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The A.M.E. Zion Church Feb 7, 2026

Statement of the Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Regarding Racist Videos of the Obamas

The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church speaks today out of moral responsibility, not political partisanship. We are compelled to speak clearly in response to the President of the United States using his Truth Social account to share a post that visually portrayed former President Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black President, and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. This imagery invokes one of the oldest racist tropes in American and Western history—equating Black people with animals in order to deny their humanity and dignity. There is no acceptable context for such portrayals, particularly when…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Dec 31, 2025

Official Statement of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion International Music Ministry Regarding the Death of Maestro Richard Smallwood

“Brothers and Sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.’ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 New International Version) With deep gratitude to God and heartfelt sympathy, we acknowledge the transition of Maestro Richard Smallwood. Even as we celebrate a life poured out in faithful service through music and ministry, we extend our sincere condolences to his family, the music industry, and all who loved and were impacted by the life…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Oct 31, 2025

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…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Oct 10, 2025

Bishop Brian R. Thompson’s Encouraging Message on Life’s Struggles

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…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Oct 7, 2025

Bishop Walker’s Address to Prostate Cancer

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…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Oct 1, 2025

A Statement from the Board of Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church – A Message of Safety and Awareness

“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…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Sep 30, 2025

Statement From The Board of Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church Regarding Recent Church Shooting

“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 A.M.E. Zion Church Sep 30, 2025

A Statement from the Board of Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church Regarding Charlie Kirk

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…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Sep 27, 2025

Statement of The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Regarding the Federal Criminal Sentence of Dr. Staccato Powell For Defrauding A.M.E. Zion Churches In The Western Episcopal District

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…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Sep 13, 2025

Bishop Melanie Miller’s Message for Suicide Prevention Month

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 Aug 15, 2025

Statement from the Board of Bishops Regarding Trump’s Federal Takeover in D.C.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31 : 8 – 9 (NIV) Beloved, We write with grief and righteous indignation in response to the August 11th announcement by the President of the United States that the administration will assume control of the Metropolitan Police Department, deploy hundreds of National Guard troops into Washington, D.C., and forcibly remove unhoused residents from the city’s streets. This decision comes despite the undeniable truth that violent crime in…