Statement from the AME Churches of the Buffalo-Rochester District of the Western New York Conference on the Tops Shooting

FROM THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO POLICY AND ACTION: Western New York AME Churches Take a Stand in Support of Mass Shooting Victims, Families BUFFALO, NEW YORK – The Buffalo-Rochester District of the Western New York Annual Conference (WNYAC) of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church stands together in grief and mourning with the Buffalo community and the friends and family of the loved ones lost and injured after Saturday’s mass shooting. The anti-Black hatred that catalyzed this hate crime – this white supremacist act of terrorism – is no secret, no matter how much it may be ignored. “People are angry, and that will never be okay. We refuse to turn a blind eye to these systemic institutions so deeply rooted in intentional violence against Black people,” says Rev. Paul J. Thomas, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Buffalo. “Our dedication to tearing down these barriers to peace and justice for all is unwavering, and we are committed to partnering with other local, regional, and national community leaders and organizations to take necessary action in securing just that.” In Rochester, Rev. James C. Simmons, pastor of Baber AME Church shares that, “We stand unified with Buffalo, crying out against all the hurt, harm, and danger that tries to attack its Black residents and neighborhoods. When the community cries out, the people pay attention, and that attention causes the action necessary to affect a permanent and positive change.” Just wrapping up at the Conference’s 26th session this past weekend, the Buffalo-Rochester District is currently examining how its present and potential partnerships can establish and execute the most effective plan of action to heal and help in response to Saturday’s mass shooting. Ministerial staff is available to provide comfort and counseling during this very difficult time. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Bethel AME Church at 716-886-1650 or visit www.bethelbuffalo.org. The Western New York Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is comprised of all the AME churches spanning across Western, Central, and Upstate New York. The Historic Bethel AME Church has the distinction of being the oldest congregation of African descent in Western New York, where relationships are built through engagement, empowerment, and enrichment. For more information, please visit www.bethelbuffalo.org. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see past TCR Dialogues.

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The Christian Recorder is the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest continuously produced publication by persons of African descent.   Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chair of the General Board Commission on Publications Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher of the AME Sunday School Union Mr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder Copyright ©  2022 The Christian Recorder, All rights reserved.