The Christian Recorder - Remembering Our Roots, Sharpening Our Reach; Bishop Brookins on Making AME Social Action Count

Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Commission Chair Mrs. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director/Consultant Remembering Our Roots, Sharpening Our Reach; Bishop Brookins on Making AME Social Action Count A pastoral and prophetic call to honor the work already done, strengthen the Social Action Commission at every level, and respond swiftly and faithfully to the urgent crises of our time. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was born as a protest, but it did not stop at protest. We built schools, mutual aid societies, anti-slavery networks, and a new vision of Black freedom in the valley of white supremacy. Our founders did not only make statements; we made structures. They did not only march; we organized. Today, in congregations large and small, that same spirit is still alive. Today we ask you to help us amplify the sound of the trumpet. Help us strengthen and celebrate what God is already doing among us in a at time such as this. Right now, people are under pressure Across the Connection, our people are carrying heavy burdens in many places at once. In the United States, Canada, and across the Caribbean, in Haiti, Cuba, and on the African continent, AMEs are navigating economic instability, political turmoil, climate disasters, violence, migration, and attacks on human dignity and democracy. These pressures look different in each context, yet they are all connected to the same deep struggles for land, livelihood, safety, and self-determination. Wherever we are planted, the call is the same: to see clearly what our communities are facing, to trust the God who has brought us this far, and to organize our Social Action work so that our global witness makes a concrete difference on the ground. As November 2026 draws near in the United States, we are entering a sacred and high-stakes season for our communities. Local and state elections, ballot measures, and budget decisions will help determine whether justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream for our people, or not. All around us, God’s people are anxious, overwhelmed, and wondering what to do next. The question is not whether we care about justice—we do, and the witness of Scripture and our own AME history makes that clear. The question before us now is this: in a world God so loves, how will we answer the prophets’ cry to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God” by turning our concern into sustained, organized, Spirit-filled action that not only speaks against injustice, but actually changes the conditions our people are living in One of the main tools God has already placed in our hands is the Social Action Commission. Reclaiming and rejoicing in the Social Action Commission The Social Action Commission was never meant to be just a line in a church brochure, or even just an award winning AME V-alert system. It was created to be a living engine of research, organizing, advocacy, and accountability at every level of our Zion—local church, presiding elder district, annual conference, and episcopal district. Across our Connection, so many churches are doing faithful work: Hosting candidate forums and “Souls to the Polls” efforts. Challenging police misconduct and working on community safety. Addressing food insecurity and predatory lending. Standing with workers, immigrants, youth, and elders. Preparing candidates to run for critical offices Sounding the alarm on environmental racism and gender based violence This article is a word of gratitude for that work and a call to multiply it as pressures increase. Imagine every AME church with: A named Social Action Commission. A clear team and a simple yearly plan. A short list of issues they are focusing on right now. Stories and testimonies they can share about what God is doing. Revitalizing does not mean throwing away what has been. It means standing on shoulders, hearts and prayers, and committing ourselves in this season to more structure, support, and connection. From charity to transformation, without losing heart Most of our congregations already serve: food pantries, clothing closets, back-to-school drives, rent help, holiday baskets. In a time of inflation, medical debt, and shrinking safety nets, this mercy is essential. The Social Action Commission asks: what are we learning from this work? Are people coming because of high rent, low wages, lack of healthcare, school problems, unsafe streets? What patterns do we see over and over? Who has the power to change those conditions? A renewed Commission helps us: Listen deeply to our neighbors. Pick one or two issues to focus on. Move from “putting out fires” to also working on the wiring of the house. This is Jubilee work—moving from emergency relief only to changing the systems that keep people trapped, while still caring for those in crisis. Democracy, faith, and our public witness Many people are discouraged about politics and democracy. They are tired of the news. They do not trust the process. But decisions about housing, schools, healthcare, policing, and the environment are still being made—often by people who never hear from our communities. The AME Church has always believed that our faith belongs in public life. A strong Social Action Commission helps us live that out in simple, practical ways: Teaching people what local offices actually do (school board, city council, county, sheriff, prosecutor, judge, etc.). Making sure our people are registered, informed, and able to vote. Meeting with officials, asking clear questions, and following up. Encouraging AMEs to serve on boards and in public office as part of their ministry. This is not about partisanship. It is about practicing love of neighbor in public. Worship, discipleship, and social action together For many saints, attention is scattered and time is short. If social action feels like “one more thing,” it will get pushed aside. If it is woven into what we already do—worship and discipleship—it can flourish without overwhelming people. Some simple moves: Preach and teach about the real issues people are facing—housing, healthcare, schools, safety, mental health, immigration—and then give one concrete next step (“this week, sign this card,” “attend this meeting,” “join this call”). Use key seasons (Lent, Advent, back-to-school, budget season, election season) to connect Scripture and prayer to specific justice actions. Teach spiritual practices that keep people grounded: lament, Sabbath, community discernment, and hope. When pulpit, classroom, and Social Action Commission work together, even those who are easily distracted can see a simple, doable path: “Here’s what is happening. Here’s a scripture. Here’s one thing I can do.” WE are indeed the ones who will save us. Let’s walk together. Five Practical Steps for Your Local Social Action Commission (Re)Appoint a Chair and Team Choose a committed chair and 4–8 members (youth/young adults, WMS, Lay, stewards, trustees, community partners). Announce them in worship and in church communications so everyone knows who they are and how to contact them. Listen to Your People and Neighborhood Over 60–90 days, hold simple listening sessions (after worship, on Zoom, in homes) and ask: “What are the top two or three pressures you are facing right now?” Write down what you hear—especially around housing, healthcare, policing, schools, voting, and jobs—and share a brief summary with the congregation. Choose One or Two Focus Issues From what you heard, prayerfully pick one or two priorities for the next year (for example, evictions, voter education for November 2026, school discipline and book bans, gun violence). Say clearly: “This is what our Social Action Commission will focus on this year,” so people know where to plug in. Plan Concrete Actions and Partnerships For each focus area, set 2–3 simple goals: host a community forum, do voter registration and rides to the polls, meet with a landlord or city official, partner with a housing or mental health group. Put dates on the calendar, assign point people, and keep the church updated with short reminders. Report, Celebrate, and Repeat Give brief Social Action updates in worship, at Official Board, and at Quarterly and Annual Conferences. Celebrate every win—a family that avoided eviction, new voters registered, a harmful policy stopped, a new service launched. Send a short report and photo to The Christian Recorder so the wider Connection can learn from and be encouraged by your story. A call to action and a call to report This article is a heartfelt thank you for all you have already done—and a Spirit-fired summons to expand, intensify, and multiply that witness as the pressure on our people and our world continues to rise. Now is the time for every pastor, presiding elder, and lay leader to ask very simply: Do we have a Social Action Commission? If not, can we (re)start one in the next three months? If yes, how can we encourage and strengthen the people doing this work? We invite local churches, presiding elder districts, annual conferences, and episcopal districts to send in: How you have activated or strengthened your Social Action Commission. The issues you are working on right now. The partnerships you have formed. The breakthroughs—large and small—you are seeing. We will keep speaking when public statements are needed, but we are asking you to go further. Help us turn the power of our connectional church toward lived, organized liberation—we are already on the journey. The Social Action Commission is in our hands; now is the time to use it, together. In love, Bishop Francine A. Brookins Chair, AME Church Commission on Social Action

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Share Tweet Forward The Christian Recorder is the official periodical of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest continuously produced publication by persons of African descent.   Bishop Francine A. Brookins, 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 Copyright © 2026  The Christian Recorder, All rights reserved.

SojoAction Alert - Demand Peace, No Funding For War With Iran!

View this email in your browser As Christians we must demand peace President Trump launched air strikes on Iran in an act of war, and we’re now seeing the consequences of his decision continue to expand. This reckless course of action has endangered the lives of countless people across the Middle East as well as United States service members. The decision to declare war lies with Congress, and the continued chaos caused by these military actions demonstrates the need for Congress to step in and do its constitutional duty to rein in or stop these deadly operations and return to a diplomatic approach that promises peace for all. Contact Congress Now! As Christians, we believe that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9). In this moment, we demand that our representatives in both the House and Senate act to create peace in accordance with our beliefs. Since President Trump ended the successfully negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), we have seen him launch multiple strikes against Iran without any measurable progress towards peace. Congress must once again demand a diplomatic approach to preventing the growth of nuclear arms. This war against Iran has already set off a ruinous regional conflict, which has seen commerce disrupted, people permanently injured, and too many precious lives lost. As Christians, we know that each and every life is precious and every step must be taken to avoid any further bloodshed.  Instead of recklessly continuing a policy of escalation, we demand an end to violence and vigorous oversight from Congress in pursuit of peace. Act Now In faith, Adam Russell Taylor President, Sojourners Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2026 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842

Our Faith Is Being Tested — Join No Kings III on March 28th

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan." — Proverbs 29:2 We are living in a groaning moment. More than 400 Christian leaders have declared, "Our faith is being tested. Christians cannot pretend otherwise and must make a decision to act." As Dr. King warned, history will judge us not only for the actions of the wicked — but for "the appalling silence of the good people." This is our moment to refuse that silence. People of faith across this country are rising, organizing, and showing up — and we believe this may be the moment when the tide turns. But only if we join together and demand it. On March 28th, we are asking you to stand with millions of Americans and peacefully, powerfully declare: No to Kings — Yes to Democracy. LOCATE THE NO KINGS GATHERING NEAR YOU Sojourners is proud to once again partner with the No Kings movement to mobilize people of faith across the country to stand up for democracy in their communities. We know the irreplaceable power that people of faith bring to this moment — and we need you. We have prepared some tools specifically for people of faith, including: How to hold a pre-No Kings faith gathering Know your rights Deescalation resources ACCESS TOOLS In towns big and small, show up powerfully — with your faith, your congregation, and your voice. This will take all of us. Show up for No Kings. Show up for Democracy. In solidarity, Moya Harris, Sojourners Senior Director of Programs

Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2026 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842

GreenFaith - Energy from Heaven—or from…?

While communities around the world struggle with rising energy costs and worsening climate impacts, some of the most powerful leaders of the fossil fuel industry are gathering in Houston this week.

They call it CERAWeek, the largest annual meeting of oil, gas, and energy executives, and financiers. It’s where the titans of the fossil fuel industry come together to map its future.

Spoiler alert: their takeaway message will be more drilling, more profit, more of the same, dressed up in the language of “security and prosperity.”

We are called to speak a deeper truth: there is energy that sustains life, and energy that destroys it.

That’s why we’re launching a new communications initiative: Energy from Heaven—or from…?

Sign-up to Join or Organize an Energy from Heaven Event

If you are in Houston, we invite you to join us:

Monday, 8 AM: Direct Action at CERAWeek (“BeDeviling”)
Gather at the “gates of hell” outside:
Hilton Americas-Houston (1600 Lamar St) / George R. Brown Convention Center

Monday: March to Confront CERAWeek
11 AM Rally at City Hall (901 Bagby St)
12 PM March to CERAWeek (1600 Lamar St)
2:45 PM: Remarks from Pastor Gregory Manning (GreenFaith New Orleans)

This moment asks something of all of us.

To tell the truth. To stand with those most affected. To choose life, again and again.

Wherever you are, join the “Energy From Heaven” Sacred Call to Action this Earth Week.

With defiant hope and a holy impatience,

Eloise Reid
GreenFaith Gulf South Organizer

Building a Worldwide, Multi-faith Climate and Environmental Movement.

  

1216 Broadway
Floor 2 PMB 1005
New York, NY 10001
+1-917-997-8783

Copyright © 2022 GreenFaith - All rights reserved.

Action Alert - Call on Congress to Ensure Sufficient Aid Reaches Gaza

Gaza is once again on the brink of catastrophic hunger. A ceasefire agreement reached in late 2025 raised hopes that relief would finally reach the people of Gaza. Israeli hostages were released. Aid was supposed to flow. But those commitments have been disregarded. Israel has repeatedly closed Gaza’s border crossings, sharply restricting the entry of food, medicine, and fuel. This crisis is unfolding in the aftermath of devastating and widespread destruction across Gaza. Entire neighborhoods have been leveled. Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, water systems, and homes, has been shattered. Even before the war, Gaza had been under a long-standing blockade that severely limited access to basic goods and freedom of movement. Now, after months of large-scale violence that many human rights experts have warned may amount to genocide, the population is being left without the food, medical care, and fuel needed to survive. The scale of need is overwhelming. Before Israel’s war on Gaza, hundreds of trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and other essentials entered Gaza each day. At the start of the US-Israel war on Iran, Israel sealed Gaza again.  Now, only a fraction of that aid is getting through.   Staple foods, infant formula, and nutritional supplements are in critically short supply. Hospitals lack basic medicines, surgical supplies, and fuel to keep generators running. Clean water systems are failing without the fuel and parts needed to operate them. Families are going hungry. Hospitals are struggling to function. Children are facing severe malnutrition. Without immediate and sustained access, more lives will be lost as lifesaving aid remains unable to reach families in need.

Call on Congress to Ensure Sufficient Aid Reaches Gaza

The United States is deeply implicated in this crisis and has a responsibility to act. Two bills before Congress would take concrete steps to address this crisis: The Ceasefire Compliance Act (H. Res. 7645) would press for adherence to the ceasefire and restrict U.S. weapons transfers in cases of non-compliance. The Food for Palestinian Children and Families Act (H. Res. 7565) would help ensure that children in Gaza receive consistent access to daily meals through coordinated humanitarian efforts. Now is the time for action. As people of faith, we are called to respond when human life is at risk. The Palestinian people in Gaza cannot wait. Border crossings must be reopened, and humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow freely, fully, and without delay.  Call on your Congressional representative now to support these two bills.

Contact Congress Today!