Testimonials

                                  August 20, 2007

 

The Washington Conference Branch Women’s Missionary Society

The Second Episcopal District

The African Methodist Episcopal Church

Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Bishop

Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor

Mrs. Katherine M. Fisher, Episcopal President

Ms. D. Faye Conley, President

 

 I am honored and privileged to write this letter on behalf of the Reverend Ronald Eugene Braxton, Candidate for Bishop 2008.

 There are many words that describe Rev. Braxton, but the most descriptive label for him is definitely AME. If there were anyone who fits the bill for a phrase that has been affectionately used by many members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, “AME born & bred, and when I die, I will be AME-dead,” it is Rev. Braxton. I consider him to be one of the most knowledgeable Pastors in the Washington Conference, Second Episcopal District and across this Connectional Church when it comes to the A.M.E. Church . It is quite apparent that he has dedicated himself to this great church.  To be effective in the office of Bishop requires that one is most knowledgeable of the Church.

Not only is Rev. Braxton knowledgeable of the Church, but he knows the work of the pastor.

Rev. Braxton understands the need to be forthright in a leadership position. Indeed, he is a no-nonsense person, so one does not approach Rev. Braxton unless he is ready to hear the truth.  One knows that he will not provide an answer just for the sake of giving an answer, but because he has given the matter much thought and used his vast leadership experiences to render the most appropriate answer. I cannot think of a time that I have engaged in conversation with Rev. Braxton or just been in his presence, whether at a service of worship, etc., that I have not learned something. I have observed his genuine regard for younger ministers as he has offered words of wisdom just in general conversation.

Because of his love for God and the AME Church , this pastor has served the AME Church in ways that the average layperson may never know and in ways that the average pastor may never experience. He understands the need to help equip newer ministers of the gospel as they journey. The breadth and depth of Rev. Braxton’s AME experiences have equipped him to serve as a role model for many younger pastors across the AME Church .  

It is assuring to know that a pastor has an appreciation for the work of the Women’s Missionary Society and the Lay Organization. Persons left his recently-held workshop during the 30th session of the Connectional Lay Organization’s Biennial Convention applauding him for his knowledge of the AME Church .

 

 

This Christian preacher, teacher, theologian, role model, is the caliber of pastor who should lead the AME Church as Bishop.  

 In His Service,

 

d. faye conley

 

 

 

________________________________________________

I am Vashti Jo’Mae Little and as a youth member of Metropolitan AME Church I support my pastor, Rev. Ronald Eugene Braxton for Bishop. I believe Rev. Braxton has the skills, vision, and commitment to match the importance of this job.

He cares about the youth and our learning experience. From the pulpit, I have heard him expound on the importance of education. For example, during Black History month, Easter and Christmas, we receive extensive information in our church bulletin about the significance of these events.
I particularly remember the Brown vs. Board of education bulletin and the research of photography’s and bios of some of the men and women who help shaped this event.

Rev. Braxton listens well and believes that all of our needs, as youth, should be heard and addressed. I am President of the Junior Usher Board, Vice President of the YPD, a member of the Liturgical Dance and Girl Scout Ministries, which Rev. Braxton’s supports 100 percent.

Rev. Braxton’s theme for his campaign is, “Strengthening the Church’s Foundation for Future Generations.” I believe that Rev. Braxton has done a wonderful job strengthening the youth at our church and if he were to become a Bishop of the AME church he will be able to share his mission and vision in AME churches worldwide.

Thank you in advance for electing my pastor, Rev. Ronald Eugene Braxton, to the Episcopal Ministry in 2008 as a Bishop. I am rooting for him as well as all of the youth members of Metropolitan AME Church.

 

 

 

Vashti Jo’Mae Little

_________________________________________________

 

African Methodist Episcopal Church

Washington Conference

Potomac District

Rev. Louis-Charles Harvey, Ph. D.

                                       Presiding Elder

 

 

August 24, 2007

 

 

 

 

To All Concerned:

 

It is my pleasure and distinct privilege to write a letter of endorsement for Episcopal Service for the Rev. Dr. Ronald Braxton.  I compose this missive as his Presiding Elder and colleague in the service of our Lord.  During my tenure as Presiding Elder of the Potomac District I have had opportunity to observe his ministry as Senior Pastor of The Cathedral Church of African Methodism.  I have found him to be an efficient Church Administrator, an extraordinarily gifted and consistent Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ, a loving pastor and visionary leader. 

 

Moreover he is known to be a cherished mentor to many a young preacher trying to understand the complexities and in congruencies of the AME Denomination, Polity and Practice.  Rev. Braxton brought to the pastorate of Metropolitan AME Church more than 30 years of pastoral experience. At each charge he left an indelible imprint of excellence in service and proclamation.  Moreover his legacy is one that espouses in Word and Deed a holistic ministry, one that feeds the sheep as a Priest and one which  challenges the Powers that be who seek to keep the downtrodden oppressed and outcast.

 

As our beloved Zion moves deeper into the first decade of the 21st Century we need Episcopal Servants who love the AME Church and will work to make it relevant and reformative so that it can respond positively to the needs of all its members; to those in the Continental USA, those in Africa and the Caribbean and elsewhere, the Senior members and our Youth.

 

Such a servant is Ronald Eugene Braxton.   Thus without reservation and with enthusiasm I endorse him and beseech you to join with me in electing him a Bishop. Our Church needs him and his gifts.

 

 

 

Respectfully Yours,

 

Louis-Charles Harvey, PhD

Presiding Elder

 

1354 Tuckerman Street, NW          Washington, D.C. 20011
   

 

 

Phone: 202-723-8731