Pastor Byron Smith, Lifting the Veil Ministries, Inc.: Use common sense and stand on your faith and not operate in fear.
Pastor Marcus Murchinson, Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church: Psalm 91:5-6 says, “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”
I think that today we have seen in our country some of the issues that bring grave responsibility and certainly highlight some of the compassion and the areas of the challenge for us. We have become so high tech that we are low touch. The churches’ response in my opinion is not to close their doors but to keep stores open. Christ had to touch people that were far more contagious than the coronavirus. We must take hold of our faith and not allow our fear to control us. Our church will be open we will be an institution that will still be able to lay hands on people to give them the contact in the faith to believe.
AME Council of Bishops: [We are] calling the church to prayer collectively and individually. We are admonished by way of scripture that, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NRSV) Lord, heal the land!”
We will make it through this together! Our perseverance is rooted in the grace of God. Our resilience is empowered by the Holy Spirit. We’re durable disciples of Jesus Christ, who do more than pick up the pieces and move on during uncertain times or during catastrophic events.
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Senior Bishop
Bishop Harry L. Seawright, President, Council of Bishops
Bishop Michael L. Mitchell, Secretary, Council of Bishops
Bishop E. Anne Henning-Byfield, Assistant Secretary, Council of Bishops
Bishop Charles E. Blake, West Angeles Church of God in Christ: Please join us in continued prayer for God’s guidance and direction, confident that He is yet in control.
