Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was recognized by the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia on February 13, 2018. Zion serves the Point Breeze community in Philadelphia by feeding 400 – 500 persons per week at the church, providing food bags for all who request them, sheltering the homeless in freezing weather, and providing spiritual guidance, counseling, education, and referrals for health, safety, and other human needs. Most importantly, Zion provides hope via a warm and sincere welcome to all, affirming the dignity of each person and responding positively to each person’s gifts and needs.

The Zones of Peace interview team was impressed with the way Zion’s staff and lay leadership communicated their commitment, insights, zest for leadership, and thoughtful planning for the future. Each day, Zion answers the Religious Leaders Council’s Call to People of Faith to Stop Violence to create peace by making “our homes and neighborhoods zones of peace free from fear, filled with respect, and marked by deeds of kindness.”