Page 21 - Bethel Annual 2019 Report

Love Makes the Difference!

CHRISTIAN SOCIAL ACTION

No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly impris-
oned; … Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.
Isaiah 58: 6

present Presiding Prelate of the Eleventh Episco-
pal District and Senior Bishop, paid homage to
Bishop Young and his determination to make the
commitment to social justice an essential compo-
Bethel was steadfast in maintaining its legacy of fighting against nent of the 11 Episcopal District mission. After-
th
political and social injustices of the day. ward, Bishop Richardson and delegation visited
the Capitol where they met with Florida legislators
C to discuss issues/concerns pertaining to Criminal
itizens of Tallahassee and Leon County were
Justice Reform, Healthcare Funding Reform,
urged to exercise their right to vote. November
4, 2018 was designated Souls to the Polls Sunday. Public Education Reform, Voting Rights Reform
Church and community were invited to attend wor- Laws and other legislation.
ship and meet together after the 11:00 a. m. worship Bethel served as the site for the Florida Restora-
service at the B. L. Perry Library polling center to cast tion Rights Coalition Advocacy Day morning
their votes on the last day of Early Voting. Reverend training sessions on March 12, 2019. Approxi-
Dr. McAllister’s sermon, “Our Vote is Sacred,” based mately 500 individuals from throughout the state
on Acts 23-26, urged the congregation to approach the of Florida assembled at Bethel from 7:00 a.m. to
act of voting as we would any important life changing 12 noon to discuss the critical issue of criminal jus-
decision – PRAY! Ask God to guide your assessment tice reform before rallying at the Capitol. Empha-
of the heart, mind and soul of the candidate that is sis was placed on pending Florida legislation that
akin to His character; then trust God to lead you to the seeks to limit the number of former felons to vote
right decision. in spite of the passage of Amendment 4. Rever-

Bethel hosted the 2019 AME Day at the Capitol on end Dr. McAllister provided prayer at the break-
January 23 . This year’s annual visit to the Capitol fast held at Florida A&M University prior to
rd
was especially significant as it occurred only one week marching to the Capitol for the Governor’s Inau-
after the passing of the Right Reverend McKinley guration. Bethel was chosen, by Executive Direc-
Young, Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Epis- tor, Desmond Mead, as the site to conduct the
copal Church who, as Presiding Prelate of the Eleventh organization’s pre-rally business because of its
Episcopal District, initiated this event. Before leaving history of advocating for political and social
for the Capitol, Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., equality for all people.

AME Day at the Capitol Delegation

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