By Rev. Joshua J. Stampley-Gardner, 6th Episcopal District
In his groundbreaking book, Where Have All the Prophets Gone?, the Reverend Dr. Marvin A. McMickle shares deep concern and anguish over the gradual disappearance of the prophetic voice from many of our pulpits and platforms. We concern ourselves only with the future of the things we love, and with a deep love and appreciation for the denomination I chose as an adult. The concerns raised by Dr. McMickle invite those of us who love the African Methodist Episcopal Church to ask an uncomfortable but unavoidable question: Have we exchanged moral courage for comfort and public witness for private religion?
Our Founder, Bishop Richard Allen, did not plant the African Methodist Episcopal Church merely to establish another denomination. He founded a movement. Our Zion was forged out of resistance to racism and sustained by prophetic witnesses such as Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne, the Rev. Jarena Lee, Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, Bishop Benjamin Arnett, the Reverend Dr. James Hal Cone, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the Reverend Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown, and Bishop Reverdy Ransom. Our Zion has historically proclaimed both personal salvation and social transformation.
Bishop Payne warned us that “when the church ceases to think, the church ceases to exist.” Perhaps another truth deserves consideration: when the church ceases to prophesy, she risks forgetting why God raised her in the first place.
The prophets of Scripture boldly and unapologetically confronted the issues of their day. Amos denounced economic exploitation. Isaiah challenged kings. John the Baptist rebuked Herod. The greatest liberator, Jesus, announced good news to the poor and liberty to the oppressed. The prophetic tradition has never been content with a gospel concerned only with heaven while ignoring the conditions of earth.
As heirs of Richard Allen, we are called to speak with moral clarity regarding racism, poverty, voter suppression, hatred, and every ideology that denies the image of God in humanity. In an age marked by division and fear, the church must resist every attempt to confuse nationalism with discipleship or political power with the Kingdom of God.
Perhaps Richard Allen would recognize our hymns, our liturgy, and our structures. But would he recognize our courage? The world does not need a comfortable church. It needs a courageous one.
