“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
– (1 Corinthians 16:13–14)
To Our Beloved Zion Family:
We write with heavy hearts in light of the violence that has once again struck our land. A church in Michigan was turned into a place of mourning. Public servants in Pennsylvania and Minnesota have been attacked. And our schools continue to carry the trauma of shootings that traumatize children and communities. These events grieve the Spirit and burden us all.
As Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, we are reminded of the Apostle Paul’s counsel: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Evil has shown its face through hatred and violence, but our calling is to stand in the strength of Christ and to be vigilant in protecting His people.
We therefore urge every pastor and congregation to prayerfully examine and update their church safety protocols. Make sure your leaders, ushers, trustees, and stewards know what to do in a crisis. Work together with local officials where appropriate. Let every sanctuary be not only a place of spiritual refuge but also a place where people can worship without fear.
This does not mean we live in panic. Our hope remains in God, who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Yet faith and wisdom walk hand in hand. Just as Joseph prepared Egypt for famine, and Nehemiah stationed guards at the wall, we too must act with foresight, trusting that God honors preparation as well as prayer.
Finally, let us model a different spirit in this divided age. While the rhetoric around us grows harsh, let Zion’s witness be one of grace and truth. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus declared, “for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). May our words and deeds bring peace in a world starved for it.
We assure you that your Board of Bishops is praying for you and with you. May the Lord keep Zion strong, united, and steadfast until that day when “they shall beat their swords into plowshares” and we study war no more (Isaiah 2:4).
Sincerely,
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
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