MAY 2021
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VOLUME 170, NO. 8
MAY 2021
PHILADELPHIA CHURCH SHOWS LOVE TO COMMUNITY By Sister Angelena Spears, 1st Episcopal District
“We have come to worship, now we depart to serve,” is part of the benediction at many churches on Sunday mornings. At Hickman Temple AME Church in Philadelphia, it is what the congregation does. Twice a month the historic AME Church serves as a food distribution point for families in d tthe area. The Church has formed a partnership with a food bank tthat supplies pallets of meats, ccheeses, fresh fruit, and juices, and ssometimes personal care items. The food bank needs volunteers who will manage the food givew aaway. Sister Arlene Davis, a longttime member of Hickman Temple, ssays it normally takes about 10 vvolunteers to successfully handle the food distribution. Those who volunteer are missionaries,
The Rev. Gregory P. Nelson (center) is surrounded by volunteers showcasing items given away during recent distribution. church school workers, and stewards. Even the
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THE BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF AMERICA By Rev. Dr. Gregory Vaughn Eason, Sr., 6th Episcopal District
Psalm 11:3 says, “If tthe foundations are destroyed, what can the d rrighteous do?” These words ring true today w aas we come face-tofface with foundational iissues for American democracy. Voting and d jjustice are the bedrock of a democratic society. o However, we must not forget that slavery and segregation undergird the racism that is America’s original sin. The question with voter suppression
laws threatening the foundation of our democracy and with social justice at stake is what must we do to redeem the soul of our nation? First, we must admit our shortcomings as a democratic society. The new wave of voter suppression is not just. It is based on the big lie that the election was stolen. Moreover, the voter suppression laws in Georgia are clear, blatant, and flagrant. They are obviously retribution tactics in response to the Republican Party having lost the presidential election and two senatorial elections. These laws advance the suppression of black and brown voting strength. They criminalize handing out food and water to voters waiting in polling lines;
SC AME CHURCHES REMEMBER PARISHIONERS LOST DUE TO COVID-19 By Kayland Hagwood, WLTX-Columbia
It’s been one year since South Carolina’s African Methodist Episcopal Churches (AME) closed due to COVID-19. Church leaders commemorated the day with a special virtual service on Sunday evening as they grieved the loss of members who’ve died due to the coronavirus. More than 100 names of family, friends, and loved ...continued on p25
ANCAME Celebrating ting Charlotte Maxeke…
p2
AME Structures Gone Wild — The Treasurer/ CFO… p4
Wallowa UMC Returned to the NEZ Perce Tribe… p6
severely limit drop box availability; adds ID requirements for absentee voting, with voters having to provide the last digits of their licenses or state ID number—neither of which more than 200,000 Georgia voters possess; allow the State Election Board to seize control of local elections offices they deem “underperforming;” ban mobile voting units like those used by Fulton County in the past for early voting, except in emergencies; shorten mail-in ballot request and return periods; disqualify provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct, erasing the votes of thousands of Georgians; restrict out-of-precinct voters from having their provisional ballots ...continued on p8
WHEN GOD PRESSES THE “PAUSE” BUTTON By Rev. Carlton Worthen, 9th Episcopal District
In 1999, we were panicking over the unknown of Y2K. Y2K was the widespread computer programming shortcut expected to cause extensive havoc at the brink of a new century. As a result, there was much trepidation that computers would be unable to operate at the turn of the millennium. It was as if the world stood still. When the United States was hit with the deadly COVID-19, the CDC reported 31,306,928 cases and 562,296 deaths in America. Again, we found ourselves in pivot mode. It was not only that we had to figure out how to continue to get God’s message to the people without physically being present. It was also how to get people to go virtual. Congregations everywhere scrambled to find ways to continue Sunday Services and other church services during COVID-19. ...continued on p10
The Good News Update… p9
The Pain of Racism Through the Lens of Calvary … p14
Losing with People, Winning with God: Navigating God’s Zero-Sum Game … p18
The Urgency of Hope …
p20
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MAY 2021
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SESQUICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY OF MOTHER CHARLOTTE MAXEKE CELEBRATED IN SOUTH AFRICA
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IS YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK? By Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., Senior Columnist
For those who belong to the family of God, our greatest concern should be to make sure that our name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Jesus spent three years of intense ministry and concentrated effort on Earth. He worked with 12 disciples, unveiling the principles by which we must live to inherit the Kingdom of God. Jesus laid out for us the way to spend eternity with Him. Eternity is forever. Certainly, those who take the time to study the scriptures know that eternity is too long, and Hell is too hot, for anyone to risk doubt about their salvation. The way to Hell may seem like fun for a while; but when you get there, you will quickly notice it wasn’t worth the fun. However, the good news is that the way to Heaven is not that complicated. There is no complex formula for salvation. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ used simple parables to explain the love of the Father for His children. The parables run from the common practice of lighting a lamp to the familiar task of planting seed, proof that Jesus gave us the plan of salvation in its purest and simplest form. The plan is too simple, and the way is too clear, for a person not to be sure of their future. Everlasting life is too promising and heavenly peace is too rewarding for a person to be plagued with uncertainties. No matter how busy we are, how heavy our schedules are, or how crowded our daily itinerary is, we need to take the time to make sure that our name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. While God has concealed much information until the day when the “Books shall be opened,” He has revealed enough information so that even a fool cannot make a mistake in his choice for salvation. He provided a carefully orchestrated and inspired revelation of the mind of God, opening all that we need to know about His creation and purpose. We call this book the Bible. There is no other book that gives us a more accurate account of the history of mankind. The Bible is our source of truth, map to eternal life, a guide to righteousness, and weapon in demonic warfare. It provides a guide through the jungle of speculation and a roadmap to paradise. God wants us to make it in and that our name is listed. Thus, He has left some markers in life to help us determine whether or not our names are there. The first marker is found in Romans 10:9. It says, “because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” God wants us to understand that our salvation is predicated upon our belief in, and our confession of, the Lord Jesus Christ as our Resurrected Saviour. The second marker is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17. It says, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” In other words, if we are in Christ, others cannot see the “old” us. This second marker is predicated upon our newness of life being our new motivation. When a person truly accepts Christ, they bury the “old man” and a completely “new man” emerges. Another ingredient necessary to guarantee that our name is found is grace. Grace is what covers up the imperfections before the final presentation. It reaches down to all human beings and excels beyond all human reasoning. God’s grace ministers to every human need, satisfies all human requirements, perfects all our human failures, and comforts all human sufferings. God’s grace is sufficient for the poor, weak, tired, burdened, lonely, and wretched. When doubt creeps in and causes our faith to waiver, grace will step in and solidify. When temptations taunt us and cause us to stumble, grace will step in and sanctify. If it were not for grace, God’s glory could never be seen, peace enjoyed, love felt, power endured, blessings possessed, or will understood, or gift known. God left us a compass in the Bible, which provides a carefully orchestrated and inspired revelation of the mind of God, opening to us all that we need to know about His creation and purpose. However, when all else fails, we can call on His grace, it is sufficient and seals our names in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of James Chapel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
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A PASSION TO HELP THE LEAST AMONG US By Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr.
I am a native of Jacksonville, Florida, and was raised in St. Paul AME Church. Our mother was a nurse and teacher in the community. Our father was an employee for the Seaboard Coastline Company, later Amtrak. Our home was a place where people would visit and share stories and food. Our mother was an officer in the Women’s Missionary Society for several years. The passion to help others was instilled in our home at an early age. I remember our mother stopping to help a young child crying in the streets. I can remember her helping a fallen victim in a local department store. I asked her one day, “Why do you help total strangers?” Her response, “I would hope that if you got sick in a department store, someone would help you.” Those words resonate in my spirit today. I find myself helping the least in the Baton Rouge community and mentoring a younger generation. Where is our passion to help the least? Are we still concerned with people who have fallen on hard times? Jesus teaches that we should help the least among us. Matthew 25:40 says, “And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” Our ministry should be directed and empowered toward the least among us. A passion for the least begins with our relationship with Jesus. My passion for the least was confirmed through my parents and continued by Jesus. As our society becomes more political, individualistic, and divided, we see less concern for the least among us. Many of us are focusing on our own wellbeing and personal concerns. The least among us helps us stay grounded and directed toward the real purpose of ministry, which is to lift the fallen and share and care for the oppressed and disenfranchised. I have a passion for the least among us because I have encountered persons with difficulties, living a marginalized life. One evening, while preparing for dinner, someone in the community visited the parsonage and asked for food. He indicated he had not eaten for a few days. It was late and my wife and our son had finished dinner but I had not eaten yet. I had a personal dilemma: should I give him my dinner or should I say I have nothing to share? This reminds me of the scripture of the late-night visitor. Luke 11:5 says, “And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread.”’” I had my own knock at midnight and I shared the little I had. This sharing is a part of my existential experience as a young person, watching our parents and grandmothers give their last to help someone in a difficult situation. The passion to help the least was a generational trait for our family. The passion for the least must be mandated to another generation. We must give direction and guidance for this generation. I help younger people as a mentor and consultant as they prepare themselves for a career of service to the community. As a pastor and University instructor, I have a unique experience to see young people in the academy and local church. I thank God for the two-folded ministry of instruction and spiritual direction. In 2012, I was humbled and honored to be an inductee in the Morehouse Board of Preachers at the International King Center. This was a great honor since I am a graduate of Morehouse College. During the ceremony, we took a pledge to follow the teachings of Jesus, Gandhi, King, Thurman, and others. This was a moving moment for me; and many times, I refer to the induction with my students. I have a passion to help the least because I have seen it being modeled by my family and I have experienced it in my ministry. ❏ ❏ ❏
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AME STRUCTURES GONE WILD — THE TREASURER/CFO By Bishop Jeffery N. Leath
Be clear: all opinions refer to positions and structures, not individuals. Policy, procedure, and protocol, not the persons, are the issue. The people work a structure that impersonal assessment and reform ignored. The inequities and systemic abuse compounded for decades over multiple administrations. This is one reason for some immediate attention. When is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) acting for the Church and when for AME, Inc.? The distinction is not confusing. It is arbitrary. It is like asking if the bird I hold in my hand behind my back dead or alive. Why might it matter? The agency of the action would determine the presumed controlling (accountable) body. If the CFO acts as the Church, then the General Board’s Statistics and Finance Commission has input. If the CFO claims the aegis of AME, Inc., the Board of AME, Inc. has authority. No need to worry about such nuances if the desired end is accomplished: the CFO, structurally, avoids accountability to anyone except uninformed voters by picking and choosing which visor to attach to the same hat. The CFO, not just the current treasurer, has been borrowing and investing funds on behalf of the church for decades. The office entails more than writing checks according to the mandates of an approved budget. Much of that function is necessary for an institution like ours. However, this does not justify inadequate supervision. The Statistics and Finance Commission and AME, Inc. fail to monitor and inform on the activity of the Finance Department. They are the prey of political culture and obstruction. Existing structures must emerge from General Board, which was to ostensibly There is no independent accounting office. Do you think an audit covers this? the fog of dysfunction and accomplish level the playing field among bishops. Wrong! There is no performance or compliance review. If there is such, put a light their missions. Let me end this segment It rendered the bishops as easy prey for on it and open the window. We do not even program enough time at the General with some concrete examples of the CFO. Most bishops still do not see Board or General Conference to study, question, and advise…intentionally! referenced abstractions. this, let alone agree. One person has charge of meeting arrangements for the General Conference, Why the circuitous replies to Over the last 30 years, a methodical Council of Bishops, General Board, Convo, and almost anything else done by the General Board queries regarding Payroll consolidation of power has exchanged Connectional Church. One person decides on the loaning of tens of thousands Protection Program loans (PPP)? To one tyranny for another. No one cries of dollars to institutions, Connectional organizations, and executives. One person paraphrase: “We don’t know. We will about the autocracy. The interest is chooses investments. One person guards reserves according to personal bias. One not know until May/June. ‘We’ have in who will be the despot. We can do person makes decisions about spending and writes the check. not decided how ‘we’ are going to use better. Now, we have one person controlling everything from investments, litigation, and the funds. We are waiting to see if we The church needs a Chief Operating insurance policies to property management. We let it happen, and we cheer, bow, must pay back the loan. We haven’t or Executive Officer. It needs something and support the office. decided whether or not to apply for different than our current system where There are others to blame for the travesty. Executives are culpable when they tell a second-round loan.” Hello, hello, the CFO is also the effective CEO one person to “find the money” without following up on from whence came the Council of Bishops, Statistics and without any entity stepping forward to funds. They, too, wallow in ignorance of the complex institution they presume to Finance Commission, are you there?” supervise. lead. One person may deserve the blame but our culture shares the guilt for corrupt Are all our dues to ecumenical bodies At the beginning of a discussion, and poor business practices. paid in full and on time? The budget is exploration should not stop because Watch under which of the three shells we place the pea. Let’s shift the shells paid in full and on time. the CFO says “no.” Funds should not around for four years. General Conference, tell us under which shell is the pea? When funds are used to support be moved among budgeted categories Do you think the AME Church is a bishop-led church? Think again! Silence unbudgeted items, where do they come according to the political whim of the and inaction from the Council of Bishops have been met with critical institutional from and how are they accounted? Who CFO. Have we given such discretion decisions made by a CFO. The bishops may be the royal family but the church is run reviews this? regarding “our” money? (Shhhh! The by a lay prime minister with the occasional input of an oligarchy. Which is “church” money and benefactors are not complaining.) Why limit other than the suffrage of The institution of a layperson heading which is the AME, Inc. money? Who bother with a General Conference colleagues; no Board of Incorporators the Finance Department intended is really deciding the virtual or inCommission, other than a show and until 1939, although there were to depoliticize aspects of church person question around the General patronage, if major decisions go from Trustees, existed. Then came the reforms administration and begin to balance Conference? There is so little discussion. the CFO’s mouth to the ear of the of 1952 and 1956. With the rise of the the power of an autocratic Council of Such sheep-like responses to plans light church? What kind of church would we Judicial Council and General Board, Bishops. The world, and business of on facts. have if “decent and in order” were more the authority of the bishops, and the the church, was less complex in the Several entities have contributed to important than “how do I get control?” Council, was revised with little insight early 1900s. Moreover, there were other the challenges of the office of CFO. A better definition of the role and into symmetry in management. One powerful features that kept equilibrium. Will we fix any of this amid personnel authority of the CFO in the 21stexample is rotating one-year terms for A weak retirement practice for changes or will we grin, bear, and enable century church is essential if we are to the president of the Council of Bishops bishops; a Council of Bishops President it? ❏ ❏ ❏ reform the culture of power-mongering. and two years for the president of the who served multi-year terms without
A HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE RR WRIGHT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY By Rev. Thato Mere
The church, as a symbol of hope, is shaped by several things to sustain its standing in the community. Similarly, a denomination is shaped by the training of its ministers. Those who come through its doors leave as community leaders and theologians but above all, men and women who know God and go against all odds to preach this Gospel through the land and breadth of the country, sometimes the world. The RR Wright Theological Seminary, earlier known as RR Wright School of Religion, was instrumental in shaping the AME Church in the greater part of Africa as we see it today. The first time the idea of training ministers was in 1920 during the Episcopal leadership of Bishop William T. Vernon. He asked the Rev. Edward T. Maganya, who was the principal of Wilberforce Institute to start theological courses within the Institute. The first students enrolled were Mr. Charles Demas, Mr. P.A. Seleane, and Mr. I. Schors. During 1926-1934, when the Rev. Dr. F.H. Gow was principal of Wilberforce Institute,
the Rev. Olivier Maja from Lesotho was the sole theological student. Since the class could not be sustained, the faculty of theology was discontinued. When Bishop Richard Robert Wright, PhD, was assigned to the 15th District in 1936, he took the education of clergy seriously; and in 1938, took steps in establishing a training centre for the clergy. He then invited, from Atlanta, Georgia, the Rev. Josephus Rooseveldt Coan, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University and Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Arts degrees from Yale University. Once the plans were concluded, the school was established with Dr. Coan as its first dean. The school was named RR Wright School of Religion after the founder, Bishop Wright. Joining Dr. Coan, the other members of the original ...continued on p5
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VALUABLE LAND By Byron Washington, Columnist
J. Canfield said, “No one ever compares themselves to someone else and comes out even…comparison is the fast track to unhappiness.” Most people, consciously or subconsciously, are comparing themselves with the people around them. Social media has become the most significant catalyst in our lives for comparing and looking at the life we assume other people are living. People spend all day scrolling social media, looking at pictures and videos of people, many of whom they assume are doing better than them. The enemy wants us to spend so much time looking at everyone else that we ignore what God has given us. That we devalue our life and what God has placed in front of us because it does not look like somebody else’s life is the objective. Consider how land is valued. Land can be valued in three different ways. The first way is based on what is built on the property. You build a hotel or a resort or develop the land into a place that people can utilize and the land gains value. The second way land is valued is due to its location or what is naturally on the property. If the land has trees for timber or is on a waterfront or beach., the land has value. Lastly, land can have value because of what is under it. The property may not have trees or a great view, and it may be located in a terrible place; however, the value is under the soil. The land has minerals, natural resources, and precious
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metals, all of which cannot be seen by just looking at the ground. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” Some people have gifts and talents that are visible. Others have gifts that are hidden and not always easily seen. The examples of land are valuable for different reasons. The same can be said about each of us. When we compare ourselves to others, we constantly misrepresent and undervalue how God made us. When Moses sent out the spies to examine the land that God had promised them, some of them said that there was no way they could take the land because of the giants (Numbers 13:33). What they saw was true but the value of the children of Israel was not in what could be seen. It was in what was hidden in their relationship with God and His promises to them. Those spies who brought an unfavorable report did not realize that what they had in God was more powerful and valuable than what the giants had in size and statue. Do not forfeit that which God has blessed you by trying to get what somebody else has. Where God has placed us has value and purpose; and if we follow the leading of His Spirit, we will see that some of our greatest assets are hidden beneath the surface of our life. ❏ ❏ ❏
GREATER IS COMING: A PROFILE OF THE REV. DR. CURTIS MARIE SMALLS By Mary Frances Walton, Contributing Writer
A year ago, Bishop Harry L. Seawright, the 133rd Elected and Consecrated Bishop in the AME Church, appointed the Rev. Curtis Marie Smalls as the pastor of Saint Paul AME Church in Taylorsville, Alabama. The Rev. Smalls is the first woman to serve as the pastor of Saint Paul. Shortly after her appointment, while reorganizing and restructuring the church due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the senior presiding elder, the Rev. Dwight E. Dillard, Sr. requested she preach during the opening session of the Northwest District Conference, comprised of Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Florence, Alabama. The pandemic put everything, everyone, and every place on “lockdown. The mission of the Rev. Smalls remains in keeping Christians actively engaged through a virtual platform. The first gentleman, Dr. Morris Smalls, Jr., the Technology Team Chair; Steward Pricilla Chism, members of the Women’s Missionary Society, stewards, trustees, and the Young People’s Department collaborate and broadcast through Facebook Live every Sunday. When you come to service on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, the youth and young adults, preside over every aspect of the church service. The youth and young adults of Saint Paul
are becoming emerging leaders in music, scripture, and God’s Word. The COVID-19 pandemic virtually united all generations under one church, worshipping, praising, and fellowshipping together. During this Lenten Season, Saint Paul hosted its first Good Friday Service, “Seven Last Words.” The Facebook Live platform provided pastors and preachers to exegete the seven last words of Christ with passion and hope. The Rev. Peggy Jackson Jobe, Minister to Women at Greater Mount Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland, presented the first word in Luke 23:34. She preached, “Three nails Plus One Cross Equals Forgiveness.” The Rev. Kurtis C. White, the pastor of Ebenezer Charlotte Hall AME Church Mechanicsville, Maryland, presented the second word in Luke 23:43. He preached, “It’s a Done Deal!” The Rev. Stacy DeBose Dyson, the pastor of Saint Paul AME Church in Corydon, Indiana, presented the third word in John 19:26-27. She preached, “Those Who Hear the Word of God and Do the Word of God Are My Brother and My Mother.” The Rev. Bernard Brisbane, the pastor of Long Point Missionary Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, presented the fourth word in Matthew 27:46. He preached “Defeat of His Humanity So that the Divine Plan of His Father
...From A Historical p4 staff were the Rev. Levi Gow, a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree; the Rev. N.B. Sello, the Rev. G. Sedlai, and the Rev. D.S.J. Sebolao. The school continued to operate until 1948, when, during the Episcopal leadership of Bishop Frederick D. Jordan, a decision was made to close the school and transfer the staff and student body to Adams College, an institution run by the American Board of Missions situated in Natal. During that time, many students were trained there, including the Rev. Poolo from Lesotho, the Rev. Moses Darkie Phetlhu, and the Rev. Peter M. Lodi. Oral tradition reveals that the good thing about Adams College was the fact that married couples were able to stay together on campus as there were cottages for them. When Bishop Francis Herman Gow was elected a bishop and assigned to the 15th Episcopal District, he recalled the seminary to where it belonged, on the Wilberforce Campus. The Rev. Mdlulwa was appointed its dean. Among the first staff members joining him was the Rev. Daniel Seokamo Modisapodi. In 1960, the Rev. Mdlulwa retired
Would be Complete.” The Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, the pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, presented the fifth word in John 19:28. He preached “Jesus Was Not Requesting Physical Refreshment but a Spiritual Longing.” Pastor Smalls presented the sixth word from John 19:30. She preached “Just Because You are Done Does Not Mean it is Over.” The Rev. Gary Brisbane, the pastor of Central Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, presented the final word in Luke 23:46. He preached “Put Your Life in the Hands of God! It’s Friday but Sunday is Coming.” Facebook Live is the platform for Saint Paul until the doors are physically open for its congregation. Pastor and First Gentleman Smalls and the church members distribute produce and goods cautiously and safely, serving the church and community. The blueprint is set “Greater Is Coming with Great Expectations.” ❏ ❏ ❏
with the Rev. G.Z. Lethoba, a graduate from Rhodes University having a Bachelor of Arts degree, was appointed as the dean. He was joined by the Rev. Mbulawa, who also had a Bachelor of Arts degree. Dean Lethoba laboured for nine years and resigned in 1969, taking a teaching post at Jordan High School at Wilberforce. He was immediately succeeded as dean by the Rev. Mbulawa. It was not long before the Rev. Mbulawa skipped the country in mid-1970 due to his political stance in the height of apartheid and went to Botswana where he pastored churches until he was called home to be with the Lord. The Rev. M.D. Phetlhu acted in that role until the end of that year when the Rev. Dr. Andrew W.M. Makhene was called by Bishop GD Robinson to take over the seminary. The Rev. Makhene took the school to higher heights and had the curriculum printed in a booklet and made it available for all to see. The Rev. Makhene resigned in 1974 to take a job at an insurance company as a P.R.O. Following the Rev. Dr. Makene was the Rev. ...continued on p18
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ECUMENICALNEWS
CLIMATE JUSTICE: HUNGER AND HOPE By Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith
Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Unlike the Ten Commandments, which dictate what we should not do, the Beatitudes advise us about what we should do to be in the right relationship with each other. Jesus’ teachings help us to understand the benefit of being righteous by encouraging us to be agents of justice, mercy, and love—not only toward humanity but also to all of creation. Mathew 5:6 teaches us that it is not enough for us to invite and profess righteousness. We must make actual investments through our actions to demonstrate our commitment to righteousness. In this scripture, the words “hunger” and “thirst” remind us of the urgency h h h lleads d to of addressing the physical weakness that accompanies a lack of food or water. These same words emphasize the urgency of craving for righteousness, which sustainable spiritual life. justice and to join our effort. You can sign Bread for Climate justice is based on a biblical principle of righteousness. It is a movement led by communities that the World’s Care for Creation pledge or download have been disproportionately affected by unjust environmental policies and practices and have left to hunger Bread for the World’s 2017 Hunger Report, “Fragile and thirst, not only for nutritious food and water but also for equity and dignity. The environmental justice Environments, Resilient Communities,” in which movement recognizes the humanity and creation of all people. we explain how climate change is an obstacle to People from Africa and the African diaspora—in the United States and globally—live with the historic ending hunger and extreme poverty. realities of colonialism and structural racism. These systems have directly magnified environmental injustices. You are also invited to meet with us virtually Yet, Pan African communities are leading climate justice movements. Bread for the World embraces these by registering for the EAD conference on climate and related justice efforts. One of our principles states that communities of color should be engaged in risk justice. In addition, you can check out my related reduction planning, guided by their self-determination. message at a recent United Nations working group During the second quarter of this year, climate change is a focused educational advocacy issue for Bread session on Environmental Justice, the Climate for the World. To this end, we are partnering with coalitions like Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD). We Crisis and People of African Descent. affirm the 2021 EAD conference statement that says that systemic and historic issues have “manifested themselves in the disproportionate number of racial and ethnic minorities who became sick with and died Angelique Walker-Smith is the senior of COVID-19, as well as the continued extrajudicial killing of Black men and women.” associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church Engagement at Bread for the World. The Bread for the World website offers you opportunities to learn more about environmental
WALLOWA UMC RETURNED TO THE NEZ PERCE TRIBE By Kristen Caldwell, United Methodist News Service
Sitting on the ancestral grounds of the Nez Perce Tribe and after 144 years of faithful ministry to its community, Wallowa United Methodist Church was returned to the Nimiipuu in a ceremony of friendship, celebration, and repentance on Thursday. The Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) handed over the keys to the church building and deed to the property in a ceremony that honored the friendship that exists between the church and Nez Perce community. The church also laments the role it once played in colonizing indigenous people and their land. “This small gift does not even scratch the surface of repayment for the many roles Christians have played in systems which work to take land, identity, and resources from those being colonized. Sadly, much of the church isn’t even awake to our complicity yet,” said the Rev. Dr. Allen Buck of the Great Spirit
United Methodist Church in Portland and member of the Cherokee Nation. “This is a good and right thing for us to do. But we don’t honor ourselves, rather we celebrate our friends, and the potential for this gift to be useful for them. We celebrate with the Nimiipuu,” he added. The Nez Perce people are exploring multiple uses for the property, which includes the church building, the lot it sits on, and another lot located behind the church. Having additional space for tribal activities and gatherings in Wallowa is welcomed by tribal leaders. “We feel our ancestors smiling at this wonderful gesture of good will and friendship. It is well known that Wallowa has always been home to the Nez Perce people; and when our ancestors were forced to leave, we know they left a part of themselves behind as well,” stated o Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee ViceN Chairman, Casey Mitchell. Adding, “We C feel blessed and grateful that our friends fe of the Methodist Church have gifted us o this opportunity to once again be part of th our homeland. To take real action, such as o this, is a tremendously positive step toward th aaddressing past injustices.” This is the second time in three years that the Oregon-Idaho Conference has returned th portions of land to the Nez Perce Tribe. In p 22018, more than one and a half acres of rriverbed property at Wallowa Lake Camp was returned to the tribe to use for fish w
spawning habitat, which has both ecological and economic benefits for the Tribe. For 144 years, the United Methodist Church had a presence in Wallowa, landing at its current
building originally llocation in 1940. The h church h h b ld ll belonged to the Presbyterian Church and was built in 1910. In 2019, the church closed due to declining membership and financial costs required for upkeep of the building but continued meeting locally through 2020. Though more than 100 years old, the building is in relatively good condition with a new heating system installed in recent years. “This is one of many acts of repentance, de-colonization, and healing the church will continue to engage in as it actively works to dismantle racism,” said Laurie Day, the director of connectional ministries for the Oregon-Idaho Conference and assistant to Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky of the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area of the UMC. ❏ ❏ ❏
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NINE-IN-TEN BLACK ‘NONES’ BELIEVE IN GOD BUT FEWER PRAY OR ATTEND SERVICES By Kiana Cox, Pew Research Center
Overall, “nones” make up 21% of Black U.S. adults. Most in that category say their religion is “nothing in particular” (18%), while far fewer describe themselves as agnostic (2%) or atheist (1%). Since so few Black Americans identify as atheist or agnostic, the two groups are analyzed together in this post. Among Black Americans who say their religion is nothing in particular, 41% believe in the God of the Bible but a larger share (52%) believe in some other kind of higher power or spiritual force in the universe. Among Black atheists and agnostics, 3% believe in the God of the Bible or other scripture, while 60% believe in another higher force. Although many Black “nones” believe in God, they are much less likely to engage in most religious practices asked about in the survey. About eight in 10 Black “nones” seldom or never attend religious services (81%), triple the share (8 of religiously-affiliated o Black adults who do so B ((27%). Large majorities of people in the “nothing in p particular” category (79%) p sseldom or never attend sservices, as is the case for atheists and agnostics fo (93%). (9 When it comes to prayer, there is more variation. th The share of Black “nones” T who say they rarely or w never pray (45%) is nearly n iidentical to the share who id pray multiple times a week p (43%). However, regular (4 prayer is much more p ccommon among those who ssay their religion is nothing in particular (48%) than aamong those who identify aas atheist or agnostic ((11%). Among religiouslyaaffiliated Black Americans, 991% say they pray multiple times a week. ti Note: The above article is an a excerpted summary. For https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/03/17/ninethe full text visit https //www pewresearch org/fa in-ten-black-nones-believe-in-god-but-fewer-pray-or-attend-services/❏ ❏ ❏
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...From Philadelphia p1 pastor, the Rev. Gregory P. Nelson, can be found filling up boxes of food items for those in line. The Rev. Nelson says that during the pandemic, now more than ever, the Church must branch beyond its four walls and take the Gospel to the people. “The Church can no longer preach the Gospel in which we ‘talk’ about Jesus and love—we have to ‘show’ it,” he said. “Giving out food twice a month sends a message that the Church is not just a fixture... It shows that the church is a living
Sister Arlene Davis hands out cupcakes which were donated by a local bakery. organism. Every time we are o
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CONNECTIONALNEWS
STATEMENT FROM THE GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMISSION Bishop John Franklin White, Chair, General Conference Commission
On May 7, the General Conference Commission of the AME Church voted to host the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in Orlando, Florida, and Cape Town, South Africa. The dates of the General Conference will be July 6-10, 2021. In-person meetings will take place for Districts 1-13, and 16 and chaplains in Orlando. Delegates from Districts 14, 15, and 17-20 will meet in Cape Town. Please note it has been decided that there will not be a virtual component for the General Conference in 2021. Act now, registration is still open. Reserve your spot today at https://www.ame-church.com. The final schedule of events is forthcoming. Remember, vaccinations are strongly recommended. We look forward to seeing you in either Orlando or Cape Town! ❏ ❏ ❏
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP’S TERMINAL DEGREE/ SPEAKER’S BUREAU DATABASE
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WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY GETS A RETOOL FROM HOME DEPOT Wilberforce University (WU) will receive a $20,000 campus uplift thanks to the votes sent to the Home Depot Retool Your School Campaign. Wilberforce came in seventh place in Cluster 3. The top 10 schools in each of the three clusters were awarded grant money ranging from $20,000 to $75,000. An interview provided by the company’s diversity and inclusion officer explained why Home Depot wants to have a hand in improving HBCUs. “Since 2009, The Home Depot has continued to increase its investment in campus improvements for HBCUs,” said The Home Depot’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Derek Bottoms. “We are ensuring HBCU students have an upgraded environment that enhances their educational experience as they progress on their journey to become the next generation of leaders,” he continued. Earlier this year, the Wilberforce campus community called on alumni, members of the board of directors, students, employees, and supporters, and asked them to cast their votes for WU in the weeks-long drive that
By Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Executive Director, AME Church Department of Research and Scholarship
The AME Church’s Department of Research and Scholarship is in the process of updating their database of AMEs holding terminal degrees, e.g., PhD, PsyD, EdD, DMin, DSW, DSM, and MD for inclusion as members of either the Adams Coleman Williams Distinguished Scholars Guild or the Tolbert-Young Practical Theology Doctor of Ministry Consortium and Department’s Speaker’s Bureau. If you have completed your work within the last three years (2018-2021), please forward your name, full degree title, granting institution, date of graduation, and the topic or title of your thesis or dissertation to amechistoryinthemaking@yahoo. com by May 30, 2021. Congratulations on the fruition off your time investment and hard work. ❏ ❏ ❏
...From The Battle p1 counted unless after 5 pm and with a signed statement that
they couldn’t make it to the right poll; shorten the run-off elections period from nine weeks to four weeks, and shorten the early voting period for run-offs. As if voter suppression wasn’t enough, the Derrick Chauvin case in Minnesota tests the soul of our nation. Officer Chauvin put his knee on George Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes, on video for the world to see. It is obvious that he is guilty. If the race of the victim and perpetrator were reversed, the trial would be cut and dried. Meanwhile, Breonna Taylor’s killers were not brought to trial. The beat goes on. Yet, the question remains, with foundations threatened and danger of being destroyed, what must the righteous do? After reckoning with our shortcomings, we must pray. We must not offer passive prayers but active prayers to a God who loves justice, is a God of the oppressed, and sees the injustice of God’s people. We must speak truth to power. Like the widow in Luke 18, we must be advocates for freedom in an unjust society. The truth must be ever before our nation. We must not get weary. We must protest. Our protest must be non-violent yet determined. Whether marching or boycotting, we must let our voices be heard. America was built on the right to protest for what is right. Luke 9:25 asks, “What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?” Our nation has been a prominent world power for
ended March 15. “We are so grateful to Home Depot for the support shown to HBCUs, specifically Wilberforce. Our campus community, board of directors, alumni, and friends rallied around this campaign which will offer campus beautification projects that directly impact our students. Our campus is excited and ever so grateful” said Natalie Coles, the vice president of Wilberforce University Institutional Advancement. WU students will advise the administration on the campus project that will benefit from the $20,000 grant. WU was established in 1856 and is the nation’s first, private, historically black college or university (HBCU). Located in Greene County—near Dayton, Ohio—the four-year, accredited university is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Ohio LINK Library Consortium and the NAIA Athletic Conference. According to HBCU.com, Wilberforce is one of the top five HBCUs in the midwest. ❏ ❏ ❏
a long time. We are the richest nation in the history of the world. All could be lost if we lose our national soul. Let’s work to have a nation with a soul that believes in the dignity and worth of all God’s people. Let’s work for a nation that truly believes that all people are “made in the image and likeness of God.” Let’s work for a nation that is “receiving, welcoming, caring, and loving.” Then, and only then, the foundations will be solid with peace and righteous justice. ❏ ❏ ❏
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THE GOOD NEWS UPDATE By Evangelist Dr. Valeria Eloby-Slade, 5th Episcopal DIstrict
During the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, the aforementioned legislation was written to become “Item G,” under the Department of Church Growth and Development, as well as under the Division of Worship and Evangelism for this department. In honor of Bishop Sarah Francis Davis transitioning before this legislation was ever submitted, the team— under the leadership of the Rev. Dorisalene Y. Hughes; the Rev. James C. Wade, Executive Director of the Department of Church Growth and Development; and Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., the Commission Chairperson—unanimously agreed to name this legislation using Bishop Sarah’s full name. This is the rationale for The Bishop Sarah Francis Davis Covenant Keepers and Intercessors. The final number assigned to this legislation was #21.GGB17 and it was passed on the last morning session in July 2016 with a unanimous yes of the delegation. This approved legislation is currently found in our Bicentennial Edition of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (2016), pages 213-214. The mission of the Bishop Sarah Francis Davis Covenant Keepers and Intercessors is to be an outreach ministry to conduct spiritual mapping and domestic and international intercession regarding our various bishops, councils, general and connectional officers, events, and issues of our Zion. This would include all local, conference, and district concerns and matters. The Covenant Keepers and Intercessors would be responsible for the Connectional Day of Prayer, which occurs annually on April 13, with the approval of the chairing bishop and general officer. It is also responsible for the General Conference’s prayer chapels and Early Morning Prayer Labs. If we are not careful, it is easy to speak words of doubt that contradict what God says in His word. In Romans 10:8, Paul writes of the word that saves, “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.” Therefore, we speak God’s word over every situation and watch Him go to work on your behalf, setting things
right for you. The word “confession” is related to the Greek word homologia, which means to come into agreement with or say the same thing. That means we must come into agreement with God’s word and learn to say what He says, no matter how bad things look at the time. If it is not what God is saying, it is counter-productive. If they are His words, they become powerful weapons. Job 6:25 says, “How forceful are honest words! But your reproof, what does it reprove?” This word “forcible” comes from the Hebrew word marats; which means to press. Just like a king’s signet ring pressed his seal of authority onto a document, our confession of faith seals the matter before God. Mark 11:23-24 says, “Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Respectfully submitted, The Senior Bishop, Presiding Prelate A. J. Richardson Jr. The Bishop Chairperson of the Commission, Bishop Harry L. Seawright General Officer and Executive Director, Reverend Dr. James C. Wade Director of The Bishop Sarah Francis Davis Covenant Keepers and Intercessors, the Rev. Dorisalene Y. Hughes The Bishop Sarah Francis Davis Covenant Keepers and Intercessors Columnist, Evangelist Dr. Valeria Eloby-Slade ❏ ❏ ❏
AME CHURCH PUBLISHING HOUSE ANNOUNCES
“CHRISTIANITY IN CONTEXT” STUDY SERIES We are excited to share with you the “Christianity in Context” study series. The intent is to expand and strengthen our members’ theological foundation as they engage in study and worship. It is to work in tandem with the Liberating Faith Studies and other curricula. Moreover, it will be useful for pastors and Christian Education leaders as we seek to make disciples and justice seekers with intentionality. Over the next few weeks, we will share information on opportunities to do the lessons together via Zoom. Our series curator is the Rev. Dr. Courtney Bryant, a professor of Womanist Ethics at Manhattan College in New York City. Dr. Bryant states, “Christianity in Context is a multimedia curriculum designed to introduce theological concepts in an accessible way while exploring religion from a black Christian context. It will inform, encourage, and sometimes indict the black believer, as it grapples with questions of faith, justice, suffering, and more. An excellent way to critically engage the tradition and examine one’s own beliefs and practices, Christianity in Context cultivates greater theological knowledge in the service of developing greater faith and spiritual practices as we find new ways to overcome the world.” Christianity in Context is available to you now. Please help us continue to make these innovative resources by making a donation to support the work of the AMEC Publishing House as we seek to “provide high-quality resources to empower Christian believers to spread Christ’s liberating Gospel, pursue justice, and enhance the social development of all people.” You can contribute via using Givelify; CashApp: $Amechurchschool; or check payable to “AME Church Publishing House” and mailed to AME Church Publishing House, 1722 Scovel Street, Nashville, TN 37208. ❏ ❏ ❏
CONNECTIONALNEWS
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CONNECTIONALNEWS
ALLEN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO Allen University and Richland School District Two recently announced a community academic impact partnership. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) aims to create educational, arts, professional mentoring, and more for Richland School District Two students. “Richland School District Two is actively cultivating interest in STEM in its students. If students have aspirations to be successful in the field of STEM, I encourage them to consider an HBCU for their first degree,” explained Allen University President, Ernest McNealey. “The internal investments in these institutions far exceed anything that one can imagine. I look forward to the imaginative discoveries that come from this partnership as well as the value its impact will have on the midlands.” The new partnership seeks to cultivate and amplify Columbia-area students
to excel academically and professionally while nurturing talent to remain in and impact the Columbia area following obtaining their undergraduate degrees. The purpose of the MOU is to set out understandings and areas of cooperation between AU and Richland County School District Two in developing and delivering programs and activities in the forms of subject matter expert presenters, STEAM summer programs, volunteer mentors and readers, and broad- based collaboration on initiatives that serve the Midlands. “At Richland Two, we strive to be the premier school district, committed to creating an equitable, engaging culture where all are afforded the opportunity to
...From When God Presses p1 There is one thing for sure: people are not readily amenable to the unknown and COVID-19 has certainly been the epitome of the unknown. Isaiah 41:10 says, “do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Since the COVID-19 crisis, Church leaders discovered computergenerated platforms such as Zoom, Go to Meeting, Virtual Event, and Facebook. Worship services for small
rural churches with limited internet access conduct services outside using the porch as the sanctuary and cars as pews. God always makes a way out of no way. God’s “pause” has afforded time to take stock of our church and ministries. The question is, “What can we do to ensure further church growth?” How do we plan our recovery from the “pause?” We must implement a strategy of holistic ministry. Holistic ministry teaches practical disciplines that help navigate life. It is imperative to nurture healthy minds,
maximize their gifts and talents as they pursue their unique pathway to purpose. As our team has met with the Allen University leadership team to work through the details of this new partnership, it has been evident that the university shares a similar vision making this partnership a natural fit for both of our organizations,” explained Dr. Baron Davis, Richland School District Two D Superintendent. S Highlights of the MOU signed April 1, 2021, include Allen University A providing subject matter expert p speakers and presenters for designated s occasions and programs at high schools o in Richland Two; “real science” summer laboratory experiences for selected la high school students from Richland h Two; “master class” summer sessions T with w performing musicians on the AU faculty for students in Richland Two; fa readers and leaders for enrichment and r acceleration programs for schools across a the th District; and supporting other programs and initiatives in Richland p Two T that afford students opportunities to o maximize their gifts and talents. AU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools A Commission on Colleges to award C associate, baccalaureate, and masters a degrees. Contact the Southern d Association of Colleges and Schools A Commission on Colleges at 1866 C Southern Lane, Decatur Georgia S 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of AU. Richland Two strives to be the premier school district—a learning and working environment where all partners are committed to creating, sustaining, and investing in a culture and environment of excellence and where all are afforded the opportunity to maximize their gifts and talents as they pursue their pathways to purpose. Located in Northeast Columbia in Richland County, Richland Two serves more than 27,000 students in Pre-K through 12th grade. ❏ ❏ ❏
bodies, and spirits. The adage goes that “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” In essence, the Plan must be tailored to suit the history of the church and the community of which it is a viable part. In the early days, Southern AME churches were planted in rural farming communities, where households were miles apart because of the vastness of crops. Conversely, churches planted in Northern states were mostly in a metropolis. Pastors of Southern churches often traveled long distances
to their charge. The preacher’s primary focus was to bring the Word. The church grew, new edifices were built, anniversaries were celebrated, and the church thrived! How does the church cope when God presses “pause” amid urban renewal, a new pastor is appointed, or the 75-year-old pastor retires? What happens to the church’s plans and programs? The transition of new leadership could stymie the church’s growth. The COVID-19-era has prompted serious contemplation as ...continued on p11
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GENERAL OFFICERS SELECTED FOR SENIOR ECUMENICAL ROLES On Thursday, Mr. John Thomas, III was elected as the vice-president (president-elect) of the Associated Church Press (ACP). Established in 1916, the ACP is the oldest Christian communications professional organization in North America. He will serve with Chicago-based freelance writer Celeste Kennel-Shank, making it the first time the institution has been led by two persons under age 40. On Friday, the Rev. Garland F. Pierce will be installed as the Chair of the Committee on the Uniform Series (CUS), National Council of Churches, USA, which is the committee that produces the outlines used for the Church School lessons. In the 149 years of the CUS, this is the first time that a member of the AME Church serves as the chair. ❏ ❏ ❏
...From When God Presses p10
to how we maneuver through this new climate of soul-saving and future progression amidst the ever-changing composition of our congregations. Do pastors give serious thought to a long-range evangelism plan? Do we expect that the mere presence of our church will invariably come? The AME Church is blessed with brilliant pastors who, for years, have grown large congregations, influenced communities, advocated for social justice, and mastered the art of church growth and development. The Revs. Drs. Floyd and Elaine Flake and Cecil (Chip Murray) immediately come to mind. The Lord works in mysterious ways with wonders to perform. Perhaps, God caused the “pause” so that He could provide us a rescue basket with new resources, opportunities, and ways for the betterment of kingdom-building so that He might receive the glory. Perhaps it is like the title of the late Rev. C.T. Vivian’s memoir, It’s in the Action. We must always remember James 2:26, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” ❏ ❏ ❏
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CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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APRIL 2021
*Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font, General Officers and Blue font, Connectional Officers.
Bishop Frederick Calhoun James, Retired, the 93rd Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the AME Church Celebrates his 99th Birthday on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 South Carolina. schools, and led two colleges to full accreditation: Ecumenical theologian, advocate for fair and He retired from active duty in 1996. He and Shorter College in North Little Rock, Arkansas decent housing, proponent of civil rights, political Supervisor James then returned to their home in in 1981 and Allen University in Columbia, South leader, and public servant are only a few of the Columbia, South Carolina. Carolina in 1992. characteristics of Bishop Frederick Calhoun James. Bishop Frederick Calhoun James’ motto is: In 1992, Bishop James was assigned as the Bishop Frederick Calhoun James was born on “Leadership, Life, Lift and Light; the way forward is Ecumenical Officer and Chaplaincy Endorsement April 7, 1922 in Prosperity, South Carolina. He is Faith in the Lord Christ Jesus Forever.” Officer for the AME Church. In 1993, he was given the son of the late Edward and Rosa Lee James. He Birthday Greetings can be emailed to his office: major fiscal and reconciliation duties as the bishop was graduated from Drayton Street High School in BishopFCJ@aol.com or to of the Second Episcopal District and he stabilized Newberry, South Carolina, and earned his Bachelor BISHOPFREDCJAMES@aol.com. the District. In 1994, he was selected by President of Arts degree in History and English from Allen Recent News Articles About Bishop James Clinton as an official member of the delegation to University (1943), and his Master of Divinity degree (Below) attend the inauguration of South African President from Howard University School of Religion (1947). https://columbiapd.net/2020/07/23/july-23Nelson Mandela; and in 1998, he was again chosen He also studied at Union Theological Seminary in 2020-proclaimed-as-bishop-frederick-calhoun-jamesto accompany President and Mrs. Clinton on an New York. He married the late Theressa Gregg on day-by-city-of-columbia/ official visit to South Africa. December 30, 1944. July 23, 2020 Proclaimed as Bishop Frederick Bishop James is a former member of the White In 1972, he was elected a bishop in the AME Calhoun James Day by City of Columbia House Advisory Board on Historical Black Colleges Church and was assigned as the presiding prelate https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/ and Universities, the U.S. State Department’s of the AME Church in South Africa, Lesotho, bishop-frederick-james-columbia-honored/101Advisory Board on Religious Freedom, and the Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, and Mozambique. 82f487b3-4b3f-4553-870b-7bce16a343bc National Vice President of the Interfaith Alliance. Headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, he Columbia man’s lifetime of civil rights work, A life member of the NAACP; Alpha Phi Alpha established schools, a publishing house, churches, ministry honored Fraternity, Inc.; and a 33-degree Mason, he was and other institutions. Bishop James later was Bishop James, 98, served on the White House and inducted into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame to Arkansas and Oklahoma (1976). He formed a State Advisory boards, including being a dignitary (1991) and the Columbia Housing Authority Wall lifelong friendship with then Attorney Bill Clinton. at the signing of the Voting Rights Bill in1965. of Fame (1994). In January of 2003, Bishop James In 1984, he was assigned to the 7th Episcopal was awarded the state’s highest honor, The Order District, comprising South Carolina. In each of these of the Palmetto, for his significant contributions to positions, he built housing projects, strengthened *The Rev. Canon Paula E. Clark, the Cousin of Dr. Kenneth Hill, retired general officer, is the first Black person and first woman to be elected a bishop of the of Episcopal Diocese of Chicago our blended family of five adult children and seven her undergraduate education at Brown University The Rev. Paula E. Clark was elected on December grandchildren.” and earned a Master of Public Policy degree from 12 to be the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Chicago. Clark, who is scheduled to be consecrated on the University of California, Berkeley. She will be the first Black person and the first April 24, when the Hill family will be in attendance, Before entering seminary, Clark served as public woman to hold the position. will succeed Bishop Jeffrey D. Lee, who retired on information officer for the District of Columbia Clark, who currently serves as a canon to the December 31 as bishop of a diocese that includes 122 mayor’s office and Board of Parole for nine years. She ordinary and chief of staff in the Diocese of congregations and more than 31,000 members in spent five years as director of human resources and Washington, was chosen unanimously on the northern, central, and southwestern Illinois. Under administration for an engineering and consulting fourth ballot in an election conducted on Zoom the canons of the Episcopal Church, the diocese’s firm in Washington. from a slate originally composed of four candidates. standing committee has served as its ecclesiastical In 2004, she received a Master of Divinity degree She received 229 clergy votes and 284 lay votes. “We authority during the interim. from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Episcopalians are strong people who can model This article was previously released in a TCR Virginia, and served at St. Patrick’s Episcopal for the rest of this country and the world what it Online Alert and initially appeared at https://www. Church in Washington and St. John’s Episcopal looks like to walk the way of love,” Clark told the msn.com/en-us/news/us/rev-paula-clark-electedChurch in Beltsville, Maryland, before joining the convention over Zoom. “God is calling us to a new 1st-black-female-bishop-of-episcopal-diocese-ofstaff of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. Her work for day and a new way of being,” she added. chicago/ar-BB1bVOn3 the diocese focused initially on clergy development Clark was baptized into the Episcopal Church at Congratulatory comments can be emailed to Dr. and multicultural and justice issues. age 10 by Bishop John Walker, the first Black dean Kenneth Hill, retired general officer: hilldrkenneth@ The bishop-elect is married to Andrew McLean. of Washington National Cathedral and first Black comcast.net She describes herself as “the proud matriarch of bishop of the Diocese of Washington. She received “Social Justice Pastor” Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine is Inspiring Generations most influential people when it comes to fighting Americans have been in a constant fight for for social justice. social justice for decades. This month, we have Dr. Augustine, also known as “Pastor Jay,” is seen injustices committed against Asian-American currently the senior pastor at the St. Joseph AME women in this country; and in the past four years, Church in Durham. Originally from New Orleans, there has been a steady rise of atrocities committed he also serves as the national chaplain of the Alpha against the Black community as well. Amid all this, Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has been a member we need to remind ourselves of the people that of the fraternity for 30 years, initiated in Howard strive to fight for social justice around the country. University’s Beta Chapter. A former law professor, The Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, a senior pastor practicing attorney, and judge, Pastor Jay also served in Durham, is one of these people and is one of the
the country as a U.S. Army infantry officer. Through all these platforms, he has dedicated his time and efforts to promote social justice and equality for minorities and marginalized groups. At the core of his beliefs is one of equality and unity. Pastor Jay often says, “that which unites is far greater than that which divides,” and this message is often passed along through his sermons and teachings. He strongly believes that all humans have value and this has pushed him in his pursuit of ...continued on p14
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MAY 2021
NECROLOGY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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APRIL 2021
*Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font, General Officers and Blue font, Connectional Officers.
The Rev. Dr. Charles William Bennett, the retired
presiding elder of the West Atlanta District, Sixth Episcopal District
The Rev. Mary M. Wiley,
an itinerant elder and associate minister at Disney-Nichols AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, First Episcopal District, and the widow of the late Rev. Clarence E. Wiley, Sr.
Brother Jeremy Dejuan Williamson, the son of the Rev. Carol and the Rev. Antoine Perrier, the first family of Rosebud-St. James AME Church in Rosebud, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District Brother Charlie Person, Jr.,
the brother of the Rev. Patri-
cia Walton, the pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Seale, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District Brother Tony Earl Moore, the brother of the Rev. Loretta Fuller, the pastor of St. John AME Church in Pittsview, Alabama and Howard Chapel AME Church in Hatchechubbee, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District The Rev. Mamie Brookens (Ret.), Fourth Episcopal Dis-
trict, who served on the pastoral team at Celia Gregg Memorial AME Church, Woodlawn AME Church, Institutional AME Church, and Grant Memorial AME Church and in her later years was a member of the pastoral team at Trinity Chapel AME Church in Bay Minette,
Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District
Sister Katie E. Sterling, of
Houston, Texas, the sister of the Rev. Dr. Ronald D. Ster-
ling, the pastor of Saint John AME Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District Mrs. Patricia Ann Smith, of Montgomery, Alabama, the sister of the Rev. Samuel Smith,
the pastor of St. John AME Church in Ft. Mitchell, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District Brother Hezzie Watts, Jr.,
the president of the South Mississippi Conference Lay Organization, the husband of Mrs.
Malinda Watts, the former director of the Eighth Episcopal District YPD; and the father of the Rev. Cory Watts, the pastor and father-in-love of first-lady Dr. Toy Watts, of St. Paul AME Church in Gulfport, Mississippi, South Mississippi Annual Conference, Eighth Episcopal District The Rev. Susie R. Mallory (age 95), a local elder at St. Paul AME Church in Oakwood; Tennessee, who served with joy and was an inspiration to the Oakwood community of the Tennessee Annual Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District
Mrs. Frances Bridgeforth, the sister of the Rev. Dr. Darryl Williams, the pastor, and the sister-in-love of first lady
Mrs. Laurelyn Williams, of St. Stephen AME Church in Detroit, Michigan, Fourth Episcopal District Mr. Antonio Hughlett, the brother of the Rev. Wanda Hughlett, the associate minister at Kairos Ebenezer AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee, Tennessee Annual Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District Sister Bernice B. Edmond, the aunt of the Rt. Rev. Harry L. Seawright, the presiding prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District Sister Lucy Richardson Riggins, the mother of the Rev. Sharon Hearns, the pastor of Temple Gate AME Church in the West Birmingham Ensley Greensboro District, Ninth Episcopal District Brother Cleveland “Sonny” Gordon, the husband of Pre-
siding Elder Elaine Gordon, South District, Indiana Annual Conference, Fourth Episcopal District
Mrs. Janet B. Smith, the
widow of the late retired Presiding Elder Elijah Smith, Sr; the mother to three daughters, an active member of CONN-M-SWAWO+P.K.’s, SED-M-SWAWO+P.K.’s, and the Southwest Georgia Annual Conference M-SWAWO+P.K.’s; the WMS; and the Lay Organization
The Rev. John Wesley Anderson, Jr., the pastor of
Coatesville, Pennsylvania, who for many years served the Harrisburg District of the Philadelphia Annual Conference, First Episcopal District
Former Presiding Elder Joel Mehu, of Haiti, the pastor
of Christine Smith AME Church, the former AME Church Agent for Haiti, the former presiding elder of the Haitian Annual Conference, Sixteenth Episcopal District
Keith Belgrave, the husband of Rev. Julia Belgrave, a local elder at Emmanuel AME Church in Barbados and the father of the Rev. Ruth Phillips, the pastor of Emmanuel AME Church in Barbados, Sixteenth Episcopal District The Rev. Jean-Paul Basunga’s mother (age 100),
leaving behind great-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and a wonderful and fulfilling life, Sixteenth Episcopal District
Deaconess Leola Carrol
(age 102), a member of Bethel AME Church in Virgin Islands, Sixteenth Episcopal District
Mrs. Almena L. Myers, a
member of Lee Chapel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee, Tennessee Annual Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District, and the widow of the late Rev. Thomas Myers of
St. Andrews AME Church in Kingstree District, Seventh Episcopal District
Bethel AME Church in South
Condolences to the bereaved are expressed on behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop Vashti McKenzie, president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) Rev. Roderick D. Belin and editor of The Christian Recorder, Mr. 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
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GREATER BETHEL AME CHURCH, CHARLOTTE, HOSTS VACCINATION CLINIC By Angeline Pugh, 2nd Episcopal District
social justice and equality. Pastor Jay received his undergraduate degree from the prestigious Howard University in Washington DC. Following his graduation, he served in the military. After decorated military service, he earned his Juris Doctorate from Tulane University and served as a law clerk to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief (then Associate) Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. He later earned his Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary, as a Beane Fellow and National Rainbow-PUSH Foundation
THE PAIN OF RACISM THROUGH THE LENS OF CALVARY By Rev. Dr. Versey Williams, Contributing Writer
Greater Bethel AME Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, in conjunction with Atrium Health, hosted a community-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on March 12, 2021, in the main parking lot at 5232 The Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina. The goal was to vaccinate 300 individuals on a first-come, first-served, no appointment necessary, basis between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dr. Abdue Knox, the pastor, and Brother Neal Green, the chair of the Social Action Commission, worked tirelessly with the Mecklenburg County Health Department, Atrium Health, and Novant Health to offer the Greater Bethel campus as a vaccination site. Atrium Health responded first. At 7:00 a.m., an hour before the first shots were to be given, over 100 cars of individuals lined up, into six lines, to receive their first Moderna vaccination. Over two dozen volunteers from the Greater Bethel AME Church assisted Atrium Health at the Vaccination Clinic as well as neighbors from the Shannon Park Neighborhood Association and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. To ensure that this would be a successful and targeted event, the Greater Bethel Public Relations Commission spearheaded getting the word out. The church handed out flyers at the hundreds of weekly visitors of the food pantry, shared it on social media networks, and performed good oldfashioned word of mouth by calling members, friends, and informing the community regarding the Clinic. Many Greater Bethel members and various community neighbors attended the Clinic. In addition, the First Family (Pastor Knox and Sister Rashida Knox) and Sister Vanessa Byrd, the daughter of Retired Supervisor Theora Byrd, received their first vaccination. Atrium Health administered 279 vaccinations and several people were rescheduled because they arrived after closing. Atrium Health returned for the second Vaccination Clinic on April 9 and 281 second doses were administered. This was an excellent showing. Kudos to the Social Action Commission and Pastor Knox for planning and providing leadership, guidance, and orchestrating a successful COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. “We are grateful for our partnership with Greater Bethel AME Church to provide access to safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines that will protect our community,” said Trent Legare, the Director of Community Care at Atrium Health. “Greater Bethel AME Church is a trusted community voice and with their support, we have been able to vaccinate hundreds of members of their congregation, network of friends and family, ...From Congratulatory p12
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Navigating racism in the 21st century means Eastertide 2021 holds an even deeper significance for me. Termed “Jim Crow 2.O,” I have always known God grieves when we are marginalized, ridiculed, and murdered at the hearts and hands of those who live out Satan’s decree to kill, steal, and destroy. God Incarnate, in the person of Jesus, gives us hope. Although it is difficult to stomach, racism has gotten better for us as a people. However, better is not good enough. We deserve to be valued and respected for who we are. We are good enough and lacking nothing in our personhood. Racism is evil personified to destroy us (John 10). I heard only a few minutes of the trial for the police who l officer ff h murdered d d the late Mr. George Floyd. I became so angry! When I was a little girl, I recall traveling to Mississippi with my parents. It was a somber trip. I learned someone was lynched. When I saw, again, the picture flash on the television with the officer’s knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck, I wanted to scream! Yet I know those who kill us could care not less about my cries. As I cried out, this time was different. I know that by Jesus’ strips I and we are healed. This time, God opened my eyes with deeper meaning and purpose. My insight brings me no joy or excitement, only the assurance that the person killed was held in the heart of a loving God. God knew people of African descent, and others, would suffer at the hands of evil. Every time Jesus was beaten, spit upon, ridiculed, stripped naked, and ultimately killed, God was bearing the unbearable for us. If I had another message to black men and women, it would be that God has not forgotten us. God could have opted a means to bear the unbearable another way but God chose Calvary. God gives us free will and we have a human responsibility to be good stewards of our life. Maybe that’s where justice comes in. We judge each other but Calvary welcomes our brokenness. He bore our iniquities, grief, and sorrows. Yet, the fact remains that life has been cut off. I remember feeling so broken that I became bitter. I was faithful but someone hurt me beyond what I could bear. I felt hopeless but I also trusted God. That night and several months after, I prayed a psalm. The same psalm might help others as they live with injustice. As people of God, we must trust God; and within our integrity, we must seek change. We are God’s righteousness and our prayers avail much. Vengeance indeed belongs to God. I get it. Sometimes the pain makes us react in unhealthy ways. God wants us to ask for God’s help. I leave you with the 137th Psalm. ❏ ❏ ❏ and neighbors. Thanks to Greater Bethel AME Church and our faith community partners serving as vaccination host sites, we can safely get back to being with others, back to work, and our children back to school,” he added. Special thanks to all the volunteers for their assistance as well. Due to the efforts of Dr. Knox and Brother Green, the Mecklenburg County Department of Health is planning another vaccination clinic to be held at Greater Bethel in May. These efforts embody the motto that Dr. Knox has adopted for the church, “Love God, Love the People, Do the Work!” ❏ ❏ ❏
Scholar, before completing a fellowship at Princeton Theological Seminary. Pastor Jay earned his Doctor of Ministry degree at Duke University in 2020. As a practicing attorney, Pastor Jay worked on many cases, a lot of them having to do with social justice. He successfully represented a class of plaintiffs in Carter v. St. Helena Parish School Board, one of the oldest federal desegregation cases in the United States, originally filed by Thurgood Marshall, then-counsel for the NAACP. Following this, he spent time teaching as an adjunct professor
at Southern University Law Center and Jarvis Christian College. He served in the administration of Louisiana’s governor as executive counsel and director of legislative affairs for the Louisiana Workforce Commission. All this experience has heavily influenced his time as a senior pastor. He served as the senior pastor at the historic St. James AME Church in New Orleans, the oldest predominantly Black, Protestant church in the city. In his role as senior pastor in both St. James and St. Joseph, he has often drawn from ...continued on p22
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THE TRUE NATURE OF EVANGELISM By Rev. Dr. Mark Crutcher, 11th Episcopal District
All across our Zion, church leaders have been struggling to resolve the membership retention problems which most churches have been experiencing. Members are taken into the church and often disappear within the first five months. Church leaders from all denominations are experiencing the same problem and searching for different techniques to solve the retention problem in the body of Christ. Perhaps the answer to the problem has been in our grasp all along and we have been overlooking its simplicity. The problem could be embedded in the way that we look at membership and evangelism. Could it be that we are taking the wrong approaches in evangelizing lost and confused people? There are a multitude of evangelism techniques and strategies being utilized that are effective in getting people into the church. However, it takes more than these techniques to keep them committed to their Christian lifestyles and actively engaged in their church. The answers to the church’s retention problem can be found in the gospels, which is Jesus’ blueprint for evangelizing the world and making disciples. Contrary to the blueprint of Christ, we focus on membership and not on discipleship. We assist people in the salvation and baptism process and ensure that they join a congregation. However, we seem to forget that once we bring them into the church, we are mandated to help them get the church in them. Consequently, it is much easier for Satan to separate members from the church than it is to separate disciples from the body of Christ. Furthermore, discipleship engagement must shift its emphasis from making disciples of denominations, churches, or ministry personalities, to making disciples for Christ. of God to the lost and confused. Evangelism has The true nature of evangelism and discipleto be kingdom-focused and Spirit-led if we are to making is revealed in the gospels through the person reach our goal of leading people to Christ. Once of Jesus Christ calling and nurturing his disciples people accept the love of God and are led to Christ, and teaching them how to present the kingdom
the biblical mandate for the church is to make disciples through teaching obedience to God’s Word and living a life in submission to the Holy Spirit. That should take precedence in our evangelistic practices. The evangelism and disciple-making efforts of the church cannot be undergirded with the cognitive knowledge of Christ alone. The Bible reminds us that the demons know Christ to the point of trembling. However, they have no intimacy with Christ even when they are forced to do what the Word of God says. Christ demonstrated how to evangelize and make disciples by building intimate relationships, e.g., giving yourself to Christ, and obedience to the Word and Spirit of God. The true nature of evangelism means that we have truthfully surrendered ourselves and can truly say, “not my will but yours be done.” ❏ ❏ ❏
CHARLOTTE MAXEKE LADIES FELLOWSHIP (CMLF) AND SONS OF ALLEN (SOA) COMMEMORATE THE LIFE OF CHARLOTTE MANNYA-MAXEKE By Rev. Lerato Motsoaledi, 19th Episcopal District
Since the launch of the Charlotte Maxeke Ladies Fellowship (CMLF) in the 19th District in 2014, the auxiliary has declared the month of April as Charlotte Maxeke Month. In the M.M. Mokone Conference, the CMLF has since celebrated the life of its namesake stalwart with all-night praise and worship experiences on the Fridays closest to her birthday, 7 April. This was our flagship programme until COVID-19 disrupted our worship traditions. However, every loss represents an opportunity; and during the lockdown restrictions, we commemorated our heroine differently. Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke was a living embodiment of many values we strive to actualise, one of which is gender equality. From the infancy of the South African liberation struggle, she ensured that women’s emancipation was mainstreamed into the liberation agenda. Impressive gains have since been made towards women’s empowerment. Yet, more remains to be done. Today, her country has been infamously dubbed Femicide Nation. In keeping with honouring her legacy, the CMLF has committed to addressing the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV), ravaging the fabric of our society. Many women and children privately and publicly bear the scars of traumatic abuse, both in the CMLF and the broader AME Church. The time to heal is now. Healing these deep-rooted wounds and dismantling structures of toxic patriarchy will only happen when women and men earnestly hold hands. Indeed, some men too have fallen victim to this GBV pandemic. Consequently, the CMLF saw it fit to partner with fathers of the church, in the form of the Sons of
Allen (SOA), on this GBV initiative. During the Episcopal Joint CMLF-SOA webinar on GBV, hosted by the Board of Christian Education, on 6 March 2021, Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. intimated that our conversations ought to leave the head and enter the heart zone in order for meaningful transformation to happen. This resonated and to commemorate what would have been our stalwart’s 150th birthday, on 7 April 2021, CMLF-SOA hosted another GBV webinar. Athlete, rape survivor, and author of Yoyisa (Overcome), Ms. Ntombesintu Mfunzi was invited to share her journey of being victimised, surviving, and thriving with us. We thank God for her courage and for using her to give a face to unspeakable tragedies which continue to haunt us. Especially heart-warming was being graced by the presence of a direct descendant of Koko Charlotte Makgabo Mannya-Maxeke, Advocate Modidima Mannya. His impassioned plea to the SOA for more meaningful conversations gave us hope that together we can heal our sometimes embittered gender relations and thereby claim our divine heritage of harmonious co-existence. Acts 2:1 says, “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.” ❏ ❏ ❏
AME MINISTER ANNOUNCED AS WESLEYAN INVESTIVE AWARD RECIPIENT Wesleyan Investive announced today its Tom Locke Innovative Leader Award honorees. Jennifer Bailey, of Nashville, and a member of the AME Church is one of five recipients of this inaugural award. Bailey is an ordained minister, public theologian, and national leader in the multi-faith movement for justice. She is the founder and executive director of Faith Matters Network, whose mission is to catalyze personal and social change by equipping community organizers, faith leaders, and activists with resources for connection, spiritual sustainability, and accompaniment. The Tom Locke Innovative Leader
innovative spiritual leadership and
event on May 16. Event details can be
Award recognizes five individuals
missionally driven entrepreneurship.
found at award.wesleyaninvestive.org.
from across the country who exemplify
Recipients will be honored at a virtual
❏❏❏
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GROUNDBREAKING FOR THE NEW ST. JOHN AME CHURCH EDIFICE By B. A. Johnson, Ninth Episcopal District
Glover; and the scripture read by Presiding Elder Bruce W. Hunter of the Ninth Hosea 10:12 says, “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break Episcopal District. up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain Bishop Reverend Harry L. Seawright led the righteousness upon you.” The St. John AME congregation in the “Responsive Expression Church congregation in Huntsville, Alabama, c of assembled on Sunday, March 14, 2021, the o Commitment.” During the commitment response, Steward Pro Tem, Marcus Hill 136th anniversary of the church, to break re represented the Board of Stewards; Mr. ground for the new edifice. re Bill After a joyous worship service had been B Williams spoke for the Trustee Board; Miss Martinee Hill represented the youth; preached by the Rt. Rev. Harry L. Seawright, M Sister Adrienne Pope-Kelly Washington, the the presiding prelate of the Ninth Episcopal S Committee Co-chair, represented the Building District, the congregation proceeded to the C Committee; Brother Rufus Gilmore, the site of the groundbreaking. All city, county, C church treasurer, stated the commitment on and state dignitaries were present as well c behalf of the Finance Committee; Dr. Thalia as ministers and clergy from neighboring b Love-Brown spoke on behalf of the Christian churches and the Episcopal District. As a hush L Education Department; and the pastor closed fell over the crowd, the Rev. Maurice Wright, E L-R: Miss Madison McCall, the granddaughter of the Rev. the commitment response with prayer. The II, the servant pastor of St. John, approached Dr. Homer L. McCall; the Rev. Maurice Wright, II, the the podium and lead the assembly in singing servant pastor of St. John AME Church; the Rt. Rev. Harry “Breaking of the Ground” was the final act of commitment performed by Bishop Seawright; the hymn, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” L. Seawright, the bishop of the 9th Episcopal District. Presiding Elder Bruce Hunter; Pastor Wright; Greetings were brought by the Honorable P Brother Marcus Hill; Brother Bill Williams; Tommy Battle, the mayor of Huntsville, the B Sister Adrienne Pope-Kelly Washington; Miss Honorable Devyn Keith, City Councilman S Madison McCall, the granddaughter of the (District 1), the Honorable Laura Hall, State M Rev. Representative (District 19), the Honorable R Dr. Homer L. McCall; and the Rev. Robert Hereford, Sr. (retired), the son of the late Rev. Anthony Daniels, State Representative (District H Samuel S. Hereford. 53), and the Honorable Violet Edwards, Madison S County Commissioner (District 6). Also present The location at 4600 Blue Spring Road will were the Rev. Don Darius Butler, the pastor of be b the third location of St. John AME Church. First Missionary Baptist Church, St. John’s future St. S John held its first services in a barbershop in neighboring church, and Dr. Andrew Hugine, downtown Huntsville in 1885. The first structure d Jr., the president of Alabama Agricultural and was w built in 1900 at 217 Church Street and was Mechanical University. utilized until 1971. In 1971, under the pastorship u of The program proceeded with the Call to o the Rev. Hereford, the congregation moved into the Worship; an invocation by the Rev. Charles th second church at 229 Church Street. ❏ ❏ ❏ St. John AME Church
PAIN AND SUFFERING IN THE ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AFFECTS ALL By Dr. James Ewers, Columnist
What does it mean to be our brother’s and sister’s keeper? Is that an expression that sounds good but has little to no meaning? Are we so caught up these days in “me” that we cannot see someone else? While some may think it strange, I believe we are responsible for each other. We should want what is best for each other in every way, every day. Such responsibility has been stretched to the limits. We say it proudly but we do not practice it. If you are Black like me, your mind immediately goes to Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. Both were killed by the police. If cooler heads had prevailed, their deaths could have been avoided. Now, another group in our beloved community is experiencing pain and death. Asian Americans are now the targets of violence and intolerance. Sadly, there is a link to this violence with the COVID-19. Reports say that since the pandemic, there has been a 150% increase in crimes against Asian Americans. Unfortunately, some Americans have been referring to COVID-19 as the “China virus.” Some of this distasteful and inflammatory rhetoric started with the previous administration. If you recall in his press conferences, Mr. T referred to the coronavirus as such.
This dangerous assertion has caught on and now Asian Americans are in physical danger. Even more so, they are afraid. They are afraid to go out and be seen. Recently, six women of Asian descent were killed at three spas in the Atlanta, Georgia area. These were senseless and mindless killings and did not have to happen. The shooter was identified as Robert Aaron Long. He is 21 years of age. Long was arrested and reports say he was on the way to Florida to commit more killings. Long is young and white. There is growing speculation that this was a hate crime. Long countered and said he has a sex addiction and that was the reason for the killings. Experts disagree with his statements. Dr. Douglas Weiss, psychologist and president of the American Association for Sex Addiction therapy said, “Most sex addicts are not murderers or thieves or embezzlers or criminal types.” He added, “There is a difference between addiction and these types of behaviors.” The sadness felt by these families is unspeakable. Hearts are broken and families are broken up. These killings show us just how fragile and tenuous life is. We wake up and start our day, not knowing what lies ahead. These victims left their homes but
did not return. America, this is sad and tragic. People come to this country filled with hope and enthusiasm. The axiom is that if you work hard and do what is right then good things will happen for you. What is the psychic of people who hate other people because of looks, national origin, and religion? Maybe Long can answer that question. This was a crime of hate. How does the nation pick up the shattered pieces again? President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were in Atlanta last week. President Biden said, “The conversation we had today with the [Asian American and Pacific Islander] leaders, and that we’re hearing across the country is that hate and violence often hide in plain sight. It’s often met with silence.” America, we can no longer look the other way. This is us and we need to fix ourselves. Hate will not help us be a better country, only love will. We cannot give in to hate. Let us give in to love. ❏ ❏ ❏
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LONGTIME HOUSING ADVOCATE IS HOPEFUL FOR THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE By Hannah Herner, The Contributor
Paulette Coleman advocates for affordable housing—that is housing that costs no more than 30 percent of your income. She knows well that wages haven’t kept up with housing costs, and in na city like Nashville, the right to invest in property and the right for people to have adequate and safe housing collide often. Coleman now brings her years of advocacy work with Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH), experience as a chair of the Metropolitan Development and Housing ing Agency, and in international development and urban planning as a member of the mayor’s new Affordable Housing Task Force. allowing multiultiQ. Can you tell me about the work you’re doing with the Affordable Housing Task Force? unit housing, ng, A. One is to come up with some recommendations for addressing the instead of single ngle affordable housing crisis that can be implemented in one, two, or three years. family, you get all law-abiding, sometimes progressive, ll kinds k d off protests from f l bd Now, given that the challenges of affordable housing intersect with many, many people who support affordable housing. The phenomenon of NIMBYism, not components, we also have a charge to think longer term. And even if we’ve done in my backyard, is very, very real. these things in one, two, or three years, what is the larger, broader ecosystem that needs to exist here in Nashville to mitigate against homelessness, or lack of affordable housing? I’ve been working on housing issues here in Nashville since 2014. This group perhaps represents the most comprehensive amalgamation of people addressing the problem. So, I’m very hopeful about this. The other thing that I think is good is that the work of the committee is timebound, we’re supposed to have our recommendations in April.
Q. What are some of the new issues you’re addressing? A. I mediate with the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center, and we got some of the CARES Act money to mitigate people who were behind in their rent. It was a win-win because the landlords got their money but people got their rent paid and it bought them time. I’m concerned about that. The problem is, unless the tenants have some new sources of income, they’re going to be back in the same predicament in a few months.
Q. What are some of the same old problems that keep coming up over the years working on affordable housing? A. Money. NOAH worked very hard to get a commitment from Mayor [Megan] Barry that we would have at least $10 million a year [in the Barnes Housing Trust Fund]. We need predictable, recurring funding, and that isn’t the level we need but you have to start somewhere. The second thing is most people behave as if the nonprofit sector is the only one responsible for solving the problem. And I think that’s just very, very mistaken and misguided. The for-profit sector has a role and we need to structure programs and policies that would encourage them to be involved. Another problem—and this is a problem across the country—people will say that they’re for affordable housing. But then if you talk about increasing density, or
Q. What inspires you to keep working on affordable housing? A. I graduated from college in three years and the fourth year, I went out to Denver, and I was a fellow at The Center for International Race Relations. This would have been in the ’70s. I remember the general wisdom was that we would not see apartheid end in South Africa in our lifetime. I mean, every scholar, every activist, everybody, that’s what they were saying. Then comes 1996 and it ends. So that’s why I know you have to keep fighting no matter what. Because the victories aren’t gonna come tomorrow, and I might not even live to see them, but you still have to keep advancing the charge. Note: “This story first appeared in The Contributor, Nashville’s street newspaper sold by people experiencing homelessness. Visit thecontributor.org to learn more about The Contributor’s mission.”
REMEMBERING ONE HUNDRED YEARS: BLACK WALL STREET AND THE 1921 TULSA RACE MASSACRE By Rev. Jerrolyn Eulinberg, Ph.D., 4th Episcopal District
This year marks 100 years of a well-kept secret in our American history and the ethical challenges that still surround the “value” of Black bodies as equal in this country. When we reflect on the history of Black Wall Street, we celebrate the most successful Black business district of this nation and the awesome accomplishments of remarkable African Americans in an unprecedented time of racism, white supremacy, and public lynching. Concomitantly, when we reflect on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, we lament, remembering that white racial hatred and jealousy of Black success terrorized and burned Black Wall Street to the ground, killing hundreds. The Greenwood District of Black Wall Street began around 1905. O.W. Gurley, a wealthy entrepreneur, is considered the founder of Black Wall Street. He began selling land in 1906 to African Americans in Tulsa. On the other side of town, white Tulsa was exploding from the oil boom, which propelled Tulsa into an oil capital. Everyone benefited from the massive influx of people: whites worked the oil rigs and Blacks migrated from the South and other places to the burgeoning Black Wall Street. Although separated and isolated by the extreme racial divide of Jim and Jane Crow laws, Black people prospered. According to the Tulsa Race Riot Commission’s report, there were over 190 businesses at the time of the massacre. African Americans had over 13 Black churches, including three historic mother churches that remain today, two Black newspapers, two Black hospitals, two Black schools, a public library, law offices, doctor’s offices, dentists, grocery stores, beauty shops, three fraternal lodges, two movie theaters, and more.
Vernon AME Church, my home church, was founded in 1905 in the Greenwood District. The early church services were held in one of Gurley’s businesses. Gurley was a founding member of Vernon. When the massacre occurred, only the basement of the church was completed. In 1921, Vernon’s membership numbered 700. Today, Vernon is still a thriving congregation on Greenwood. The current pastor, the Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, has been a strong advocate for social justice and reparations. He has placed a church marker identifying tif i the th Historic Hi t i Vernon V AME Church. The church is the only business currently on Greenwood that existed in 1921. Mt. Zion Baptist Church and First Baptist Church are two other churches from 1921 that exist and provide worship services. These three churches represent a long and powerful history of strong faith in God and the resilience of the African American community. As Tulsa, Oklahoma prepares for the 100th Remembrance, the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission has many activities planned. A new museum will open in the Greenwood District in August 2021 named, “Greenwood Rising.” While I am excited to see all the celebratory events, nothing speaks quite as loud as the beautiful temples of God that still stand in the Greenwood District. The Rev. Jerrolyn Eulinberg, PhD, is on the ministerial staff at Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, Illinois. She is a womanist ethicist and theologian.
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1921 TULSA RACE MASSACRE CENTENNIAL COMMISSION DONATES $200K TO VERNON AME CHURCH By Matt Trotter, Tulsa Public Radio
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission on Saturday donated $200,000 toward renovations at Vernon AME Church. Commission Chair Senator Kevin Matthews said that Vernon AME Church is the only structure on Greenwood that matches the plaque on the sidewalk out front that says what was there before a white mob destroyed the prosperous, Black community. “Not only did they survive 100 years, but they survived still doing the same work; still doing the same ministry; still providing food, home, shelter and prayer to people in this area,” Matthews said. Commission fundraising Co-Chair Glenda Love-Williams agreed with Matthews’ assessment, describing the church as “resilient.” “They have just continued to work and have been tireless in a small congregation. They never miss a beat, every day. And so, to give them $200,000 is just ...From A Historical p5 Steyn Motlhabane Koloi, who held
a Bachelor of Theology degree. While in this role, the Rev. Koloi got a scholarship to further his studies at Payne Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Bishop Donald G.K. Ming then recalled the Rev. Lethoba to head the institution one more time in 1977, a job he did excellently until his retirement and death in 1997. A new era then emerged where the position of dean would co-exist with a new role of president of the school. As deans were appointed, the Rev. Wilfred Jacobus Messiah was appointed the president from 1998 until he was elected a bishop in 2004. The Rev. Koloi returned to the seminary for a short while, taking over from Dean Lethoba in July 1998, until the next dean, the Rev. Dr. Frederick Harrison, was appointed in 2001 by Bishop Harold Ben Senatle. Dr. Harrison, who was the former Secretary of Missions, served for three years. He was succeeded by the Rev. Jeremiah Frans Lesshope, who stopped there for a few months between the end of 2004 and mid-2005. At the close of 2005, Bishop James Levert Davis assigned the Rev. Phafane J Mengoai to close the gap. The Rev. Mengoai served for two years and then the reigns fell on the Rev. Mary Morongoe Senkhane,
a [pittance] of what they deserve,” ve,” Love-Williams said. Vernon AME Church is currently in the first phase of a $1 million renovation, which includes des restoring stained glass windows ows and replacing bathrooms. The Rev. Dr. Robert Turner said the Commission’s donation will go toward work in phase two, which hich includes a prayer wall, new roof, oof, and improvements compliant with the Americans With Disabilities ties Act. He described the improvements ments as an arduous undertaking. “It’s akin to if you had a 115-year-old grandmother, trying to get her to look like she did when she was 35, and how much cosmetic work that would be. And so, that’s kind of similar to what we’re trying to do, get this church that was built in 1925, finished in 1928, to look like she did back in the first woman to head the institution, who served for four years. She was followed by the Rev. Themba Abram Mandlakayise Mbambo, who served until 2018. The Rev. Ntiti Jacob Sefatsa served as the dean until November 2020. Presently, the school is headed by the Rev. Lekubela Simon Moobi, since December 2020. The constant changing of leadership caused great instability and did not help the institution in its growth. It also did not help with its registration and accreditation with the Department of Higher Education. The dependence on Episcopal leadership, whose focus rarely becomes ministerial training, has added to the woes of RR Wright. The doors were closed during the administration of Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath (2008-2012) on the reason that RR Wright was in operation without being registered with the Department of Higher Education. Though the diploma in theology was still being issued by the Joint Board and quality ministers were being produced, it was not convincing that the only reason the administration closed it was because it was not registered with the Department of Higher Education. In about 15 years to come, RR Wright will celebrate
her 30s,” Turner said. “And so, that’s why it takes a lot, l t but b t this thi really ll helps h l outt immensely i l for f us in i getting that. And it’s very encouraging,” he added. Turner said plumbers working on a bathroom renovation recently stirred up the smell of a fire when they broke through a floor. He had to tell them there had never been a fire at the church other than during the massacre. ❏ ❏ ❏ its centenary. What will be celebrated? With such a rich history and time span, the institution should have produced at least 50 graduates with PhDs and 100 graduates with master’s degrees. Even so, it is not all doom and gloom, RR Wright has produced a host of important clergy throughout Southern Africa. A host of bishops from the African Independent Churches passed through RR Wright Theological Seminary, including our very own Bishop Senatle. RR Wright needs the support of its alumni and the business sector to move to higher heights. Times have changed. The cost of education and standard of living has changed. It is no longer possible for the school to be solely supported by the AME Church with our students paying nothing towards their training. The need for both financial—internal and external—and moral support has become crucial. Until such time, the school is registered with the Department of Higher Education and offers an accredited curriculum. We will still be in the storm. Sources for this article include the Rev. Phafane Jan Mengoai, the presiding elder for D.S Modisapodi District, East Conference, 19th Episcopal District.
LOSING WITH PEOPLE, WINNING WITH GOD: NAVIGATING GOD’S ZERO-SUM GAME By Rev. Dr. Jason Curry, Columnist
When we shop at grocery stores, clothing stores, or other establishments to purchase goods or services, we are looking to encounter and embrace a win-win scenario. Businesses make a profit and we are satisfied with our purchases. To say the least, win-win relationships are often viewed as the ideal relationships between people and institutions. However, the Christ that we preach, follow, and embrace in our hearts often encourages us through scripture to refrain from embracing the values of the world which are antithetical to God. In other words, biblical teaching sometimes discourages worldly, win-win scenarios. For example, the world may encourage us to alienate, dismiss, harm, or hate our enemies, e.g., certain nations, or neighbors, e.g., immigrants, so that we may gain something. The teachings of Christ don’t always promote win-win scenarios. They sometimes promote a zero-sum game, e.g., to win as a Christian is to lose standing, power, respect, or influence in the world. The question that sometimes confronts earnest Christians seeking to follow Christ is: “How should successoriented individuals navigate the Christian, zero-sum game?”
As one who has sought to embrace and promote win-win scenarios within my church, family, colleagues, and friends, I would like to share a passage of scriptures that have assisted me in navigating and embracing the zero-sum game which is sometimes advocated by Jesus the Christ. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus states: “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This speaks volumes about the faith that is necessary to please God and encourage yourself as you strive to reach both secular and spiritual goals. Jesus presents his audience with an implicit “if-then” statement. If you follow God, then you will have success. If you follow God, then you will have purpose and influence. If you make the teaching of Christ a priority in your life, God will do God’s part and grant the success or “increase” that...continued on p19
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A PSYCHOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW OF THE PROMISES WE CAN KEEP By Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd, Contributing Writer
After much research and reading, I have come upon a few hard truths. Most people devote little to no time to self-exploration unless they find themselves confined! We come to know deep truths by experiencing confinement be it to a hospital bed, lifesustaining machine, prison cell, or room on a psychiatric or detox ward. A recent confining catalyst is shelter-in-place rules that have kept us from work and spending time with others. I learned some of these hard truths that I later passed on to my psychotherapy clients. Hard truths are learned by experiencing times of disappointment, anger, regret, betrayal, and a startling realization. Without time given to self-examination, you may find that you have turned into someone you do not recognize—someone distrustful, guarded, angry, and perhaps even reclusive. You have a chip on your shoulder or a tape playing in your head that constantly warns, chides, and reminds you of negative past experiences. Since we do not take the time to examine our humanness, we often fall prey to situations that if not checked will create personality traits that cause pain to ourselves and our families. The hard truth is that people have issues and Christians are people. Many difficult people are not evil or born naturally distrustful, vindictive, or loners. They are not psychologically broken and in need of medication. They are us—burdened and struggling—and shaped by experiences. Due to their unacknowledged need for security, praise, or connection, people in our lives may place unfair, overly burdensome expectations upon us that are impossible to meet. Some folks demand an excessive amount of personal attention and become angry and accusing when they do not receive it. As Christians, we try to follow Jesus’ example of love and selflessness. However, the trouble with this seemingly praiseworthy attempt is that we are not Jesus and do not have the emotional and physical stamina of the Son of God. Many of us wish that we could—and berate ourselves when we realize we can not—always be there for everyone who needs or wants our support, attention, and demonstrated love. All Christians struggle with this issue. The hard truth is that we cannot, in good faith, promise to always be there for others. There are some people whose needs are so great that no one person can meet them. What is needed is not for someone to burn out trying to do this but to set
limits and help that person find a vehicle by which they can get their needs met without harm to someone else. The hard truth is that we, too, are hampered by our human frailties and must learn them. As much as I want to follow Jesus in my behavior, depending on my spiritual maturity, I may find myself unable to do so sometimes. Christians are also quite apt to be less than patient, attentive, or kind when things in our own lives have gone haywire. We are apt to not be able to easily find forgiving love or a gentle spirit when interfacing with others who are persistently and publicly disrespectful, threatening, or physically violent. There may be times when it is more advantageous to move into a protective, limit-setting, and even legal stance with someone who is out of control or behaving badly. Yet, this stance is often in stark contrast to our and others’ expectations of us as Christians. The hard truth is that we cannot, in good conscience, promise others that we will always act in a way that is selfless and seemingly loving. Many a friendship or other relationship is ended because of unfair or impossible expectations. The hard truth is that we cannot promise that we will always act in gentle ways that do not cause just or unjust conflict. Nevertheless, James Brown says “Don’t start none—won’t be done.” We need to learn triggers. They are the things that drastically change our mood or put us out of spiritual or emotional control. We need to take some time to think back to those traumas in our lives that have defined us in ways that we may not like or deny. Lastly, we will interact with people who have fallen under the control of the powers of darkness, generational genetic traits, or the outcomes of human imperfection. Too often, our expectations of ourselves have not considered these hard facts. Our churches are filled with broken people hoping to be fixed. Sadly, in an attempt to model Jesus, Christians make unspoken promises that we cannot keep; consequently, others believe that we will be able to fix them. Of course, we say it will be God but our words and actions say otherwise. The question is, “What are the promises you can keep in Jesus’ name?” ❏ ❏ ❏
WHY WE SHOULD SUPPORT STATEHOOD FOR DC By John E. Warren, Publisher, The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
Once again, the idea of statehood for the District of Columbia has not only come before the US Congress but has also passed the House of Representatives. Most of us know that the more than 700,000 residents of DC have lived under taxation without representation, the very thing that was at the heart of the Boston Tea Party of 1773. That event objected to the British taxing the colonists on tea when they had no representation in the British Parliament. While the original idea for creating DC as a district was that no state would house the national capital, the idea should not have survived the right of the people of the district to have representation since they pay taxes. Like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam as US territories, DC should be granted statehood in this enlightened age if so desired. The major opposition to DC statehood is the fact that such a state would be granted two US senators and possibly two representatives in Congress. The Republicans opposed statehood because those two senators would most likely be Democrats. That would change the balance of power in the Senate, as we saw with Georgia electing two Democratic senators this year. In every state, “we the people” should be taking a very close look at all our Republican elected officials. It has become very clear that those persons have betrayed their oath of office when they swore to “protect and defend” the Constitution of the United States. Well, the Constitution contains the Bill of Rights. It contains the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which promised “equal protection” under the law, the right to vote, and the obligation to defend ...From Losing With People p18
America “against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” With the guiding language of that document, there is no reason that every Republican in Congress should be voting against the interest and will of the people they are supposed to represent. Statehood for DC should not be an issue. On April 26, 1982, DC convened the District of Columbia Statehood Constitutional Convention which held 28 drafting sessions and met through May 27, 27 1982, 1982 formally f ll shaping h a Constitution that was submitted to Congress but was never approved. The fact that a Constitutional Convention was held and a Constitution was drafted, as required under the Enactment Clause of the US Constitution, certainly meets the requirements of statehood. It should also be noted that our late publisher of The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, Gerri Warren, was a resident and an elected delegate from Ward VI of the District of Columbia to that convention. She was also the one who offered the motion to name the new state “the State of New Columbia.” This is a year in which African Americans and Black people, who are now citizens of this great country, must work harder than ever before to protect democracy and our rights which are now under so great an attack. Yes, we need to be concerned about DC Statehood and lobby our elected members of Congress to make this a reality. John E. Warren is the publisher of The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint.
you truly desire. The word of Christ can assist in navigating the zero-sum game that is sometimes presented within the Christian message. God loves us; and ultimately, God wants us to be successful people. Lastly, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:23 that if we are faithful over a few things, God will make us master over many. ❏ ❏ ❏
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REFLECTIONS ON THE DEREK CHAUVIN VERDICT By Rev. Jazmine Brooks, Contributing Writer
During the trial of Derek Chauvin, we were reminded of the fight we are up against as the video of Daunte Wright being murdered mere miles from the place George Floyd was killed went viral. The images are not much different from the public nature of crucifixions, which are certainly intentional. The fact that crucifixions took place in the morning and human beings were left on display throughout the day, before being taken down and buried, is intentional. Jesus had no tomb of his own but was buried in a borrowed tomb covered by a stone too big for his loved ones to move on their own. The intention is for the stone to appear unmovable and for death to appear final. We are not supposed to have hope that the cross can be defeated. We are not supposed to believe that the stone can be rolled away. Roman rulers and Pharisees thought that they could bury the people’s hope when they buried Jesus’ body. They thought that they had buried h d forever f b d the h possibility of freedom. Jesus was dead; and so far as the human mind could conceive, the state that sanctioned his murder had won and the light of Jesus’ divinity had been signed by the stone covering up the entrance of the tomb where he was laid. immoral, unethical, and antithetical to born out of Black enslavement, we We are witnessing, or have witnessed and will continue to witness, the same human thriving at its core. So, as we will see countless more George Floyds empirical tactics. Clips of our death on constant public replay is intentional. These follow the One we call Christ, our hope and Duante Wrights. There will be viral videos are intended to remind us that the stone cannot be rolled away. Their lies in the power of God that lives in the those who are not just choked or shot trials are a mockery to legitimize the power, authority, and morality of the state that people, in one another. to death by white cops but also those may convict one cop but will never cease to be the racist institution that it is. What might it look like for us to invest whose deaths begin at their birth. Millions more Black women and men will be murdered post-trial. We are bound funding in mutual aid programming, There will be those who are born into to watch every reel and, with each cycle, become less inclined to see our efforts as create a Sunday School curriculum and grow up in systems that allow their fruitful. The executions we have witnessed are an intentional facet of an oppressive that ties Jesus’ ministry to that of the Blackness to be vilified before they ever power structure to cement our existential positionality and lead us to believe in its Free African Society, and teach Black grow into adulthood. We will hold permanence. We are supposed to feel that our death is not only inevitable but also independence and abolition through innumerable prayer vigils. Likewise, we final. the lens of Bishop Henry McNeal will perpetuate the cycle of violence that Even without those moments, however, we must face the fact that Floyd’s murder, Turner’s politics? What might it look makes Black death at the hands of white Wright’s murder, and every murder at the hands of police that came before theirs like for us to become a hub for political supremacy inevitable. were inevitable. It was so not because police can’t help but because black people die education that is divorced from the However, while we are led to believe, social, spiritual, and physical deaths every single day because we live in a nation that state and invested solely in the hope by the lineage and redundancy of such is constantly on the attack. of God’s power living in the people? inevitabilities, in death’s permanence, Just as Jesus lived through houselessness and worked miracles in response to We have the goods that it takes, e.g., our hope lies not in the power of the hunger and poor healthcare, so are we living through these attacks on our lives in a the money, manpower, international state. The same spirit in Christ Jesus nation that has been on the attack since the forced arrival of Africans on American connections, brilliance, and talent. By that anointed him to proclaim Good soil in 1619. They are attacks that live in policies that allow prisons and toxic waste the power of the Holy Spirit, we have News to the poor, freedom for the plants to be erected in our communities; poisoned water to run from our faucets; the strength necessary to roll away the prisoners, recovery of sight for the suppress access to healthcare, food, and housing resources; allow our children to stone. Let us do the transformative work blind, and to set the oppressed free is be adultified in their classrooms; and permit our neighborhoods to be the hubs of that resurrects that which appeared to the same spirit that lives in all of us. police surveillance and violence born out of their boredom. be our final death. ❏ ❏ ❏ We recognize this nation as illegitimate, So, until we are willing to grapple with the policies and politics that are
THE URGENCY OF HOPE By Dr. Brandon A. A. J. Davis, Contributing Writer
Over the years, I’ve come to define the meaning of hope as holding on, praying, and expecting. During this global pandemic, many of us have found ourselves doing exactly that, holding on, praying, and expecting something. This particular hope is a shared reality. We are looking for things to return to some kind of recognizable normalcy. It’s been over a year since COVID-19 shut down the world, changed the way we engage each other, do business, educate our children, and do ministry. Nevertheless, in its wake, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of over 500,000 people. None of us expected to find ourselves, while in the throes of a pandemic, suffering from the gripping clutches of failed politics and the resurgence of old-world racism bathed in nostalgia. Uncannily, the past year has been a timeline that looks like scenes from the 1950s. As President Joe Bidden removes the tattered frays of power from Donald Trump’s clutches, his presidential triumph was bested by the attack on the US Capital. Since then, our attention has been consumed with vaccination talks, voter rights, and the lack of governmental support not to mention a second US Capital attack with the trial of Derrek Chauvin, who killed George Floyd. Further, we now face the murder of Daunte Wright by another white Minnesota police officer. and life-sustaining help that makes the hope without wavering, for he who has a state of rage almost, almost all of the With only 104 days into the new year, difference. promised is faithful.” time—and in one’s work.” 30 African Americans have been killed As I child growing up in rural In his book, Dare We Speak of by the police. Even with these irrefutable For years, black people in America North Carolina, I often thought my Hope, Dr. Allan Aubrey Boesak makes facts, Washington has no clue what have looked to the political system grandmother, Ida Davis, was simply a poignant statement that speaks to the it means to be black in America. The as a means to challenge the trajectory misspeaking whenever she asked me calling of the church in the community. daily reminder of the possibility of an of our subjugated path in life. This to “hope” her. As a college student, I He defines hope to be the unmistakable encounter with the police could end in expectation ranges from the Honorable merely characterized her use of the king’s urgency that strains toward an active tragedy seems more of an urgency to Hiram Revels, an AME Church minister English as poor southern taste. It wasn’t engagement with the future. The action than just a suggestion something and senator from Mississippi, to the until I entered seminary that I began activeness of his definition of hope is is wrong. More than ever, the words of black cabinet led by Dr. Mary McLeod to understand what my grandmother profound, it is “straining toward,” which James Baldwin resonate loudly, speaking Bethune during the Roosevelt Era to was theologically saying. “Hope,” in any reflects our life’s witness and relationship descriptively of the plight of black present congressional black caucus circumstance, means help! It is not just with God. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us: people: “To be a Negro in this country members and other political leaders. any kind of help but the serious, urgent, “Let us hold fast to the confession of our and to be relatively conscious is to be in While many took the ...continued on p21
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...From The Urgency p20 less prestigious and often complex routes toward
justice and equality, others decided to take up the reigns of machtpolitik to dismantle the effects of white racist realpolitik that too long held us captive at the hands of governmental policies constructed on racial factors and consequences and not the ethical-philosophical premise based on the realism of our human condition. From the impending threats being hurled at our voting rights as seen in Georgia to the daily attacks of black life from corrupt police officers who fail to distinguish between a taser and a handgun, we face a serious urgency of hope. Politics is a vortex, says Boesak. They are expectations, disillusionments, and bewilderments. However, walking away is not an option. We must remain committed to justice and hope. As Dr. Boesak says: “to say Jesus is to say justice and to say justice is to say hope.” As we engage the future, let us do so spiritually, practically, theologically, and socially, maintaining our central focus on the source of our ultimate hope. The great hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.” This is the urgency of hope! ❏ ❏ ❏
NINE MINUTES, 29 SECONDS By Joyce Gulledge Harris, 12th Episcopal District
During the closing arguments in the Derek Chauvin trial, I was struck by the description of the bystanders as the prosecutors recounted the day George Floyd was murdered when Chauvin who on his neck for nine minutes, 29 seconds. Prosecutor Steve Schleicher described the bystanders as “a random community brought together by fate and bore witness” to Mr. Floyd’s death. Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell described the bystanders as “normal folk” and “a veritable [genuine] bouquet of humanity.” After the closing arguments, I began to wonder if nine minutes and 29 seconds had any Biblical significance. I was heartened when I, like the rest of the world, saw these courageous people, 11 months earlier—vigorously encourage, often insisting, in vain—that then Officer Chauvin stop kneeling on Mr. Floyd’s neck. Now they were called upon to testify in court about what they observed that fateful day. Each person got into “good trouble” that day as Congressman John Lewis encouraged us to do before he transitioned this life. This diverse group of people would not leave Mr. Floyd to die alone on the street of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Floyd heard them plead for his life. Hopefully, he knew people cared. Following the guilty verdict on all counts, I continued to muse if there was a Biblical significance of the numbers nine and 29, representing the nine minutes and 29 seconds that Chauvin knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck. I researched it. A review of each book in the Old and New Testaments revealed that there was one passage of scripture under in chapter nine, verse 29 that seemed to relate to the murder of Mr. Floyd. Job 9:29 states, “I shall be condemned; why then do I labor in vain?” Further, according to spiritualray.com, the number nine means “Divine completeness from the Father; Fruit of the Spirit.” The number 29 means “departure.” Admittedly, I am not sure what all this means. Mr. Floyd cannot have died in vain. Therefore, in one view of the research results, Chauvin seemed to have found Mr. Floyd guilty and he struggled in vain. If we consider the nine minutes as divine completeness and the 29 seconds as departure, Mr. Floyd’s journey on this earth was completed and his last breath imminent. Maybe it took his death, in the way he was murdered in this time of cell phones with cameras and social media, to teach the world an awareness—if not a lesson—through this abhorrent display of man’s inhumanity to man and complete disregard for human life that Black lives matter indeed. More importantly, there seems to be a universal acknowledgment that Black people are human beings, not chattel. Mr. Floyd was a human being. Just maybe, viewing his suffering and death provided the catalyst to someday upend racial inequality, social injustice, basic disrespect for human life, and white privilege. ❏ ❏ ❏
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JESUS IS THE ANSWER (PART 1) By Rev. Joseph Parker, 8th Episcopal District
The title of the well-loved classic song by Andraé Crouch is accurate. “Jesus Christ is the Answer” to the longings of the human heart. Receiving Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives is the key to a real and meaningful life. It has always been and will always be true. Jesus Christ stands as the answer to all the world’s problems and He is the answer to the emptiness in the hearts of people all over the world. The story is told of a man who, when the draft was active, got drafted into the army. After being drafted, he picked up this very strange habit. He would walk around the barracks, inside the barracks, and outside, with a piece of paper. He would pick it up, read it, and say out loud, “That’s not it!” Every piece of paper of any kind that he came across, he would pick it up, read it, and say, “That’s not it! That’s just not it!” After a few weeks of carrying out this strange habit, the company commander called him into his office and asked, “Private, what’s your problem?” The young soldier responded, “Sir, I don’t have a problem.” The commander then asked, “Well, what is it that you are looking for when you are looking at all these pieces of paper and reading them?’ “Well, sir, I don’t know what I’m looking for, but every time I find and read the pieces of paper I come across, I realize that that is not what I’m looking for,” the private replied. The company commander questioned him a little further and let him leave. The young private continued his strange habit for a few more weeks; and finally, the commander had had enough. He called the young soldier into his office. He said, “Son, I’m sorry, but we’re going to have to let you go. The army can’t afford to keep soldiers like you. If we had an army full of soldiers like you, we’d have a messed-up army. We’re just going to have to let you go!” The commander pulled out of his drawer some papers that said, “Discharge” across the top, signed them, and handed them to the young man. The soldier took one look at the papers and then yelled at the top of his lungs, “That’s it! That’s it!” The moment he read those papers that said he could get out of the army, he realized that was what he had been looking for all this time. The Rev. Joseph Parker is the pastor of Bethlehem AME Church in Winona, Mississippi. He is the author of The Intercession Chronicles, a Christian novel and an evangelism and discipleship tool.
WARD MEMORIAL AME CHURCH HONORS JUDGE JENKINS-CHAPMAN By Miriam Ayers Dixon, 2nd Episcopal District
Ward Memorial AME Church recently recognized Kimberly Jenkins-Chapman, Esq., who was graduated from Spelman College, magna cum laude, in 1989. She subsequently earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law School in 1992. She has worked at the Department of Energy for 29 years and is currently an Administrative Judge in the Office of Hearings and Appeals. In this capacity, she conducts Personnel Security and Whistleblower hearings for the agency’s more than 100,000 federal civilian and contractor employees. She also serves as a Federal Mediator and Facilitator for the Department’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Office. Kimberly has served in numerous leadership roles throughout her legal career, including serving as the American Bar Association Delegate Under 35 for the DC Bar Association and the president of the Young Lawyers Section of the DC Bar Association. She also enjoys membership in numerous clubs and professional organizations. She is most proud of her 30-year membership in the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kimberly is married to Bryan A. Chapman and is the proud mother of two children, Nicole and Bryan. Kimberly is the daughter of Dr. Andrew E. Jenkins, III, and the late Dr. Dorothy E. Jenkins. She represents the third generation of her family’s membership at Ward Memorial AME Church. She currently serves on Stewardess Board #1 and is a member of the Issac Alphonso (I.A.) Miller Scholarship Committee. ❏ ❏ ❏
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...From Congratulatory p14 his experience to deliver his sermons. “Many of the things I preach about are things I have researched in the past,” he said, speaking about using his experiences in his preaching. Today, Pastor Jay is deeply troubled about the state of the country. “I think right now we are at an interesting point in American history. I often compare it to the phrase, ‘there is nothing new under the sun.’ I think about the period after Reconstruction when the troops were taken out of the South. The Redemption period where white nationalization came about,” he explained. This is something that deeply worries him and is what fuels his desire to advocate social justice. Pastor Jay believes that there are two aspects of society that are vital for every person: the powers of the vote and education. “I want the next generation to learn from the past and continue to fight for social justice. Voting and education are extremely important. I hope that the future generation continues to fight for this,” he said. Today, as senior pastor at St. Joseph AME Church, Pastor Jay strives to promote the rights of minority and marginalized groups. Throughout February, he dedicated his time to the social justice of the Black community. In March, he has done the same for women around the country. He still publishes papers on social justice. His most recent paper was a biblical connection to immigration, following the many issues faced by immigrants in the US. It is easy to see that Pastor Jay continues to serve his community and the marginalized communities all around the country. Pastor Jay is married to St. Joseph’s First Lady, Michelle Burks Augustine. They have two children. This article was previously released in a TCR Online Alert and initially in Spectacular Magazine.
Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Won Four First-Place Finishes in Events in the Southern Masters Virtual Swimming Meet Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, won four first-place finishes in several events in...continued on p23
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...From Congratulatory p22 the Southern Masters Virtual Swimming Meet. The competitors were timed at their local swimming site and the times were recorded. Dr. Kelly was the 7th Place overall point scorer in the male division. He swims for Crawfish Aquatics in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Kelly practices at least five times per week. Presently, he is also participating in a swim challenge of 200 miles, of which he has over 70 miles. Dr. Kelly is also an adjunct faculty at Louisiana State University in both the graduate and undergraduate schools. This is his first award in the Masters Swimming Program. He has already qualified for the National Senior Olympics to be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, May 9-15, 2022, representing Louisiana. Swimming in a segregated pool in the Washington Heights part of Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Kelly’s parents encouraged him. His gift for swimming earned him a place on the legendary Morehouse College swimming team under the famed coach Dr. James Haines. Dr. Kelly swam for Morehouse for four years and was a member of the Black National Champion Morehouse Tigersharks. At the encouragement and direction of his doctor, he was advised to develop an exercise program. Kelly joined the Crawfish Masters Swimming program and is training for his second National Senior Olympics in May, 2022. In addition to swimming competitions, Dr. Kelly is the founder and coordinator of the James Haines’s Wwimming Ministry of Bethel AME Church, named after his mentor and coach Dr. Haines. This ministry teaches underserved persons to swim and educates them in water safety. Dr. Kelly teaches African American Studies and Education at Louisiana State University and also serves as an advisor for Tankproof, an organization to help underserved youth learn to swim. Dr. Kelly was educated in Christian values by his parents and the public schools of Jacksonville. He later matriculated to Morehouse College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his education at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, completing a Masters of Education degree and at Boston University School of Theology, receiving his Masters of Divinity degree. Pastor Kelly completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1980, Dr. Kelly was licensed to preach in the AME Church. ...continued on p25
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DR. ORLANDO M.
VOTE #412
CANDIDATE FOR EPISCOPAL SERVICE
ST. MATTHEWS AMEC ❖ DILLION, SC
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...From Congratulatory p23 His ministerial journey began under the late Rev. M. L. Watts and he was mentored by Dr. Donald L. Tucker. Under this mentorship, Dr. Kelly was ordained an itinerant deacon in 1983, at the hand of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen Hildebrand. In 1985, he was ordained an itinerant elder at the hand of the Rt. Rev. Frank Curtis Cummings. Pastor Kelly has served four churches: Mt. Zion AME Church in Newport, Rhode Island; St. James AME Church in Meridian, Mississippi; Friendship AME
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Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi; and Bethel AME Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition to pastoral ministry, Dr. Kelly served as the Protestant chaplain at Rhode Island College and adjunct instructor at Coahoma Community College and Meridian Community College. Presently, in addition to Louisiana State University, Dr. Kelly also serves as adjunct faculty at River Parishes Community College in the Religious Studies Department. He is also the chair of the Board of Examiners for the Eighth Episcopal District and
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treasurer for the Louisiana Annual Conference. Dr. Kelly writes for the Advocate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for special events regarding faith and African American concerns. He is a member of the Louisiana Interchurch Conference and Ecumenical Body of Clergy and Laity in the State of Louisiana. His publications include, “Spiritual Formation for Youth as Young Laity in Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for the 21st Century.” Dr. Kelly and the Bethel
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congregation organized the first HIV/AIDS Ministry in the African American community in East Baton Rouge Parish. He was inducted into the Morehouse Board of Preacher’s King International Chapel in April 2012. He is married to the former Linda Simon of Eunice, Louisiana, and they have two children, Herman Osby Kelly, III and Tiffany Marie Kelly. Dr. Kelly is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: spidermh7@yahoo.com.
On behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop Vashti McKenzie, president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin and editor of The Christian Recorder Mr. 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 ...From SC AME Churches p1
ones scrolled across the screen in honor and remembrance of those who passed. “How do we measure loss?” Bishop Samuel Green, Sr. asked. “How do we wrap our minds around the truth of putting so much treasure in the ground? It is beyond reason. There are no words,” he continued. Bishop Green leads the roughly 500 AME churches across the state as part of the Seventh Episcopal District. “We’re going to pray for the families, pray for the church community… that God will continue to strengthen us… because we don’t want our members to be just a number,” Bishop Green said. “These are people who used to live with us… who we loved,” he added. While Green said AME churches remain closed to in-person worship for now, he added that he sees a “light at the end of the tunnel.” “I’m hoping that when this service is over persons will be inspired to get vaccinated, inspired to remain cautious and to practice CDC guidelines… so we can start getting back together, having family functions,” Bishop Green said. “I see the light and I know if we keep walking by faith and trusting God that we’ll get to the end of the tunnel,” he concluded. ❏ ❏ ❏
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EDITORIAL
THE GIFT OF BLACK THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION By Dr. Michael Carson, Columnist
I thank Dr. Mickarl Thomas, the pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit,
defining and refining the direction
Michigan for sharing with me Harry V. Richardson’s book, Dark Salvation:
for promoting respect, growth, and
The Story of Methodism as it Developed Among Blacks in America. I truly fell
a renewed commitment to God
in love with it. Celebrating the church, the Black experience, and the gift of
and God’s purpose, our various—
Black theological education calls for the intentional dialogue concerning Black
but so connected—disciplines and
Methodism.
denominations must dialogue along
My love for Methodism is deeply embedded in my spiritual and theological
with the entirety of those belonging
formation. I embraced my salvation as an adult while in Richmond, Indiana, in
and embracing the church and the
1980. I gave my life to the Lord and was baptized under the pastorate of then
Black Experience.
Pastor (and later Presiding Elder) Albert D. Tyson, III, at Bethel AME Church. I also answered the call to preach under Pastor Tyson in 1983.
MICHAEL C. CARSON
Brightening the corner where we
Guest Editorial
live and always being greatly invested
lifting high the blood-stained banner
In 1984, Pastor Tyson, his wife Mother Robin Holmes Tyson, and Bethel
with our global witness is paramount.
of Christendom through the gates of
sent my wife, Evangelist Catherine L. Carson; our six-year-old twin daughter,
The church must continue being
Methodism and Black Methodism.
Kendra Monique Carson, and son, Mychal D. Carson, Jr., and me to Garrett-
empowered and led by capable,
With this awesome banner, let’s
Evangelical Theological Seminary. I received my Masters of Divinity degree in
trained, and prepared lay and clergy
continue encouraging persons to take
1987. My advisor was Dr. Larry Murphy. I also served as the president for the
leadership and followship. So much
up their cross and follow Jesus Christ.
Black Seminarians and was mentored by Dr. Henry J. Young. While pastoring
is still needed to be done. Yes, due
Wayman Chapel AME Church in Kokomo, Indiana, I was blessed to earn the
to our times, we find ourselves in a
Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary In 1996.
new church and community paradigm
to serve as an adjunct professor
but we are still members of “The Old
African Methodism. I served as
in
Ship of Zion!”
the dean of the Indiana Annual
Raymond R. Sommerville for “Black
Conference Board of Examiners
Methodist History and Polity” at the
for 13 years and as a member of the
Christian Theological Seminary in
Michigan Annual Conference Board
Indianapolis, Indiana. My journey
of Examiners for 10 years. I have
has richly informed my desire to be a
been blessed and honored to hold
part of encouraging the education of
many other positions in the church.
Methodism and Black Methodism.
I have pastored for 30 years in
partnership
need
believe there is an intense desire to
people conscious of the need for education and providing the means for getting it, limited though they were, was a service of inestimable importance to the progress of the people.” We simply walk in the direction our forbearers established.
help promote and inform enriching and challenging theological education as well as encourage training for effective pastoral and lay leadership.
members and friends that embrace
the truth that salvation is for all, pride
the Sacred Soaring South Districts of
Methodism and Black Methodism
is for all, and equality is for all.
the Indiana Annual Conference.
to seriously discuss and engage in
Yes, we have come a mighty long
actively visioneering for our future.
way. Yes, we have come this way by
Concerning our faith, denominations,
faith, leaning on the Lord. Yes, there is
and movements to continue effectively
a mighty long way to go. Let’s continue
professor, I was blessed and honored
great
brothers in Black Methodism, I
consultant for the Indiana North and
as a professor as well as an adjunct
a
In dialogue with my sisters and
We are in the continuum of sharing
Among my opportunities to serve
is
Professor
for
I now serve African Methodism as a
There
with
Richardson says, “Keeping the
I’m
in
favor
of
promoting
transformative experiences for the Black community. I’m in favor of realigning Black theological schools and the Black Church. I’m in favor of fostering a community of learning and engagement. I’m in favor of celebrating the gift of Black theological education and the Black Church collaborative.
Dr. Michael Carson serves as a consultant for the Indiana North and Indiana Sacred Soaring South Districts of the Indiana Annual Conference. Dr. Carson is also the Co-Founder and Lead Coach for “Refreshing” A Ministry for Pastors, Ministers, Laity, and Businesses Needing Coaching, Restoration, Refreshing, and Healing. A Personal & Professional Development Ministry.
