Mayor Bass Issues Statement Following the Passing of Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland, Sr.

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LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement on the passing of The Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland, Sr., a distinguished leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a deeply respected presence in Los Angeles' faith community.

"Los Angeles mourns the passing of Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland, Sr., a gifted preacher and spiritual leader whose work touched lives across our city and around the globe. For him, the church and the community were never separate-they belonged together, working side by side to meet people's needs and uphold their dignity.

"From his decades leading Brookins Community AME Church in Los Angeles to his consecration as the 114th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he served in some of its highest leadership positions, Bishop Kirkland's work reflected a lifelong commitment to service. He helped bring computer literacy training, health care, and other vital resources to the communities he walked alongside. He was also a guiding light for business owners and entrepreneurs in the community, bridging what many saw as a divide between faith and the pursuit of generational wealth.

"I was fortunate to know Bishop Kirkland personally and will always be grateful for his wisdom, encouragement, and support. He had a way of bringing people together and making sure everyone felt included across cultures, races, and faith communities.

"He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary L. Simon-Kirkland, and his loving family. On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, I extend my heartfelt condolences to all who were touched by his life and legacy. May he rest in peace."