By John Thomas III, Ph.D.
On August 1, 2016, I formally assumed my duties as Editor of The Christian Recorder. After a transition conversation and pep talk from my predecessor, Dr. Calvin Sydnor III, I started the work in earnest. I ran on a platform with the slogan “A Global Editor for A Global Church.” I sought to build upon my predecessor’s work and create a communal voice that included not just the editor’s voice but reflected the kaleidoscope of views that make up the AME Church and the communities we serve.
As I began writing and traveling throughout the Connectional Church, I realized several realities. First, AMEs prioritize certain types of news unevenly. For every four articles about a church anniversary, I would receive one about a mission project. As I listened to reports on the Annual Conference floor, I heard, through the voices of pastors and lay delegates in churches big and small, clear evidence that AME Churches were thoroughly engaged in their communities, and I made it a priority to get churches to share these stories.
Second, while content was rarely scarce, our coverage had geographic and generational gaps. We were missing articles from young adults, laity and female clergy. Several Episcopal Districts had not submitted articles in years. To correct this, I intentionally recruited writers from across the Connectional Church and worked with the Connectional Organizations to fill those gaps. I also worked to implement the Global Development Council Field Representative Program in Districts 14-20.
Third, because the subscriptions barely covered printing, With a budget of slightly less than $30,000 from the General Budget, I had to make the improvements to coverage and modernize the website, print and electronic content delivery. This resource constraint meant relying on the goodwill of volunteers, grossly underpaid administrative staff, and occupying the seat of several roles in addition to the supervisory work of an Editor-in-Chief. The operational work of a News Editor and the creative work of a Features Editor was necessary to maintain the bar my predecessor set for consistent coverage. Through the grace of God and the generosity of supporters, this publication continues to serve the AME Church and give voice to our members. But, this achievement forced me to make my choices about where to put my efforts.
Over the past few months, I have been challenged to make space for my unique writing on the editorial page again. I was reminded that in 2016, the AME Church not only elected me to steward this periodical, but to speak out loudly and clearly to the AME Church about the issues of the day. One of the most difficult times in my editorship was the height of the scandal that enveloped the Department of Retirement Services. Because of this paper’s status as the official periodical of the AME Church, we were enjoined from making any statements about the situation beyond official notices lest they be used against the denomination during the lawsuit. Eventually, I was able to speak about the pain of this breach of trust and the culture of silence that initially forced suppression.
People have said, “You should write about (insert topic here),” or “We miss reading what you have to say.” But there is a humanity to this. As the most visible part of the periodical, editorials take a toll on me in ways I don’t always comprehend in the moment. Although we are blessed with talented columnists and contributing writers with a breadth of experience and knowledge to share, crafting an editorial the church wants to read is a mental process, one that requires careful thought and consideration. With limited resources and staff available to write, I choose to report rather than write, for reporting is for our record, and editorials are my opinions. Yet, it has become evidently clear that the church needs to hear from its Editor.
And hear, it shall.
Next year, this publication will celebrate 175 years of continuous service. I am proud to serve as the Editor of a paper that matters not just because of its longevity, but because of who and what we represent – Truth, Context, and Reliability. My voice is but one of many in the line of editors who have sought to tell the AME story in its entirety. I invite you to join me on this journey of collecting, curating, and telling our story. Together, in community and through connection, let’s work to ensure The Christian Recorder remains a living archive and voice of the people.
