8th Episcopal District -
Commission on Social Action
The "AME Church Commission on Social Action" refers to a dedicated body within the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church that actively advocates for social justice issues, focusing on concerns like poverty, racial inequality, and human rights, by mobilizing church members to take action on a local and national level; it is essentially the church's official platform for social change initiatives.
Economic Fast
Eighth Episcopal District,
Several months ago, a "preacher" in our region attacked and denounced the prophetic voice of the "Black Church," questioning our commitment to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God" (Micah 6:8). When in reality, the "Black Church" was birthed to give voice to those oppressed by people who said they knew God but only had "a form of godliness, while denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5).
Beloved, the ever-evolving attacks and undermining of marginalized people, disenfranchised communities, and the "strangers within our gates" require a response of Watching, Working, AND Praying! The AME Church, and the Black Church as a whole, has ALWAYS risen to the occasion, and God has always shown up on the side of the oppressed.
Therefore, I ask that each of us remain diligent with a watchful eye as we work together to manifest the will of God, elevate the people of God, and emasculate the enemies of God.
Effective March 5, 2025, I ask that you join your voices and economic resources in solidarity with several grassroots organizations and other Episcopal Districts of the AME Church as we move to the frontlines fighting for justice and equality. We cannot allow ourselves to become distracted by small minds or dismayed by inconveniences. We must remain focused on uplifting and amplifying the voices of those actively working towards dismantling the system of oppression, advocating for true equality, and doing our part in solidarity.
We are on the cusp of a pivotal moment for economic resistance with an opportunity to demonstrate to businesses and government officials the power of "Our Dollars." Economic boycotts helped shape the civil rights era in 1964 when there was a 20-month boycott by Black shoppers of downtown businesses in Greenwood, Mississippi, which resulted in the change of hiring practices, and when an AME Church Deaconess named Rosa Parks catapulted a 13-month protest against segregated public transportation in Mobile, AL, causing the city’s bus service to lose an estimated US$3,000 a day in fares.
In solidarity with other grassroots organizations, members of the 8th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are encouraged to join the #TargetFast (https://www.targetfast.org/) effort with a watchful eye on retailers that have renigged on commitments made during the height of the 2020 George Floyd protest. If Target is not your "store" please consider other ways to join the economic fast.
As individuals and communities of faith, we must stand together in solidarity and work towards a better future for all.