Council of Bishops Statement on the firing of Florida Ninth District State Attorney Monique Worrell
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We stand together to condemn Governor DeSantis for suspending Florida’s only Black woman serving as a State Attorney, the democratically elected, qualified, and competent Attorney Monique Worrell. We were privileged to have her address us during the recent WMS Quadrennial Convention, and her vigilance and passion for the pursuit of equity and justice were clear.
Governor DeSantis claims her removal was for ‘neglect of duty and incompetence.’ We believe his actions were motivated by a desire to subvert democracy, promote white supremacy, and bolster his presidential campaign. We will not accept it.
From the moment the suspension became public on the 9th of August, the Eleventh Episcopal District Commission on Social Action activated a response. Pastor Ronnie Clark and AME lay leader Reggie McGill were on the statewide Zoom Call with Ms. Worrell that evening and quickly helped mobilize people to attend the rally on Thursday, the 10th of August. Bishop Reid has joined with our ecumenical colleagues throughout the State of Florida to strategize and organize.
Because of DeSantis’s anti-democratic proclivities, unambiguous thirst for power, and the hardheartedness of his sight and soul, we do not anticipate success in overturning Ms. Worrell’s suspension. She will continue her efforts to be reelected in 2024, and we will stand with her to ensure justice. Unfortunately, if DeSantis or one of his acolytes is reelected governor, they will likely seek to suspend her again.
The Demon of White Supremacy and the desire to prevent people from participating in the democratic process has risen throughout the United States of America. Since the start of 2023, close to 400 anti-voting bills have been introduced in state legislatures. From voter suppression bills to hostile local government takeovers, these Republican-enacted bills are seeking to strip us of all the rights we have fought to gain and must be
afforded as citizens of the United States of America.
We stand with those who are fighting the most recent attack in Florida, those who stood with our representatives in Tennessee, those who fought back in Ohio this week, and those who are working in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, and Oklahoma, where we are mounting a fierce resistance. We know that these actions will continue at any time and in any state or municipality.
Therefore, we encourage all African Methodists to remain vigilant, active, and loud as we sound the alarm. Together we will stand against all laws, statutes, and personalities who promote such inhumane and
anti-democratic policies.
But “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Senior Bishop
Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, President, Council of Bishops
Bishop Frank M. Reid, Secretary, Council of Bishops
Bishop Silvester Beaman, Assistant Secretary, Council of Bishops
Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, Chair, Social Action and Public Statements
Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Assistant Chair, Public Statements
Dr. Jacqueline Dupont Walker, Director, Social Action
