BISHOP BROOKINS

Rev. Francine A. Brookins, J.D., M.Div., is a distinguished leader and the 141st bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Elected during the denomination’s 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in July 2021, she is the fifth woman to achieve this esteemed position. Between July 2021 and August 2024 she served as the Bishop of the 18th Episcopal District (Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, and Southern Mozambique). On August 28th 2024, at the close of the 52nd Session of the General Conference she was assigned as the Bishop of the 5th Episcopal District. Born in Los Angeles, CA, and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bishop Brookins is the daughter of the Rev. Carole Nelson Ingram and the late Bishop Hamel Hartford Brookins, a renowned civil and human rights advocate. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University in 1993 and her Juris Doctor from The George Washington National Law Center in 1996. She later received her Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion (Graduate Theological Union) in 2002 and was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the same year. Prior to her episcopal election, Bishop Brookins served as the Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Fontana, CA, from 2009 to 2021. Under her leadership, the congregation successfully constructed a new church building within two years. Her pastoral career also includes four years at Wright Chapel AME Church in San Francisco. Additionally, she has over a decade of experience as a licensed attorney in California, specializing in mediation, arbitration, and conflict resolution. She served as a member of the Judicial Council of the AME Church between 2008-2016, and as its Secretary from 2009-2016.  During her time in the 18th Episcopal District, Bishop Brookins spearheaded significant projects, including the complete renovation of the Frederick Calhoun James Center for AME Service in downtown Maseru, Lesotho, and the near-complete renovation of the Selulasandla Children’s Home in Mbane, Eswatini. Most recently, she has overseen the successful purchase of the Episcopal Residence. Bishop Brookins is a passionate advocate for social justice and is dedicated to addressing the mental, physical, financial, educational, and spiritual needs of all people. Her commitment to creating an inclusive and transformative atmosphere for worship and community service continues to inspire those she leads.