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“A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’”   (Isaiah 40:3 NRSVUE)  It was the late, renowned, and distinguished lawyer, diplomat, and Executive Secretary of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) James Weldon Johnson, and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson, who put pen to paper and notes to music as they gifted the nation with what would be known as the “The Black National Anthem: Life Every Voice and Sing,”  in 1900, during the rise of post-war racial violence and reconstruction.  The…

It has been brought to our attention that Bishop Seth O. Lartey has issued a public statement regarding his expected status at the conclusion of the 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference. This is an unfortunate development and another example of the repeated lack of judgment exercised by Bishop Lartey. His public statement preempts and presumes the decision of the Board of Bishops which is not final until it’s announced during the appropriate session of the General Conference. Additionally, after the Board of Bishops issues its statement, the General Conference has the sole and final authority to determine the…

Charlotte, NC November 30, 2023 – The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion (A.M.E. Zion) Church proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Iyabode F. Akinsanya-Beysolow, a distinguished medical professional as the Director of Health Ministry for The A.M.E. Zion Church. Dr. Akinsanya-Beysolow brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to public health to her new role, having previously served as a National Expert Medical Officer for the Centers for Disease Control. During her tenure consulting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from June 2008 to 2014, Dr. Akinsanya-Beysolow demonstrated exceptional leadership and knowledge in…

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…

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…

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….

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…

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…

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…