have been eyewitnesses to the demons of white supremacy as two articulate and educated young black Tennessee senators got removed from office while a white senator did not.

Again, we could see the demon of bigotry, racism, and discrimination at its best. Understandably, 75% percent of black adults, 70% of Latino adults, and 69% of Asian adults feel the racial climate is a significant source of stress.

Further, in 2023, the country has demonically dismantled black education and history. The teaching of Black History is under serious threat,

restricting what can be taught and how to discuss it. Black History is becoming endangered by presenting a watered-down version of the truth, perhaps because this same group does not want to be confronted with the atrocities of racism or is uncomfortable with the indisputable facts. The continued effort to suppress and ban books and the teaching of a reliable Black History with all of its evils is a valid, authentic, and accurate portrayal of African Americans’ legacy to the entire country.

Blocking the faithful and accurate history is a sign of disrespect to our legacy, which is demonic at its core. Restrictions on teaching the history of slavery have become outlawed. For instance, in Alabama, students planning a Black History Month were prohibited from referencing any event before 1970.

The demon is further evident with the rollback of Affirmative Action, Roe vs. Wade, which declares a threat to women’s choices of reproductive rights, and Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan.

In 2023, inflation was a source of stress for 83% of adults. Other financial concerns like having enough money to pay for present needs and being able to save for future requirements are also significant sources of stress. White household wealth is 20 times greater than black households. The Fed hikes interest rates to a 22-year high. Americans who live in poverty are 37.9 million, with a family of 4 earning less than $30,000. Food prices are up by 8.5%, causing a state of emergency with food shortages and insecurities.

There have been 470 mass shootings, with 25,000 killed by gun violence, yet no significant legislation to eradicate the selling of guns. At the same time, the suicide rate for minorities is increasing, which poses a problem for our community, with mental health at the forefront.

The mental health of Americans, especially young black Americans, is due to poverty, bullying, and image shaming.

Former President Trump has been the only president in American history indicted four times in 2023, with the most recent indictment and arrest on federal racketeering charges. These indictments are in the hands of two black DAs, Fani Willis in Atlanta and Alvin Braggs in New York. Amid these charges, the demon of voter suppression is still looming as we prepare for the next presidential election in 2024, using four tactics: Gerrymandering, suppression, election sabotage, and intimidation used to exclude people of color.

In 2023, the infrastructure of the country is desperately in need of repairs and reinforcement.

There was a train derailment in Illinois, 14

infrastructure failures such as the I-95 highway collapse, New York City parking garage collapse; the state of the country this year experienced the wildfires in Maui, being the worst in our nation’s history, attributed in part to global warming. The Maui wildfires have the death toll topping over 115, and those missing at this writing are over 800. Further, Hurricane Idalia is the first major hurricane to make landfall in this part of Florida since 1851. —We mourn the deaths of Tina Turner, Donny Hathaway, and Harry Belafonte.

What do we do amid birth pains as we reflect on the state of the country in 2023? How do we cover all these evils, pessimistic statistics, environmental disturbances, and political wars? Jesus reminds us, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Audre Lorde reminds us: “It is not our differences that divide us; it is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” Therefore, the State of the Country Committee makes the following recommendations.

1. The African Methodist Episcopal Church must stand firm on our beliefs and the principles and practices that have brought us this far by faith, leaning on his Word.

2. The African Methodist Episcopal Church must remain a proactive agent of standing for truth and justice.

3. From the Council of Bishops: “We encourage all African Methodists to remain vigilant, active, and loud as we sound the alarm. We will stand against all laws, statutes, and personalities promoting inhumane and anti-democratic policies.”

4. We recommend that every church be proactive in discussing and enabling our members to vote in every single election because every vote is vital to our destiny and legacy because the reality of voter suppression is actual.

5. Further, we recommend that churches once again pick up the mantle and begin to educate our children and our community on issues of a genuine history that is being dismantled before our eyes.

6. We recommend that the church would begin to address the looming cycle of mental health.

Humbly submitted: The Committee on the State of the Country: The Reverends Charlene Boone, Norma Gillom, Sisters Dr. Anna Burnett Graham, Brenda Graves, Bernice Nelson, Ethel Halton, Barbara Hodkins, Brother Dewayne Toney ❏ ❏ ❏

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

15

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

God Cares: Lament of a Preacher’s Widow Rev. Dr. Wanda C. Henry-Jenkins, Columnist

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, 4who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Have you ever felt totally alone, not lonely, because you have experienced the loss of your husband or wife? The pain (grief) is so deep you wonder if you will ever smile or experience joy.

You may feel that God has also left you. Yet, as a Christian, you struggle to hold on to a thread of hope that there is a purpose for everything.

You are not alone in these emotions. I am, in some ways, rising above the waters of lament.

My husband, the Reverend Samuel L. Jenkins, Jr., died suddenly of a cardiac arrest in 2017. The doctor’s prognosis was 18 months. I was prepared for his protracted death, but not one that would happen three days after the prognosis.

As with many clergy widows and widowers, I was left alone and bereft after years of marriage and shared ministry. We must traverse the landscape of lament and learn to live without our beloved mates. Despite the fact that I am a clergywoman and grief counselor, there was no escape pass! Through my studies, I discovered and experienced the biblical process of lament.

God’s Word provided the language to lament, process grief, and heal.

Prayer and reading God’s Word led me through some very rough, tear-filled days and nights. I employed the practice of Lectio Divina (divine reading of scripture), which is taking time

to focus on one passage of scripture and then personalize it. Essentially, I became part of the scripture and applied it to my circumstances.

27

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? 28Have you not known?

Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might, he increases strength.

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:27-31).

Wanda, how can you think the Lord does not see your sorrow/suffering? How can you think God does not listen to your concerns? Do you understand that the Lord is the everlasting God and your Creator? God never grows faint or weary of your emotional cares. God understands you completely and sees your exhaustion. God understands how to become so weary. God knows you better than anyone, including you. There is no comparison to God’s vast understanding of you, God’s child. Trust that God is giving you the power to accomplish all you do. Rest in God’s presence and receive God’s strength in place of your weakness. Wanda, continue to

trust God and wait on the Lord, and you will find new strength. You will fly high on wings like eagles. You will be renewed to run and not grow weary. You will walk and not faint.

Prayer, reading, and meditating on scripture enabled me to develop a more intimate relationship with God and lament my loss. Yes, there were moments of doubt and deep sorrow, but these spiritual disciplines kept my trust in God steady. God became my husbandman, protector, and provider. The sense of divine abandonment and disappointment dissolved.

I love God more than Sam or even myself, and I realize that even when I do not feel God, he is with me. The scripture passages in both Isaiah and 2 Corinthians are God’s voice, reminding me God really is always present. God knows me and my needs. And, in response to God’s voice, I utter these words daily: I trust you, God. The shift for me is to continue to develop a deeper trust in God’s love for me. God is our heavenly Father, provider, protector, peace, and power.

So, if you are feeling alone, abandoned, and deeply sorrowful, know that lament is God’s way of helping us to grieve. And Lectio Divina, accompanied by prayer and meditation, can help. Identify a passage of scripture that will help you lament. Study it. Meditate on it, and then personalize it. Finally, pray the scripture.

This process will help you mourn and grow your relationship with God. God is waiting for your invitation to share your sorrow. ❏ ❏ ❏

Yielding to the Presence of God Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Columnist

Have you ever started your day with a strange feeling that God’s presence was with you? Have you ever shed tears, but nothing is wrong? Have you ever felt a presence even in the midst of evil? My argument, my point of view is this is the presence of God. God many times comes to us in a still small voice. God does always come to us like a hurricane or a tropical storm. Sometimes God comes to us the stillness of midnight, or at dawn before the birds sing their joyous blessings.

First, God’s presence indicates that God is pleased with our journey. It is a confirmation that all will be well in our soul. This presence should cause us to yield to the almighty hand of God. It should solicit our voice of praise and thanksgiving, in this presence problems find solution, difficult decisions find clarity. In this presence we find wholeness. Yield to the presence of God. A few days ago, as I prepared do my weekly workout and practice, I felt the very presence I am writing about now.

Secondly, God’s presence represents God’s protection. In this evil and mean world, we need protection from the enemy, protection from persons who celebrate our mistakes, but we also need protection from ourselves. We need to be protected in the presence of our enemies

(Psalm 23). The presence of the almighty gives us protection. We should yield to the presence of God. God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble (Psalm 46).

Lastly, God’s presence strengthens our faith. We 16

should thank God for the presence as our faith grows. With even mustard seed faith we can move mountains and walk through difficult situations.

We should yield to God’s presence, because without God in Christ Jesus we would not exist, and our living would be in vain. ❏ ❏ ❏

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

Global Witness Ministry Director Dr. John F. Green Visits 20th Episcopal District On Friday, October 13, 2023, the 20th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, led by Bishop Fredrick Allen Wright, and Dr. John F. Green, executive director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry of the AME Church, presented new desktop computers to Sizane High School’s administration and students for the school’s computer lab.

Sizane High School was established in 1963 by the Society of Women of Southern Rhodesia under Lady Edna Caddick’s supervision and was gifted to the AME Church in the early 1970s. Since the 1980s, Sizane High School has contributed to the success of many notable people in the history of Zimbabwe. The school received several merit awards from the Ministry of Education in academics, sports, arts, and culture—in 1992, 2006, and 2010, respectively.

Today, Sizane High School is located in the suburb of Pelandaba in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and continues to thrive. Currently, Sizane High School has an enrollment of 1331 students and is under the leadership of its current interim principal, Ms. Judith Mguu.

O On October 14, Dr. Green joined Bishop Wright for the SSouthwest Zimbabwe Annual Conference in Bulawayo, Z Zimbabwe, where he was privileged to be the preacher for th the ordination worship service. ❏ ❏ ❏

Sizane High School

Sizane High School

Sizane High School 17

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

CONGRATULATORY LISTINGS

OCTOBER 2023

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

Dr. Thema Bryant Davis Selected as One of the Black Activists Who Changed the Mental Health Industry

awareness about antisemitism and how it, and Christian nationalism, must be addressed by faith leaders. Over the last two years, Dr. Augustine also wrote two books: When Prophets Preach: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit (Fortress Press, 2023) and Called to Reconciliation: How the Church Can Model Justice, Diversity and Inclusion (Baker Academic, 2022). In addition to having been featured this year on C-SPAN BookTV, he also preached and presented at the Festival of Homiletics.

Dr. Thema Bryant, a leading psychologist and activist, is the 2023 president of the American Psychological Association, the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology with more than 120,000 members. Under her coordinator role at Princeton University, she created the historic SHARE program, an initiative that brought awareness to sexual assault and harassment through intervention and prevention resources.

A proud graduate of Howard University, Dr. Augustine received an active duty commission to serve as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army before earning his law degree at Tulane University. After accepting the call to ministry, he graduated from United Theological Seminary and completed a fellowship at Princeton Theological Seminary, before earning his doctorate from Duke University. He is happily married to St. Joseph's first lady, Michelle Burks Augustine, and is the father of two college students.

He serves as the general chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boule).

She is currently a tenured professor of psychology in the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University, where she directs the Culture and Trauma Research Laboratory. Her clinical and research interests center on interpersonal trauma and the societal trauma of oppression. She is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women and a past APA representative to the United Nations. Dr. Thema also served on the APA Committee on International Relations in Psychology and the Committee on Women in Psychology.

Congratulatory notes may be sent to jayaugustine9@gmail.com.

Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. Selected to Be Featured in the Boston University Alumni Magazine Regarding Life Career

Dr. Thema has raised public awareness regarding mental health by extending the reach of psychology beyond the academy and private therapy office through community programming and media engagement, including but not limited to Headline News, National Public Radio, and CNN.

“The Swimming’s Spiritual Warrior” Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana has been selected to be featured in the Boston University alumni (class of 83) magazine “The Bostonia” - regarding life career activities as an alum, as it relates to his swimming career as a master swimmer after age 50 and state champion and national Olympic participant.

Dr. Thema was honored with a media award in 2016 for her work on the film Psychology of Human Trafficking. The emotional project dove deep into the psychology and understanding of human trafficking and modernday slavery.

She was also a recipient of the 2018 Donald Fridley Memorial Award for her excellence in trauma mentoring.

You can talk about skill, physical ability, and focus as key elements needed to be a successful athlete at any age. One also needs the intangible boost and motivation that comes from having a passion for your sport to see it through.

She is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She directs the mental health ministry at First AME Church in South Los Angeles. Dr. Thema also utilizes sacred dance and spoken word in therapy, community forums, and faith communities. She is the daughter of Bishop John R. Bryant and Supervisor Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant.

His passion for swimming goes much deeper than the confines of a pool or his own goals and has impacted many more lives than his own.

Congratulatory responses can be sent to: queenakosua@icloud.com.

Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. earned his doctoral degree in ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary, and now serves at Louisiana State University. Dr. Kelly teaches in both the School of Education and the African and African American Studies Program, for which he is the co-chair of the Finance Committee. His courses include the history of the civil rights movement and black rhetorical traditions. He has most recently published Moments of Meditation Celebrating the Bicentennial of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Times Like These, and Black Rhetorical Traditions in the Civil Rights Movement: Voices of Struggle and Strength. Dr. Kelly is a past recipient of the NAACP Man of the Year Award, and recipient of the Kumba Community Member/Organization Award, a part of the 2017-18 LSU Black History Month held by the LSU Cultural Center recognizing individuals that have made an impact and meaningful contribution to their local communities.

Congratulations to Judicial Council Member Augustine, on Political Activism Award The Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, senior pastor of St. Joseph AME Church, in Durham, NC, and a clergy member of the denomination's Judicial Council, received the Excellence in Public Service Award, from North Carolina state Senator Natalie Murdock and state Representative Zack Hawkins. The award was presented on October 15, 2023 during St. Joseph’s “Sneaker Sunday,” as congregants were encouraged to wear sneakers to church. St. Joseph welcomed a record number of young people and young adults to worship.

Dr. Augustine serves as a consulting faculty member at Duke Divinity School, where he teaches courses through the Office of Black Church Studies, and as chaplain for the Duke football team. He has spearheaded numerous “Souls to the Polls” activities, where St. Joseph has welcomed the community-at-large to the church, before caravaning to neighboring North Carolina Central University to vote. The church has also provided a community hotline for people to call for rides to the polls, utilizing the church's multiple vans and bus service. For the last year, he is also working collaboratively with the Duke Center for Reconciliation in raising

Dr. Kelly grew up at a time when segregation barriers still existed and African Americans had little to no choices for a safe place to swim. His parents made it a point to get lessons for their children, but neither they or the youngster had any idea how this would shape his growth and later provide a path to better aging.

Dr. Kelly explains that his name translates as “African ...continued on p19 18

NOVEMBER 2023 ...From Congratulatory p18 Warrior” and his passion for competition is fierce, but a bigger passion led him to the clergy to be a spiritual warrior serving others.

He became a lifeguard and also swam with his high school team. He was delighted to obtain a partial scholarship to Morehouse College in Atlanta, which had the most dominant swim team among historically black colleges at the time. He also shares that he first felt the call from God during this time but fought it off.

While earning his master’s degree in education and aquatics at Springfield College, he made the decision to become a preacher and went on to Boston University for a second master’s degree in divinity.

The Christian Recorder He began his pastoral ministry in Massachusetts, and then moved to Louisiana to lead the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. He concurrently became an African American religion instructor at Louisiana State University. 22 years later, he is now an adjunct professor teaching African American Studies, but the campus and the greater community know Dr. Kelly better as a swimmer on a mission.

Part of that mission is personal, because he says his workload caused him to fall off from swimming, and he realized in 2014 he had to get back to the pool to regain his health and fitness.

He discovered Senior Games and has been training and competing ever since.

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

teach African American youth to swim, a passion that is rooted in his memory of witnessing a friend drown as a teenager. His church operates the only swimming ministry in the state that teaches dozens of children annually. Also, his wife’s battle with breast cancer has created a second passion to raise money for cancer survivors.

Overcoming life’s challenges and obstacles is key to pursuing a personal best lifestyle. Herman Kelly’s faith, family, and his parent’s wisdom have given him the “weapons” to forge his path as a spiritual warrior.

Congratulatory expressions can be emailed to: spidermh7@yahoo.com.

Dr. Kelly reveals his greater mission has been to

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

OCTOBER 2023

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

Mr. Eugene Phillip Turner, father and brother to the sister of Saundra LucasFields (Willie) Sherwood, AR, Twelfth Episcopal District, a member (secretary) of the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Sister Sandra Tucker, the sister of the Reverend Willie Boothe and Sister Jackie Boothe, Portsmouth Richmond Roanoke District, Virginia Conference, Second Episcopal District Brother RyShaun D. Foster, the grandson of Mr. Joseph Jackson and the Reverend Donna Jackson, pastor of Pine Hill (Sumter) African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sumter District, Northeast Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Brother Delthy Carlette Hinton, the brother of Elder Larry Stanwyck Hinton, former presiding elder of the Northern district of The North Carolina Annual Conference, Second Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church The Reverend Adv. Thubjane Levy Mahasha, former pastor and presiding elder in the West Annual Conference, Nineteenth Episcopal District, husband to Nomvula Brenda Mahasha, father to three children

Mr. Michael Eugene Smith, brother of Sister Sherry Peyton, Connectional WMS corresponding secretary, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Eighth Episcopal District Ms. Patricia Ann Gammon, the beloved mother of First Lady Nanette Gainous, mother-in-law to pastor Titus Gainous and grandmother of Raven Gainous, Eleventh District RAYAC president (Mt. Pleasant AME Church, Lakeland, FL) Sister Pearl C. Swann, WMS life member and mother of the Reverend Dana A. Swann and Sister Rosemarie Swann Thompson, Washington Conference, Second Episcopal District The Reverend Theo Mays, the pastor of Israel Chapel AMEC, Port Arthur, Texas in the North Houston District of the Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District; he was on the verge of completing his eleventh year of service as pastor at Israel Chapel AMEC Mother Alice Faye Green, the mother of the Reverend Robert J. Green, (mother in love to Evangelist Bridgett Green) the pastor of Jones AME Praise and Worship Center, Houston, TX in the North Houston District, Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District

Sister Sharon Spencer, the eldest sister of Evangelist Marian Gillian and the Reverend Dr. Etta East Anderson, pastor of Evening Chapel AMEC, Grand Prairie, TX in the Greater Dallas District of the North Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District The Reverend Billy C. Counter, the pastor of Cooper Chapel AME Church, Bristow, Oklahoma, Twelfth Episcopal District, spouse of 48 years of Presiding Elder Lenora M. Counter of the AME Zion Church, a father and grandfather The Reverend Dr. Robert Keesee, presiding elder emeritus, Tennessee Conference, who served with distinction for many years as a pastor, presiding elder and was a Connectional leader and mentor to many in the Thirteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather Brother Billy D. Martin, the father of Presiding Elder Randolph (Charolett Connectional first vice president, WMS) Martin, retired, Hot Springs, AR, Twelfth Episcopal District; Tony Martin; Brad Martin, Karen (Joe) Martin Fearce Sister Flora Jane Chandler Harris, former member of the General Board of the AME Church, former ...continued on p20

19

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

...From Necrology p19 Connectional Lay third vice president and former president of the First Episcopal District Lay Organization

Sister Violester Vance, mother of Sister Patricia Campbell, Eighth Episcopal District Lay president Mr. Simuel Morris Mullen of Hastings, Nebraska, the uncle of the Reverend Dr. Anna E. Mosby, senior pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Washington, DC, and Second Episcopal District president of AME WIM Presiding Elder Clarence Vernon Boyd, Sr., ret., the spouse of CONN-MSWAWO+PKs founding member, Sister Birdie M. Boyd; a member of the General Board of the AME Church for several years, member of the Twelfth Episcopal

District Sister Jeanetta Francis Dean, the wife of Earnest Dean, mother of Aowonno and Lavar, the sister of the Reverend Recie Medlock, pastor of St. James AME Church, Mansfield, LA, and the niece of the Reverend Woodrow Williams (retired, AME Church), Eighth Episcopal District Ms. Rosalind Perrin, 83, the mother of the Reverend Earl Perrin, Jr., the pastor of Delaine-Waring AME Church, Buffalo, New York of the Western New York Conference of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Ms. Caledonia Henry, the mother of the Reverend Dr. Walter Henry (only son), pastor of St. James AME Church,

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

Memphis, Tennessee, West Tennessee Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District The Reverend Robert Randolph Riley, Jr., retired pastor in the Texas Annual Conference, Tenth Episcopal District Mr. John L. Coby, the father of Evangelist Bridgett L. Green, first lady of Jones AME Praise and Worship Center in Houston, Texas, where she serves with her husband, the Reverend Robert J. Green in the Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District First Lady Pamela Evette Williams Thompson, the wife of the Reverend Chico Thompson, pastor of Dulaney AME and Pine Level AME churches, both in the Camden District of the Southwest Alabama Annual Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District

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

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRSV) To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC.

Transitions FLORA JANE CHANDLER HARRIS (1929-2023) On February 21, 1929, Flora Jane Harris was the fifth of nine live children born to the late Edward Chandler and Candace Barr Chandler in Kingstree SC. Jane peacefully departed this earthly crust on October 10, 2023.

Jane graduated from Tomlinson High School in Kingstree, South Carolina and ventured to Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. Later she received her Master of Arts degree from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her quest for knowledge propelled her to pursue advanced studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; C.W. Post College, Long Island, New York; Stony Brook University, Long Island, New York; Hofstra University, Long Island, New York, the University of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the University of Illinois Science Foundation Scholarship, Campaign, Illinois, and the University of London, London, England.

While at Benedict College, Jane was involved in the Benedict College Choir and the Missionary Society there. She was voted the most pious in

Who’s Who in Benedict's College graduating class. She also received the J.A. Starks Award for the best young woman of leadership ability in religious affairs.

Jane was united in holy matrimony to William Harris, who proceed her in death.

After thirty years of service, Jane retired from Brentwood School District as a math teacher. She was honored by the Brentwood Teachers Association and Board of Education for outstanding services to the children of Brentwood on several occasions. Jane served tenure on the committee to write the 9th Year Regents Examination in Mathematics for New York state.

Jane was reared in a Christian home. As a child and young adult, she was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Kingstree, South Carolina.

After Jane resided in New York, she became a devout member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bay Shore, New York. Her commitment to God and devotion to his service led her to serve in several capacities such as secretary of the Steward Board, a member of the Finance Committee, Lay Organization, Hannah Brown Missionary Society, and a Sunday School teacher.

She was also a member of the General Board of the AME Church, a member of the Connectional Lay Organization Executive Board, and served on the Strategic Planning Committee of the AME Church. Jane was the first woman to be elected President of the New York Conference Lay Organization and the first elected woman President of the First Episcopal District Lay Organization. Jane was a member of the Board of Trustees of the New York Annual Conference and a member of the Finance Committee of the First Episcopal District, AME Church.

She served as the first alternate delegate to the 1984 General Conference of the AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri. She was a delegate to the 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 General Conferences of the AME Church.

Her motto was “I can do all things in Christ which strengtheneth me,” Philippians 4:13. Her favorite hymn was ‘Jesus Is All the World to Me.’ Involvement was important for Jane as attested by her affiliation with various organizations. She was a member and chaplain of Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a life-member of the NAACP, financial secretary for the Brentwood Teachers Association, an advisor, and trainer of student teachers from Stony Brook University and Dowling College, Long Island. Jane was a delegate of the Brentwood Teachers Association House of Delegates for ten ...continued on p21

20

NOVEMBER 2023 ...From Transitions p20 years. She was chairperson of the Supervisory Committee of the Teachers Federal Credit Union, Farmingville, New York.

In her spare time Jane enjoyed playing bridge and reading.

Jane will now join the spirits of her parents, two brothers, Samuel Barr and Joseph Chandler, and

The Christian Recorder five sisters, Mary Brockington, Lucille Bizzell, Sarah Fennell, Susan Massey, and Rosa Lucona.

Jane leaves to cherish her memory, her sister Amelia Chandler Reid, Newark, New Jersey, her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, her best friends, and a host of cousins and friends. ❏

MR. JAMES MCKINLEY DARDEN, JR. (1941-2023) James McKinley (Squirt) Darden, Jr. was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, on September 23, 1941, to the late James McKinley and Dorothy Alma Darden. He was the firstborn of his siblings.

a lay delegate to several sessions of the General Conference with service on the Episcopal Committee.

James attended public school in Clarksville and graduated from Burt High School, where he played football. He sang in the Glee Club and organized his first group, The Blenders.

Mr. Darden departed this life on September 15, 2023. He is survived by one son, Malcolm Cornelius Darden; one daughter, Janeek Robinson; a devoted grandson, Taurian (Tiffany) Darden; granddaughter, Alika Darden; devoted nephew, Joseph Maxwell; devoted niece, Toleda Johnson (Bably); sisters, Yvonne (James) Metcalfe and Amaryllis (Samual) McDonald; brother, Kenneth Wayne Darden; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. ❏ ❏

He accepted Christ at an early age at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church. Later, he moved to Shelbyville, where he joined Woodfork AME Church. Not only an active member of his local church, he worked within the Lay Organization for many years as a local, conference, and Episcopal district officer. He was

He was a member of the Masons, Rosenwald, and a football coach at Liberty.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Lue Darden; daughter, Shawanda Ann Darden; sister, Eleanon Washington; and brother, Clifford Warren Darden.

REVEREND HEZEKIAH DAVID STEWART, JR. The Reverend Hezekiah David Stewart, Jr., a loving husband, father, grandfather, dedicated pastor, and revered community activist, has peacefully passed away, at the age of 80, on September 20, 2023. He leaves a legacy of faith, compassion, and leadership that had a profound impact on people in Arkansas and across the nation.

Hezekiah was born October 14, 1942, in North Charleston, SC, to the late Hezekiah D. Stewart, Sr. and the late Edna Abraham Stewart. He grew up in a close-knit family, alongside his siblings, which laid the foundation for his life of servanthood. In a union that spanned three decades, Hezekiah Stewart shared a loving marriage with his devoted wife, Diane Stewart.

Their bond was a testament to enduring love and partnership, providing a source of strength and support throughout his remarkable life.

Hezekiah's legacy extends to his beloved daughter, Evette Stewart, and his cherished granddaughter, Michelle Stewart. His role as a father and grandfather brought immense joy and pride to his heart, and his memory will forever be treasured in their hearts.

Hezekiah graduated from Allen University in Columbia, SC; while there, he founded Good Samaritans, and became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Following a “Call from God,” he enrolled in Turner Seminary in Atlanta, GA, and earned a Master of Divinity. His ministry in Arkansas began in 1976 at Mount Nebo AMEC in College Station, where he served the church and the community for twenty-five years and was affectionately known as "The Hoodlum Priest." In 1978, while serving at Mt. Nebo, Pastor Stewart and the church's ministry extended beyond the pulpit, with the opening of Watershed Family Resource Center in College Station. The Watershed served the community well and eventually relocated to 3701 Springer Boulevard in Little Rock, where it stands today.

In 2001, Pastor Stewart was called upon to leave Mt. Nebo and to become servant at Moody Chapel AMEC, where he continued to serve in an excellent way until his retirement in 2016.

Throughout his forty plus years of ministry in Arkansas, Hezekiah mentored, taught, and counseled hundreds, making him a father figure to many, who are a testament to his gift and the power of God at work in his life. Through his many years of service and leadership, many men and women accepted their call to Christian ministry and continued to receive his guidance, love, and wisdom, 21

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

until he was called from labor to rest.

Throughout his life, Hezekiah was not only a spiritual guide to his congregation, but a tireless advocate for justice and compassion in the community and around the world. In 1997, he played a pivotal role in the response to the tornadoes that stormed College Station, being one of the first to take swift action. He worked tirelessly with state and federal governments to bring aid and restoration to the community.

Hezekiah's work had an effective reach from Arkansas and the United States, to places such as Canada, Haiti, and Africa. Throughout his years of service, Hezekiah held positions on various boards and committees, and his contributions have earned him a wide array of accolades that are too numerous to name. They include the College Station Progressive League Certificate for Outstanding Community Service, as well as Channel 4 Community Service Award for Distinguished Citizens, The President’s Volunteer Action Award, Annie Mae Bankhead Award for Community Service, Commendation of Appreciation from the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, The Dr. R.K. Young Humanitarian Award from the Christian Ministerial Alliance, and the Ethel K. Millar Award Religion and Social Awareness by Hendrix College. In 2008, he was given the FBI’s Director's Community Leadership Award. The Rev. Stewart was recognized as a compassionate and innovative role model by national media, including the CBS documentary film highlighting America's Youth and Unemployment, by HBO in their documentary “Banging in Little Rock: Gang Violence.” Stewart also appeared on the nationally syndicated TV show, “Rolanda,” that showcased the “Get Ready” initiative created by Stewart and the Watershed.

As we bid farewell to a remarkable individual, let us remember Hezekiah's legacy of love, kindness, and faith. His memory will forever inspire us to lead a life filled with compassion and service to others. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Diane Stewart; his daughter, Evette Stewart; and his granddaughter, Michelle Stewart; his sisters, Beverly Mack and Delores Stewart of North Charleston, SC; his brother, Mark (Sonia) Stewart, of England, United Kingdom; and a host of aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews, who were touched by his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around him. He had one sister who preceded him in death, Kathy Wren. ❏ ❏ ❏

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

Reflections on God’s Calling Rev. Dr. Kent L. Poindexter, Contributing Writer

well means that we as God’s people need to consider the fact that we are not focused on what God has called us to do. Is it possible that we are not engaged in the ministry God has called us to? Too much of the focus of Christian churches today has been less based on what God needs from us, and more centered on what we can and should get from God. Christianity has become the way to get “bling,” instead of appreciating that God can and will provide what we need—real needs like love, respect, and support. The focus of our faith is supposed to be showing people the way to peace, per the Gospel message. We are not called to “market” our faith, but to share it in earnest, to present Christ as the way to gaining clarity as to what it means to be ‘in relationship’ with the Creator. The focus has to change if we are genuine in our desire to serve, which in fact is what we are called to do.

The “post-pandemic” era provides an opportunity for the church to look at itself honestly and critically, as faith communities seek to find the best ways to respond to the needs of a troubled world. The challenges which affect the entire world population are overwhelming; people of faith are struggling to provide what surrounding communities need but find that they are not quite up to the task. One of the old favorite hymns asks and answers the question: “How to reach the masses, men of every birth, for an answer Jesus gave the key. . .”

It is painfully evident that many churches are focused on “reaching the masses” and not so much on what the masses need. Economic challenges and increasing political strife make living day to day a task for all too many people. More and more people are focused on how to avoid reality when reality is life. Yes, even the church is guilty of promoting theology which does not cause people to find solutions to the problems we face but encourages the masses to be more focused on losing themselves in things which ultimately do not provide long-term solutions, but temporary escapes.

And service (according to the Gospel) does not require the church to be popular—just to do what God asks of us. Jesus made it plain: following in his footsteps will not make us popular according to the world’s standards.

But in God’s eyes, we will be called “Blessed.” ❏ ❏ ❏

To reach the masses of people who are afraid, worried, and not surviving

St. John Celebrates Family and Friends Day in Community Service and Worship Dr. Bridget J. Floyd, Contributing Writer, St. John AME Church, Huntsville, AL, 9 th Episcopal District

St. John AME Church, Huntsville, AL, celebrated Family and Friends Day on Sunday, August 20, 2023, during the 10 a.m. worship service. The preacher for the day was the Reverend Dr. Gregory Vaughn Eason, Sr., pastor of Flipper Temple AME Church, Atlanta, GA. Dr. Eason graduated from Morris Brown College, Magna Cum Laude. He received the Master of Divinity degree from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA. He received the Master of Theology degree from Columbia Theological Seminary. Dr. Eason has served in many AME Connectional positions over the years and received numerous honors. St. John was pleased and honored to welcome Dr. Eason, who aspires to continue to serve the AME Church, should he be elected to the position of bishop. Pastor The Reverend Dr. Gregory V. Eason, Sr., Maurice Wright II was the worship leader for the service Pastor, Flipper Temple AME Church, and introduced his friend and mentor.

Atlanta, GA.

The Reunion Choir under the direction of Mr. Cleveland Wilson.

A special treat for this service was “The Reunion Choir” which consisted of current as well as previous choir members, under the direction of Mr. Reginald Pearson and former Gospel Choir director, Mr. Cleveland Wilson. The Children’s Choir, directed by Mrs. Jamela Bradford, received a warm response as they proclaimed that Jesus has the whole world in his hands, with demonstrative animation. The Reverend Dr. Janette Kotey, retired minister of music of First Missionary Baptist Church, Huntsville, sang a medley of songs with the focus on the name of Jesus, which she labelled as her Jesus medley. The congregation responded to this truly inspiring offering from the guest soloist. The singers, musicians, and directors brought a special level of worship through music.

The service began with welcome and announcements from Dr. Pam Whitehead, song of praise by the Reunion Choir and Praise Dancers; followed by the Doxology, call to worship by the Reverend Heloise Wilson, hymn of praise, and prayer by Presiding Elder (Ret.) Oliver Allen.

The Children’s Choir sang and scripture, Psalm 91:1-8, was read by the Reverend Roberta McCoy. After a medley

by Dr. Kotey, guest soloist, Pastor Wright introduced the preacher, Dr. Eason.

Dr. Eason spoke on the topic, “Let’s Go Home” from the scriptural text Luke 15:1-2; 20-24, the familiar story of The Military Ministry visited the State of Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Floyd “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home on Friday, August 18th. They visited with the prodigal son. He used the familiar phrase, “There’s no place like home,” including the ...continued on p23 the residents and left snacks.

22

NOVEMBER 2023 ...From St. John p22 spiritual home where one can hear the Word of God and experience spiritual nurturance and security. He noted that home provides bold refuge, and that God’s house is a place of grace. He stated that “grace seeks us” and highlighted from the text that when the young man came to himself, he thought of home. He noted that “when we have messed up, we can come home to the church where there is refuge and grace … There is joy, peace, rest, salvation, in God’s house.” He indicated that the only response to this refuge and grace is celebration. It is important to thank God for this great opportunity to “come on home” to God’s house. The congregation and guests responded with enthusiasm.

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

Weekend activities and was also awarded the prize for the baking contest. Her award-winning banana pudding received rave reviews. The blessing of an inspirational service was followed by a congregational photo and lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Great appreciation is expressed to Dr. Gregory Eason, Sr., and Mrs. Linda Tyson Eason for gracing St. John with their presence and making this Family and Friends celebration one to remember. The Family and Friends Day Worship Service can be viewed at https://www.youtube. com/live/xrMFyCC3l7c?si=CvRnTXLzsKPhBAz5. ❏❏❏

On Saturday, August 19, 2023, the Hospitality Ministry of the church donated personal hygiene supplies to the ShowerUp Agency. ShowerUp provides showers and hygiene supplies to the homeless community in the city.

The blessing of individuals accepting the invitation to Christian discipleship was celebrated by St. John. Dr. Eason brought a powerful message to St. John on this Family and Friends Day. This was another highlight of the Family and Friends Weekend which began with a special worship service and meal for senior members on Thursday After a three-year hiatus, due to the pandemic, the church was thankful to gather for a fellowship afternoon. Ministries engaged in service meal and great entertainment. The church picnic was held on Saturday, August 19th. projects throughout the weekend and a church picnic was enjoyed. Ms. Jakeyah “Shay” Williams coordinated Family and Friends

Family and Friends Weekend began with a Seniors-Only Worship Service, held especially for our sick and shut-in members. The Lay Organization, Caregivers, Prayer and Respite Ministry, Media and Transportation Ministry collaborated in the planning of this service. The service was held on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 12:00 noon. The Soup Kitchen prepared a meal for the seniors to enjoy after the service. The members enjoyed the service and the fellowship with other members.

Family and Friends 2023 church photo.

19th Episcopal District Sons of Allen 10th Year Celebrations Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito, 19 th Episcopal District Field Representative

The 19th Episcopal District Sons of Allen has come a long way since its launch 10 years ago. This 3-day celebration was packed with an Annual Convention, golf day and a decade celebration through a banquet.

The 19th Episcopal District fathers descended to Rustenburg for a longanticipated decade celebration of the Sons of Allen (SOA) of the 19th Episcopal District. The Nkosi Memorial AME Church in Tlhabane, pastored by the Rev. Sebego Zephania moremi were the hosts of the festivities.

The 3-day programme commenced on Friday, 8 September 2023 with a golf session, one of the great inventions by the SOA to attract more fathers. A total of 144 golfers took part in the event. Some of them were new fathers who took up the sport as a new hobby. Some came from outside the AME Church. This was also part of the programme to keep our men healthy while they are playing.

The formal business of the annual convention started on Saturday, 9 September with a total of 150 fathers registered. Most of the business ...continued on p24 23

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

...From 19th Episcopal p23

was handled excellently by the district president Dr. Malefetsane Mokoena.

The evening came and setup changed for the Gala Dinner celebrating 10 years of the existence of this Men’s Ministry. Of course, the SOA had existed in the seventies and eighties at a much lower scale. The Gala Dinner was open not only to the fathers. Most were joined by their spouses and partners, bringing the total attendance to 300. The prelate of the 19th Episcopal district, Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr., was in attendance and encouraged fathers to march on.

The closing worship experience, with a preaching from Supervisor Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Brailsford, was also the height of these celebrations. She preached from Deuteronomy 16:16, Nehemiah 4:11-15, and Matthew 8:23-27, on the subject, “Take Your Position and Fight for Your Family.”

Such tremendous support was received as a total of 21 clergy attended, two being female, presiding elders, and other Episcopal presidents and officers. and the Executive Board and all the 19th Episcopal District conferences’ leadership. ❏ ❏ ❏

To God be the glory as we applaud the leadership of the district, from Bishop Brailsford, Sr., Supervisor Brailsford, president Dr. Mokoena,

The Truth Is the Light Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., Retired, Itinerant Elder, Columnist

Our text is from Psalm 15:1-2 NRSV O Lord, Who may abide in your tent?

Who may dwell on your Holy Hill?

The 15th Psalm is simply titled A Psalm of David.

In the psalm, David meditates over the character of the person received into the presence of God. David contemplates the character of a man or woman who is fit to enter into the house of God and abide there.

The character of one who can come before God. The character of the one God receives.

The Psalmist asks, O Lord, who shall abide in your tent?

Who shall dwell in thy Holy Hill?

truthful in thought, word, and deed.

David is keenly aware of the differences between those who recognize God and those who ignore God. Verse one asks, O, lord who may abide in your tent?

The Psalmist asks the question, who may dwell with the Lord? Therefore, the first answer to the question of who shall dwell with God is no sinner. Psalm 15 asks, who would make a good guest in God’s home? The divine dwelling is poetically identified as a tent, recalling the tabernacle of wilderness, wanderings, and also as a holy hill, evoking the temple on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. O Lord, who may abide in your tent?

My prayer is that the reader would find my deeper dive helpful.

Beloved, please at the onset allow me the opportunity to point out—this is not simply a look into the future, but it also directs us to what it means to dwell with God right now.

Throughout the psalm David lists different things required of the person who lives where God is. In other words, to walk in faith and fellowship with the living God. The first part sums it up in that the person must be blameless and righteous. The righteous person serves God obediently, refrains from slander, and does not harm his neighbor in any way. The righteous person recognizes the difference between those who ignore God and those who honor him.

In the text David suggests those who are permitted to abide in the house of God are to be

Note: A righteous person is true to their word even when such integrity hurts. David questions

Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right; and speak the truth from their heart.

The Psalmist reminds us that the one who may dwell in the Lord’s secret place and cannot be moved is one who will speak out passionately against evil and evil workers.

I find myself today taking a deeper look into some familiar concepts.

24

how to describe a person qualified to be the Lord’s guest in his tabernacle. I would like to point out, if I may, this is not meant as a shallow thought. On the contrary, David seems to recognize that everyone has fallen short of God’s glory. David suggests that those who are permitted to abide in the house of God are to be truthful in thought, word, and deed.

David has in mind that the life that lives in the presence of God who walks in fellowship with God because the heart, the mind, and the life are all in step with the heart, mind, and life of God. Throughout its many pages the book of Psalms encourages us to praise God for who he is and admonishes us to praise God for what he has done. The book of Psalms illuminates the greatness of our God. The Psalms affirm God’s faithfulness to us in times of trouble and reminds us of the absolute centrality of God’s Word.

My prayer—Lord, may we see the sin in our lives that hinders our relationship with you?

Lord, let us be quick to confess and receive your forgiveness. May we live a life that is holy and be a mirror to what Christ did for us.

Beloved, let us understand that our attitude determines our standing with God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., retired, resides in Summerville, SC.

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

Denial’s Costly Benefit Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, Columnist

I recall co-leading a retreat in the Rocky Mountains for young people caught in varying life spirals. One of the workshops that both mentors and mentees attended focused on financial literacy. The instructor used an example that resonated with all in attendance. She talked about paying down a $2000.00 credit card balance at 18% interest (unheard of in these times) by remitting a monthly minimum of $10.00. She went on to say it would take 37 years to pay off the debt. Whatever the $2000.00 purchased the credit extended was a costly benefit.

I want to talk about another costly benefit that seemingly has nothing to do with a credit card and that is denial. Most of us at some point in life may have experienced denial. Just so we are clear, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, denial is a defense mechanism in which confrontation with a personal problem or with reality is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality. Denial helps us cope by the act of not coping with catastrophic events like an unexpected death, a spouse’s infidelity, sudden illness, financial stress, betrayal, or the like.

It is easy to look at people in denial and see what appears to be a lack of fortitude, intelligence, or veracity. The same person casting dispersions on the individual in denial may deny that he or she were ever in denial. How can this be? I have a theory that once we escape denial’s grip we find clever ways to deny that we were ever held. Think about the last time you had a conversation with someone about the role denial has played in your life.

Let’s face it; talking about denial can resurface old hurts one would rather keep buried in the graveyard of the past. I hope you will not allow denial to hinder a deeper conversation on this subject. A key partner of denial, as stated in the definition, is avoidance. As I think about times I have denied reality, a rush of pain, shame, and helplessness can come over me. I find myself right back at that crushing moment I wished never happened. Denial and suppressed reality are real—as real as the trauma that triggered the denial response in the first place.

Do you recall a time in your life that evoked a denial response from you? If you do, then it becomes clear why denial is a taboo subject. Denial may give a short-term benefit but long-term exposure can exact a high cost. While one is in denial, there can be no denying that precious time is still moving. In fact, sometimes the problem that triggered denial can become more intense over time if not recognized and addressed.

Going back to the credit card example, are you still paying a high cost for a past benefit afforded by denial; if so, it may be time to fight the fight you have avoided. Finding closure may very well be finding the strength to walk away. Beloved, know that you are not weak, strange, or different if you have succumbed to denial—all it means is that you are human. Is it time to stop personal installment payments for Denial’s Costly Benefit?

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 ESV. ❏ ❏ ❏ 25

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

EDITORIAL I stand against fast and slow violence.

I stand against the anti-blackness and anti-queerness that somehow still creeps up in those with whom I stand on these fronts.

CEASEFIRE Rev. Dr. Jennifer Leath, 4th Episcopal District

fellow sufferers silence will not protect us time to rise is now reflecting on … land freedom at high cost where does “do no harm” begin? where i am settled suffering enduring these days heaping mounds of angry pain oozing scents of death terror taking hostages reigning horror all around now: feel what i feel dissemblances “we won’t take your land” “we affirm self-governance” “we had to strike them” manifesting … discernment who is at fault here? how deep are agony’s roots? our balm must reach there

justice it’s just all of us needing healing balance souls: recalibrate peace resurrection breath it’s nothing without justice more than a stillness healing first: wash off the hate showing oppression’s faces then: apply the cures love justice projected strong and vulnerable peace sacred relations AND feel antiblack vibes? wonder how the dust settles? ceasefire. regardless.

AT LEAST ceasefire! accumulated epochs end during these days ~

And I *must* speak because of those (with whom I now stand) who have recognized *my* suffering - and that of the communities of which I am a part - and have spoken and stood with me. You who have stood with me - Palestinians and Israelis; Jews, Christians, Muslims, agnostics, atheists, and people of other faiths; people of all walks of life: thank you.

Rev. Dr. Jennifer Leath Guest Editorial

And I *must* speak and take a stand because - even if you did *not* stand with me (or wouldn’t) - I recognize you as my neighbor crushed under the rubble of whatever bombs or hanggliders have dropped on you.

I have walked the walls that separate Palestinian territories from Israeli territories. I have experienced the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical terror and hyper-surveillance that Palestinians endure each and every day firsthand. There *is* an apartheid, Jim Crow, George Floyd murder era familiarity about walking the streets where Palestinians live.

There is so much I do not know, but this I know as well as my name: what is happening to Palestinians right now - and what has been happening to Palestinians for decades - is unjust. And this I know as well as the first century Palestinian Jew in whom I believe: there is no justification for the current crushing approach of the Israeli government. And too: there is no justification for the violent amalgamation and targeting of Jews and Muslims who live outside this region.

On 3 November 2023, Adam Serwer published an article titled “Don’t Equate Anti-Zionism With AntiSemitism” in The Atlantic (https://www.theatlantic. com/ideas/archive/2023/11/anti-zionism-not-antisemitism/675888/). While Serwer’s article does not adequately reflect the dissemblances of those who make [images: 10.29.15 - a Bethlehem cityscape at 6:00 a.m. and 11.01.15 - a queing checkpoint to enter Jerusalem from a Palestinian territory at 4:45 a.m., the time the claim that they are anti-Zionist to shield themselves scores of palestinians needed be there to get to work by 9; a partial image of miles from justified allegations of their anti-Semitism, it does of such walls and surveillance towers] reflect the spirit of so many of us who want to see justice, peace, and a dismantling of empire for all. And though I grieve for each person, each family directly impacted by the violence of the article leans into the possibility of a single state solution that many 7 October 2023. I pray for the safe return of every Israeli hostage taken on have abandoned, most helpfully, it invites us to a broader imagination of that day. And still: we all know that the terror of that day began long before the possibilities of just peace. However, another true reason I cite Serwer for all who are involved. is that he names the fears that have silenced me.

I stand against anti-Semitism. I stand against Islamophobia. I stand against I only regret not saying more, not saying it stronger, and not saying it the erasure of Palestinian Christians. I stand against militaristic empires. sooner. Let us leave regret behind. ❏ ❏ ❏

...From Examine Your p2

tick.” Acknowledge your strengths and challenges.

see, can you see the real me? Can you see, can you see the real me? The real me, the real me.”

I hear Evangelist Catherine L. Carson sharing, “Knowing yourself through identifying what matters to you, studying your behaviors, tendencies, and thought patterns, and embracing your needs in life will always assist you to work on being a better you!”

I’m just saying!

Peace with justice and mercy, be blessed real, real good, attend worship and families do matter.

The Gospel according to the rock band The Who shares some lyrics (questions) that daily you should look in your mirror and ask, “Can you

Dr. Michael C. Carson may be reached at refreshingcoach@gmail.com ❏❏❏ 26