Let me start by saying I fully support the ideals and values of the Christian religion. I don't want to disparage anyone who shares those beliefs, of any social position or race. I do, however, have no compulsion to respect those that would use those beliefs as tools, financial or political. Everyone has heard the quote "Religion is the opium of the masses" by Karl Marx. That has a lot of truth to it. I draw a distinction between organized religion and individual belief systems. The latter is commonly used by the former for their own ends, but not all. There are plenty of righteous groups of like-minded groups who call themselves churches that are honestly devote and altruistic with no ill-conceived or ulterior motives involved. With that disclaimer, here is what little research I found:
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, or the AME Zion Church or AMEZ, is a historically African-American denomination based in the United States.
The first church founded by the AME Zion Church was built in 1800 and was named Zion. These early black churches were still part of the Methodist Episcopal Church denomination, although the congregations were independent.
Black churches played an increasingly powerful role in the civil rights movement. AMEZ remained smaller than AME because some of its ministers lacked the authority to perform marriages, and many of its ministers avoided political roles.
The AME Zion Church is not to be confused with the similarly named African Methodist Episcopal Church
The AME Zion Church has performed mission work in the countries of Nigeria, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, England, India, Jamaica, St. Croix-Virgin Islands, Trinidad, Tobago, and others.
The AME Zion Church continues to preach truth to power.
One influential leader bishop James Walker Hood (1831-1918) of North Carolina. He not only created and fostered his network of AMEZ churches in North Carolina, but he also was the grand master for the entire South of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, a secular organization that strengthen the political and economic forces inside the black community.
The last statement is what aroused my attention. An "influential" leader was also a grand master for the entire South of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge. I have some reservations about the secret "cult" of the Masons (another discussion completely). They go on to admit the church was/is being used to "strengthen the political and economic forces inside the black community." Being the black community is not as important to me as any community. I don't believe any church is the place for political influence just as govt should be separate from religion (church/state separation, again another discussion to be had).
This is admittedly a very little research, and personal opinions mixed in. But any and all knowledge is good to expose one's self to. Since this involves religion and politics, let's try to keep any discussion civil and on-topic (or not, yay free speech). Thanks for your time.
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[–] cynicaloldfart [S] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Even more so, it isn't just trolling it's proud of itself and believes what it says. Utter depravity.