Bishop Vashti McKenzie

Vashti Murphy McKenzie has made history as the first female bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) and in her current role as the first female president of the church's Council of Bishops, the executive branch responsible for its operation worldwide. Her first assignment was as presiding prelate in eight countries in southern Africa.

A former journalist, Bishop McKenzie holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree. She's the author of several books, including Journey to the Well. When elected to her current place in history, she said, "The stained glass ceiling has been pierced and broken."

As the first woman ever elected as bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, she says she wants to be remembered as one who opened the door of church leadership to black Christian women around the world.

Widely recognized as an expert on the theological and historical struggles of black women in the church, Bishop McKenzie is well respected by civil rights advocates. The author of Not Without a Struggle: Leadership Development for African American Women in Ministry, Bishop McKenzie has said that obstacles she faced while moving up the church ladder were identical to those any woman would face in a non-traditional position. "You have to work a little harder, try a little more so people can see that you are real and that you are called of God," she said. "You don't just wake up one morning and say: 'I think I'll be a pastor or a servant of God.' It's essential for people to see that you are serious and committed to getting the job done."

In 2009 McKenzie was appointed to an advisory council of 25 leaders who will help inform and provide advice on other policy issues to the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives. The office is tasked with steering federal funds to charitable organizations tied to churches and faith-based organizations.