here is a positive message on people coming together to help the black man !
By Bishop John R. Bryant
Senior Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church
It is rare to have an opportunity to be a part of history. Members of the three major Black Methodist denominations - African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal - were recently blessed with the opportunity to make two entries into the historical annals of our church and our community. Our "Great Gathering" in Columbia, S.C., last month was the first time these three powerful churches have met in more than 45 years. But most importantly, we collectively answered God's call to revitalize a movement in the church to reverse the worsening plight of black males in this country. This triumvirate assembly of more than 6,000 was truly a God moment.
People all over the country may wonder why we decided to meet at this point in history. We recognize that our communities have faced continuous difficulties since we last came together in 1964 to plan our battle to end segregation and discrimination. For decades, black males have been caught in a downward spiral, facing high rates of incarceration and unemployment, increasing numbers of high school dropouts and chronic absenteeism from the family and the church. During this time, our women have struggled to keep our families together while trying to raise their standards of living.
So, again, why now? Because God has called us now. We must answer the call, blend our voices and make an extreme impact on our communities. It is not for us to question God's timing. It is our duty to answer and obey.
There were grumblings during the Gathering and in correspondence we received through various social media, wondering why our coalition decided to address the plight of the black male. Collectively, we decided to address the foundational structure of family headship clearly demonstrated in the Bible. When the male is out of place, the family suffers; our children suffer; the community suffers; and the church suffers. So in essence, as our initiative reaches out in faith and divine direction to heal and empower our black males, we are beginning the rebuilding of our families, communities and churches. Everyone, especially the women, will benefit from the healing and strengthening of the black male.
The Male Investment Plan (MIP) we introduced at the Great Gathering is the result of conversations at the highest levels among the three denominations. We also heard the voices of clergy, laity, youth and young adults who attended the Gathering. The MIP, which will begin with the Saturday Academy concept, is a living, breathing plan that we believe will improve as it begins to touch our men, ages 5-25, across this country. We will focus on spiritual enrichment, mentoring, education, economics, health and wellness, prevention of imprisonment and job preparation. We will also seek advice from our churches and community partners across the country, which have been actively engaged in male mentorship and male strengthening programs. And we are still listening to God, who will shepherd us through a process we are confident will change lives.
Representing the black church, which understands the power of the Trinity, we are confident that this collective of three denominations can and will make a major difference in the homes, churches and communities. But we cannot do this alone. We need the help of many for financial support, mentor volunteers, curriculum development, subject matter experts and overall leadership.
We are a unified body, the Black Methodist Coalition, determined to press on and push through all the challenges and adversity that may come our way. We know there are naysayers and cynics. We ask all those who question our resolve and commitment to join us; get past the pessimistic dialog, roll up your sleeves and help us make this successful. We know we are doing what God has called us to do. We stand with a unified confidence - AME, AMEZ and CME - knowing that we will not fail because if God is with us, who can be against us.
Go here for more information on the Great Gathering and how you can help this effort to save the African American male.
Bishop John R. Bryant is Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Friday, December 3rd 2010 at 12:20AM
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