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Statement from the Board of Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church on the Proposed Public Livestreamed Execution of Nidal Malik Hasan and the Sanctity of Human Dignity Before God

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”Micah 6:8 (NRSVUE) The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, standing for more than 219 years as “The Freedom Church,” has never been silent in the face of injustice, and we will not be silent now. We speak today not as advocates for any act of violence, and not as defenders of terror. We unequivocally condemn the horrific mass murder carried out by Nidal Malik Hasan at Fort Hood, Texas,…

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…

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…

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…

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

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…

Statement from the Board of Bishops of the A.M.E. Zion Church Regarding Endorsements of Political Candidates

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…

Statement from the Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church regarding the recent guilty plea of Staccato Powell

“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…

The A.M.E. Zion International Music Ministry Official Statement Regarding the Passing of “Mama’ Mosie Burks

Official Statement of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion International Music Ministry Regarding the Death of “Mama” Mosie Burks “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) It is with profound sadness and heartfelt sympathy that we express our condolences to the family and all who cherished “Mama” Moses Burks during this time of her transition. The passing of “Mama” Mosie Burks…

Board of Bishops Statement On Terrorism in Buffalo

Official Statement of The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Regarding The Act of Domestic Terrorism in Buffalo, NY “The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it: GOD, how long do I have to cryout for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!” before you come to the rescue? Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a…

The Board of Bishop’s Congratulations to the Catholic Church on the Election of a New Pope

We, the Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, would like to congratulate the Catholic Church on the election of a new pope! The election of Robert Francis Prevost is historic in the life of the Catholic Church. The new pope is the first American-born Pope from the United States, having been born in Chicago, IL. The new pope has chosen the name Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV is known as a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and, most recently, led a powerful Vatican office for…