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During these challenging and uncertain times, Bishop Brian R. Thompson, Sr., President of the Board of Bishops, brings words of strength and hope on behalf of our Senior Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr. and the Board of Bishops. Though we face spiritual and natural battles—economic struggles, injustice, and systems that seem to work against us—we are reminded that our hope remains in Jesus Christ. He has not brought us this far to leave us. Let us stay united, pray fervently, and continue to support one another in love and truth. Remember: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their…

To Our Zion Family, Bishop Walker has always led with vision, faith, and a deep love for the people he serves. Today, he’s opening his heart in a new way—by sharing his personal journey with prostate cancer. In this powerful video, Bishop Walker speaks candidly about his diagnosis, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His desire in sharing this testimony is simple but urgent: to encourage others—especially the men in our community—to prioritize their health, speak up, and take action. This message is not just about illness. It’s about life, faith, family, and the…

“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…

“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7)  To our brothers and sisters across this nation,  With broken hearts and holy anger, we speak today as Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. We are grieving and outraged that once again, violence has defiled the sacred. Just this week, a church in Michigan was turned from a sanctuary of worship into a scene of horror. Lives were taken. Families shattered. A community’s peace destroyed.  This is not an isolated tragedy. From Charleston’s Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church to Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, from…

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Freedom Church, joins millions across this nation in condemning the horrendous murder of Charlie Kirk. Violence is never the answer. It destroys families, communities, and souls. We extend heartfelt sympathy to his wife and their two children as they endure this time of deep grief. May God’s peace surround them. We also recognize that Mr. Kirk identified as a Christian. We do not question his profession of faith, for judgment belongs to God alone. What we can say is that Christian witness is always measured against the standard of love. As the Apostle…

As has been reported in public-facing documents, on July 15, 2025, Dr. Staccato Powell, a disrobed bishop of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (“A.M.E. Zion”), pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. Dr. Powell’s guilty plea resulted from a far-reaching scheme to obtain control of A.M.E. Zion Church properties in California using false statements, forged documents, concealment, and deception. His scheme resulted in Dr. Powell pleading guilty to the criminal offenses brought against him, as well as agreeing to…

This September, during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are reminded that every moment matters and every life is precious. Join us as Bishop Melanie Rogers Miller shares a powerful and heartfelt message titled “Five More Minutes”—a reminder that hope is never lost and God’s love is always present. The A.M.E. Zion Church stands with you, encouraging strength, faith, and perseverance. Hold on. Choose life. Choose hope. #AMEZion https://www.facebook.com/share/v/178wfwpuXC

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…

“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…