Brother Martin Wasn’t Born to Settle Down

“Brother Martin wasn't born to settle down

Brother Martin wasn't born to settle down, settle down

He was born to rise

Like relief to the cure, like the shore to the water line.”

These words by singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet pierce my soul today. Of course, Brennet was writing about civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. But today, I listen to these words over and over as news reached me of the death of Bishop Martin McLee, Resident Bishop of the New York Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church.

Bishop McLee’s ministry took him from New York to Texas to Massachusetts and back to New York. Although many addressed him as “Bishop” since he was elected to the Episcopacy just two years ago, many simply knew him as “Martin.” Martin, the listener; Martin, the joy-bearer; Martin, the preacher and prophet; Martin, the singer; Martin, the mentor; Martin, the leader.

Martin’s deep, deep faith often brought his prophetic leadership to the center of his ministry. In 2000, he became pastor of the historic Union United Methodist Church, which just a few months before voted to become the first historically black United Methodist congregation to welcome people no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. As District Superintendent of the Metro Boston Hope District of the New England Conference, Martin worked with clergy seeking to provide new places for new people. He wasn’t afraid to engage with young leaders and he embraced social media as a way of connecting to those with whom he was in ministry. As Bishop, Martin didn’t shy away from the prophetic. In 2013, he issued a statement to the New York Conference regarding violence against LGBTQ persons. And earlier this year, he guided the just resolution process in a complaint against former dean of Yale Divinity School, Thomas Ogletree, and he dismissed a complaint against Sara Thompson Tweedy.

Ministry is a difficult and lonely place. I can only imagine that Martin’s experience of ministry was doubled when he became an episcopal leader – a clearly progressive episcopal leader.  My thoughts and prayers are with Martin’s family, his friends, with the people of the New York Annual Conference, and with the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops as they seek to fill the shoes of a genuine, loving leader. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.

If Namoli Brennet knew Martin McLee, I think she’d still write those same words about him. He wasn’t born to settle down. He – like each of us who follow Christ – are born to rise. May Martin’s life be a witness of hope to a Church seeking hope and a world seeking justice. May we all be a little unsettled as we rise with Brother Martin.

Chett Pritchett is Executive Director of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. He is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College and Wesley Theological Seminary, and is a member at Dumbarton UMC in Washington, DC.