About the AME Church
The African Methodist Episcopal Church embraces the motto:“God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family.”
Biblical Foundation
The A.M.E. Church stands firmly on Scripture, The Apostles’ Creed, and the Twenty-Five Articles of Religion.
Methodist Heritage
Rooted in Wesleyan theology, our doctrine aligns with the historic Methodist Church.
A Church for All
Born in the struggle for dignity and equality, the A.M.E. Church affirms that all people are God’s family.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day He arose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
About the AME Church
The African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church was officially organized in 1816 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the leadership of Bishop Richard Allen. It was formed in response to racial discrimination experienced by African Americans within Methodist congregations and became the first independent Protestant denomination founded by people of African descent.
Since its founding, the A.M.E. Church has remained committed to worship, evangelism, education, social justice, and the uplift of all people. Its connectional structure spans the United States and multiple continents, continuing a legacy of faith, resilience, and service.
The 11th Episcopal District oversees A.M.E. churches throughout Florida and the Bahamas, carrying forward the mission of worship, discipleship, and community engagement within our region.
The District is under the episcopal leadership of The Right Reverend Bishop Marvin C. Zanders, II, Presiding Prelate, and Episcopal Supervisor Winifred Houston Zanders.
11th Episcopal District Leadership
- The Right Reverend Bishop Marvin C. Zanders, II – Presiding Prelate
- Episcopal Supervisor Winifred Houston Zanders
East Conference Leadership
- Elder Elizabeth Elaine Yates – Suwannee North District
- Elder Tony D. Hansberry – Alachua Central District
- Consultant Kathi Hansberry
- Elder Karl V. Smith – South District
- Consultant Diane M. Smith