Jeffrey N. Leath, 128th Bishop, Acting President

May 7, 2014

The African Methodist Episcopal Church is intensely concerned about almost 300 girls and women who were abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok (northeastern Nigeria) several weeks ago. They have not been located, and their captors have not been apprehended. While we are experiencing many emotions, from outrage to grief, we are united in prayer and loving concern for these young women, their families and those who live in insecure communities.

We support the efforts of President Obama, other world leaders, and the international community in seeking the return of those abducted. We join the cry, “Bring Our Daughters Back!” In our tradition of advocacy for liberation and reconciliation, we affirm the importance of a world order where all people may live in peace. We also assert that human trafficking and gender based violence are unacceptable as God has endowed all of humanity with intrinsic value.

Many will pause this Sunday to honor their mothers and womanhood. Let us also dedicate some time to pray for these, and others, who are victimized around the world. Keep torches of hope burning in our faith community!