Bishop Lartey’s Letter of Retraction

The Right Reverend Seth O. Lartey

Presiding Bishop for Central Southern Africa Episcopal District

2361 Olivet Church Road

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106

July 6, 2022

Dear Members of the Board of Bishops;

Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied unto each of you.  I trust that this communication will find you in good spirit, mind and body.

The scripture says that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

The purpose of this communication is to comply with the demands of the disciplinary committee and to express my sincere apologies for any direct or indirect action on my part which has led to an atmosphere of disharmony.  On May 30, 2022, I shared a document with the Board of Bishops, which was intended solely for internal purpose.  As a consequence of that document, I wish to retract the following;

1. It was inappropriate to engage in character attacks and traffic unsubstantiated accusations against any bishop, clergy or lay person.
2. It was not proper to broadcast evidence of potential wrongdoings without dealing with it through due process consistent with the Book of Discipline of the A.M.E.Zion Church.
3. By being the Episcopate assigned to the Alabama-Florida Episcopal District and thereby having the responsibility of chairperson for the Board of Trustees for Lomax Hannon which is located therein, I take full responsibility for not properly exercising, monitoring and overseeing closely the finances and funds allocated to Lomax. 
4. I humbly submit to the Board of Bishops in accepting the sanctions consistent with verifiable proof and our church law that the board may choose to impose.

Through this communication I wish to apologize to the broader church for any harm done to anyone through the document of May 30, 2022.  I ask for your forgiveness.  I pray that we can put the past behind us and move on to a realm of peace and unity.

May God bless the Board of Bishops and the A.M.E.Zion Church.

Yours truly,

Seth O. Lartey

Presiding Bishop

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