The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is not mincing any words in a new statement opposing several executive orders signed by President Donald Trump hours into his presidency. The bishops highlight that these actions, implemented via executive orders rather than legislation, have raised significant concerns.
Trump’s executive orders include pardoning and commuting sentences of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol insurrection, mass deportations, redefining birthright citizenship, and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The bishops also point to Trump’s directives targeting sanctuary cities and repealing previous climate change initiatives as part of his efforts to implement Project 2025.
In the Jan. 28 statement, the Council of Bishops emphasizes that these orders contradict the values of equality and justice. They call on the AME Church to recognize this as spiritual warfare, quoting Ephesians to stress the fight against “spiritual wickedness in high places.”
The Bishops outline a multi-faceted approach for the church to take action, including partnering with legal entities like the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to file lawsuits opposing Trump’s orders. They also seek collaboration with other faith leaders and organizations to form a unified front.
The council also calls for a comprehensive media and messaging strategy to educate and mobilize communities, with a national press conference planned for February. The bishops say this is when the AME Church will announce legal actions they intend to take against the current administration.
In addition, the statement calls on the AME Church to engage in long-term, unified action to uphold justice and equality, emphasizing that their efforts are part of a broader mission of “kingdom work.”
Bishop Silvester S. Beaman, President of the Council of Bishops, and other prominent bishops, underscores the importance of the church’s active role in this critical time. The statement reminds believers to put on “the whole armor of God,” “fight the good fight of faith,” and speak truth to power.
Read the statement in full here.
Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of A.I.
