Official Board of Bishops Statement, Nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, known as the Freedom Church, is the church of Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. We join with others on congratulating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson upon her historic nomination by President Biden as the first Black Woman to the United States Supreme Court. President Biden has fulfilled his promise and done so by nominating an outstanding jurist.

Judge Brown Jackson has held positions in the executive branch, private practice, and spent several years as a public defender. As a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals, a U.S. District Court judge, serving as the vice chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, and her own lived experience all combine to make Judge Brown Jackson a highly qualified nominee, yet also one whose diverse background lends itself to a fresh perspective and voice on our nation’s highest court. We are keenly aware that representation matters and are confident, with the enduring faith and resilient advocacy for justice embedded in our own storied history, that the intellect and integrity Judge Brown Jackson will bring to the Supreme Court will not only serve this country but this nation as well. We pray for a fair confirmation by the United States Senate without delay. Servants for love, justice, and hope; we are the Board of Bishops of the AME Zion Church. Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Senior Bishop Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, President Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Bishop Mildred B. Hines Bishop W. Darin Moore Bishop Seth O. Lartey Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Sr. Bishop George D. Crenshaw Bishop Hilliard K. Dogbe Bishop Uduak U. Effiong Bishop Brian R. Thompson Bishop Eric Leake Bishop George W.C. Walker, Sr. (Retired) Bishop S. Chuka Ekemam, Sr. (Retired) Bishop George E. Battle, Jr. (Retired) Bishop Joseph Johnson (Retired) Bishop Marshall H. Strickland (Retired) Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, Jr. (Retired) Bishop Warren M. Brown (Retired)