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.
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
The Christian Recorder - Letters from the AME Church Council of Bishops to US President Biden and Vice President Harris
These letters were sent to the President and Vice President on July 23, 2024.
July 21, 2024 President Joseph R. Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Biden, On behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing justice and equity during your tenure. Your administration's accomplishments have had a profound impact on the African American community, and we are deeply thankful for your efforts.
Key Accomplishments: Economic Recovery and Job Creation: Your administration has powered a historic economic recovery, creating 2.6 million jobs for Black workers and achieving the lowest Black unemployment rate on record. This has provided much-needed economic stability and growth for our communities.
Student Loan Relief: Your historic action to approve debt cancellation for millions of borrowers has been particularly impactful for Black Americans, who disproportionately carry the burden of student loan debt. This relief is a significant step towards narrowing the racial wealth gap and providing economic mobility for many.
Environmental Justice: Through the Justice40 Initiative, your administration has committed to ensuring that 40% of federal climate and clean energy investments benefit disadvantaged communities. This initiative is crucial in addressing the disproportionate environmental hazards faced by Black communities.
Infrastructure Investments: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act have begun to reverse decades of disinvestment in Black communities. These laws include significant funding to reconnect communities previously divided by infrastructure projects, improving access to jobs, healthcare, and education.
Gun Control: Your enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act marks the first significant gun safety legislation in 30 years. This law is vital in addressing the epidemic of gun violence that disproportionately affects Black communities.
Healthcare Access: By expanding Affordable Care Act coverage and lowering healthcare costs, your administration has improved health outcomes for millions of Black families. The significant increase in Black enrollment in health insurance is a testament to these efforts.
Support for Black-Owned Businesses and HBCUs: Your administration has achieved the fastest creation rate of Black-owned businesses in over 30 years, more than doubling the share of Black business owners. This support has been critical in fostering entrepreneurship and economic independence within our community.
Appointment of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: Your nomination of the first African American Woman to the United States Supreme Court was another promise kept and another way you have already acted to preserve democracy.
We also want to express our profound appreciation for your decision to select Kamala Harris as your Vice-Presidential running mate. This historic choice has not only shattered glass ceilings but has also provided a powerful role model for young Black women and girls across the nation. And your endorsement of Vice President Harris as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming election further demonstrates your commitment to inclusive and forward-thinking leadership. We are grateful!
Your leadership has made a tangible difference in the lives of many, and we are grateful for your dedication to creating a more just and equitable society. As we continue to advocate for progress, we look forward to working with you to build on these achievements and address the ongoing challenges facing our communities.
With deep appreciation,
Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III. President Council of Bishops Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Senior Bishop Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, Chair, Commission on Social Action Bishop Francine Brookins, Co-Chair, Commission on Social Action Dr. Jacqueline Dupont Walker, Consultant, Commission on Social Action African Methodist Episcopal Church
July 21, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris The White House Office of the Vice President 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500
Dear Vice President Harris, On behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on your recent endorsement from President Biden for the 2024 Presidential election. This historic moment marks a significant milestone in our nation's journey towards equality and justice, and we are immensely proud to witness your candidacy.
Your career has been a testament to breaking barriers and championing the rights of the underserved. As the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to serve as Vice President, you have already made history. Your leadership has been instrumental in advancing critical issues such as healthcare access, environmental justice, economic recovery, and gun control, all of which have had a profound impact on the African American community.
Your candidacy follows in the footsteps of the trailblazing Shirley Chisholm, who in 1972 became the first African American woman to seek the presidential nomination from a major political party. Her courage and determination to be "Unbought and Unbossed" laid the groundwork for future generations, and your campaign embodies the same spirit of resilience and commitment to justice.
As you embark on this historic journey, we invoke God’s blessings upon you as you share your vision for a more inclusive and equitable America. Your vision resonates deeply with our mission and values. We are confident that your leadership will continue to inspire and uplift communities across the nation.
We commit to covering you in prayer during this pivotal election and working together to ensure that all people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to vote and to thrive.
With deepest respect and admiration,
Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III. President Council of Bishops Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Senior Bishop Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, Chair, Commission on Social Action Bishop Francine Brookins, Co-Chair, Commission on Social Action Dr. Jacqueline Dupont Walker, Consultant, Commission on Social Action 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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