Bishop Allyson Nelson Abrams
As the voice of a new generation of liberation theologians, a feminist with a unique calling, and a political facilitator with the life experiences and credentials for ministering and leading historical congregations, Bishop Allyson Nelson Abrams, PhD, founder, prelate, and pastor of Empowerment Liberation Cathedral, located in Washington, DC and Mount Rainier, MD, is an ecumenical sensation presiding at the nondenominational apex of religion, intersectionality, and politics.
A Trailblazer for God’s Glory: The Unstoppable Journey of Bishop Abrams
Bishop Abrams burst onto the stage of religious history with a bold, history-making proclamation in October 2013. Before her congregation at Zion Progress Baptist Church in Detroit, she declared with unwavering courage that she had united in holy matrimony with Bishop Diana Williams, Bishop Emeritus of the Imani Temple African American Catholic Congregation. This groundbreaking moment reverberated through the nation, igniting conversations about faith, love, and leadership. Soon after, Bishop Abrams made the bold decision to step away from her position to embark on a divine calling: the founding of her own ministry.
A woman of profound faith and unparalleled vision, Dr. Abrams has authored transformative works that inspire believers to deepen their walk with Christ. Her books—“Being On the Wheel in the Midst of Seminary” (2002), “Worship Beyond Sunday Morning” (2007), and “30 Days B4 Saying I Do” (2013)—have stirred hearts, with her forthcoming title, “God Can Still Use You”, promising to set spirits aflame. Her voice of wisdom has also graced the pages of The African American Pulpit, while she co-edited the Baptist Progress, the national publication of the National Baptist Convention.
Before her call to ministry, Bishop Abrams excelled in the realm of academia and leadership. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University, she pursued law at Miles Law School before yielding to God’s call. By 2005, she earned both her Master’s and Doctorate of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, with a specialization in Worship. Her ordination by the American Baptist and Progressive National Baptist Conventions and consecration as a bishop by the Ecumenical College of Bishops in 2012 underscored her divine appointment.
Bishop Abrams is a beacon of servant leadership. She made history as the first woman pastor of Zion Progress Baptist Church and the youngest African American woman to serve as Senior Pastor in a Baptist congregation in Detroit. Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Abrams has championed education, serving on the Oak Park, Michigan School Board, including serving as President, serving as a Detroit Public Schools Police Chaplain and a Vice President of the South Oakland County NAACP.
Never one to shy away from the national spotlight, Bishop Abrams officiated the first African American same-sex wedding ever broadcast on national television, joining R&B singer Monifah and her partner Terez Thorpe in holy matrimony on TVOne’s “R&B Divas of Atlanta.” This prophetic act of love and inclusion further cemented her legacy as a courageous, barrier-breaking leader in the Body of Christ.
Her ministry, Empowerment Liberation Cathedral, has been celebrated as “Best Clergy” and “Best House of Worship” by the Washington Blade multiple times. She has received countless honors, including being named “Capital Pride Hero” (2016), “Alumni of the Year” by United Theological Seminary (2012), and “Top 100 Gay ‘G List’ Leader” (2016, 2017). A recipient of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force’s Honorary Stole, an award from the DC Black Pride organization, Entrepreneur Award from TAGG magazine, and many more. Her unwavering commitment to God’s inclusive love continues to inspire and uplift.
Bishop Abrams, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Order of Eastern Star, is also a devoted mother of three college graduates and a loving wife to Bishop Diana Williams. Together, they stand as a testament to God’s unyielding grace and the power of walking boldly in one’s divine purpose.
With her unwavering faith, fiery spirit, and fearless leadership, Bishop Abrams remains a shining light to believers everywhere, proving that with God, all things are possible!