The Courage to Strike Back[1]… In Jesus’ Name!

[1] James 2 (The Message translation)

By Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, D. Hum., MSW, LCSW Director/Consultant, Social Action

No slackers, just doers, be faithful and available.

The Call has gone out for the Church to be the Church that Jesus calls us to be.

So, what’s new? You’re probably saying aloud or just thinking as you go about the business of the church, church work, and the work of the church. 

The unabridged back story is near to our consciousness. It is the impact of the first 100 days after the United States’ elections in November 2024.  We are witnessing an attempt to dismantle our democracy. It is impacting every nation on the globe, affecting all ages and humanity, and diminishing physical, mental, and spiritual health.

The current President of the United States of America is in place not only because of the reported vote count that gave him a majority, but also because of the disheartening factor that too many registered voters did not cast a vote.  More than 154 million Americans voted, though approximately 245 million were eligible to vote. Approximately 91 million Americans, or 36% of the eligible voter group, did NOT vote.^[1] 

The explanation from eligible Black voters, who did not vote, falls into four categories:  voter suppression, incarceration, structural misinformation (including “tepid” efforts to mobilize the voters), plus disillusionment.   

Each factor needs and deserves a strategy for immediate “cure,” however, for this Action Planning, let us focus on the low-hanging fruit – disillusionment and incarceration.  Be clear, start with the priority in your state, county, or local elections.  No matter what, “get busy” and “get into good trouble.”  

 I have been conducting listening sessions among non-voters.  How do we reach that 36%? Disillusionment centers on our failure to demonstrate that voting is important in our churches and organizations, where the Discipline, Constitution, Bylaws, and other governing documents call for voting, yet we find ways to avoid doing so.  We also put out slates and direct the voters to follow them, giving lip service to their opinions. Finally, we discourage candidates unless they receive the green light from leadership.  “Perhaps,” they say, “we just want them to follow us, not be a true part of the electoral process.” Pronouncement that “voting is important,” then taking away the opportunity to “practice” voting must stop.  We can be examples of integrity and truth by following our own rules – encouraging candidacy, taking the time for elections, and modeling how to “win and lose” graciously.  

The rights of those arrested, convicted, and incarcerated vary by state in the USA.^[2]  In the other 40 countries where the AME Church ministers and serves, the rights of those incarcerated vary from no loss of voting rights to lifelong loss of voting rights for those incarcerated.^[3]  In all circumstances, those detained who have not yet been charged, tried, or convicted retain the right to vote.  Our movement would simply need to utilize the charts and governing documents to confirm the rights of those incarcerated, collaborate with others to access them, and ensure that their rights are being honored. Based on virtual meetings, we encourage them to become civically engaged through public comments and other means.   Libraries and classrooms in jails & prisons can provide credible sources of information. Visitors from advocacy groups, church ministries, and ‘outside’ contacts can help to keep those detained connected and engaged in their freedom journey.  Angel Tree has its value, including connecting with families beyond Christmas, but it should never replace the authentic witness of disciples to those in prison.  The voting conversation remains relevant while we connect as fellow human beings and as children loved and forgiven by God.

The “Jesus” image painted, published, and promoted, even in some African Methodist places, is ceremoniously circumcised to remove any hint of righteous indignation that Christ expressed about the world and its peoples’ violation of the covenant with God.  Jesus led a revolution, so,,,

Yes, “striking back” in Jesus’ name is biblical. Jesus’ actions (he walked the talk) and teachings (he suggested and modeled what was right), particularly his willingness to rebuke injustice and his ultimate sacrifice of his life that all MIGHT live, are our model.

The AME Church embraces a liberation justice ministry focus, which demands that the dark-skinned Jesus be spotlighted in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and beyond.  It challenges us to follow Jesus’ teaching mandate with strong and consistent stances, “calling out” injustices. 

Yes – for the Connectional Lay Organization, the self-proclaimed and constitutionally mandated teaching arm for lay ministry, that is good news!  In short, we are called and authorized to be truth tellers, protectors of those unjustly treated, and initiators of actions to correct practices and policies that separate God’s human family, disrupting racism, sexism, and any forms of injustice/discrimination.

Developing and committing to the Plan of Action is our focus.  Taking leadership and/or being an uplifting catalyst in every Episcopal District, Annual Conference, and Presiding Elder District, Local congregation is the Order of the Day.  That means making SURE the work is done… creating networks among AME components and sister denominations, mapping the territory to cover the assigned regions, facilitating Voter Awakening for the skeptical voter and the disillusioned voter, testifying at public hearings, giving sanctuary when needed, and putting our lives on the line, if necessary.

Redemption and justice in the ongoing battle between good and evil equals achieving social justice.  Rebuking injustice – confronting hypocritical religious leaders, defending the marginalized, and challenging oppressive structures are our “light” work.

So, does that mean we should encourage AMEs to seek public office?

YES.     Why waste valuable energy critiquing those who have raised their hands and whose values are questionable?  Take action by inviting God-fearing candidates with the courage to step up.  We can begin by volunteering in community service (Commissions, Boards, Advisory Councils). Get involved in the next election (school board, neighborhood council, block club).  Let your voices be heard, speaking for the people and community. 

Well, how can the average AME get involved?

Recognize and proclaim that the establishment of God’s kingdom means our worship centers must be places where justice prevails and where, as disciples, we protect the most vulnerable.  When we hear and heed God’s word, whatever we are directed to, we protect our legacy as sentinels for justice and freedom.

My sisters and brothers, the Revolution will NOT be televised.  It takes courage to be the change we want to see in the world. That means you must be at the 39^th biennial session of the Connectional Lay Organization, ready to match your faith with action. Then we will leave to shake up the status quo – to Strike Back!

Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker serves as the Director of the Social Action Commission – AME Church.  In that role, she is tasked with assisting in identifying, implementing, and monitoring the church’s social action agenda, and helping connectional components, Episcopal Districts, Annual Conferences, and local congregations carry out ministry and service consistent with the principles of the Free Africa Society. The Director helps to bring resources to the General Board’s Commission on Social Action.

[1] US Census Bureau,Census.gov,  April 30, 2025, “2024 Presidential Election Voting and Registration Tables Now Available”

[2] Democracy Map, https://www.lgbtmap.org

[3]  Penal Reform International, https:www.penalreform.org