Sen. Marilyn Moore to host Bethel AME BPT 200th Anniversary

WHAT: On Saturday, September 29, 2018, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will honor its 200th anniversary as the oldest African-American church in the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut, with a Black Tie/Red Carpet Gala at the Holiday Inn-Bridgeport. The Gala will include live music, a history walk, awards, silent auction, dancing, and more. The celebration on September 29 will kick off a year’s worth of activities, forums, master classes and concerts in celebration of this important milestone for Bethel AME. Senator Marilyn Moore, a lifelong Bridgeport resident and community activist serving her second term in the state senate, is an honorary co-chair and host of the event. A lifelong Bridgeport resident and community activist, Senator Moore has been a force in advocating for health equity, living wage, and legislation that supports and protects Connecticut communities. “I am proud to stand with Bethel A.M.E., its members, and our community as an honorary co-chair for their 200th Anniversary celebration,” said Senator Moore. “Founded in direct opposition to social injustice, racial discrimination, and economic disadvantage, the A.M.E. Church remains steadfast in fighting for the oppressed.”

WHO: Bethel AME Church
Marilyn Moore for State Senate 2018

WHEN: 5 to 11 PM, Saturday, September 29, 2018

WHERE: Holiday Inn-Bridgeport, 1070 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604

WHY: The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), is a predominantly African-American Methodist denomination based in the United States. It is the first independent Protestant denomination to be founded by black people. It was founded in 1816 from several black Methodist congregations in the mid-Atlantic area that wanted independence from white Methodists. It was among the first denominations in the United States to be founded on racial rather than theological distinctions and has persistently advocated for the civil and human rights of African Americans through social improvement, religious autonomy, and political engagement. By 1906, the AME had a membership of about 500,000, making it the largest major African-American Methodist denomination in the nation. The AME currently has 20 districts, each with its own bishop: 13 are based in the United States, mostly in the South, while 7 are based in Africa. The global membership of the AME is around 2.5 million and it remains one of the largest Methodist denominations in the world.

HOW: Gala tickets are $100 per person. Please call Brian Cook at 203-414-3598 to inquire about press passes or for more information about the event.

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