by Eron Henry | Apr 25, 2024 | News
At the recently concluded Lott Carey annual Spring Missions Conference, Rev. Dr. Willie D. Francois III, the newly appointed senior pastor of the host church, Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ, addressed the critical role of public theology in safeguarding democracy and championing the cause of Black lives.
Dr. Francois underscored the unprecedented global scale of this year’s elections, with more than 60 countries casting their votes. He posited that the health of democracy is directly reflected in the vitality of public participation. Yet, he expressed deep concern for what he termed “democratic grief,” particularly among younger Black Americans – a profound disengagement stemming from disillusionment with a system that has historically failed them.
The church, according to Dr. Francois, has a pivotal role in mending the wounds of democratic grief. He called for a theological lexicon that identifies systemic injustices as sins, thus framing the struggle for racial justice as a moral imperative. He lamented that only two generations of Black Americans have been born with the unobstructed right to vote, a stark reminder of the persistence of anti-blackness.
He urged the church to transcend doctrinal rigidity and embrace theological imagination, drawing from ancestral wisdom and the interconnectedness of humanity. He emphasized the necessity of fostering hope and practicing “public love” – a proactive love that demands justice and combats oppression.
Echoing the teachings of Jesus, Dr. Francois advocated for a love that is inherently political, one that actively seeks to dismantle systems of domination. He challenged the church to align itself with this radical form of love, thereby redefining discipleship in terms of action rather than mere observance.
In a poignant reference to Melissa V. Harris-Perry’s book, Sister Citizen, he drew a parallel between the participants in a post-war experiment – who struggled to stand upright amidst crooked surroundings – and the contemporary challenge faced by the church to stand for justice in a society marred by systemic inequalities.
Dr. Francois’s message was a clarion call for a countercultural revolution, urging the church to lead in painting a new vision for America – one that is rooted in love, justice, and an unwavering commitment to democracy.
by Eron Henry | Apr 22, 2024 | News
Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, the esteemed president of Lott Carey, delivered the sermon at the closing commissioning service of the 2024 Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference at the Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey.
Dr. Stewart’s message was clear and profound: public theology is not only relevant but essential. Drawing from the scriptures of Matthew 5:13-15 and John 1:1-5, she painted a vivid picture of faith’s role in the public square. She used the insights of Rev. Dr. Christophe Ringer, who gave two presentations on public theology at the conference, as a backdrop, declaring that all life is sacred, and every act is an act of worship.
The sacred-secular divide, she argued, is a false dichotomy. Theology, in its truest form, spills out of sanctuaries and into the streets, influencing policy, shaping dialogues, and uplifting communities. Other presenters at the missions conference, Minister Brenda Troy and Rev. Dr. Willie Francois III, were heralded for their practical applications of this concept, demonstrating how public love can be a beacon of hope in a world riddled with despair.
For 127 years, Lott Carey has been a testament to this philosophy, actively engaging in the fight against hunger, championing women’s empowerment, advancing education, and providing disaster relief. These initiatives are not mere acts of charity but a divine mandate, a command to disrupt the status quo and sow seeds of justice and equity.
Dr. Stewart’s sermon culminated in a powerful call to action. She urged the gathering to embrace their unique gifts, to be the light in a world shrouded in darkness. The ministry of Jesus, she reminded them, was never meant to be confined to whispers behind closed doors. It is a dynamic force, capable of transforming societies and realigning them with God’s vision for human flourishing.
As the conference ended, the message was clear: despair is not an option. Instead, we are invited to join a lineage of change-makers who understood the public nature of Jesus’ ministry. Together, we can be divine disruptors, aligning our world with the divine intentions of love, justice, and flourishing for all.
by Eron Henry | Apr 17, 2024 | News
Lott Carey, a global Christian missional community, stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Haiti during this time of unprecedented crisis. For more than a century, we have been committed to supporting the Haitian people through partnerships and aid, and today, our resolve is stronger than ever.
The current situation in Haiti is dire. Gang violence has escalated, leading to a humanitarian disaster that has left millions in need of urgent assistance. The political turmoil following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse has only intensified the instability. The recent gang war has resulted in thousands of deaths and has displaced more than 362,000 people, creating a state of fear and uncertainty.
Violence has spilled from the capital, Port au Prince, into rural areas, disrupting national supply lines and causing prices to skyrocket. This has exacerbated the hunger crisis, with 4.4 million people facing crisis levels of food insecurity. As the 2024 hurricane season draws near, the country, already grappling with poverty, now faces the threat of tropical systems that could bring heavy rain, flooding, and further damage to weakened structures.
In response to these challenges, Lott Carey pledges to continue our support for the Strategic Union of Baptist Churches in Haiti, the Haiti Baptist Convention, Mission of Grace, and other partners in Haiti. We have provided emergency aid, supported education, and sent volunteers to assist in relief efforts. Our commitment to the Haitian people remains steadfast.
We call upon the international community to join us in prayer and support for Haiti. We urge for an end to the conflict and for peace to be restored. It is our fervent hope that through collective efforts, we can help alleviate the suffering and bring about a brighter future for Haiti.
For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made to support our ongoing mission in Haiti. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis.
Lott Carey is more than an organization; we are a family united in faith and action. We stand with Haiti.
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“When you open schools, you close so many prisons.” – Linotte Joseph, Mission of Grace, Haiti
by Eron Henry | Nov 3, 2022 | Blog, News, News
November 3, 2022
A Mission Immersion Pilgrimage to Africa is underway from November 2-11.
Dubbed a “Walk in the footsteps of Rev. Lott Carey in the Motherland,” it commemorates and celebrates the 200th anniversary of Rev. Carey’s mission to the continent.
The delegation of 31 persons includes Lott Carey President Dr. Gina Stewart, former president, Rev. Gregory Jackson, Women In Service Everywhere President Dr. Angelita Clifton, other Lott Carey leaders, and several pastors.
They will make stops in Ghana and Liberia.
The Rev. Lott Carey led a group of formerly enslaved African Americans to West Africa, arriving in what is now Liberia in 1822. He played a key role in the founding of that nation, Africa’s first republic.
In Liberia, pilgrims will explore Providence Island where Rev. Carey landed in early 1822. They will worship at Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia, the second oldest Baptist church in Africa, which was founded by Rev. Carey; visit and interact with students at the two campuses of the Lott Carey Mission Schools; and visit and worship with students at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, among other activities.
Ghana is the ancestral home of many persons of African descent in the Americas and holds important historical landmarks of interest to persons of the African diaspora.
While in Ghana, pilgrims will visit Independence Square, the W.E. B. Dubois Center, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
A highlight will be the trip to the Assin Manso Slave River and the slave castles in Cape Coast and Elmina. Assin Manso and the slave castles are infamous for their roles in the trade of enslaved Africans before their arduous and traumatic journey to North America, South America, and the Caribbean.
“We expect that this journey into the past will bring home to us the love and sacrifice of those who walked this journey before us,” said Lott Carey Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn.
“As we take this journey, we draw strength for the work to which God has called us as we build a better world through Christian mission,” declared Rev. Dunn, who was born in Liberia and was baptized at the historic Providence Baptist Church.
by Eron Henry | Oct 31, 2022 | Blog, News, News
October 27, 2022
Lott Carey Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn was elected president of the North American Baptist Fellowship (NABF) during its annual meeting in Falls Church, Virginia, on October 24.
Dunn succeeds Rev. Dr. Samuel Tolbert, president of the National Baptist Convention of America.
The NABF represents 22 Baptist conventions, unions, and mission societies in Canada and the United States. It comprises almost 20 million members in 55,000 congregations.
NABF mission emphases include creation care, disaster relief, and scholars’ collaboration.
The 2022 annual meeting focused on hope. Participants explored issues of church revitalization, creation care and mental health.
The gathering provided opportunities for fellowship, inspiring conversation, and networking.
Rev. Dunn will serve a three-year term.
by Eron Henry | Oct 31, 2022 | Blog, News, News
October 28, 2022
Dr. Henry Mugabe, founding president and professor of the Zimbabwe Theological Seminary (ZTS), and his son, Munyaradzi Johannes Mugabe, are to be buried on Saturday, October 29.
Services are planned for the Mtapa Baptist Church in the city of Gweru in central Zimbabwe. The burial will be in their hometown of Masvingo.
Dr. Mugabe and his son were killed in a traffic accident on October 21, along with Dr. Dudzirai Chimeri, who succeeded Dr. Mugabe as ZTS president.
Lott Carey has been a partner of ZTS since its founding in 2011 and is offering support to the families.
Condolences are being received from the global Lott Carey community. These are to be shared with the Mugabe and Chimeri families, and the seminary community.
Expressions may be sent to lottcarey@lottcarey.org.
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