The A.M.E. Zion Church Cautions Endorsements of Political Candidates: Calls for Collective Clarity and Non-Endorsements
“Watch out that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.” – Colossians 2 : 8 – 10 (NRSVue)
Standing firm on our over 219 years of history, The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has been recognized as “The Freedom Church,” with a distinguished history of advocacy and action promoting social justice and the liberation of oppressed individuals.
The A.M.E. Zion Church has never needed any edict from any government body to handle our spiritual, cultural, political and economic business. We don’t need it now.
The recent reversal of the prohibition against religious organizations endorsing political candidates raises significant concerns. It introduces the possibility for particular political agendas, ideologies, and partisanship to influence elections and potentially enable the passage of unjust legislation.
This development is also problematic as it compromises the sanctity of the pulpit, a place reserved for prophetic preaching and “Speaking Truth to Power” by risking the misrepresentation or undue endorsement of political candidates whose positions may not reflect scriptural principles or the collective well-being of all people.
Subsequently, the Board of Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church urges all clergy and laity to refrain from endorsing any political candidates within church sanctuaries or pulpits across our denomination.
We support open dialogue regarding current and prospective political candidates to ensure that church members are informed about the merits and drawbacks of those running for office. We encourage all episcopal areas, denominational departments, conferences, districts, and local ministries to transparently address issues concerning injustice, political agendas, and inequitable laws, and to work actively towards fulfilling the prophetic vision of Amos: “But let justice roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24 NRSVue).
We further encourage both clergy and laity to engage with social justice organizations affiliated with our denomination, as well as with nonprofit entities, businesses, and religious institutions dedicated to serving communities ethically and compassionately.
We, as not only a church body but also as constituents and participants of communities across the country, call upon our elected representatives to safeguard the rights and freedoms of religious institutions, enabling them to function without fear of unjust persecution.
Members of The A.M.E. Zion Church are encouraged to communicate with their legislators to express opposition to this law. We additionally urge our community in all episcopal areas, annual conferences, districts, and churches to assemble peacefully, join ecumenical partners, and take a unified stand against injustice nationwide.
We express solidarity with individuals of all faiths, ethnic backgrounds, and political affiliations who are committed to justice, transformational leadership, and peace.
Continued prayers are requested for the Board of Bishops as we seek divine guidance and consult with experts in tax and church law to aid our deliberations on this matter. The Board will issue further guidance and instructions as new developments arise in these crucial times.
May our collective prayers and steadfast faith be matched by purposeful and sustained action.
Sincerely,
The Board of Bishops
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
This 14th Day of August, in the Year of Our Lord 2025
The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Bishop Brian R. Thompson, Sr., President
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Senior Bishop
Bishop W. Darin Moore
Bishop George D. Crenshaw
Bishop Hilliard Dogbe
Bishop U.U. Effiong
Bishop Eric L. Leake
Bishop Daran H. Mitchell
Bishop Anthony N. Witherspoon
Bishop Melanie Miller
Bishop Dwayne A. Walker
Bishop Bernando 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 S. Chuka Ekeman, Retired
Bishop Warren M. Brown, Retired
Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Retired
Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, Retired
Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Sr., Retired
