BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The new bishop of one of Alabama's largest black denominations is asking for pastor pay raises to promote more community outreach.
The Rev. Larry T. Kirkland of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church said higher salaries are necessary to have more full-time pastors overseeing community programs throughout the week.
"I'm serious about these pastors' salaries," Kirkland told The Birmingham News. "I almost shed a tear sometimes when I see what they're making. It's just not enough."
Many pastors have other jobs, Kirkland said, and in smaller churches they make around $250 a week. Kirkland shared his concerns during the denomination's four-day North Alabama Conference in Birmingham that concluded Oct. 6.
The highest salary for any pastor at an AME church in Alabama is about $36,000. The 3.5 million-member denomination has nearly 380 churches and 55,000 members in Alabama, according to the newspaper.
The Rev. C.C. Cummings, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Smithfield, Ala., said a more dedicated, better-paid clergy can achieve Kirkland's goals.
"Bishop Kirkland wants to reach more people," Cummings said. "He wants to meet the needs of the community."
