Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. It is with both sadness and joy, that I, the President of the Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, officially announce the passing last night of the Right Reverend Mildred Bonnie Hines, who in 2008 was elected and consecrated the 98th Bishop in the line of succession.

Bishop Hines served with great distinction as the presiding prelate of the Western West African Episcopal District, of the Southwestern Delta Episcopal District, and, at the time of her passing, of the South Atlantic Episcopal District which includes the South Carolina Conference, the Pee Dee Conference, the Palmetto Conference, and the Georgia Conference. She was also serving as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Clinton College in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

We are sad because we will miss her powerful preaching, her electrifying teaching, her dynamic leadership, and her loving spirit. We are glad because she is free from her infirmities and is in the presence of her Lord, whom she served so faithfully. She is experiencing the peace and joy that we look forward to experiencing.

Our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt prayers are for Bishop Hines’ family, for the South Atlantic Episcopal District, and for the entire AME Zion Church Family. The details of her service of triumph are forthcoming. May we find solace from the God of all comfort and inspiration from Bishop Hines’ life, ministry, and legacy.

The Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr., President of the Board of Bishops

Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Senior Bishop

Bishop Dennis V. Proctor

Bishop Mildred B. Hines (Deceased)

Bishop W. Darin Moore

Bishop Seth O. Lartey

Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Sr.

Bishop George D. Crenshaw

Bishop Hilliard Dogbe

Bishop Uduak Effiong

Bishop Brian R. Thompson, Sr.

Bishop Eric Leake

Bishop Joseph Johnson, Retired

Bishop Marshall H. Strickland, Retired

Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, Jr., Retired

Bishop George W.C. Walker, Sr., Retired

Bishop Samuel Chuka Ekemam, Sr., Retired

Bishop Warren Matthew Brown, Retired

Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr., Retired