RECOGNIZING THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF MOTHER AFRICAN UNION CHURCH AND EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR ITS CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING FIRE OF MAY 17, 2026.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 3 co-sponsors

The bill formally recognizes Mother African Union Church as a historic Delaware institution and expresses state support for its congregation and community rebuilding after the fire

Passed In House by Voice Vote

Summary of SCR 198 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and Intent

SCR 198 recognizes the historic significance of Mother African Union Church and expresses the Delaware General Assembly’s support for its congregation and surrounding community following the devastating fire on May 17, 2026.

The resolution serves to acknowledge the church’s historical importance in Delaware and its role in the local African American community, while offering solidarity and support in the wake of the disaster.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal Recognition: The resolution memorializes and honors Mother African Union Church as a historic institution within Delaware.

Community Support: It expresses strong support from the General Assembly for the church’s congregation, its leadership, and the broader community affected by the fire.

Reflection on Impact: The measure underscores the cultural, historical, and social contributions of the church to the state and invites ongoing attention to its recovery and preservation.

No Funding or New Requirements: The resolution does not create new spending, authorize appropriations, or impose regulatory mandates. It is primarily symbolic and ceremonial in nature.

Affected Parties

Mother African Union Church and its congregation: recognized for historic significance and recipient of formal state-level support.

Local community and supporters: individuals and organizations connected to or interested in the church’s preservation and recovery.

Delaware General Assembly: taking a stance of recognition and solidarity.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction: SCR 198 was introduced in the Senate on May 21, 2026.

Senate Action: The Senate passed SCR 198 with a vote of 19 in favor and 2 absent.

House Action: The House passed SCR 198 by voice vote on June 9, 2026.

Effective Date: As a concurrent resolution, it becomes effective upon final passage by the legislature and approval/declared by the appropriate officials, with no separate signing ceremony required. The resolution does not authorize spending or impose new regulatory requirements.

Additional Context

Co-sponsors: Darius Brown, Tizzy Lockman, Josue Ortega, and Russ Huxtable joined in supporting the measure, reflecting bipartisan or cross-chamber backing.

Purpose in Context: In the wake of the May 17, 2026 fire, the resolution aims to publicly acknowledge the church’s legacy and demonstrate state-level commitment to its rebuilding and ongoing role in the community.

If you would like, I can add a brief comparative note on how such resolutions typically influence community recovery efforts or outline potential next steps for local stakeholders.