In Memorial: Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu
By Rev. Gaborone P Lesito, 19th Episcopal District Field Representative
One of the greatest names, freedom fighters, social justice activists, clergymen, and moral compasses of South Africa and the world has passed on. Some have met him; some had interactions and conversations with him, while others walked where he did. But, for many, the closest experience of him was through television and perhaps his books—that is the category I fit in.In the wake of his death, we must ask, is South Africa going to have another to rise as did Archbishop Tutu? Does his death mean the work of peace has ended? We must ensure that this chain is never broken.
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HBCUs and Their Athletic Departments are Benefiting from Former Professional Players and Coaches
By James B. Ewers, Jr., Ed.D.  There seems to be an avalanche of support these days for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As a result, HBCUs are getting more press than any time before. There is not a day that goes by that you do not see a story about an HBCU. If you are a supporter of HBCUs, this is welcomed news. HBCU alumni associations are gaining more leverage and more members, too. People without HBCU ties also want to know about our schools and traditions. They are asking what is the attraction? What makes these schools so special? Read More Here |
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When we Gather: A Vision for 2022
By Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd, Contributing Writer 
We gather for the holidays. We do so with detailed and thought-out preparation: (a) invitations to family (even to those for whom it takes all the Jesus in us to tolerate even once a year!), (b) checklists of who will bring what family-famous dish (secretly keeping Aunt Bessie’s potato salad out of the reach of innocent diners), (c) orchestration of extravagant assortments of traditional, cultural delicacies covering dining room tables, buffets, card tables, and kitchen counters: turkey, candied sweets, greens, and baked macaroni and cheese will be present. There will be maduros, pasteles, puerco asado, moros y cristianos, and the aroma of yuca con mojo—a sense of comfort for those at the table. Other tables offer long-awaited fried Emperor Moth caterpillars, pheasant, and redcurrant jelly.
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Advent Season Marks Our Anticipation of the Messiah’s ReturnBy Rev. Jazmine Brooks, TCR News Editor Advent season marks our anticipation of the messiah’s return to usher in the kingdom of God. Though not necessarily on a particular date nor at a particular time (no [person] knows the minute nor the hour), we expect that The Lord’s reign will be accompanied by shalom peace by way of justice and well-being for all of creation. It is a relief from the suffering we have waited on since the crucifixion.However, in our waiting, the suffering remains unyielding. The endless imagery of white supremacy on public trial was ushered in this Advent season. No American with a television could have missed the Georgia case, particularly of three white men who chased, harassed, physically abused, and murdered 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery while he took a jog through the neighborhood. Read More Here |
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The Importance of Reporting Financial Crime Within the Church
By Cynthia Gordon-Floyd, C.P.A., Contributing Writer 
In a recent article, “Reporting Financial Crime as a Matter of Stewardship,” attorney and C.P.A. Richard Hammar discusses why we should report a financial crime. A study of 706 church leaders’ financial misconduct found that one-third of them had experienced fraud and 70% of those chose not to report the incident to the authorities. The following reasons were provided for not reporting the incident:
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Presiding Elder Lenore G. Williams Seminal Planning Meeting
Reverend Kenneth C. Christmon, 4th Episcopal District 
A blustery day filled with excitement overcame Community African Methodist Episcopal Church, located in LaPorte, North Central Indiana, as Presiding Elder Lenore G. Williams held her seminal Planning Meeting a robust attendance of clergy and laity. The Rev. Christopher W. Riley, Senior Pastor, and a full complement of servant leaders hosted the conference representing the district’s first in-person gathering in nearly two years. The meeting signaled the beginning of a new era for the Indiana Conference-North District. “I am overwhelmed for the opportunity to expand on kingdom-building, which we are all called to do – one person at a time,” said Elder Williams. Read More Here |
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Are We Moving in a Faithful Direction?
By Reverend James A. Keeton, Jr. 
Undoubtedly, one of the most interesting occurrences of the 51st quadrennial session of the General Conference of the AME Church was the passing of a resolution to establish a committee to discern sexual ethics related to LGBTQ+ matters. This resolution passed only one day after the General Conference voted down a bill, that among other things, would have permitted ordained clergy to perform marriages for people of the same gender. Religious news outlets and social media were filled with the news that the oldest black denomination in the country passed a resolution regarding discerning human sexuality. For the past four months, I have been reflecting on this resolution. Three components are increasingly concerning.
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Bensalem AME Church in Philadelphia Conference Celebrates 203 Years
By Angelena Spears, 1st Episcopal District 
On Sunday, September 19, the Bensalem African Methodist Episcopal Church (Pennsylvania) celebrated its 203rdchurch anniversary. The morning and afternoon services were a time to glory in the rich history of the little white church that sits on a hill in northeastern Pennsylvania, approximately one hour from the Delaware border. The Bensalem Church was founded in 1818, just two years after the African Methodist Episcopal Church was formed, is one of the oldest churches in America. It has the distinction that AME founder Bishop Richard Allen built its altar. Read More Here |
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Arnell Willis, Sr. Donates $50,000 Endowment Scholarship to Shorter College 
Former City of Helena-West Helena Mayor Arnell Willis, Sr. established and endowed a scholarship of $50,000 for the Entrepreneurial Studies Program at Shorter College on December 3, 2021. The funds will be held by the Arkansas Community Foundation and disbursed annually to Shorter College. This scholarship will assist with the account balance of any Entrepreneurial Studies Student who maintains a 2.5 GPA, with a priority of selection given to Central High School of Helena-West Helena. Read More Here |
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Will You Be Your Sister’s Keeper?
Rev. Stephanie M. Atkins, 1st Episcopal District
When you say you are your sister’s keeper, what do you really mean? Do you mean you will hold her secrets close in your heart and not share them with another? Do you mean she can trust you with her vulnerabilities and insecurities without fear of judgment or ridicule? Do you mean she can count on you when others walk away, stab her in the back or scandalize her name? What do you mean when you say, “I am my sister’s keeper?” Do you mean that you will watch her children when she takes that much-needed break from work, school, and the church? Or do you mean you will bring her a home-cooked meal when her heart is hurting, her body is beat down, or she has given all that she can give, and standing in a kitchen is the farthest thing from her mind? We say it all of the time, “I am my sister’s keeper,” but what do we really and earnestly mean?
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In Catholic Italy, ‘De-baptism’ Is Gaining Popularity
By Sara Badilini
 Like most of his fellow Italians, Mattia Nanetti, 25, from the northern city of Bologna, grew up with the teachings and sacraments of the Catholic Church in parochial school. Even his scouting group was Catholic. But in September 2019 he decided the time had come to leave the church behind. He filled out a form that he had found online, accompanying it with a long letter explaining his reasons, and sent everything to the parish in his hometown. Read More Here |
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The 32nd Annual NGO Conference - Virtual
Shawn M. Ross, WMS-AMEC NGO Commissioner and UN Representative
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The News Digest contains selected articles from the newspaper. Click below to get full access! |
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