SC S0884

South Carolina General Assembly concurrent resolution expressing sympathy upon the passing of Bishop James Redfern II, Presiding Bishop of the Ecumenical Church of Christ Worldwide

Bishop Redfern was born October 27, 1949, in Liberty, New York, raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and graduated with honors from Booker T. Washington High School in 1967 before attending the University of South Carolina on a full engineering scholarship

Emerged as a Civil Rights activist in the 1960s, founding organizations including Blacks United for Action and Black-On Nation, leading marches on Columbia City Hall and the State House, and organizing the occupation of C&S Bank to force statewide reform in hiring practices

Served in numerous civic roles including founding board chair of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Executives, United Way volunteer for over 30 years, publisher of multiple newspapers and magazines including the Carolina Tribune, and member of President-elect Reagan's 1980 transitional team

Ordained in 1995, founded the Ecumenical Church of Christ Worldwide, planting churches in twelve U.S. states and internationally in India, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean; survived by wife Bishop Dr. Luella Redfern and six children