Rev. Luonne Abram Rouse

10/08/2024

Men on the Move & Women in the Groove

🕊️ A Call for Reflection: Reconsidering the Death Penalty🕊️

As the Commission on Nonviolence, we urge you to prayerfully reconsider the use of the death penalty in our nation. In 2024 alone, we have witnessed the ex*****on of individuals whose lives were taken by the state, each with a unique story and family left behind. These events call for deep reflection on our values and the systems we uphold.

The cost of executing a person is staggering. Studies have shown that the financial burden of capital punishment far exceeds that of life imprisonment without parole. For example, a single ex*****on can cost taxpayers over $1 million when considering legal fees, incarceration, and appeals. In contrast, maintaining an inmate in a maximum-security prison for life can average approximately $40,000-$60,000 per year.

Let’s put this into perspective:

- Cost of Ex*****on: Approximately $1 million (over the entire process, including trials and appeals)
- Lifetime Incarceration: Roughly $1.5 to $2 million (over 25-40 years)

While it may seem that executing someone is a one-time expense, the reality is that maintaining someone in prison could be more cost-effective in the long run. This is not just a financial issue but a moral one.

We believe in justice, but we must also advocate for mercy and compassion. Let us work together to end the cycle of violence and seek restorative forms of justice that honor the dignity of all individuals.

Join us in this critical conversation. Share your thoughts, pray for those affected, and consider advocating for a more humane approach to justice in our country.

03/08/2024

Men on the Move and Women in the Groove

Informed citizens participating in the election of the President of the United States should recognize that the current serving President has unparalleled access to up-to-date information and insights on the state of the union. As the nation's leader, the President is privy to classified intelligence, expert analysis, and firsthand reports on a wide range of domestic and international issues. This access allows the President to provide a comprehensive view of the challenges, opportunities, and priorities facing the nation during the State of the Union address.

By listening to the recent speech of President Joseph Biden, interested individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues confronting the country. The State of the Union address offers a platform for the President to outline their vision for the future, articulate policy proposals, and address pressing concerns. Through this speech, citizens can grasp the President's assessment of the nation's current state, the challenges ahead, and the opportunities for progress. This information is vital for voters to make informed decisions during elections, as it provides valuable insights into the President's leadership, priorities, and plans for addressing critical issues affecting the country.

Anarchy refers to a state of disorder due to the absence or non-recognition of authority or other controlling systems. Democracy is a system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting. In the context of the State of the Union address by President Biden in 2024, anarchy would represent a lack of order and structure, while democracy would reflect a system where citizens have a voice in decision-making through their elected representatives. The State of the Union address typically showcases the democratic process in action, with the President presenting their agenda to the nation and representatives from both parties in attendance. It serves as a key moment to highlight the functioning of democratic principles within the government.

President Biden's 2024 State of the Union address holds significant importance for addressing Americans' concerns about various critical issues such as immigration, foreign affairs, the economy, Gaza, and more. In the context of immigration, the address is crucial for outlining the administration's policies on border security, pathways to citizenship, and addressing the ongoing humanitarian challenges. Concerning foreign affairs, the speech can offer insights into diplomatic strategies, international relationships, and efforts to promote peace and stability globally. In terms of the economy, the address can shed light on initiatives related to job creation, economic growth, inflation, and income inequality. Regarding Gaza, the speech may touch upon the administration's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, humanitarian aid, and efforts towards peace in the region. Overall, the State of the Union address serves as a platform for the President to communicate their agenda and priorities, providing reassurance and guidance to the American people on key issues affecting the nation and the world.

Remarks of President Joe Biden — State of the Union Address As Prepared for Delivery Good evening.  Mr. Speaker. Madam Vice President. Members of Congress. My Fellow Americans.  In January 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt came to this chamber to speak to the nation.  He said, “I addres...

02/17/2024

February 17, 2024

Greetings Esteemed Clergy of the American Clergy Leadership Conference,

As we commemorate Black History Month in 2024, it is imperative to reflect on the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of Black religious leaders and churches worldwide. The legacy of Black religious figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and countless others exemplifies courage, resilience, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.

The impact of Black churches on social justice movements, community empowerment, and spiritual upliftment cannot be overstated. These institutions have served as pillars of strength, promoting equality, justice, and compassion in the face of oppression and discrimination.

On this occasion, we express our deepest gratitude to the Black religious leaders and churches that have paved the way for a more just and equitable society. Their dedication to the pursuit of justice, peace, and righteousness serves as a beacon of hope for us all.

As representatives of the founders of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC), we are inspired by the tireless efforts of Black religious leaders and churches around the world. Your commitment to serving humanity, uplifting the marginalized, and advocating for social change embodies the true essence of faith in action.

Let us continue to honor the legacy of Black religious leaders, celebrate their achievements, and uphold their teachings of love, unity, and compassion. Together, let us work towards a future where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or background.

With gratitude and solidarity,


Dr. Luonne Rouse
National Co-Chair, ACLC

Rev. John Jackson
National Co-Chair, ACLC

06/12/2023

Encouraging Respect for God's Parental Love and Human Responsibility in Caring for Human Lives

Proverbs 13 reminds us of the importance of respecting God's parental love and our responsibility to care for the lives of others. We are reminded that our actions have consequences and that we must be mindful of the impact we have on others.

Verse 10 teaches us that "By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom." This reminds us that prideful actions can lead to conflict and violence. We are called to approach disputes with wisdom and seek nonviolent solutions that are in the best interest of all involved.

Verse 13 reminds us of the principle of absolute obedience to the love of God and neighbor. We are called to be obedient to God's commands and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means treating others with respect and dignity, even in the midst of disagreements.

As we reflect on these verses, let us pray for the love of others as we hope to be treated. Let us seek to be wise in our actions and to approach disputes with nonviolence and respect for others. May we always remember our responsibility to care for the lives of others and to honor God's parental love for all of His creation.

Dear God, we pray for the love of others as we hope to be treated. Help us to approach disputes with wisdom and seek nonviolent solutions that honor your commands. Remind us of our responsibility to care for the lives of others and to honor your parental love for all of your creation. So be it!

04/17/2023

I hope you - Dance

12/23/2022

Watch closely America; Trevor with teammates in Jacksonville are rising as the Jaguars have a chance to make the playoffs by winning the AFC South Title. Watch!

The Jacksonville Jaguars improved to 7-8 with a 19-3 victory over the New York Jets (7-8) on Thursday Night Football. It was Jacksonville's third game in 15 days.

07/12/2022

Biden says :”Let him talk”...

Manuel Oliver, whose son Joaquin was killed in the Parkland mass shooting, interrupted Biden as the president touted a bipartisan gun control law.

07/12/2022

There is a governance issue in our nation, which is not the weakness of ”the man” in the Oval Office. The people had difficulty communicating with Mr. Trump for reasons being revealed; still, as a people, we remained respectful though sensing dishonesty in the administration and disrespectful executive leaders were disloyal to the entire nation. Interesting. Now, President Biden has a modesty that confuses the public and the bashing of a President has never been so disrespectful, since Mr. Jimmy Carter. Unfair?

It is unfair the way citizens pounce on the Presidents of the United States of America, while they are in office. The nation needs drill sergeants to coach citizens into self-disciplined respect for men and women elected into positions of governance. Beginning with home training of behaviors. Adults and their offspring are to conduct disorder assessments. Really. Having rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness do not usurp fair and just treatment of others and the practice of self-control in human relationships. What shall we do right now?

Take a look at yourself, and treat the persons serving in the elected positions of governance with respect even when in disagreement. Learning to self-control behavior in social and political relations is the beginning of recovering dignity throughout the public in America with forceful tactics or threats to harm. Human beings with abilities to assess the ineffectiveness of persons outside of themselves are responsible for self-discipline that requires self-assessment. Meaning no disrespect in questioning behaviors, yet serious about living with self-respect. Respect yourself by considering how to respectfully help our nation through the difficulties during this current time and lead our leaders to a path upon which to lead our nation to a better disposition before all in the world. We don’t need verbal bashing; we need sound minds, compassionate hearts, and faithful souls. The American Clergy Leadership Conference encourages men and women to pray for the owner of the universe who is yet alive to help us help ourselves.

The Times has released its first poll of the 2022 midterm cycle.

05/31/2022

How can we serve the people of Uvalde, Texas? Such questioning I have posed to United Methodist Associate Pastor Jesse Dompreh ( Phone: 293-9673, Ext. 106 ) St. Stephen’s UMC, New Mexico; and American Clergy Leadership Conference Vice-President - Rev. Dr. John Jackson, (1 (972) 999-5476; johnjackar@gmail.com) Dallas, Texas. There are ways to provide effective care to people of God in Uvalde when with sincere hearts persons take care of families during the grief stage and beyond. We are one family within Divine parental care; meaning we are keepers of one another. Pastor Dompreh is leading a path in adopting families to provide emotional and spiritual care on a long-term bases. A model found to be valuable in Sandy Hook, CT is being applied in Uvalde, Texas. While Dr. Jackson is visiting through Subregion 4 in the USA, bringing an end to violence crime is on his own and the people suffering human loss in Texas are I'm his heart. Both of these leaders would love hearing from you as to ways and means you would care for fellow Americans struggling through brokenhearted conditions. The American Clergy Leadership Conference hopes that every capable will offer supportive care to one or more families grieved by the killings of innocent beloved children and adults in our nation. Reach out and touch somebody with words and deeds of unconditional love.

In a Texas town scarred by gun massacre, anger and grief gives way to a relentless cycle of mourning as two weeks of funerals begin.

05/03/2022

Tomorrow... you will love Africa. Tomorrow, join in and enjoy the experience. Tomorrow,, unite and glorify God!