“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8
With heavy hearts and unwavering resolve, the Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church acknowledges the recent guilty plea of Staccato Powell, a disrobed Bishop in our Church. On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in federal court in Oakland, CA, he admitted under oath that he is guilty of wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy charges related to the misappropriation of church properties across California and other parts of the Western Episcopal District.
These crimes were not only deliberate and deeply deceptive—they were spiritually, ethically, and financially devastating. They betrayed the trust of congregations, caused real harm to our churches, and cast a shadow on the integrity of our Zion Connection and the broader body of Christ. As under shepherds of the Church, we are grieved beyond words by the magnitude of this breach and by the pain it has inflicted upon faithful members, pastors, and entire communities who have labored in love and faith.
Let it be known unequivocally: What occurred under the guise of ecclesiastical authority was not sanctioned by the church and stands in direct violation of the laws of the land, The Doctrine and Discipline of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church 2012 and 2016 Editions and the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The overwhelming vote of the General Conference in 2021, finding Staccato Powell guilty of violation of our church law and disrobing him as a bishop, were a clear demonstration of the severity of his actions.
The deception, forgery, abuse of episcopal authority, and financial exploitation committed in the name of church stewardship are not only unlawful—they are sin. And sin, though forgivable by God, carries consequences. Justice is not antithetical to mercy; in fact, it is an expression of divine order. As stewards of God’s people, we cannot minimize or excuse wrongdoing, especially when that wrongdoing results in reputational, spiritual, and material harm to those we are called to serve.
We acknowledge the profound damage done—not just to the local congregations impacted, and not only to the Western Episcopal District—but to the witness of the Church universal. Trust, once broken, must be carefully and prayerfully rebuilt. We are committed to walking alongside every affected church, providing pastoral care and support to restore stability and ensure transparency. We thank God for those congregations who have remained faithful in the midst of chaos and commend the civil authorities, investigators, and those within our own connection – including your Board of Bishops — who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth.
The A.M.E. Zion Church has always stood on the foundation of faith, justice, and accountability. We are a church of liberation and lifting, of holiness and hope. And though this moment is painful, it is also clarifying. It reaffirms our responsibility as bishops, clergy, and lay leaders to protect the sacred trust given to us. It reminds us that titles do not exempt one from righteousness, and that no position in the church places one above accountability.
To the congregations harmed: We see you. We grieve with you. And we will not rest until your voices are heard, your losses addressed, and your futures secured. To the broader Christian community: We understand the hurt and confusion this brings to the name of the Church. We pledge to do better—not just in practice, but in posture, in humility, and in the vigilance that stewardship demands.
Even in this dark moment, we find guidance in the Gospel. For ours is a God who redeems, who restores, and who always brings light out of darkness. We do not offer shallow platitudes, rather we commit to work towards a path forward—a path rooted in confession, repentance, restitution, shared accountability, and renewal.
We ask our members, partners, and friends across the Connection to continue praying for healing, for justice, and for the restoration of trust. We pray also for Dr. Powell and all others involved—that they might face accountability with honesty and ultimately turn toward true repentance.
Let this be a defining moment not of disgrace, but of decisive action—one that reclaims the moral clarity of our calling and reestablishes our collective commitment to righteousness, truth, and servant leadership.
In the matchless Name of Jesus the Christ, the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls;
The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Bishop Uduak U. Effiong, President of the Board of Bishops
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr., Senior Bishop
Bishop W. Darin Moore
Bishop George D. Crenshaw
Bishop Hilliard K. D. Dogbe
Bishop Brian R. Thompson, Sr.
Bishop Eric Leake
Bishop Daran H. Mitchell
Bishop Anthony N. Witherspoon
Bishop Melanie R. Miller
Bishop Dwayne A. Walker
Bishop Bernardo J. Ngunza
Bishop Seth O. Lartey, Located
Bishop Joseph Johnson, Retired
Bishop Marshall H. Strickland, Retired
Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, Jr., Retired
Bishop George W.C. Walker, Sr., Retired
Bishop Samuel Chuka Ekemam, Sr., Retired
Bishop Warren Matthew Brown, Retired
Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr., Retired
Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Retired
Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, Retired
Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Sr., Retired
Done this the 17th Day of July, 2025
