Greetings in the Name of Elohim, Adonai, and Jehovah Jireh!
Two pictures come to mind seven days before these midterm elections. One photo features the late Bishop B. Julian Smith on the left of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in March 1968. Another photo features an Albino CME Pastor, the late Dr. Jessie L Douglas! He was Dr. King's personal soloist.
If they were present today, I wonder what their response would be to the kidnapping attempt on Nancy Pelosi's life. What would they say in the aftermath of the January 6th attack on the United States Capitol? What would they say to people living in their cars because they can't access affordable housing?
They could say a myriad of things, but their actions would be the same. It would be going to the polls and voting to make the change this country desperately needs! Our democracy, morality, and ethics are on the ballot.
The fight for voters' rights is still much alive today as it was throughout the country's history. And it is time for us to use the power of our vote to make our voices heard.
Get Involved!
As a church, you can use your van to take people to the polls while maintaining social distance. Don't have a van? Raise an offering to provide Uber rides to the polls! Partner with other community-based organizations to get the people to vote.
Organize a run/walk to the polls day! Give a gas card or gift card to the person who got the most people registered to vote and cast a ballot. Have a “date day" at the polls! You can make it to the polling place or mail your ballot to be counted.
The Bible says, In 2 Samuel 24:1 Again, the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah." If King David took a census, why are we not trusting the same for our people when poverty has moved from a temporary condition to now a social class in America? We must mobilize and vote because our lives depend on it!
Please know that Faith without a Vote is Dead! The choice is yours, for the one you feed is the one that Wins!
In addition, We encourage congregations to consider using the church’s parking lots and/ or the front of the church building as a 2022 Voter and Voting Encouragement Center by devoting some time over the next few days to either place “please vote on or before November 8th” on signage in front of your church or designate certain times when members of the congregation will stand in front of the church holding voting encouragement signs.
This communication serves as an official statement on behalf of the College of Bishops!
Bishop Charley Hames, Jr. Commission on Social Justice and Human Concern, Chair
Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Vice Chair
Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Bishop James B. Walker
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Chair, College of Bishops
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Secretary
Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas
Bishop C.K. Heath
Bishop Denise Anders-Modest
Bishop Charley Hames, Jr
Bishop Ricky D. Helton
Bishop Kwame Lawson Adjei
Bishop Marshall Gilmore, Retired
Bishop Othal H Lakey, Retired
Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Retired
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Retired
Bishop C. James King, Jr., Retired