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A Statement from Bishop Starnes of The Piedmont Episcopal District: Monetary Relief for Jamaica

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As you are aware, our brothers and sisters in Jamaica have experienced severe hardship and devastation as a result of the recent natural disaster from Hurricane Melissa that struck the island on October 28, 2025. Many have lost homes, possessions, and access to basic necessities. In times like these, The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has always demonstrated compassion, generosity, and unity by standing together to uplift those in need. We have spoken with many of the leaders of the Cornwall, Middlesex, and…

Dr. Lisa Moore, Appointed Director of Music Ministry for The A.M.E. Zion Church

Charlotte, NC November 30, 2023 – The Board of Bishops is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Lisa Moore as the new Director of Music Ministry for The African Methodist Episcopal Zion (A.M.E. Zion) Church. A highly accomplished and esteemed psalmist and music director, Dr. Moore brings a wealth of experience and passion for music ministry to her role. The Board of Bishops recognizes her exceptional talent and dedication, making her a valuable asset to The A.M.E. Zion Church’s vibrant musical tradition. Dr. Lisa Moore is a resident of Jackson, Mississippi, where she was reared under the velvet and…

Board of Bishops Statement On Affirmative Action

In a stark reminder that elections have real-life consequences, the three justices named to the Supreme Court by Donald Trump have joined three other Republican-nominated justices to issue a ruling that strikes down Affirmative Action, which was a key achievement of the Civil Rights Movement. The monumental implications of this decision are broad, deep, and devastating. After more than 400 years of racial terrorism and stratification of human worth, the Supreme Court has determined that just 40 years of Affirmative Action initiatives have been sufficient to remediate the systemic racism that has acted as shackles on the potential of our…

Board of Bishops Statement upon the Death of Harry Belafonte

Official Statement from the Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Upon the Death of Harry Belafonte The Board of Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church join with the global voices lamenting the death and celebrating the life of Harry Belafonte, a human rights, social justice, and entertainment icon who used his platform to lift others, confront racism, and advance the causes of freedom and equality. Harry Belafonte’s courage, commitment, compassion, and charisma combined to make him one of the most consequential celebrity activists during the Civil Rights era and beyond. Without seeking attention, he raised money…

Board of Bishops Statement On Tyre Nichols

Official Statement of the Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion ChurchRegarding the Killing of Tyre Nichols “Thus says the Lord; A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” (Jeremiah 31:15 NRSVue)We find ourselves once again agonizing and lamenting the murder of another black life by police violence. While every act of violence is painful, when it comes at the hands of those who are sworn to protect and to serve, it is all the more evil….

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…

Board of Bishops Statement On Bishop Hines Passing

Official Statement of The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion ChurchRegarding The Transition of Bishop Mildred B. Hines Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. It is with both sadness and joy, that I, the President of the Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, officially announce the passing last night of the Right Reverend Mildred Bonnie Hines, who in 2008 was elected and con- consecrated the 98th Bishop in theline of succession. Bishop Hines served with great distinction as the presiding prelate of the Western West African…

Board of Bishops Statement On Staccato Powell

Official Statement Of The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Regarding The Case of Dr. Staccato Powell The Board of Bishops was petitioned to intervene in response to concerns of several congregations of the Western Episcopal District regarding foreclosure notices for which the congregations were not aware of how the debt originated. The resultant inquiries demonstrated that deeds had been improperly transferred and the Board of Bishops demanded that this situation be rectified. Subsequently, it became clear that this directive was not being followed, so the Board of Bishops suspended the presiding bishop of the Western…

Official Statement from the Board of Bishops Regarding the Immediate Neccesity of Passing Voting Rights Legislation

Official Statement of The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Regarding the Immediate Necessity of Passing Voting Rights Legislation  On Monday, January 17th, our nation will once again commemorate the life, the legacy, and lingering work to be completed of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Someone has correctly stated that MLK’s Birthday should not just be a “day off, it must be a day on!” The Board of Bishops wholeheartedly agrees with this affirmation. Our work as a nation to realize true justice is extensive, including education, economic, and police reform; however, there is…

Request for Article Submissions

STAROZIONMR. DARIN KENTEditor in Chief704-688-2577 editor@starofzion.orgwww.starofzion.orgTO: Journalist and Freelance WritersDATE: August 28, 2021SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS The Star of Zion desires to provide all readers with news that is current, articles that are useful, and sources that are credible. This can only be achieved by having a team of writers regularly submitting articles that are clear, concise, and thought provoking. As the Communications link to the A.M.E. Zion Church the Star has the honored task of providing the A.M.E. Zion Church globally with information pertinent to both internal and external affairs. The subject matter of the content may include…

Latest Updates from the Editor in Chief

The Mission StatementThe Star of Zion is an award winning newspaper and journalistic media organization, published by the A.M.E. Zion Church as its official organ since 1876. Being guided by the core values; truth, faith, and love, the Star seeks to raise the consciousness of readers with news that is current, relevant, and dependable. Effective immediately;1. Please be advised; the Star no longer requires fees for submission of journalistic articles and photographs.2. Please consider this as an official solicitation to all writers across the A.M.E. Zion denomination who desire to share in the great ministry at the Star. The Star…