Dear Members:
Please find below a statement from the AME Church Council of Bishops:

Council of Bishops
African Methodist Episcopal Church

May 30, 2023

Dear AME Family:

THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH joins the NAACP, Equality Florida, the Florida Immigrant Coalition and all others who are sounding the alarm against the dangerous policies being implemented by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican legislature of Florida. We decry the exploitative, white supremacist, and Christian nationalist, anti-democratic laws being implemented in an effort to erase our stories and culture. This is a part of a longstanding tradition by those in power who use religion, “democratic” institutions, and economic exploitation to oppress and terrorize minorities. We see clearly their attempts to move us towards the actual erasure of a people.

We are coming to Florida.

We will not be erased and we will not be silenced. In July and August thousands of AME’s will gather with the membership of the 11th Episcopal District in the State of Florida to let our lights shine together. The Women’s Missionary Society will not abandon the ministries that the Missionaries on the Move have long planned to meet the needs of those disproportionately impacted by the hateful and unhealthy practices of the State of Florida. The members of the YPD will receive loving-care and fellowship even as they reach out to transform lives and communities in the State of Florida.

We are coming to Florida. Fiscally, we are unable to breach our long-signed contract with the Florida Convention Center. Morally, we are unwilling to abandon our people, our churches, or our essential ministries in this season of darkness. In the State where they seek to eliminate the story of the AME Church from the Classroom – from Richard Allen all the way through the Emanuel 9, we will gather from around the world to continue to tell our story.

Florida is not the only State of concern.

In Republican-led states across the United States we are seeing increased access to guns and laws allowing people to openly carry them; restrictions on access to women’s reproductive health care; gerrymandering of election zones and restricted access to voting in minority and student communities; and banning books that contain accurate historical information. President Biden, along with the FBI have repeatedly warned that Domestic Terrorism fueled by white supremacist ideologies are our most dangerous threat. Florida is not an outlier but “a sign of the times.” Travel advisories may soon impact all Episcopal Districts.

Let us Pray, Prepare and Act.

We understand that white supremacy is the cultural expression of a spirit of domination and oppression. We are asking our members to put on the full armor of God as we continue to lift our voices and lay down our bodies for the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

As we plan our gathering spaces for the future, let us be intentional about supporting those places that are supportive of us. It is an abomination that we are again moving towards a time where we need a Green Book to know where it is safe to drive, eat, sleep or spend.

While democracy is on the ballot in every local and state election, let us ensure: 1) everyone is registered to vote; 2) there are no harmful candidates running unopposed; 3) votes for the preservation of democracy and liberation for the least of these.

We will see you in Florida.

Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, President of the Council of Bishops
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Senior Bishop
Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Chair of the Public Statement Committee

Peace,
Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper
General Secretary/CIO
Senior General Officer
African Methodist Episcopal Church