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Monday, April 8, 2024
The Christian Recorder - Council of Bishop Statement on the Transition of Rev. Dr. Cecil "Chip" L. Murray
To the Esteemed Members and Constituents of the AME Church:
It is with a heart both heavy and full of gratitude that I, on behalf of the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, pen this tribute to a towering figure of faith, leadership, and social justice, the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray.
Rev. Dr. Murray, who has been called to glory at the age of 94, was a beacon of hope and transformation not just for the congregation of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles, but for the wider community and beyond. Under his stewardship, the First AME Church blossomed from a modest gathering into a vibrant megachurch of 18,000 members, becoming a center for spiritual renewal and social activism.
Dr. Murray’s leadership during the tumultuous times following the 1992 Los Angeles uprising was emblematic of his dedication to peace, understanding, and societal progress. He stood as a calming force, advocating for healing and reconstruction, leveraging his influence to bridge divides and foster a spirit of recovery and reconciliation.
His tenure at First AME Church was marked by dynamic growth not only in spirituality and numbers but in tangible contributions to the community. Through initiatives aimed at economic development, education, housing, and social services, Dr. Murray embodied the ethos of serving “the least of these,” transforming the landscape of South Los Angeles and offering a model of faith in action.
The “Murray Method,” a strategic approach to church growth and community engagement, stands as a testament to his visionary leadership. Emphasizing Mission, Membership, Money, Maintenance, and Morale, this method has left an indelible mark on the way church leadership can impact both congregation and community in profound ways.
Beyond the walls of the church, Dr. Murray’s influence reached into the realms of academia and public service. His role at the University of Southern California as the Tansey Professor of Christian Ethics allowed him to shape the next generation of faith leaders, ensuring his legacy of thoughtful, engaged, and ethical leadership continues.
Rev. Dr. Murray’s life was a testament to the power of faith in action. His commitment to service, community, and putting God first in all things inspired countless individuals to live out their faith with courage and compassion. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life—a life that truly changed our city and our nation forever.
To the family of Rev. Dr. Murray, particularly his son, Drew, we offer our deepest condolences and prayers. We share in your grief, even as we rejoice in the knowledge that Dr. Murray’s legacy will forever light the path for those who seek to make the world a better place.
In this moment of reflection, let us renew our commitment to the principles Dr. Murray lived by—love, service, and the unyielding belief in the power of faith to transform lives and communities. May his memory be a blessing to us all, and may we continue his work with unwavering faith and unrelenting zeal.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker President, Council of Bishops African Methodist Episcopal Church
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 Dr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder
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