Denominational leaders from across America attended the recent ordination of five San Quentin prisoners as ministers in the American Evangelical Christian Churches.
The two-hour rite held in the Garden Chapel brought the AECC’s board of trustees from across the United States. Unlike most prisoner ordinations, which are often performed by mail, AECC ordinations must have the leaders present.
“It was emotional and confirming when the elders of AECC prayed for me and laid hands,” said Michael D. Adams, a seven-year resident of San Quentin who was ordained. “When I was arrested, I asked God how I was to live and face this sentence, this challenge. He said I could only do it in his son Jesus.”
Denomination president Charles Walsielewski, Sr., from New York says the group has been involved with San Quentin for seven years. The AECC had received a letter from Robert Lott, a resident of San Quentin who wanted to be licensed, and then-Chaplain Curry asked the organization if they could ordain the prisoner. “Any person called of God has the right to be ordained.”
Also ordained were Garrett Martin, Eddie Lee Johnson II, Derrick Holloway, and Robert Butler.
Holloway has spent 15 years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Upon his release, he plans to be in ministry. “This is my calling in prison or on the street, wherever God wants me to go,” he said.
Johnson compared being a Christian to a sporting event. “Do it in such a way that you won’t be disqualified. Remember, if you do compete, you will not receive the crown unless you compete according to the rules.”
“I’ve been in prison for 18 years and nine of it has been here,” said Butler. “It is an honor being ordained and a privilege because the Pastor-Teacher gift can be revoked. I believe God has called me to raise a church of strong, committed Christian men and women.”
Martin, an eight-year resident of San Quentin, said for 14 years he has been working toward this goal. “It’s a fulfillment for me, a genesis but also an end, God has been gracious to me.”
Denominational leaders Dr. Douglas Schlumber from California, Dr. Lowell Ford from Ohio, Dr. Michael Ward Sr. from Indiana, and Dr. Gordon Elliot from Minnesota also attended the event.
–JulianGlenn Padgett assisted with this article.
