April 2023 Edition of The Christian Recorder

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VOLUME 172, NO. 7

APRIL 2023

The AME Church Continues To Thrive In The Dominican Republic Presiding Elder Abraham Rodriguez Jones, 16th Episcopal District

The African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Dominican Republic held its 95th Annual Conference section at Bethel AME Church, Samana, which was presided over by the bishop of the 16th Episcopal District Marvin Zanders and the Supervisor Winifred Zanders. After two years, without holding a face-to-face conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to successfully hold it from February 9-12, 2023.

Among the most significant events that we can highlight are: The pastoral ministry was strengthened with the Annual Sermon preached by the conference secretary, the Rev. Margarito Rodriguez. His text was taken from 1 Kings 18: 42-44 with the theme “When We See Nothing” in whose sermon he pointed out the importance of talking to God as Elijah did instead of having a banquet as Ahab did, so that when times of drought come, we can follow the line of the prophet, in obedience.

Certainly, we were edified, and it is remarkable the extraordinary quality of the teaching that the bishop brought on how to make the church grow and how to keep the people who come. In the same way, he gave us the key to prosper by paying our tithes and offerings. Our Bishop Zanders emphasized that when we pay our tithes and give our offerings we are blessed.

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Charity Golf Tournament Renamed The Dr. Stan McKenzie Golf Classic Reverend Tyronda Howse Burgess, Presiding Elder, Greater Dallas District, AME Church

The setting was the picturesque greens of the Tenison Highlands Golf Course in Dallas, Texas; the weather was perfect as eighty-eight golfers and volunteers gathered for the 10th annual charity golf tournament hosted by TenthFuture, Inc. Prior to the shotgun start of the tournament, everyone gathered for a ceremonial renaming of the tournament to the Dr. Stan McKenzie Classic Golf Tournament; named in honor of Dr. Stan McKenzie, former Episcopal supervisor of the Tenth Episcopal District, avid golfer, and founding board member of TenthFuture, Inc. On hand to celebrate the tournament renaming were Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., presiding prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District and the senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Bishop (Retired) Vashti Murphy McKenzie, former presiding prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District and founder of TenthFuture, Inc. During the renaming ceremony, Bishop Richardson greeted the crowd and stated, “It’s a great day to be outdoors. This is still the church making a witness. The cause is greater than the recreational benefit. I am grateful to all who gave leadership to make today’s event possible and spectacular. To name the tournament in honor of the former Episcopal supervisor of Missions is especially ...continued on p15

Samuel DeWitt Proctor A Charge To Keep Beyond The Conference Holds Annual Grave Johnnie Beulah Smith Conference In Atlanta; Two AMEs Honored With “Beautiful “Today as never before, the church, you, and I — are witnessing a part of the vast human struggle.

Are Their Feet” Awards It is undoubtedly the most significant struggle Historically, the Black Church is the organizing ground for applied revolutionary and liberating theologies. From the hush harbors to the first established black denomination, black people have embodied and personified faith in our being as heirs of ...continued on p13

Understanding Internal Controls In A Church Environment - Part I… p4

From The Book-Burning Past To The BookBanning Present… p8

the world has ever known. Upon its’ outcome will rest the fate of the human race.

“The African Methodist Episcopal Church has been interested in the religious life of the people and other phases of life, particularly in the fields of education and journalism, to name a couple. Each of these fields reminds us of the significance of understanding our history through the stories of our experiences. ...continued on p2

Celebrating The New President-Rev. Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley… p12

STILL GOOD NEWS: “It Is Time For Rebooting”… p17

AI And The Pulpit … p24

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...From A Charge p1

“Public news outlets do not broadly share the bright side of the Black race. Instead, it shares mistakes, misfortunes, crimes, and weaknesses, while its abilities and worthwhile achievements are too often overlooked and go unmentioned. It is left to the Black community to show the world what it is doing and what it can do to promote our society’s welfare.

While each church’s history may be clear to some, we must use our God-given

talents to set down in writing our history for coming generations. This effort is not an attempt to criticize or eulogize, as one writer put it, but to give the facts and let them tell their own story.

St. Paul AME Church in Florence, South Carolina, is reportedly our oldest church south of the MasonDixon Line. Oak Grove AME Church was established a few years later. After serving one year as the pastor

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...From A Charge p2

of Oak Grove, the Rev. E.C. Wallace came at the request of some members in this area to plant a church. They had the vision to organize Mt. Zion AME Church. We have been on the AME Conference role for 93 years. We ask God’s divine guidance to steer us along paths of righteousness. We thank and praise God for bountiful blessings, however unworthy we are. ❏ ❏ ❏

...See final writings on p16

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Understanding Internal Controls In A Church Environment – Part I Cynthia Gordon-Floyd, C.P.A., C.F.E., Contributing Writer

What are internal controls for a church? Michael Batts, CPA and author of Church Finance, describes it as “the system of checks and balances necessary to protect the church from intentional and unintentional acts that could cause a loss of the church’s financial assets or that could result in the misreporting of the church’s financial information.” Let us unpack this definition as it relates to the African Methodist Episcopal Church in a three-part series of articles on this subject.

The process of internal controls begins with the content of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which outlines the policies and procedures that govern how our churches are structured and should operate. The Doctrine and Discipline was not designed to provide specific internal controls. Still, it defines the “control environment,” which is the basis for internal controls.

The control environment includes understanding the organization’s culture and what is referred to as “the tone at the top.” The tone at the top analyzes the culture of the leaders with respect to issues related to internal control and similar matters. Therefore, we must ask ourselves if we have created an environment that encourages our leadership to operate with complete integrity and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Our Doctrine and Discipline specifically references many areas of oversight and compliance. Are we ensuring that those requirements for oversight are being effectively carried out?

Since our Doctrine and Discipline is not designed for specific internal controls, we as clergy and lay persons must ensure that sound internal controls are implemented from the top of our denominational leadership down to the workings of our local churches. Unfortunately,

our recent environment proves we need to do so more effectively. We must institute new targeted controls to address our systematic lapses in internal controls (i.e., misappropriation of retirement funds, fraudulent sale and mortgaging of church properties, incorrect

payroll reporting practices, insufficient issuance of giving receipts, incorrect financial reporting, etc.). We must begin correcting our internal control efficiencies by addressing the “tone at the top,” which is the only way to address the lapses at the bottom effectively. Do we want change, compliance, consistency, operating, and reporting integrity? What are we willing to do about it? Please join me for the next installment of this series, which will focus on risk assessment and internal control activities local churches can easily implement at local churches.

Cynthia Gordon-Floyd is a certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner. She is the founder of Willing Steward Ministries, LLC. Willing Steward Ministries (www.willingsteward.com) is a financial consulting and accounting firm for churches and other faithbased non-profits, specializing in Bible-focused financial practices, pastoral compensation issues, IRS compliance, and other financial needs specific to churches. Cynthia is a graduate of Lake Forest College and holds her MBA in Accounting from DePaul University.

She is a steward and the financial secretary at the First AME Church of Manassas in Manassas, Virginia.

A Psychologist’s Thoughts On How To Make And Keep Friends Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd, Contributing Writer

I have learned many things over the more than 40 years I have practiced as a psychologist.

I want to share a few about friendship pitfalls that I believe are true.

A. Understand friends.

1. While this may seem obvious, many people do not consider that friends are human and that they do not or cannot always behave in ways consistent with friendship.

2. Even the best of friends or family members will, from time to time, disappoint you. Many of our expectations of those we love turn out to be unrealistic. It is unfair to discount them as friends when this happens. It is only human for us to consider what is best for us rather than our friends in certain circumstances. It is only human that no matter how much we love and honestly care for someone else—there will come times when we cannot understand their needs or have the strength to say “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

3. Some people have not learned to, or their life struggles prevent them from being able to, say when they are in the wrong. A true friend who owes you an apology may not be able to tell you that they recognize their error or are embarrassed and disappointed in their behavior but may express this through their actions. Learn to recognize and accept unverbalized apologies.

B. Show ourselves friendly.

1. Each time we feel disappointed or recognize negative expectations of others, we force ourselves to recall when someone we called a friend was honest, supportive, and loving toward us. This determination will balance the negative thoughts in our heads that result from the betrayal, disappointment, or unloving behavior we have experienced in past friendships.

2. Force ourselves (even if it means we talk aloud to ourselves) to acknowledge the truth–that NOT everyone is untrustworthy, duplicitous, or working a scheme. We work to not let our past dictate and falsely stereotype and limit our future.

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3. “Do for others” without the expectation of being repaid.

In this way, we increase our selfesteem, enrich the lives of others, and leave behind a witness that God has good, kingdombuilding people distributed throughout the earth. Having this belief will enable us to determine to search for them; and, by our actions, increase the hope of those who are friendless and unsupported that there are, in fact, people who are magnanimous, good-friend material.

4. Help to balance the pictures in our heads that we have of others. Learn to be assertive and use our voices to admit when our feelings have been hurt or when we feel misunderstood, left out, or taken for granted. I have learned that many of us have given others the untrue and unrealistic idea that there are some special people whose feelings can never be hurt and who are never saddened by feelings of being left out. ...continued on p5

APRIL 2023 ...From A Psychologist’s p4

5. Be able to assume the role of the initiator in some situations.

I say “some” situations because no one welcomes “pushy “people. But I have found that Christians often have the misconception that they are only required to be “silent witnesses” and to remain anonymous followers. While no one will say that this is what they believe—if you watch—their actions will show it. So, teach yourself how

The Christian Recorder to enter a room and assume the role of the one who suggests everyone introduce themselves. Be the one who makes the first move to break an uncomfortable silence or to say, “I’m sorry.”

6. Be able to assume the role of investigator.

Relationships are often lost or broken because we have made false assumptions without giving the other person the opportunity to tell their side of the story; doing so gives us important missing information that can

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correct faulty assumptions. So instead, we mute and avoid a one-time friend, which becomes our way of handling relationship conflicts. When too unassertive to speak directly to friends—we become judge and jury, assuming that without any input, we can know all the facts necessary to make a correct judgment.

These are major challenges for those who would live as followers of Jesus. ❏ ❏ ❏

Manage What You Can Byron Washington, Columnist

Time Management, have you heard of it? Most people have, and most people do not do it well. The reason for this is that time management is a tricky concept. The Hoover Dam sits on the border of Nevada and Arizona and controls the flow of the Colorado River. The Three Gorges Dam in China controls the flow of the Yangtze River. These two dams “manage” the flow of each of these rivers. The dams can allow more or less water; they can stop the water and change the water flow as needed. Here is the dilemma with time management: we cannot manage time as these dams do. We cannot slow time down. We cannot speed time up. We cannot allow time to pass faster when bored and slow time down when it is an enjoyable event. Time management is almost impossible and is similar to trying to grab air with your bare hands. But we can, however, manage priorities. that we are to 33seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Our focus should be on how we best manage our time based on our main priorities and using the time. Some people will use to-do lists. Others will block time off for specific tasks or group activities based on dependencies.

I usually order my priorities based on deadlines and reorganize them based on importance.

The key to time management that most of us are missing is prioritizing God. Before we get on our phones or check social media in the morning, the least we should do is talk with God. Before we post for the morning or get out of bed to start our morning routine, we should read our Bible or pray.

However, in all our prioritization, there is one priority that should be at the forefront of all that we do, though it usually gets pushed to the back of the line. Our main priority should be our time with God. We will schedule and prioritize everything, and then God gets the leftovers or often gets left out.

God becomes an afterthought. God is essential in a crisis, yet people tend to ignore or forget about him when all is okay, but Matthew 6:33 reminds us

As we are still early in the year and people are still chasing their goals for 2023, I suggest that if you want to reach your goal, excel in that job, or see those doors open, put God first. If you prioritize God, God will add all other things to you. Think about it. ❏ ❏ ❏

What’s Driving The Objections To “Lift Every Voice And Sing” At The Super Bowl?

Robert P. Jones, White Too Long

The setting of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” alongside “The Star-Spangled Banner” changes the performance of what it means to be an American.

It is easy to dismiss these antics—a fully incharacter straining duet—with an eye roll. But the Super Bowl is a major cultural event, and as I reflected on my conversation with Rubin, I realized that examining this conflict more deeply would be fruitful.

I had an interesting conversation recently with The Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin about the breathless objections by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) to a pre-Super Bowl performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song informally known for more than a century as the Black National Anthem. If you did not tune in to the Super Bowl early (or at all), you missed a moving performance of the song by Tony and Emmy award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph. It was performed just prior to the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Grammy award winner and country music star Chris Stapleton. If you did not catch it, I invite you to watch it before reading on.

As someone who studies religion, culture, and politics, the most interesting question for me was this: how does the setting of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” alongside “The Star-Spangled Banner” change the performance of what it means to be an American?

First, for some context, Sunday’s performance was not new for the NFL. But, as Rubin notes in her column, over the last few years, the NFL has made efforts to be more openly supportive of racial equality and justice, especially given its prior missteps in this area.

Following the performances, a predictable duo took to social media to accuse the National Football League (NFL) of trying to divide the country: • Rep. Lauren Boebert tweeted: “America only has ONE NATIONAL ANTHEM. Why is the NFL trying to divide us by playing multiple!?

Do football, not wokeness.”

The NFL has tried to address these concerns in ways big and small.

Playing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which has become associated with the Civil Rights Movement, before some games has been a part of that effort. After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, the league directed the song to be played before every game on opening day. And again, in 2021, the NFL announced that, in conjunction with its efforts to combat racial

• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted: “Chris Stapleton just sang the most beautiful national anthem at the Super Bowl. But we could have gone without the rest of the wokeness.”

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...From What’s Driving p5

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of over 100,000 indigenous people and the estimated deaths of more than 15,000—mostly the elderly, women, and children—along what became known as the Trail of Tears. Placing the anthem in its historical context strains its principles to the breaking point.

injustice, it would play the song at all “tentpole” events, such as playoff games.

At the heart of the conflict is this juxtaposition, which played out on one of the nation’s largest cultural stages. The two songs evoke strikingly different moods and modes of being American: one rooted in the struggle for freedom for all, the other in the American expansion into lands held by others.

With contrasting origins, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is patriotic and hopeful about an American future. Still, it does not trade in American myths of white Christian chosenness or innocence. This line pair, for example, is anathema to those whose only vision of America is of a nation that cannot, by definition, do wrong.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900. It was written during a tumultuous time for African Americans when the opening decades of the twentieth century were marked by a revival of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), lynchings, and the passage of Jim Crow laws codifying segregation across the country. Originally written as a poem celebrating the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, it was soon set to music by James’ brother.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.

More than seeing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as a competing national anthem, it is opposition to this more sober, honest vision of America—a journey toward an unrealized future rather than a defense of an innocent past—that is behind the visceral reactions by Boebert, Greene, and their ilk. Its clarion call to humility and equality exposes the hubris and violence that typically escapes scrutiny in our official anthem.

It was claimed by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as its official song in 1919, the year before Johnson became the organization’s executive secretary. It became informally known as the Black National Anthem over time and was regularly sung at civil rights meetings and marches. The Rev. Joseph Lowery quoted the lyrics at President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.

One final thought (which deserves more space than I can give it here—I will return to this in a future post). It has always puzzled me that conservative white Christians, given our dismal history of slavery and segregation, can so easily use “woke” or “wokeness” pejoratively.

Although most Americans do not realize it, while “The Star-Spangled Banner” was penned by Francis Scott Key in 1814, it was not adopted as the official National Anthem until more than a century later, in 1931.

Other songs such as “Hail Columbia,” “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” and “America the Beautiful” all served as unofficial national anthems in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Over and over, Jesus and other writers of the New Testament implore Christians to be “born again,” a metaphor that implies a paradigm shift in the way one sees the world. The very act of baptism, particularly the immersive version practiced by Baptists and many other evangelicals, represents dying to the old and arising to a new way of living.

As many early objectors to adopting “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the official National Anthem noted, it is bellicose. Its origins lie in the War of 1812, a conflict with the British principally over the continued westward expansion of the United States into Native American lands claimed by England. While the Revolutionary War was about colonial independence, this second war was a contest for the rights to occupy indigenous lands and control indigenous bodies.

One of the earliest Bible verses I memorized as a child was the apostle Paul’s command to Christians, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2, KJV). Just one chapter later, Paul also had this to say: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).

At its root, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is an anthem of assertive innocence, divine favoritism, and unbridled triumphalism. And although we mostly sing the first stanza, the final lines of the fourth and final stanza reveal its animating spirit:

Each of these commands assumes that, caught as we are in our arrogance, stubbornness, and sinfulness, we may not see things rightly. “Waking up” is an apt, even biblical, metaphor for understanding what Christian for formation is about.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: “In God is our trust,” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Christians who arrogantly reject this possibility—especially those of us who are white and shaped by traditions that supported slavery and segregation—are failing to learn the hard lessons of our troubling history; we are also shutting ourselves off from the possibility of change.

When Key wrote these words, the “land of the free” had enslaved 86% of its 1.4 million African American residents (see 1810 U.S. Census). In the names of God and justice, the nation was also preparing to launch a brutal “Indian removal” policy that would result in the forced migration

In theological terms, knee-jerk rejections of “wokeness” risk hardening our hearts and quenching the ongoing work of the Spirit, which blows where it wishes. Such a posture is the very antithesis of Christian discipleship. ❏ ❏ ❏

Rising Out Of The Ashes Dr. Herman O.Kelly, Jr., Columnist

Along life’s journey, difficulties come, and problems cloud our often-clear bright days.

When we face tragedy and monumental situations, we can lose focus and see our life becoming ashes. But, like the phoenix, we all can rise from our ashes. I write not as an observer, but as someone who knows how it feels to have your life in ashes. My friends and family were

concerned about me. My colleagues called and prayed for me. I was in ashes.

How do we rise from the ashes?

First, we leave all our cares and concerns in the hands of God. The Lord never leaves us or forsakes us.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; God will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

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...From Rising Out p6 We rise from the ashes by the strength of the Holy God. We rise from the ashes because God is our strength and a very present help. (Psalm 46:1)

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“Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise.

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

Secondly, we rise from the ashes because God directs and provides for us.

We have the assurance that “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that we need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

I rise.

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

We rise because God gives us what we need. We rise because God is a sustainer of life.

I rise.

Lastly, we rise because God is faithful. We know God did not bring us this far to leave us. As my ashes blinded me, I realized it would not be my ending journey. Great is God’s faithfulness and God’s love for us. From the ashes that I faced and you face, we still rise.

I rise.

I rise.

“Still I Rise”

By Maya Angelou ❏ ❏ ❏

...From The AME p1 Despite the challenges for our Annual Dominican Conference, it is a celebration to have admitted four (4) candidates to the ministry

on trial. Not only that, but five (5) itinerant deacons were also ordained: Rev. Yoanlis Esther Jones, Bachelor of Accounting Rev. Abraham Rodriguez Pacheco, Bachelor of Accounting & Master of Theology Rev. Wilfredo Paulino Esteban, Bachelor of Psychology Rev. Alexandro Azor, Bachelor of Education Rev. Ana Doris King Matinés Law Degree In addition, four (4) itinerant elders were ordained: Rev. Enercida Rodriguez Pacheco, Bachelor of Theology, certified as an English-Spanish Translator Rev. Benita Martines, Bachelor of Education Revda. Evelin Medina, Bachelor of Education Revda. Mercedes Farington And we are very pleased that all of persons ordained itinerant elders are women.

In addition, the 95th session of the Dominican Annual Conference was the most attended with a quorum of 99% of the conference members from the first day, a session in which all the churches presented their reports and we had a large number of observers attending to support their churches. So many people were there, that the auditorium was not enough to bring them all together.

I believe that this 95th session of the Dominican Annual Conference marked a before and after in the history of the AME Church in the Dominican Republic with the added distinction that four of the ordained elders are children of pastors of our beloved AME Connnection.

For me, Abraham Rodríguez Jones, this being my twenty-first (21) report as presiding elder, it is an honor to know that two of those ordained are my biological children. It is satisfying to know that the pastoral legacy of my family in the AME Church is still standing and this being the first time that it has been recorded in the Dominican Republic, it must be reflected in the memories and lives, especially of those who read this article.

So, if you are someone wondering: What will happen to my legacy? Or, who will continue the hard work of expanding the kingdom of God on earth?

Know this: It requires persistence, perseverance, and dedication. Getting my children ordained at the Conference has been a struggle, but true warriors do not stop in the face of adversity but rather fight hard because resistance is gained by making resistance. So, hold on! His legacy will continue.

I don’t know when something like this will happen again, but today, the AME Church in the Dominican Republic rejoices in handing over and passing the relay baton to the next generation of men and women born and raised in our brilliant church. For me, it represents personally a fourth generation of pastors who uphold the name of Jesus Christ, and the historical legacy of Bishop Richard Allen.

Presiding Elder Abraham Rodriguez Jones is the presiding elder of the South District of the Dominican Annual Conference and pastor of Impacto de Vida AME Church in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

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From The Book-Burning Past To The Book-Banning Present Chuck Hobbs, Columnist

When Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany in 1933, his meteoric rise from a political rabble-rouser to “Fuhrer” (leader) was facilitated, in large part, because of his oratorical gifts that captivated the German masses still reeling from their losses after the First World War. Hitler’s ability to freely profess lies about Judaism, in general, and the role of Jews in toppling the German empire during World War I shaped his vision of Germany as a national socialist state under his unquestioned authority. However, Hitler could only actualize this authority if he suppressed all forms of dissent to his political and social viewpoints.

In May of 1933, less than four months after becoming chancellor, Hitler dispatched his loyal propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, to begin a campaign that encouraged college students and concerned citizens to burn books deemed offensive to the Third Reich.

re-arming his nation’s military and focusing on automobile (Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW) manufacturing, his strategic military blunders (namely, invading the Soviet Union) soon left him and his propaganda minister Goebbels dead by suicide—and the entire nation in ruins and split under Soviet and American occupation for nearly 50 years.

Anyone who had read Hitler’s discursive Mein Kampf prior to 1933 likely was not surprised that works by Jewish intellectuals like physicist Albert Einstein, neurologist Sigmund Freud, and protestant anti-Fascist playwright Bertholdt Brecht were first among the pyres that sent flames flashing through the night skies in Berlin and other German cities.

But today, in 2023, does it make any logical sense for American citizens in Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and other heavily Republican enclaves to surrender common sense and decency by allowing Republican leaders to ban books and forbid the exchange of competing ideas, ideals, and ideologies?

But the bonfires also included copies of All Quiet on the Western Front, the classic novel by Erich Remarque that gives a harrowing view of life in the trenches for German soldiers during the last days of World War I. In a small twist of irony, I find it interesting that the latest Netflix adaptation of the text rapt attention winning four Oscars in the same month that in Florida and the majority of her sister states across the South–legislative bodies, Make America Great Again (MAGA) governors, and local school boards–are banning books and seeking to limit any intellectual challenges to their views of America.

No, it absolutely does not!

Further, the framers of the United States Constitution drafted the First Amendment in 1787 to secure free speech, freedom of religious expression, and the right to seek redress of grievances. However, modern MAGA Republicans are actively pushing to subvert speech, establish Christian dogma as superior to secular law, and in Florida, pushing to punish bloggers while preventing protesters from having unfettered access to the Capitol Complex all because Gov. Ron DeSantis seeks to suppress all forms of dissent to

As a history lover, I am very careful to avoid trite comparisons of current events to horrific moments in history like the Holocaust or American slavery. But in this instance, the words and deeds of totalitarians past, like Nazi Min. Joseph Goebbels, are none dissimilar from would-be totalitarians present, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

It is important to note that by 1933, the German people—desperate from over a decade of economic punishment from the victorious Allies of World War I and reeling from the Great Depression that collapsed markets worldwide in 1929—surrendered their common sense and basic decency to Hitler’s Nazi regime because they believed that he would restore Germany’s greatness. We now know that while a period of German prosperity did ensue under Hitler prior to World War II due to his breaking the Versailles Treaty that ended World War I by

his political and social viewpoints.

Sound familiar?

Since its inception, one of the hallmarks of the American Republic has been protest, be it in peaceful forms such as the Civil and Women’s Rights Movements or more violent forms such as Nat Turner’s slave rebellion or the Civil War. As an advocate for peaceful dissent, first and foremost, it is my sincere hope that my readers realize that attacks on books and the academy are always the opening battles of any cultural wars and that the same must be resisted by teachers who will teach the truth, bloggers and columnists who will write the truth, and students who will read the books that have been banned—all with no fear of what the temporary powers-that-be may seek to do as punishment.

Lest we forget... ❏ ❏ ❏

Texas Methodist Foundation Launches Neighbor2Neighbor Initiative Helping Neighborhoods Thrive Through Their Local Churches Neighbor2Neighbor Gathering Texas Methodist Foundation (TMF) announces the launch of Neighbor2Neighbor, a three-year initiative that helps churches be the heart of flourishing for their local neighborhood and community. The essential practice of a Neighbor2Neighbor church will be to strengthen bonds across the entire neighborhood, expanding and deepening relationships with neighbors – whether they are church members or not.

a community hub, and where residents in the parish neighborhood see the church as an active, engaging place contributing to their lives,” said Wendy Abel, TMF vice president for Grants.

Neighbor2Neighbor will walk alongside churches as they rediscover those who live around them and identify the gifts in the neighborhood, build relationships, and, most importantly, use those gifts to build a thriving congregation and a flourishing community grounded in love, generosity, and belonging.

During the first year of the initiative, participating churches will create relationships with neighbors who reside within a mile of the church.

This will be a time of identifying the spiritual, social, economic, and political capital and currency that already exists in the community.

Based on the work of DeAmon Harges, founder of and a recipient, Neighbor2Neighbor will use the well-established Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) process.

“Neighbor2Neighbor is an opportunity for participating churches to deepen relationships with their neighbors in a way that makes that church 8

Then, in years two and three, churches and neighborhoods will put their relationships and capital to work to realize the full potential of the neighborhood for all who live there. Learnings from the initiative will be documented and shared ...continued on p9

APRIL 2023 ...From Texas Methodist p8

The Christian Recorder widely with churches and places of worship in any

faith tradition setting.

The inaugural cohort of churches is comprised of four churches in Texas and four churches in Indianapolis, Indiana, all of which are being trained in the ABCD process, with the support of a learning community comprised of leaders from the participating churches and their neighborhoods.

Texas Methodist Foundation is investing $80,000 in this initiative in its commitment to engage neighbors and community as part of a Spirit-led movement building thriving congregations and flourishing communities.

Participating Churches and Pastors in Texas • Rev. Challis Bradford (Dallas) • Rev. Sylvester Patton (Texas) • Rev. Stephen Goldsmith (Humble) • Rev. Bryant X. Phelps (Desoto) In Indianapolis, Indiana • Rev. Jerry Davis • Rev. Myron Duff, Jr. • Rev. Rachel Metheny • Rev. Deborah Lightfoot Oates ❏ ❏ ❏

I’ve Got A Secret Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, Columnist

Can you recall when you were young and whispering a secret in a friend’s ear, and he or she had to pinky swear not to tell it to another living soul? Back then, secrets were generally fun and could strengthen friendships by creating a sense of trust. Giving or sharing secrets could set you apart from friends outside the I-know-something-you-don’t-know group. As children grow up and become complex adults, their secrets become more complex. At some point, everyone has held on to a secret. To be clear, some secrets are too embarrassing, too hurtful, too dark, too revealing—or too ridiculous to share. Nevertheless, we live in a time that feasts on secrets—the “juicier,” the better. People on television, radio, and social media are paid to dig up and divulge the inside scoop on the lives of celebrities.

In the early days of television, there was a TV show called “I’ve Got a Secret.” Celebrities would ask a series of questions in an attempt to guess the secret of the panelists. This show’s basic format lasted off and on for over 50 years. Advertisers today know that people from all walks of life have an insatiable need to know about celebrity secrets hence the plethora of Reality TV stars, gossip hosts, tabloid exposé reporters, paparazzi, trolls, and the like all making a living dredging up secrets (or what are suggested to be a secret).

Some people live secretive lives, holding their “life” cards close to their vest, as the saying goes. Any questions deemed too personal can be ignored or summarily dismissed. Why is this so? Some possible reasons could be a past “secret betrayal” and the leaked information caused shame, pain, or embarrassment. Another take is perhaps the secretive person’s personality is wired in a manner where their personal business is just that—personal at all costs. It is important to note that being secretive could be costly, as the following insights illustrate: • A secretive person may lock out well-intentioned people not interested in sharing their secrets or judging them—they may just want to be a friend trying to help.

• A secretive person may unwittingly cut off information that could be helpful in situations ranging from sharing the secret ingredient of a recipe to identifying a potential life-changing/giving resource.

• A secretive person must always be on guard to ...continued on p24 9

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TRANSITIONS Sidnye Lynn Fells-Suttle transitioned in April 2020 at thirty-nine years old. She was a former member of Allen Chapel (now Bradford Memorial) African Methodist Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was very active in the youth ministry.

One of the many highlights in her life was giving the opening address at the June 1993 Milwaukee/St Paul District Sunday School Convention. Sidnye was the first youth to do such a task. She was 12 years old.

After graduating from Marquette University, she relocated to Georgia and joined Turner Cathedral AME Church in Marietta. She also was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

A memorial service was held on April 23, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 4103 No 35 Street, Milwaukee.

Mrs. Lula Cleckley Lula Shaw Cleckley, a native of Holly Hill, South Carolina, is the daughter of the late Bennie and Earther Lee Shaw. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Claflin University and a Master of Education from South Carolina State University. Mrs. Cleckley continued her studies at Columbia College, the College of Charleston, and the University of South Carolina.

empowerment component is inspiring. She continually teaches and works with missionaries all over the AME Church. She exudes Proverbs 31:26, which states, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Because of her dedicated service, in 2013, she was pinned a Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Cleckley is also an active member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Ministers’ Spouses, Widows, and Widowers Organization, Plus P.K’s. She served as conference treasurer, conference president, and Seventh Episcopal District president of this organization. On the connectional level, she served as chairperson of the Evaluation Committee and the historian. In December 2013, she was elected as the Connectional international president of this organization. Mrs. Cleckley travels often and spends considerable time speaking locally, nationally, and globally to clergy families, missionaries, and communities.

Mrs. Cleckley was an educator in several school districts across the state of South Carolina. She retired from Richland School District Two, Columbia, South Carolina.

Mrs. Cleckley served as vice president of Student Affairs at Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina. She is a realtor with Fathom Realty and an active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina.

Mrs. Lula Shaw Cleckley is married to the Rev. Robert L. Cleckley, a retired pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Columbia Conference, Seventh Episcopal District. Her husband has full confidence in her. They are the parents of two children, one daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren. ❏ ❏ ❏

She is a productive member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She has served for over 50 years in the Women’s Missionary Society in various capacities on local, conference, and episcopal levels.

Her passionate dedication to promoting Jesus’ love as an important

RAYAC In Action Lydia Owens, St. John AME Church, 9 th Episcopal District

The Richard Allen Youth Council (RAYC) was founded in Memphis, Tennessee, during the 150th celebration of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The primary goal of the RAYC is to coordinate and unify the total program the local church offers its youth.

THE RAYAC TODAY The Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC) was born at the 45th Quadrennial Session of the AME Church and is an outgrowth of the Richard Allen Youth Council (RAYC). The RAYAC no longer serves as an overseeing body of other youth organizations; it is now a group for young adults between the ages of 21-39. The goal of the RAYAC is to retain young adults in the Lord and the church and to lead young adults to use their gifts and talents to serve the Lord.

transportation could be provided if needed.

Sister Williams has announced that the second RAYAC event will occur on February 18, 2023.

The ministry is planning an outing to Stars and Strikes, a local entertainment venue, for some good food, fun, and fellowship.

Thought has gone into planning activities to get to know one another better since this will be the first time since the pandemic

The St. John RAYAC Ministry attended its first event of 2023 on January 27. The event occurred on the campus of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Sister Shay Williams, the RAYAC coordinator, and several other members set up an information station for the Religion Fair. The Religion Fair was established to allow students to experience the varied congregations and religious offerings in the Huntsville-Madison County area. All denominations were invited to participate.

Sister Shay reported having engaged with many students while at the fair.

Several students shared an interest in visiting St. John during worship services on Sunday mornings. She assured those wanting to attend that 10

for face-to-face engagement.

Another goal is to re-establish the partnership between Alabama A&M University and St. John AME Church. Sister Williams would love to return to the time when the church hosted the AAMU Day of Worship on campus. This will enable the college students to be once again involved in worship in their environment. ❏ ❏ ❏

APRIL 2023

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St. John AME, Huntsville, Celebrates the 236th Founder’s Day Brother Bobby Adkins II

The Saint John African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church – Huntsville, AL celebrated the 236th AME Founder’s Day on February 12, 2023. The service was marked by sustained enthusiasm, powerful worship, moments of praise, and great interaction from the most senior members to the youngest in both age and faith. It was indeed a glorious event and a blessing to all who attended, both in person and online.

The Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, senior bishop and presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, was the honored guest preacher. Senior Bishop Richardson is the active bishop with the longest tenure of service in the AME Church and he is first in the order of precedence among the Council of Bishops. As such, his position occupies a key role in the polity and practice of the AME Church. St. John AME was truly blessed to have Senior Bishop Richardson celebrate with the congregation on this special occasion.

Dr. Pamela Whitehead welcomed parishioners to the service, extending thanks to those online and in person. Dr. Whitehead established celebratory protocol and provided the weekly announcements to kick-start the festive occasion.

Pastor Maurice Wright II, senior pastor, St. John AME, took the service into high gear reminding everyone how blessed we are to be in the presence of the Lord and asking each person to “give God some praise” followed by the leading of a rousing rendition of “Praise Him.” Pastor Wright II continued within the order of service by leading the Doxology.

Presiding Elder Bruce W. Hunter, 9th AME District, South Birmingham-Huntsville-Bessemer District, graced St. John AME with his presence and was on program, leading the “Call to Worship,” providing leadership and active engagement throughout the service, then leading the Hymn of Praise, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” from The AME Hymnal. Brother Reginald Pearson, St. John AME minister of music, provided musical direction.

A powerful and heart-felt Invocation was led by Presiding Elder (ret.)

Oliver Allen, Jr., followed by the singing of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” as a very moving prayer response.

Both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures for the anniversary service were read by two new

ministers who became part of the St. John family in 2022. Reverend Arthur Washington, itinerant elder, St. John AME, read from the 16th number of the Psalms, verses 5-6.

This scripture reminds saints that, “The Lord is our portion and a cup of blessings, who holds our futures.”

It is a very present reminder that the Lord is enough, he is always with us, he will provide for us, he has been with us throughout the existence of the AME Church and through him we will prosper in the Lord.

for her significant and extensive contributions in the fight for civil rights in the south, specifically in the state of Alabama. As a proud graduate of Alabama A&M University, Deaconess Barnes-Ivery was a career educator and also served

Dr. Raziq Yaqub read the New Testament scripture, taken from 2 Corinthians 4:18. This is such a powerful text that informs the believer to be aware of their gaze and what is drawing the attention of the saints.

Paul recognizes that the outward man is perishing (verse 16) but by faith he sees more than the outward and more than the present. We must clearly see temporary things in the light and through the lens of the eternal. Brother Hodges Washington, St. John AME Lay Ministry president, read the Founder’s Day Litany, written by former AME bishop and civil rights activist, Bishop John H. Adams.

alongside many luminaries within the Civil Rights Movement, being hand-picked to support vital administrative functions for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Reverend Ralph Abernathy, and other pillars in the battle for civil rights.

The legendary and esteemed Fannie Lou Hamer was recognized for her lifelong contributions in the fight for civil rights and voting rights, starting as a young adult in Montgomery County, Mississippi as a member of the Student NonViolent Coordinating Committee. Ms. Hamer became a revered community organizer, coining the phrase, “We are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Ms. Hamer, though under constant surveillance and threats of violence, led groups of people to register to vote, eventually running for state offices in Mississippi. Ms. Hamer, through her tireless sacrifices, is black history.

Following the Litany, the St. John AME choir ministered through music, with Sister Lula Rochelle leading a stirring rendition of “I Am Blessed.” The soulful and spiritual sounds from the choir had the congregation on their feet, praising the Lord through song, hand claps of praise, and an abundance of “Hallelujahs.”

Sister Joy Wright provided a very inspirational “Moment in Black History” by recognizing two prominent figures, representing the AME Church with a focus on serving in the struggle for the civil rights of black Americans and in black communities throughout the south and the country.

After moments in black history, the Christian Education Department blessed the celebration through dance, performing a powerful rendition to Bishop Cortez Vaughn’s “You Deserve It.” The symmetry of

St. John AME Deaconess Earnestine Barnes-Ivery was recognized 11

the Praise Dancers was astounding and reflected the tremendous amounts of practice and sacrifice of personal time in the name of giving God the glory through Christian Arts and Education.

An hour into the Founder’s Day celebration and the energy within the sanctuary continued to build, leading into the first live children’s message in almost three years. What a blessing to have the youth of St. John AME back in the sanctuary.

Dr. Thalia Love provided leadership to the aged 12 and under youth with a message built upon the game, “Follow the Leader.” Dr. Love impressed upon the young people the differences in following good leaders, as opposed to bad leaders. Supporting scripture was used to impart the significance of following leaders that set a good example, specifically highlighting the book of Exodus, chapter 23, verse 2, which informs us that we should not follow leaders into wrong doing.

Understanding the energy in the room as the youth were being taught, Dr. Love also reminded ...continued on p20

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Celebrating The New President-Rev. Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley Rev. Dr. Ayisha Benham

Please celebrate with our community, the installation of the Reverend Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley as the sixth president of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Dr. Goatley is the first black president in Fuller’s 75-year history. Prior to Dr. Goatley‘s appointment, he served at The Divinity School at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina as associate dean for Academic and Vocational Formation, professor of Theology and Christian Ministry, and director of the Office of Black Church Studies.

Dr. Goatley preached on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at the morning worship service at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in San Francisco, California where the Reverend Robert Shaw is pastor.

St. Paul AME Church in Berkley, California along with pastor and dean the Rev. Anthony Hughes hosted an afternoon reception in Dr. Goatley’s honor. Both events were well attended by clergy, seminary presidents and deans, and various ministerial and community groups.

First AME Church (Oakland, Bethel SF L-R: Rev. Dr. Goatley, President of St. Paul L-R: Rev. Dr. Goatley, President California) pastor, Dr. Rodney FullerTheological Seminary; Rev. Ann Champion of Fuller Theological Seminary; Rev. Dr. Smith, was originally scheduled to Shaw, Exec. Pastor; Rev. Robert Shaw, Senior Charlotte Myers, NorCal and NorNV President of Church Women United; Rev. host President Dr. Goatley, but due to Pastor, Bethel AMEC, San Francisco.

FAME’s devastating fire, Bethel AME Church in San Francisco stepped in as the “Ram in the Anthony Hughes, Pastor, St Paul AMEC; Berkeley School of Theology.

Bush.”

Additional sponsors were the California Conference AME Board of Examiners and AME Fuller alumni. ❏ ❏ ❏

Rescuer Or Ridiculer?

Pastor Debra A. Whitlock Lax

Lenny Skutnick stood on the sidelines with everyone else, watching the rescuers of a plane crash. Seventy-four people lost their lives on January 13, 1982. Skutnick, 28 years old, witnessed a stewardess struggling to survive. Injured, tired, and nearly dead, she had no energy to hold on to the lifelines thrown at her. Skutnick jumped to her rescue and navigated her to the lifeline thrown from the helicopter. When questioned about his motivation for risking life and limb to save someone he did not know, he said he did not think about it. Somebody had to go in the water.

How often do people stand on their lofty proverbial balcony or bridge and watch as their church sinks and closes its doors? It is easy to stand on the sidelines, grumbling, gawking, and gossiping. However, gropers rarely find the light switch in the dark because they choose not to walk with God–the True Light.

The Ouch. Steer clear from Jonahlike spirits who reluctantly serve with an agenda of seeing failure and destruction (Book of Jonah).

Stay clear of the rebellion of the company of Korah (Numbers 26:9-10; 27:3), who sowed division against God’s leadership, rebelliously contending with the Lord urging others to join them on the sidelines. Remember to help rather than hinder the work of saving lives. Be a selfless, rescuer clergy helper.

1) How many people walked by not wanting to get involved but shook their heads? A charge to keep beyond the grave.

2) How many “good folks” gawked, grimaced, and gossiped about the plane’s demise?

3) Who were the accusers, blamers, and critiques - the “know-it-alls” who wagged their fingers, giving an opinion of what should be done or how they would do it but never lifting a finger to help?

4) Who would be the brave soul to jump in the frigid water believing that they might make a difference and be willing to lose their life trying to save at least one person?

The Amen. Pastors are like the helicopter pilot dropping ropes of hope — the True Lifeline–the Good News of Christ and God’s salvific promise. Dying people are not called to hang on to the pilot (aka the pastor); we are to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. God

Lenny Skutnick took action to save a soul. He did not attempt to change the helicopter pilot’s way of doing things or instruct people in the life rafts on how best to pull people from the Potomac. Instead, he jumped in to lead the dying woman to the lifeline. He did what he could to help the helicopter pilot save people from death.

12

commands us to hold on to Jesus Christ. Pastors need selfless clergy helpers and rescuers to jump into the proverbial waters to help those in the church and its community to hang on to Jesus Christ. Thank God for church members who are like Lenny Skutnick. Faithful church members put their personal feelings and attitudes aside and jump in and help. They realize it is not about them, the pilot, or the boat rescuers – it is about saving lives. I am thankful for the “rescuers” of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (in Sparks) who engage in ministry and save souls.

Choose The Amen and help grow your church by sharing the gospel. ❏❏❏

APRIL 2023

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ECUMENICAL NEWS

God Sees Me: A Testament To Women’s History Month Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children… 3Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her slave, and gave her to her husband Abram as a wife… “Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she ran away from her…7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness,...11 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Now you have conceived and shall bear a son; you shall call him Ishmael, for the Lord, has given heed to your affliction.”

Genesis 16:1, 3, 6-7, 11 1

In 1963, Mahalia Jackson, the great American gospel songstress of African descent, sang these words in the song “Somebody Bigger Than You and I”: (God) He lights the way have now seen the One who sees me.” of the economy earn less than men, and When the road is long girls are pulled out of school to work or So, who are the angels today? Do we see the He keeps you company to marry.” women described in the Hunger Report? Do With his love to guide you Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate we see pregnant women of Africa and African He walks beside you descent who have some of the highest mortality the resilience, resistance, and resolve of women Just like he walks with me rates today? The Centers for Disease Control like Hagar, an African woman whom Sarai and This song is a testimony of African women Abram enslaved. During her enslavement, and Prevention (CDC) says black women consistently have the highest maternal mortality and women of African descent who have Sarai demanded that Hagar become pregnant rate in the United States. In 2020, the rate rose survived and thrived despite gender and by Abram—without Hagar’s consent. This racial discrimination. In 2015, Bread for the demand was also normative for black women from 44 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 55.3, the second biggest increase of any racial or World’s Annual Hunger Report pointed to the in the United States and the Caribbean during ethnic group, behind Hispanic women. the enslavement and sharecropping periods. continuing inequity that women face: Bread for the World does see women of Africa “Discrimination against women is a major But despite the sexual assaults by their and of African descent. Our lens of nutrition, cause of persistent hunger. Discrimination enslavers—who did not see the humanity and equity, and sustainability promotes life with and is reprehensible and makes the effort to dignity of Hagar and other black women— for black women. One mechanism for achieving end global hunger much more difficult. In these women were often courageous and found this is through the farm bill, which is up for developing countries, most women work opportunities to exercise their agency. Hagar reauthorization this year. Please visit Bread for in subsistence farming, the backbone left her enslavers and lived in the wilderness. the World’s Offering of Letters web page to learn of local food security. Discrimination Women of African descent, like Harriet more about advocating for the farm bill. is why women farmers labor with fewer Tubman, did the same. But oral traditions and Angelique Walker-Smith is a senior associate productive resources than their male the Bible tell us the angel of the Lord still found for Pan-African and Orthodox Church counterparts, why women in all sectors them! Like Hagar, many could and do say: “I engagement at Bread for the World. ...From Samuel DeWitt p1

the /imago dei/. And if there is any body of people keeping the hope of that history alive, it is the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference. After two years of prayerdemic and virtual conference gatherings, the organization declared that “the streetlights are on, and it’s time to return home.” A home that, according to Jamar Boyd, senior manager of organizational impact, “has, since its inception, sought to reclaim the Afro-canity and centricity of Christianity and the gospel. Engaging the global epicenters of equity, economics, and communal experiences through education, advocacy, and activism, we aim to create sustainable futures for people of African descent.”

The conference convened in person in Atlanta, Georgia, from February 20-23, 2023, for the first time since February 2020. And as it has for the last 20 years, some of the most prolific voices of our generation called out to faith leaders across the nation and diaspora to gather around the table for the leading clergy and lay leadership conference of the Black Church. For so many, “this served as a sort of reunion and opportunity to witness how we’ve all morphed, transitioned (some have literally made gender-affirming transitions), and become,” noted Racquel Gill.

Across generations, hundreds of attendees gathered for the opening worship service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Reverend Dr. Raphael Warnock is the pastor. In true Black Church nature, protocols were established by a roster of honorable guests, and a two-and-ahalf-hour celebration that set the tone for spiritual renewal was underway. The centering word from the tag-team duo of the Reverend Dr. Teresa Fry-Brown and the Reverend Dr. Brandon Crowley emphasized the necessity of intergenerational relationships, mentorship, and succession planning if our churches and communities are “to be” in the future. The subsequent workshops and meditation moments provided resources, networks, and practical tools for living, growing, and thriving in our being.

Each day began with an 8 am dining at the table of meditation, complete with spirited praise and worship and a sermonic moment upon which to hang our meditative reflections. The first sermon preached by the Rev. Joshua Mitchell built upon the theme “Where Future Meets Legacy,” encouraging listeners to “confront the terrifying truths” of our calling and purpose, even if it must be a path not laid by those before us. Similarly, each evening ended with a tag-team sermon that 13

not only called us home to the self and to our communal roots but also called us to create a world of healing, safety, and protection for the most vulnerable members of our community.

The Reverend Dr. Gina Stewart preached the final word of celebration, encouraging listeners to “Thank God for the midwives who have worked behind the scene to ensure that we live beyond it.” This is our legacy, “celebrate with me that every day something has tried to kill me–racism, sexism, classism, ableism, etc., and has failed.”

The offered sessions comprehensively aligned with the overarching theme and were categorized as follows: Ableism, African spirituality, gender, theoethics, tech, Afrofuturism, health, and womanism. Diverse panels of the best and brightest voices in their respective field led the panels. One of whom, a leading pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. William H. Lamar IV, encouraged listeners to enter into stillness and “ask the future what it might be teaching us, even as we remember that if we want a future, we must tend to the soil of our history.” For the Reverend Dr. Heber Brown of Baltimore, Maryland, it is our moral and livelihood imperative to “find a way back to the soil because who controls our food ...continued on p20

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Department Of Church Growth And Evangelism Hosts 35th Annual Church Growth And Development Seminar From January 23-26, 2023, the hundreds of clergy and laity from across the Connectional Church gathered in Nashville, Tennessee under the theme “Church 2.0”. Under the leadership of Church Growth and Development Commission Chair Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, executive director of Church Growth and Development Dr. Marcellus Norris, and Seminar Dean Dr. Virgil Woods. Seminar topics addressed a variety of topics including economic development, mental health, digital evangelism, and worship arts and artists. For more information on how to access recordings and resources from the meeting visit amechurchgrowth.org. ❏ ❏ ❏

...continued on p15

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...From Department p14

...From Charity Golf p1

gratifying. It was the right thing to do; it is a continuing recognition of the respect and admiration the Tenth District has for the McKenzie name and the legacy of their ministry here in Texas.”

Bishop McKenzie took the time to thank the TenthFuture, Inc. Board of Directors for continuing the great work inspired and championed by the late Dr. Stan McKenzie and noted “that if he were here, he would say ‘don’t do this.’”

Bishop McKenzie and Bishop Richardson each teed off and sank the first putt, sending golfers scurrying to their carts, indicating the tournament’s shotgun start.

The Dr. Stan McKenzie Classic Golf Tournament is a fundraiser of TenthFuture, Inc., a 501(c)(3) sponsored by the Tenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The proceeds from the annual golf tournament are used to provide student scholarships at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas; provide theological scholarships for clergy enrolled in seminary and support the work of community organizations in the state of Texas. Additional information on TenthFuture, Inc., and the Dr. Stan McKenzie Classic Golf Tournament is available at www.tenthfuture.org. ❏ ❏ ❏ 15

APRIL 2023

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The Methodist Doctrine Of The Open Table Rev. Dr. James A. Keeton, Jr., Contributing Writer

When he was running for president of the United States several years ago, President Joe Biden worshiped with us at Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. In the preliminary meetings leading up to his visit, we discussed his security plan, his addressing the congregation, and the local politicians accompanying him to the church. The last thing that his campaign manager told me was that they would be coming to Morris Brown AME Church on the first Sunday. He went on to say that President Biden is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. He asked me if it would be permissible if President Biden would come to the altar and receive a blessing instead of receiving the elements of Holy Communion. I agreed to this request.

That worship experience reminds me of the

Eastern Orthodox. Some congregations also

faith, and take this Holy Sacrament to your

Methodist doctrine of the “Open Table.”

practice closed communion in the Free Church

comfort, and make your humble confession to

This concept of the Open Table means that

Tradition. With these congregations being

Almighty God meekly kneeling on your knees.”

all Christian believers are invited to come to

a part of the Free Church Tradition, it is left

the communion table and participate in the

to the local congregation to determine their

sacrament of Holy Communion. Unfortunately,

doctrinal understanding of Holy Communion.

most Christian believers do not embrace this

Consequently, the invitation to the table depends on four factors. First, we invite those to participate in the sacrament who genuinely

On the contrary, the concept of the Open

repent of their sins. Second, we invite those who

Table derives from John Wesley, the founder

have a loving relationship with their neighbors.

of Methodism. Randy Maddox says, “The

Third, we invite those who intend to lead a

only initial requirement of the [communion]

new life by following God’s commandments.

recipient was a desire to receive God’s grace and

Finally, we invite those who intend to walk in

to live in faithful response, not some prior fitness

the holy ways of the Lord. Additionally, The

or assurance” (Randy Maddox, Responsible

Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist

Grace). This requirement corresponds to the

Episcopal Church (2021) reads, “No person who

only

Methodist doctrine that God extends grace to

is guilty of any practice for which we would

commune with other Roman Catholics, and

us through the elements of Holy Communion.

exclude a member from our Church shall be

Eastern Orthod Orthodox only communion with other

Methodists believe that when we come to the

admitted to the Supper.”

doctrine of the Open Table. For example, both Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox have closed communion. Closed communion is a term that describes the tradition of restricting elements of the Lord’s Supper to members of certain denominations, particular churches, and congregations.

Consequently,

Roman

Catholics

communion table, Jesus Christ is our host. Only ...From A Charge p16

by his invitation can we come and participate in this holiest of meals.

These requirements come from the desire to protect those coming to the table with the wrong desires in their hearts. We understand that participating in the sacrament is nothing to be taken lightly. It is this understanding that

Even though we embrace

contributes to us having Love Feast. Love Feast

the doctrine of the Open

is not a sacrament, but it spiritually prepares us

Table, regarding other

to be in the right relationship with God and our

denominations

and

neighbors before coming to the communion

congregations, there are

table. There used to be a requirement in

requirements for those

the AME Church that someone must have

we invite to the table.

a ticket from their class leader attesting to

The Solicitation in our

their participation in Love Feast before being

Communion

Liturgy

allowed to receive the Lord’s Supper. The

reads, “You that do truly

doctrine of the Open Table continues to be a

and earnestly repent of

foundational tenet of Methodism. It does not

your sins, and are in love

mean we are open to behaviors contrary to the

and charity with your

Christian faith. Still, we embrace sharing the

neighbor, and intend to

table with other Christian brothers and sisters

lead a new life, following

regardless of their denomination or particular

the commandments of

congregation.

God, and walking from

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

henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with 16

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THE BISHOP SARAH FRANCES DAVIS COVENANT KEEPERS AND INTERCESSORS

STILL GOOD NEWS: “It Is Time For Rebooting” Dr. Valeria Eloby-Slade

The World Methodist Organization headquarters affirms that our world is dramatically different from a decade ago. It often appears that the world is less connected to faith and meaningful engagement with the church or respect for humankind. How can we make a difference or have a meaningful impact upon this re-connection in a tangible manner? In addition to a true and real-time SWOT analysis of every district, conference, and local organization within our Connectional church, it is now time for rebooting! How we live and relate to others is at the heart of rebooting.

The prayers, presence, encouragement, and support were extremely prevalent at our 35th Annual Church Growth Conference for 2023.

The theme was Church 2.0: Update, Upgrade, Uplift, and it addressed evangelism and church growth for the 21st century. The general officer and executive director, the Reverend Dr. Marcellus A. Norris, our consultant, Mrs. Anethia T. Norris, and Dr. Norris’ staff truly moved the pendulum to the next level. Church 2.0 was successfully organized by updating the attendees with current and real-time information. The upgrading was delivered by having five outstanding sermons by two

great bishops and three excellent modernday senior trailblazing clergy leaders. The uplifting occurred as General Officer Norris continuously invited all of the on-site attendees and guests to use the anointed prayer chapel, as well as receive prayer from our Bishop Sarah Frances Davis Covenant Keepers and Intercessors. In addition, a few presenters shared a case study on faith sharing and college campus evangelism. It was evident that each presenter had firsthand experience in their area as each shared innovative, thought-provoking, real-life examples, solutions, and applications to evangelism and church growth.

The Bishop Sarah Frances Davis Covenant Keepers and Intercessors extend to each of you a personal invitation to attend our 10th Annual Connectional Day of Prayer. So mark your calendars and save the date for April 13, 2023, to be held virtually and in person in San Antonio, Texas. This gathering will also commemorate the 10th anniversary of inclusion into our book of Doctrine and Discipline and the posthumous transition of Bishop Sarah Frances Davis.

Your Connectional offices will provide further details regarding our 10th Annual Connectional Day of Prayer. ❏ ❏ ❏

CONGRATULATORY Listings

March 2023

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

Congratulations to Master Jacob Cuthbert III, Son of Connectional Boy Scouts Director Dr. Missiouri McPhee, for Successfully Completing the Eagle Board of Review

Jacob is the first black scout from Scout BSA Troop 263 (Markham Woods Presbyterian Church, Lake Mary, FL) to attain the rank of Eagle.

His Eagle Scout Court of Honor is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, 2023 @ 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Sanford, FL. Jacob is the son of Connectional Boy Scouts director, Dr. Missiouri McPhee. He is a member of Saint Mark AME Church, Orlando.

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, Master Jacob Cuthbert III successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review, elevating him to the rank of Eagle with the Boy Scouts of America. Jacob’s Eagle Scout Project was completed in the Historic Page Jackson Cemetery, Sanford, FL on behalf of the Goldsboro Museum. Page-Jackson Cemetery is land that was donated to the black people in Sanford, FL by a white philanthropist to bury their dead in 1830. The state of Florida confiscated the land from the blacks in 1917 by authority granted under the Jim Crow laws (1877-1960s) .... blacks could not own land. The state of Florida kept the land for over 100 years. In that century, the land went unkept. A small portion of the land sits in the city of Sanford and is landscaped. The rest of it is overgrown with vegetation and trees so much so that headstones were not visible, and it was unsafe to visit loved ones buried there. It is approximated that over 3,000 (no one knows the exact number) are buried there including former slaves, African American Civil War, WWI and WWII veterans, founders of the towns of Eatonville and Goldsboro, relatives of Zora Neal Hurston’s, and Ebony photographer, Willie Brown.

Congratulatory expressions can be sent to: Jacob Cuthbert III c/o PO Box 169 Sanford, FL 32772 Email: missiouri.mcphee@gmail.com Congratulations to Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Pastor of Bethel AMEC Baton Rouge, Who Has Qualified for Third Senior Games and Will Represent the State of Louisiana in Pittsburgh Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has qualified for his third Senior Games and will represent the state of Louisiana in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in swimming. Dr. Kelly is a nine-time state champion in the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and 100 IM. Presently, he ranked 14 and 15 in the nation in his age group.

Jacob, with the guidance of Mr. Harold Goshe of Red Earth Corporation, led a crew over the course of 4 weekends to build an outdoor information center as well as to clean and clear a portion of the cemetery. Jacob has brokered a partnership between the presiding elders of the Central Annual Conference (the Revs. Henry L. Postell II, Milton Broomfield, and Lorenzo Laws) and the Goldsboro Museum to complete quarterly cleanups in the cemetery until July 2024. Jacob’s efforts to retore dignity to this sacred ground has been highlighted by The Sanford Herald (Nov. 20, 2022).

He is a member of Crawfish Aquatics Swim Team. A former high school swimmer and a former member of The Legendary Morehouse Tigersharks, the water called him back into competition due to health concerns and by the encouragement of his family. In addition to training for competition, Pastor Kelly teaches private swimming lessons to underserved youth in the community. He also organized The James Haines Swimming Ministry of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where over 70 youth have been served. He is ...continued on p18

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Congratulations tobRev. Dr. Lorenzo and April Neal Who Were United in Holy Matrimony

also an adjunct instructor in African and African American Studies at LSU and in the Arts and Human Sciences. He is a certified American Red Cross lifeguard and CPR/ADA recipient. Dr. Kelly’s first Senior Games was in 2019, Albuquerque, New Mexico; he finished 22 and 18 in the nation. In 2022 he competed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and finished 14 and 15 in two events.

Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Lorenzo and April Neal who were united in holy matrimony on March 11, 2023 at New Bethel AME Church in Jackson, MS. Dr. Neal is the pastor of New Bethel and April is the YPD director for the North Mississippi Conference of the 8th Episcopal District.

Submitted by: The Eighth Episcopal District AMEC 5450 Executive Place Jackson, MS 39206

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

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

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV) To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center: Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC

NECROLOGY Listings

March 2023

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

The Reverend Amelia Ann Eddy, local elder in the New England Annual Conference of the First Episcopal District; the wife of the Reverend Herbert L. Eddy, retired presiding elder of the Boston Hartford District, and former president of the First Episcopal District Presiding Elders’ Council Mr. Errol Anthony, father of the Reverend Dr. Wayne Anthony, presiding elder in the Windward Islands Annual Conference of the Sixteenth Episcopal District Mr. Phemelo Qwane Makiti, the beloved firstborn son of the president of the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Matikane Abednego Makiti and Mrs. Mma Mohau Cynthia Makiti Mrs. Barbara Barnes Washington, age 92, of Bowie, Maryland, the mother of the Reverend Rodney Barnes, pastor of Dickerson AME Church, Frostburg, Maryland, Washington Conference, Second Episcopal District Sister Shelley Fern Hodges, age 60, the only niece of Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram (retired) and beloved niece-

in-law of Supervisor Jessica Kendall Ingram, supervisor (retired)

District of the AME Church The Reverend Eleanor Douglas Dawson, an itinerant elder in the Western New York Annual Conference, and the former pastor of St. James AME Church in New York Mills, New York, First Episcopal District

The Reverend Dr. David Ulysses Rhone, Sr., a pastor in the Eleventh Episcopal District for over 45 years and the father of the Reverend Dr. David B. Rhone, Jr., presiding elder of the South Atlanta District of the Sixth Episcopal District; and husband of Sister Ruth Bell Rhone, Panama City, Florida

Sister Patrice Bryant China, the former Columbia Conference Christian DebutanteMaster commissioner and the spouse of the Reverend Adam L. China, pastor of Flat Rock African Methodist Episcopal Church, Abbeville-Greenwood District, Piedmont Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Mr. Royster Jones, Jr., the brother of the Reverend Sherry Miller, itinerant elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference of the Thirteenth Episcopal District The Reverend Willie L. Arnold, Sr., the brother of the Reverend Dr. Brenda Arnold-Scott, pastor of Mt. Calvary AME Church, Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District

The Reverend Beryl Yvette Days, was a member of Macedonia AME Church, Flushing, New York, where she served as a local elder and superintendent of the church school and Bible study instructor; the daughter of the late Reverend John B. and Rebecca Days, First Episcopal District

Deacon James A. Field, the father of the Reverend Lorraine Fields Bradley, an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, pastor of Bethel (Summerville) African Methodist Episcopal Church, Charleston District, South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal

Presiding Elder Manuel Esteves Sarmento, age 52 years, an itinerant elder for 33 years in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the 18

administrative assistant to the bishop in the Angola Annual Conference in the Fifteenth Episcopal District and presiding elder of the Guanza Sul District The Reverend Michael K. King, the pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Mt. Pleasant, Texas, Greater Dallas District of the North Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District Presiding Elder James H. Phillips, retired, of the Texas Conference, elected to the General Board of the AME Church from 1992-1996, and served in 1998, elected treasurer of the Presiding Elder’s Council of the Tenth Episcopal District and was also elected treasurer of the Presiding Elder’s Connectional Council The Reverend Clarence A. Martin, retired itinerant elder in the Philadelphia Annual Conference of the First Episcopal District, husband of the late Reverend Eva Joyce Martin, the father of Kevin and Bryant Martin and the father-in-law of the Reverend Tiffany Lett Martin, pastor of Bethel AMEC West Chester, PA, and Deidre Martin Mrs. Clara Bell

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Burnett, the widow of the late Reverend William Burnett, they were married for over 46 years and served together

The Christian Recorder Sister Ethel Marie Wallace Jenkins, who served the Lay Organization on all level; local and conference; served as the Episcopal district director

in pastoral ministry at many AME churches over the state of Texas and retired in the Northwest Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District

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of Lay Activities, on the Connectional level as first vice president and director of Lay Activities; and as a member of the AMEC General Board

Condolences to the bereaved are expressed on behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder, Dr. John Thomas III. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRSV) To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC ...From St. John p11 the

congregation of church school each Sunday morning, using AME Founder Richard Allen’s desire and want to have a church where you could learn and lead. The congregation as a whole was instructed that Leviticus 22:31 reminds us to “Keep God’s commands and follow them” and Leviticus 19:37 reminds us to “obey God’s rules and follow him.”

area where many states are implementing laws prohibiting the teaching of black history. As such, a history lesson on Richard Allen was provided for everyone.

Richard Allen’s legacy included his being an entrepreneur, with President George Washington as one of his many clients. The key points of the message were Richard Allen’s concern for human suffering, his ability to minister to those in need, and to preach to everyone within the sound of his voice. His resume was sterling, yet he maintained a hunger to serve and make life better for his people, which all can emulate. His legacy of influencing twenty-two Historical Black Colleges and Universities at their inception and his history of championing civil rights are beyond reproach. Senior Bishop Richardson pressed upon those present that Richard Allen was a blessing to all, and that AME’s should give God the glory for all that he authored within the AME Church.

For the main event of the service, Pastor Wright II introduced Senior Bishop Richardson, telling the congregation that Senior Bishop Richardson “has served the church with class and distinction.”

A favorite hymn of the Senior Bishop, “How Great the Wisdom,” was sung as the sermonic hymn.

Ephesians 4:11-12 was the scripture on which the sermon was based, specifically calling upon the talents of those called into ministry. The subject was “The Spiritual Legacy of Richard Allen.” Senior Bishop Richardson reflected on the watering down of black history month, particularly in an

What a wonderful message to support Founder’s Day and to support black history month. What a Fellowship! What a joy divine! Leaning on the everlasting arm! Happy Founder’s Day! ❏ ❏ ❏

...From Samuel DeWitt p13 controls

Dr. Itihari Toure, “This is D only the beginning. We are on ever-seeking and ever-growing ever erin our jjourney.”

us.” The two perspectives hold the city and southern voices of both ancestral presence and future legacy in tandem. In just four days, the convening served as a crucible of justice, culture, intellect, and spirituality that transformed all open to fresh revelation.

Proctor Conference serves as our The Procto clarion call. “The “T streetlights are on, and we’ve w e’ve made it back bac home. Wash yourself off.

Wash Was sh off the grief of black bodies, the stench off oppression, the iinability to trust one another– i th wash off those smells of outside. Come on home and call one another by name so we always know where home is. And you safeguard home with all that you have. Safeguard Proctor. Make it good for trans, poor, women, black people. Call one another by name and declare, ‘I am a link in this chain, and the chain will not break with me.’”

Understanding the brevity of the content and its possible impact on individuals, a meditation room was set up for reprieve throughout the day. It was indeed a model for holistic care in the midst of our necessary work. In addition to the space, hosts of the African spirituality session offered a word-of-mouth, open-invitation gathering that became a four-hour deliverance service. Having learned at the feet of the elders, session attendees had an opportunity to gather ‘round the altar of African traditional religion for practical application–a place of refuge, tears, shared stories, and prayer. In the words of Mama

You can support the ongoing work of the conference via the website at https://sdpconference.info/legacy-fund/ ❏ ❏ ❏ 20

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EDITORIAL

AI And The Pulpit Technology has been a game-changer for sharing the Word of God. It has enabled us to reach more people, communicate in new and exciting ways, and help show the power and relevance of the Bible’s message. One of the most recent technological advancements that can positively impact the church is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) language models for sermon writing and preparation.

For those unfamiliar, AI language models are computer programs that can analyze massive amounts of data and generate written or spoken text that sounds just like human speech. This technology can make preparing sermons much easier for pastors and preachers, providing them with suggestions, outlines, and even complete sermons based on the topic of their choice.

Before serving as the president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House, I helped people to write sermons, letters, articles, and book chapters and to develop workshops and conferences. While my work doesn’t allow me to provide these services as much, I have spent much time researching and working with AI language models, and their potential is incredible.

Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin Guest Editorial

While AI language models can be helpful, they also come with a fair share of ethical concerns that we, as Christian leaders, must consider. For one, we risk becoming overly reliant on AI language models and losing touch with the sermon preparation process. Sermon preparation is not just about generating the content but also about connecting with God and our congregation and delivering a message that speaks to their needs and concerns.

Another ethical concern is the risk of plagiarism. Since AI language models can generate content similar to current sermons, we must be cautious and ensure that our content is original and not a copy of someone else’s work. As Christian leaders, we must maintain our reputation and our church’s credibility; plagiarism is not the way to do it.

But, when used responsibly, AI language models can be an excellent tool for pastors and preachers. Here are some tips on how we can use AI language models responsibly and ethically: 1. Use AI language models as a tool, not a sermon preparation replacement. It is essential to remember that seeking God’s guidance and inspiration is just as vital to sermon preparation as generating content.

2. Ensure that our sermons retain our unique voice and style. Artificial Intelligence language models can help us generate ideas and content, but we must always use our own voice and style when delivering a sermon. Otherwise, we lose sincerity and authenticity.

3. Take special care to avoid plagiarism. We must check our generated content for originality and avoid using content similar to existing sermons or other materials. We know there is nothing new under the sun, and preachers are famous for ‘appropriating’ material from the sermons of others, but integrity dictates citing sources responsibly.

4. Use AI language models as a supplement to other resources. Preparing a sermon involves more than just generating content. We must also use other resources such as commentaries, prayer, and personal reflection to prepare our sermons.

AI language models are valuable tools for preparing sermons. However, we must use them ethically and responsibly so as not to undermine our spiritual practice and pursuit. We must intentionally maintain our credibility and uniqueness as Christian ministers. Using AI language models as a supplement to other resources and being careful to avoid plagiarism can save time and enhance the quality and relevance of our sermons. ❏ ❏ ❏

...From I’ve Got A Secret p9

keep their secrets secret or risk accidentally releasing “sensitive” information to colleagues, spouses, friends, or family members. Holding on to this 24/7 secret has to take a spiritual, mental, or physical toll.

I have learned through study and practice that most families, regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof), race, class, creed, color, education, or zip code, have secrets. Some family members,

individually or collectively, have invested time and energy (hear pain) protecting secrets like domestic violence, sexual abuse, drug/alcohol use, mental illness, gambling, adultery, unwanted pregnancy, a painful divorce—or a cash windfall not commonly known to family members. When keeping a family secret becomes more important than addressing the issue embedded in the secret, know there may never be growth

or movement—that is the price extracted by the secret.

Funerals are generally a time when family secrets are exposed.

Beloved, some secrets will go to the grave with a person. Other secrets will become known over time—and then some secrets should be shared to freshen the air, open up understanding, create space, or replace not knowing with unexplored options offered by knowledgeable people. It is 24

one thing to be a child gleefully holding on to a secret—it is another thing to be an adult and proclaiming by thought, word, or deed, I’ve got a secret. My Father’s children, is there something you wish to disclose?

For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Luke 8:17 ❏ ❏ ❏