The Choice Facing African Methodism

By Rev. Terrance L. Thomas, Contributing Writer

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek a second term for the Office of President of the United States. This decision to withdraw from the race came after weeks of reflection and internal conversation within the leadership of the Democratic Party as it pertained to their chances of victory against the candidacy of Donald Trump (and all that he represents). Though we may never really know why Biden opted out, most pundits agree this decision came in the aftermath of a lackluster debate performance, a severely apathetic voter base among Gen Xers, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alphas, and if Biden’s health impacted his ability to execute the duties of the Office of the President faithfully. At the same time, President Biden immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President; with this endorsement and her acceptance, the Democratic Party experienced a renewed groundswell of energy, excitement, and fundraising that saw several different (and often opposing) demographics come together to ensure her victory. It seemed that almost everyone from Black Women to Black Men, to HBCUs, to Black Churches, and even some Republicans had rallied behind her campaign. In the first week alone, VP Harris secured over $200 million for her campaign. Biden’s decision showcased a willingness to put the well-being of his party and the nation above his selfish desires and aspirations. President Biden gives a real-life example of what it means when we say the “needs of the many outweigh those of the few or the one.” With this bravery and thoughtfulness, the Democrats have shifted from what was quite possibly a guaranteed defeat to a likely victory (this is American Politics, after all, so nothing is for sure). For those of us who are AMEs, it’s an example and a challenge for us to do the same and shake up the status quo for the good of our Zion at the 52nd General Conference.

As we approach gathering for our 52nd General Conference, we stand on the eve to do something different, something better, to galvanize our spirits and Zion. Like the Democratic Party (which is meeting in Convention as this is being published), we stand facing a choice: do we ignore all the factors that stand before us: declining membership from Gen Xers on down, shrinking congregations, clergy leaving for perceived and actual greener pastures in other denominations or within the non-denominational space, and an aging leadership often reluctant to pass the torch OR do we accept the truth that lies before us and pivot to prevent further damage? Will we be brave enough to do justice concerning our LGBTQ+ family? Will those who lost their money in a very embarrassing public annuity crisis be restored in a manner that does not put the onus back on the local church? Will we allow new leadership and voices to come forth? As a Zion, will we embrace the truth knowing that it shall set us free, free to walk out the mandate found in Luke 4? These questions face us as we gather in Columbus, Ohio, to make decisions that will impact our Zion for the next 20 years. These are all self-reflective questions we must ask ourselves as those committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the mission of African Methodism. To quote scholar Harold Cruse, “Ours is not a question of reform or revolution, but rather revolution or extinction.” We can continue to pretend all and ignore reality, or we can acknowledge that something must change and begin the process of change, whatever and however that may look.

If we doubt the urgency of this matter in understanding a shift is needed, we only need to look no further than another Black institution struggling with its purpose in the 21st Century: Rainbow Push. Founded in 1971 as Operation Push, Push became a prominent civil rights organization under its founder and head, the Rev. Jesse Jackson. However, like most civil rights organizations, PUSH has struggled over the past twenty years to find its footing in a changing world and shifting politics. Despite these challenges, Push was posed to move into the 21st with its selection of Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes in 2023 as its new head when Rev. Jesse Jackson stepped down after more than 50 years at the helm. Those watching were excited and hopeful about the future of Operation Push, its restoration as a civil rights organization, and the much needed of the guard. Sadly, this resurgence was not to be, as Rev. Haynes would resign in April 2024, not even one year into his tenure. Considering such hopes and promises, the reasons for his resignation are unclear. What has been made clear was PUSH’s inability to shift from Jackson’s leadership to Haynes and Jackson’s failure to allow Hayes to lead as the organization needed and not what they were used to play a huge role in his departure. Since Rev. Dr. Haynes has left, PUSH has returned to its position before his arrival: an increasingly irrelevant civil rights organization trying to find itself in a changing world in Chicago and beyond. If we are not careful, our Zion may end up like Rainbow PUSH instead of a reinvigorated and potentially transformed Democratic Party.

In 1972, journalist Samuel Yette wrote The Choice: The Issue of Black Survival In America in response to the various policies and behaviors of the United States towards Black people. In this now classic work, Yette has a simple thesis: Are we (Black people) going to ignore all that we see, hear, and feel daily, or accept the reality of what is before us and create a response that will prevent our destruction? So, it was for those whom Yette wrote his book for, so it is for us in African Methodist now. We have a choice. We can either continue in a manner that puts egos, positions, and privilege ahead of the greater good or finally return to our roots as a justice-centered denomination dedicated to the work of Jesus Christ. I pray we make the right choice.