By Presiding Elder Pamela R. Rivera, 10th Episcopal District
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Surely that faith cannot save, can it? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? 17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. James 2: 14-17
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District, challenged the Tenth District to match its faith with action. And the Totally Tenth District responded. He was accompanied by the Episcopal Supervisor, the Reverend Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford, and over 150 members of the Tenth Episcopal District, including Presiding Elders, Clergy, and Laity, in a statement of unity and advocacy on behalf of the communities served by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Every Conference and Presiding Elder District was represented. We were not there to blend in but to stand out and clearly state that the DNA of social justice is still a foundational pillar of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Therefore, Bishop Brailsford and the clergy were in the unmistakable uniform of black suits and clergy shirts and collars. Episcopal Supervisor, Reverend Carolyn Brailsford, and the Missionaries wore black with an accent of royal blue; other laity wore black. Our identity was unquestionable; everyone knew we were God’s people on a mission, and the assignment was to demand equality and justice at every level for all Texans, especially the marginalized and People of Color. Our concerns included juvenile justice reform, funding for public education, affordable health care, affordable housing, and undoing voter suppression.
While assembled in the Rotunda, we were enthusiastically welcomed by State Representative Ron Reynolds and State Senator Royce West. They were not only thrilled at the presence of the African Methodist Episcopal Church but were also impressed by the size of the delegation. The AME Church was not only the most prominent African American group visiting the State Capitol during the Day of Advocacy, but we were also the only community of faith making a visual presence.
Representative Ron Reynolds and Senator Borris L. Miles hosted the Tenth District, and their staff ensured we felt welcome in the people’s house. Other legislative representatives, numerous aids, and various social justice grassroots leaders greeted the Delegation.
Bishop and Supervisor Brailsford were honored on the House floor, and the acknowledgment of AMEC Advocacy Day etched a historical notch in the memoirs of the 87th Legislative Session. The Tenth Episcopal District responded to the presentation by Bishop and Supervisor Brailsford with enthusiastic approval and a standing ovation. Afterwards, Senator Miles honored us in the Senate Chamber.
Bishop Brailsford’s gift for gaining God’s attention and stirring the Holy Spirit through prayer was evident from the first of four prayers he shared during our visit. He lifted the true Advocate, Jesus Christ, which shifted the atmosphere from despair to hope. We could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in those spaces.
A press conference was led by Representative Ron Reynolds, Representative Barbara Gervin Hawkins, Chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, as well as Black Voters Matter and other grassroots organizations. During the press conference, Bishop Brailsford shared that social justice is ingrained in the DNA of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Tenth Episcopal District is committed to pressing towards equality and justice. He said we would partner with the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and other movements to fight social and judicial reform for the marginalized and People of Color. Bishop Brailsford ended his statement with a chant he coined, “Rise, Speak Out, and Act.” Then, added, “We ain’t going back.”
Reverend Dr. Pamela R. Rivera is President of the Presiding Elders Council of the 10th Episcopal District and the Austin Capital District Presiding Elder.
