Posts

Iyana Umstead Jul 14, 2026

Statement from the Board of Bishops of the A.M.E. Zion Church Regarding the Supreme Court’s Ruling in Mullin v. Doe

“You shall not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.”– Exodus 23:9 (NRSVUE) The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church — born from the struggle of a people who knew what it meant to be stripped of legal standing, dignity, and the protection of the law — cannot be silent in the face of the Supreme Court’s June 25, 2026, ruling in Mullin v. Doe. In a 6-3 decision, the Court’s majority cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than…

Iyana Umstead Jul 14, 2026

Statement from the Board of Bishops of the A.M.E. Zion Church Regarding the Supreme Court’s Ruling in Mullin v. Doe

“You shall not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.”– Exodus 23:9 (NRSVUE) The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church — born from the struggle of a people who knew what it meant to be stripped of legal standing, dignity, and the protection of the law — cannot be silent in the face of the Supreme Court’s June 25, 2026, ruling in Mullin v. Doe. In a 6-3 decision, the Court’s majority cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Apr 16, 2026

Statement from the Board of Bishops of the A.M.E. Zion Church on the Idolatrous Imagery Promoted by President Donald J. Trump on Truth Social

“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.” – Exodus 20:4-5 (NIV) The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has stood for more than 219 years as “The Freedom Church.” We are heirs of a tradition that has never confused earthly power with divine authority, and we have never allowed the garments of political office to be draped over the shoulders of Almighty God. It is in that same prophetic spirit that we…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Mar 4, 2026

STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF BISHOPS OF THE A.M.E. ZION CHURCH REGARDING THE U.S.–ISRAEL STRIKE ON IRAN

“He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.” – Isaiah 2:4 (NRSVUE) The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has stood as The Freedom Church, a body committed to justice, human dignity, and the sacred worth of every child of God. Our spiritual legacy compels us to speak with moral clarity in moments of global crisis. On February 28, 2026, the United States, in coordination with Israel, launched a military…

The A.M.E. Zion Church Feb 17, 2026

A Tribute to Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.

Servant Leader • Prophet of Justice • Global Witness for Freedom The Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church offers heartfelt honor and profound gratitude for the life, labor, and legacy of the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.—a towering servant of God whose ministry reshaped the moral landscape of a nation and inspired generations across the world. We were saddened when we learned of his passing.  His presence in the struggle helped to shape what it meant to be on the cutting edge of the fight for freedom! Rev. Jackson understood that freedom is not free. He…

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…