African Methodist Episcopal Church Elects Its First Woman Bishop
The stained glass ceiling has been pierced, says Vashti McKenzie.
By Cheryl Heckler-Feltz in Baltimore | posted 7/24/00 | posted 7/01/2000 12:00AM
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"Because of God's favor, the stained glass ceiling has been pierced and broken," McKenzie said in a speech at the conference after she was elected bishop.
Bishop McKenzie is married to Stan McKenzie, a former professional basketball player, and they have three children, Jon-Mikael, Vashti-Jasmine, and Joi-Marie.
A former journalist and broadcaster whose work has appeared in major magazines, newspapers and television shows across the country, Bishop McKenzie is a graduate of the University of Maryland, and holds a Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University. She also has a Doctor of Ministry degree, from United Theological Seminary, in Dayton, Ohio.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church traces its roots to 1787 in Philadelphia at St George's Methodist Episcopal Church when blacks withdrew in protest against segregation. The denomination was officially organized in 1816 and had its headquarters in Washington, DC.
Copyright © 2000 ENI.
McKenzie's
Not Without a Struggle is available from the Christianity Online Bookstore and other book retailers.
The mainstream media has been covering McKenzie's election at length. Articles include:
Female Bishop Will Head To Africa — Chicago Tribune / Associated Press (July 19, 2000)
First Woman Bishop Returns Home — Associated Press (July 17, 2000)
Inner-city pastor now pioneers as bishop — The Washington Times (July 17, 2000)
Joy, tears at church on eve of transition — The [Baltimore] Sun (July 17, 2000)
Bishop's journey leading to Africa — The [Baltimore] Sun (July 13, 2000)
AME Church celebrates election here of its first female bishop — The Cincinnati Post (July 12, 2000)
After 213 Years, A.M.E. Church Chooses a Woman as a Bishop — The New York Times (July 12, 2000)
Baltimore pastor elected AME's first female bishop — The [Baltimore] Sun (July 12, 2000)
For a history of the
founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, see our sister publication, Christian History.
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