The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
My initial visit to the Angola Conference in late April 2022, was marked by several salient events. I was received at the Presidential Palace by President João Lourenço. After my meeting with President Lourenço, I then had a private audience with Vice President Bonito de Sousa at his office. Both meetings, thus far have been landmark events in my episcopacy. However, my greatest joy was connecting with the AMEs of Angola. They are spirit filled and proud to be African Methodist. The two most significant events were celebrating the ordination of numerous persons into the ministry of our Zion and secondly the approval of having the AME Hymnal printed in Portuguese, Umbundu, and Kimbundu. The hymnal will be launched on July 24, 2022 with a hymn festival a celebration.
The Hymnal initiative is the result of clergy and lay leadership in Angola led by Rev. Francisco Joveth and Mr. Marcos Calculo. Special recognition to Presiding Elder Manuel Sarmento, the Administrative Assistant to the Bishop. Furthermore, we are grateful and appreciative of General Officer, Mr. John Thomas III for his encouragement and investment in our vision. As a Portuguese-speaking individual and a visitor to Angola, Mr. Thomas understood the need of the people to have their own Hymnal written in their language. Many of our churches were still using the Methodist hymnal and for various reasons, this has been unacceptable, but necessary. Angolans are spirited worshipers and singing is paramount in their worshiping tradition. Having an AME Hymnal is liberating and theologically correct.
Along with supporters, we have raised the funds for our initial printing of five hundred copies. If you would like to assist us with further printing, we would appreciate your contribution. Checks payable to the "Fifteenth Episcopal District" with "Angola Hymnals" in the notation portion of the check can be mailed to the following address:
15th Episcopal District re: Angola Hymnal c/o Bishop Silvester S. Beaman 2 Collins Drive Wilmington Delaware, 19803
For further information, you can also email me at bishop139@ssbeaman.com. Thank you for any amount you give which will further assist in the worship liberation of your brothers and sisters in Angola.
Bishop Silvester S. Beaman Presiding Prelate, 15th Episcopal District
The Christian Recorder is the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest continuously produced publication by persons of African descent.
Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chair of the General Board Commission on Publications Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher of the AME Sunday School Union Mr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder
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