Book Review Church Folk

What is the black church? It is still a topic of discussion after Donald Trump’s visit in mid-June, to 180 Church, a white church in Detroit, mainstream media, labeled as black.

Book review: Church folk

Author: Michele Andrea Bowen

“Everything, as far as Essie was concerned, had that universal church-folk-banquet quality to it. The only thing that distinguished this banquet from any other was the reason why they were here - to find out who the bishops wanted to join them in the ranks of the episcopacy.

When the last tables served were finishing dessert, the current senior bishop walked onto the stage. …………………. “Lord, this has been such a blessed evening,” he began. “How many of you sitting out there looking all dressed up and pretty would agree with me? Raise your hands if you do.”

Everybody raised their hands. “And you know something, church? There ain’t nothing prettier than these lovely little ladies sitting before us all perfumed and silked and satined in their pure white for us tonight. How many of you men out there agree with me? Raise your hands if you do.”

The men in the audience obediently raised their hands. “Well then, now that we know we are all looking pretty, let’s get down to some real church business. Because, you good people know we’re not here just to eat and look pretty, right? You know why we are here, don’t you? Raise your hands if you do.”

Essie said, “If he asks me to raise my hand one more time, I’m throwing my purse at the stage.”

Bishop Jennings laughed and said, “No you won’t, Miss Lady, because I’m throwing it up there for you.”

“Now, the first order of business is to introduce the men sitting in this audience who have, to date, acquired enough votes to convince us that they can win that blessed seat of bishop.”

Pages 238-239, from the book Church Folk, by Michele Andrea Bowen.

Nonqaba waka Msimang

Blogger Without Borders