Caucus says empower black churches, communities
Bishop Beverly Shamana of San Francisco opens the annual
meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal in Los Angeles. UMNS
photos by Linda Green.
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By Linda Green*
March 6, 2008 | LOS ANGELES (UMNS)
African-American United Methodists must engage in the Wesleyan code
in their own zip codes to help black churches and African-American
communities.
That was the message to nearly 400 participants at the Feb. 27-March 1 annual meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal.
The gathering focused both inwardly and outwardly to examine the
realities and challenges of following John Wesley's three general rules
for a faithful Christian life: doing good, doing no harm and staying in
love with God.
“We are not second string.”
–Bishop Beverly Shamana
Referring to the television show "Divine Design," which focuses on
transforming spaces, empowerment and willingness, United Methodist
Bishop Beverly Shamana of San Francisco told the body that "change
happens as a result of constancy, as a result of perseverance, as a
result of drawing the vision so large that you are stretched toward it
and …everybody has a stake in making this destination happen."
Shamana opened the meeting by noting that the African-American church is
empowered with a responsibility and equipped to remake the world. "This
is what God is calling BMCR to be," she said. "We are not second
string."
BMCR represents more than 2,400 black United Methodist congregations and
approximately 500,000 African-American United Methodists across the
United States. With headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., the group was
organized in 1968 as a forum for black Methodists to define issues and
develop strategies for change within The United Methodist Church.
It aims to empower black Methodists for effective witness and service;
involve them in the struggle for economic justice; and expose racism at
all levels in the church. It also serves as an "agitating conscience"
working to ensure equity and inclusiveness throughout the
denomination.
Knowing oneself
In a message about identity, the Rev. Henry Masters pointed out that
"knowing oneself" is both a Greek philosophical concept and an idea with
African roots. "To know thyself is an ancient African truism (and) to
know ourselves produces positive self images in ourselves and that what
we are called to do."
The Rev. Ernest Smith, who created the group's tagline "Our Time Under God Is Now," speaks to the caucus.
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Participants also met with individuals who work on the front lines of
issues surrounding immigration, HIV/AIDS, community development and
youth development. They offered encouragement to increase HIV/AIDS
awareness in churches and communities.
The lack of a positive self-image is one reason why more African
Americans are in jail than in college, according to Masters, pastor of
Holman United Methodist Church, Los Angeles. "Many of our people have
lost a sense of who they are and whose they are," he said.
BMCR provides an avenue to teach African-American children who they are
and help foster their gifts and strengths. "We must understand that out
of our history comes an understanding that we know how to excel in
adversity," he said.
Participants interacted with leaders who began the caucus 41 years ago. A
musical drama introduced them to the founders of black Methodism––who
created their own denominations because of racism that existed in the
main Methodist bodies in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Among them was the Rev. Ernest O. Smith, who coined the group's tagline
"Our Time Under God Is Now." Smith, 94, former president of Rust College
and a former executive with the old Board of Social Concerns, told the
caucus that they cannot just talk about making a difference. "Get off
your duff and do something," he said. "Recognize God's presence and he
will be there when you turn to him."
Seven Vision Pathways
Denver Bishop Warner Brown led an examination of the Council of
Bishops' Seven Vision Pathways, which include new church development,
transforming existing congregations, expanding racial and ethnic
ministries, leadership development, reaching a new generation of
children, eliminating poverty in community with the poor, and making
disciples of Jesus Christ.
U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters of Los Angeles delivers the keynote address.
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"We are at a unique place in history. A lot of things are going to
change in this century," said Brown, inviting participants to align the
pathways to meet the needs of the African-American church.
Churches of all races, sizes and compositions are in trouble, he said,
because the world in which they organized has changed––but they have
not.
In a keynote address, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., who has
represented the 35th district of Los Angeles for 18 years, commended
BMCR's 41-year legacy of working for justice. "I am so moved by your
mission," she said.
Waters talked about disparities in education, criminal justice and
health care systems for people of color and the effects of HIV/AIDS, a
disease that is running rampant in black America and increasingly
afflicting African-American women.
She pointed out that nearly 32 percent of black males will enter prison
in their lifetimes. "Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot continue to
tolerate the incarceration of black men," she said, noting that many are
in jail because of the disparities in sentences for possessing crack
and cocaine.
Around the United States, African Americans meet together "to see what
they can do to make our people stronger but never think about the
extraordinary work of the church," Waters said, reminding participants
of what faith is and BMCR’s advocacy role in helping reach the present
and future generations.
Talbert’s leadership
Bishop Melvin Talbert accepts an inaugural statue from Pamela Crosby (left) and
Cheryl Walker.
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Nearly four years ago, retired Bishop Melvin Talbert––working without a
salary for two years––took over the leadership of BMCR and brought it
back to financial solvency and spiritual empowerment. Today, more than
1,000 people are members in the organization, now led by Pamela Crosby.
"He moved this organization to the point of health that no one believed
would happen," said Cheryl Walker, chairperson of the BMCR board of
directors.
In honor of Talbert's work, the board created the Bishop Melvin G.
Talbert Institute of Leadership Development. This institute will
identify and promote 20 clergy for leadership development during
2009-2012 and continue the mission in the future.
"BMCR, you have blessed me," said Talbert, in accepting the honor.
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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Resources
Black Methodists for Church Renewal
Commission on Religion and Race
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century |