JULY 2021
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VOLUME 170, NO. 10
JULY 2021
SPECIAL GENERAL CONFERENCE EDITION
THE CONNECTIONAL WOMEN IN MINISTRY ELECTS THE REVEREND DR. ERIKA D. CRAWFORD AS PRESIDENT FOR A SECOND TERM By Rev. Renita Green, Columnist
Elections were far from normal for the Connectional Women in i Ministry. Accustomed to electing at the seat of the General Concference, past years found us lined up in the corridor, C sometimes late past dinner, with our membership being checked s for f voting eligibility. Eligible voters filled the rows from the front to the back as others gathered around—some standing, f some sitting—all waiting to learn who would lead us into the s next n quadrennial. These pandemic days, however, have stretched our creativity aas well as our resilience. Utilizing Survey Monkey technology, women across our connection received an email from their w district WIM president, and by a simple click of a box, in less d tthan five minutes, we were able to cast our vote for our leaders of the next quadrennial (well, next three years). o
Our new leadership of the AME WIM is: • President – The Rev. Dr. Erika Crawford • First Vice President – The Rev. Ammie L. Davis • Second Vice President – The Rev. Joelynn Stokes, Esq. • General Secretary – The Rev. Dr. Louise V. Jackson • Communication Secretary – The Rev. Betty Watson • Herstoriographer – The Rev. Carolyn Baskin Bell • Director of Liturgy and Worship – The Rev. Dr. Emily Pardue • Central/Southern Africa Coordinator – Presiding Elder Beatrice Mamphethe Motokoa Leaders to fill the vacant seats of
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AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE: THE ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL SCOUTS VIRTUAL CAMPOREE By Rev. Dr. Missiouri L McPhee, 11th Episcopal District
For the better half of a Quadrennium the Association of African Methodist Episcopal A Scouts (AAMES) had faithfully been planning its S Quadrennial Camporee to be held ahead of the 2020 Q General Conference at Camp LaNoChe, in Paisley, G Florida (just outside Orlando). The Quadrennial F Camporee has been a tradition of AAMES since its C iinception in July 4-7, 1996, in Louisville, Kentucky ((with the invaluable support of retired Presiding Elder ld Robert b E. Keesee, then h pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Louisville, Kentucky). Unfortunately, the world, as we knew it, came to a screeching halt with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 51st Session of the General
Conference was postponed as was the camporee. As the pandemic raged on and a swift return to normal seemed all but lost, an executive decision was made to hold the camporee utilizing a virtual format with programing modifications. To that end, on June 25-27, 2021, AAMES held its first ever virtual camporee to include Episcopal districts 1 through 20. A virtual camporee during the challenging times of COVID-19 not only engaged our youth from across the connection in intergenerational learning interventions but also enabled all of them to share best practices of the scouting ministry. Our three-day virtual camporee offered programming for both youth and adults. It served as an opportunity to introduce scouts, scouters, and parents to the programs of AAMES as well as to teach leadership and practical skills to the scouts and youths alike. Presentations were made to ...continued on p6
AME CHURCH ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP AT THE 2021 GENERAL CONFERENCE AND BEGINS LGBTQ DISCERNMENT PROCESS The 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church met from July 6-10, 2021, at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Over 1600 delegates met as the church’s supreme governance body to review and change the denomination’s laws and policies, receive reports from its agencies, and elect denominational leadership. Due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 200 delegates representing countries on the continent of Africa were unable to travel to the United States and were to participate via a satellite location in Cape Town, South Africa. After the South African government restricted in-person gatherings due to public health concerns, a virtual platform was created to allow these delegates to participate in the deliberations virtually.
Report from the 37th Biennial of the Connectional Lay Organization … p3
Thoughts on Missing the 51st Session of the General Conference…
p7
“The 2021 General Conference was truly a test of the denomination’s resilience and capacity to adapt,” stated Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, general secretary of the AME Church. “In spite of the last-minute difficulties, we were able to ensure that all members of our family were able to share in this important aspect of the life of our church. I am proud of our planning team and grateful to the AME Church leadership and delegates for their patience and understanding as we made this shift.” In addition to the business of the General Conference, greetings were received from the president and vice president of the United States. AME Church member Congresswoman Val Demings of Florida delivered a keynote address to the assembly as well. Demings exclaimed that the role of the church is to ensure that no one is left behind and that the most vulnerable among us are protected. Representative Demings called the church to collective action, “The urgency is now.” ...continued on p2
Opening Worship Service 51st Quadrennial Session Of The African Methodist Episcopal Church… p14
Election Results of the 51st Session of the General Conference… p25
Will the AME Church Be Healed? Reflections on the 2021 General Conference …p32
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...From AME Church p1 Among the legislation approved by the AME Church General Conference was an “AME Sexual Ethics Discernment Committee” designed to begin a three-year process to bring back recommendations to the 2024 General Conference. The committee is designed to “develop and propose legislation that undergirds the evangelical responsibility of the church ‘to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people’ – including people of sexual orientations and gender identities.” At the General Conference new bishops, general officers (department executives), and members of the Judicial Council were elected. The five incumbent general officers were retained. New persons elected to leadership in the AME Church include:
Bishops ✝ The Right Reverend Silvester S. Beaman, 139th Elected & Consecrated Bishop (Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Wilmington, Delaware) ✝ The Right Reverend Marvin C. Zanders II, 140th Elected & Consecrated Bishop (Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Jacksonville, Florida) ✝ The Right Reverend Francine A. Brookins, 141st Elected & Consecrated Bishop (Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Fontana, California) ✝ The Right Reverend Frederick A. Wright, Sr., 142nd Elected & Consecrated Bishop (Pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Cincinnati, Ohio) General Officers ✍ Mr. Marcus Henderson, Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer of the AME Church (Member of St. John AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee)
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Silvester S. Beaman, 139TH
Marvin C. Zanders II, 140TH
Francine A. Brookins, 141ST
Frederick A. Wright, Sr., 142ND
Marcus Henderson
James Miller
John Green
Marcellus A. Norris
✍ The Rev. Dr. James Miller, Executive Director, Department of Retirement Services (Pastor of DuPage AME Church, Lisle, Illinois) ✍ The Rev. Dr. John Green, Executive Director, Department of Global Witness and Ministry (President/Dean of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center) ✍ The Rev. Dr. Marcellus A. Norris, Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development
(Pastor of St. Luke AME Church, New York, New York) Judicial Council Members ✓ The Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, Judicial Council—Clergy ✓ The Rev. Dr. O. Jerome Green, Judicial Council—Clergy ✓ Advocate Thabile Ngubeni, Judicial Council— Lay ...continued on p3
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...From AME Church p2
✓ The Rev. Jeffery B. Cooper II—Clergy Alternate ✓ The Rev. Jimmie Williams III—Clergy Alternate ✓ Mrs. Monice Crawford—Lay Alternate These elections marked several significant milestones. As a South African, Advocate Ngubeni became the first African lay person elected to the General Conference to serve in the AME Church in any capacity. Bishop Beaman delivered the benediction for the inauguration of President Joseph Biden. Bishop Zanders is the first Morehouse College graduate elected as a bishop in the AME Church. Jonathan C. Augustine O. Jerome Green Thabile Ngubeni Bishop Francine A. Brookins is the fifth woman elected as a bishop and is the daughter of the late Bishop Hamel Hartford Brookins. Bishop Wright is the first bishop elected from Ohio since 1948 and the son of the first AME female presiding elder, Reverend Cornelia Wright. “The 51st Session of the General Conference had ended with its joys and sorrows, challenges, and accomplishments and through it all we saw the hand of God. To God, be the Glory!” stated Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, president of the Council of Bishops. The AME Church General Conference will next meet in July 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. ❏ ❏ ❏
REPORT FROM THE ORGANIZATIONAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL BOARD The General Board was called to order at 9:11 by Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe. After the adoption of the agenda a brief devotion was led by the Reverend James Harris (3). The General Board Nominating Committee was then formed with Dr. J. Edgar Boyd (5), Rev. Dr. David W. Green, Sr. (At Large), Rev. Michael Ephraim (6) Mr. Carl Davis (10) and Rev. Troy Thomas (13), chaired by Reverend J. Edgar Boyd (5th Episcopal District). After a brief meeting, the Nominating Committee returned the following report of the organization of the General Board: President ..........................................................Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe First Vice President .........................................Bishop James L. Davis Second Vice President .....................................Bishop David R. Daniels Commission Chairs Publications .....................................................Bishop David R. Daniels Health ..............................................................Bishop Francine A. Brookins Global Witness and Ministry ..........................Bishop Michael L. Mitchell Global Development .......................................Bishop Silvester S. Beaman Women in Ministry .........................................Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr. Christian Education ........................................Bishop Frank M. Reid III Church Growth and Development..................Bishop Reginald T. Jackson Seminaries, Universities, Colleges, and Schools ...Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II Social Action ...................................................Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield
Economic Development ..................................Bishop Harry L. Seawright Statistics and Finance ......................................Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. Retirement Services .........................................Bishop John F. White, Sr. Ministry and Recruitment ...............................Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr. Bishop Kawimbe gave closing remarks and invited Rev. Garland Pierce, executive director of the Department of Christian Education, to offer the closing prayer. The meeting adjourned at 10:43a.m. ❏ ❏ ❏
REPORT FROM THE 37TH BIENNIAL OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION By Rev. Renita Green, Columnist
The 37th Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization began on July 11, 2021 in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delegates gathered in Orlando as well as virtually under the leadership of Lay Commission Chair Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker and President Matikane Abednego Makiti guided by the theme “Greater Together: A Calling to Fulfill” (I Peter 2:9). As the convention occurred immediately after the General Conference, the contributions and guidance of the 2016-2020 Lay Commission Chair Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. were also highlighted and acknowledged. The Convention opened with a worship service presided over by Senior Bishop Adam J. Richardson, presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District. President Starr Battle (2) Matikane Makiti (19)* Ametta Reaves (3) Simeon Rhoden (5) First Vice President Dorothy Henderson (12)
First Ballot 179 218 122 426
Second Ballot 499 459
The sermon was preached by president of the Council of Bishops, E. Anne Henning Byfield: “But You Are” drawn from I Peter 2:7-9. In her message she encouraged the laity of the church to embrace their ministry and worth. After the service, the body adjourned for a brief lunch break and returned to conduct the business of the convention. Because of timing and connectivity issues, the election of officers was moved up on the agenda after the Registration, Credential, Minutes Approval, Rules, Committee and Host District Greeting. The election results are as follows: Second Vice President Simon Letsoko (19) Jerry Turner (4)
First Ballot 563 409
Second Ballot
Third Vice President Lovie Aaron (12)* Janice Stewart (6)
493 441
Treasurer Kathy Drayton (10)*
Financial Secretary Lyndia Mayo, I (3)*
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...From Report from the 37TH Biennial p4
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...From Report from the 37TH Biennial p3
First Ballot Recording Secretary Monique Hudson Green (6) Assistant Recording Secretary Brenda Holland Curry (7)* .................716 Melba Salter (5) ....................................227 Corresponding Secretary Cheryl Hammond-Hopewell (1) Director of Lay Activities Paulette Coleman (13) ..........................264 Patricia Wright (11) .............................697 Director of Public Relations Dianne Battle (9)*................................626 Renecia Frazier (3) ................................330 Historiographer William Ayers (2) Young Adult Representative Jamesha Williams (7)* Chaplain Charlie Nichols (11) *Incumbent The second day of the Biennial opened with a prayer from Padi Mokuduto (19). President Makiti
acknowledged echo/feedback/sound quality issues again and asked the body to establish protocol to manage time. 5th District Lay President Lamar Rose requested the body only address reports that include recommendations to manage time. Treasurer Kathy Drayton and Financial Secretary Lyndia Mayo presented financial reports. There were three reports in one. Reporting dates of March 31 and April 1 for some of the reports to coincide with broader connectional church financial reporting. Operating report from Sept. 1-Aug. 31 in line with the operations of the Lay Organizations. Financial Secretary Lyndia Mayo delivered the following highlights: ❏ Shifted from manual accounting system to Quickbook online enabling a shift to combine all of the reports that were separate. ❏ Implemented PayPal and Quickbook and electronic payment system. Launched an online store for the purchase of materials for sale, including historical journal and other item at www.AMECLAY.org. ❏ Documented policy and procedures outlined clearly for succession. ❏ $328,000 cash as of May 31. $21,000 of undeposited funds. Total liabilities: $78,000 loan. Total assets: $353,756. ❏ 94% of the Lay Org. income comes from the general church. Would like to develop ways to
make that percentage less. ❏ Reports were accepted. Third District Lay Organization made an unrestricted donation of $1,200 to debt reduction for the Connectional lay. Thanked Drayton (10th District) and Mayo (3rd District) for their work. Cynthia Gordon-Floyd, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, presented proposed budget for 2020-2022. Recommendations were made to develop a traveling display cabinet to display permanent archives and to keep from traveling every two years. One meeting on site and virtually would save $64,000. The budget was accepted. Rita Sinkfield Belin, Esq., chair of CLO Economic Development committee provided a high-level summary. She discussed the need to clean up financial records. Met with previous chair for financial records who agreed to provide the materials, but never received them after several efforts to reach out. To date CLEDC has collected $18,000+ and can account for every penny. They have suspended receipt of new membership dues until they develop a new path forward on how funds will be raised, understanding, and aligning purpose, accounting, and execution. She also discussed findings of their efforts to research investigation firms to conduct review of prior EDC administration as part of their efforts to build a case to recover assets.
After these reports, the body heard the Biennial Message from the Honorable Tishaura Oneida Jones, the first black woman mayor of the city of St. Louis, Missouri. In her remarks, Jones stated that debt is the new slavery and we have to empower our people to have freedom and freedom comes with economic literacy. Afterwards Young Adult Representative Jamesha Williams and Director of Lay Activities Ametta Reaves gave brief remarks. After the installation of the newly elected officers, the memorial service was conducted with a special tribute to deceased President Valerie Gary Bell. The Biennial closed with the singing of the Lay Benediction. Photo Credits: Rev. Eugene Johnson, 9th Episcopal District
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...From The Connectional p1 Connectional third vice president, financial secretary, and treasurer will be selected by the Connectional Executive Board by midAugust. Women interested in these positions should visit the AME WIM website (www.amewim.org) between July 4 and August 4, for more information on applying. Women in Ministry, the official professional organization for women pursuing ministry in the AME Church, was established as a voice for advocacy and a resource for empowerment. For many it is unsconcionable that the issue which prompted the need for Women in Ministry in 1976 is the issue that continues to be the need for Women in Ministry today—full and equal inclusion in the church—in word and deed. Out of 138 bishops, 4 have been women. Less than 20% of clergy delegates to this General Conference are women. While women are swelling the Board of Examiners, women occupy fewer key leadership positions. More than 60 years after the full ordination of women as itinerant elders, questions like, “Which woman will we choose for bishop?” and “Can we elect women for bishop and general officer positions at the same time?” still loom. Bishop Sarah Frances Davis has passed. Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry has retired. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will retire at this session of the General Conference. Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield will retire in 2024 as will General Officer The Rev. Dr. Theresa Fry Brown. Yet, we are entertaining the question of how many women—which women—will be allowed election. Nevertheless, amid the struggles experienced by women who are in ministry, ...From An Unparalleled p1 showcase the programs and partnerships of AAMES as well as the accomplishments of our youth. The virtual camporee organized informational sessions on topics such as financial education, personal finance, inclusion & diversity in S.T.E.M., journalism, climate control, emergency preparedness, curriculum development, the road to Eagle and Gold, as well as higher educational and military opportunities. These sessions were led by experts in the field including: Morry C. Davis (VP of Investment Banking | Redtail Capital Markets); Dwana Franklin-Davis (CEO | Reboot Representation); the Rev. Miriam Burnett, MD (chair of AMEC Health Commission); Mr. James B. Wilson III (chief technical architect | Our Health Community); and Deborah D. Douglas (author of U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler’s Guide to the People, Places, and Events that Made the Movement). The camporee also featured worship experiences wherein Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in consultation with the AAMES chaplain, the Rev. Linda Brown-
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we continue to experience God’s grace and favor. Women continue to break through the stained-glass ceiling—and many men have made significant efforts to strike the glass alongside their sister colleagues. While women do not occupy a large number of major pulpits, we occupy a major number of pulpits. Today, there is the largest number in our history of women serving as presiding elders across the connection and the largest number of women serving in leadership across the globe. A woman, the Rev. Dr. Elaine Flake, is leading the largest congregation in our connection and a woman, the Rev. Dr. E. Anne Henning Byfield, is leading as president of the Council of Bishops! We are all grateful for those who understand that being for the equity and equality of women does not make one against men—we are co-laborers in the Kingdom! Women in Ministry provides a major opportunity to unify the voices of the (reported) 5000 women who are in ministry. Over the next three years, we hope for and will advocate for greater exposure for and of the many talented women who are serving in many capacities across our connection. “We are not seeking special privileges or recognition, only that which is good and just. We believe that women should benefit from justice. If it’s good and just for the church, it will be good and just for women because women are a part of the church”— The Reverend Dr. Erika D. Crawford. Women in Ministry is open for all members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church who believe in and are willing to pursue justice for women
Saffore, helped to plan and participated in the worship experience that included both live and prerecorded videos. AAMES also took this opportunity to showcase Boy Scouts who attained the rank of Eagle (20202021) and Girl Scouts who attained the rank of Gold (2020-2021). Information provided to AAMES by these scouts regarding their respective Eagle and Gold projects was shared at the camporee. Girl Scouts Daisy/Brownie Troop #5416 of Pearl Street AME Church, Jackson, Mississippi (Alana Moore, Kimberlee Funchess, Macie Woodland, Zoel Bowen, Shelbi Williams, Rayne Phillips, and Rhylleigh Manzie) received a special recognition as they are the first youth group to complete the requirements for any of the Episcopal patches. They completed the requirements for the Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie patch. A lone Girl Scout in Ambassador Troop #5149, Ralicia B. Thomas (Pearl Street AME Church, Jackson, Mississippi), completed the requirements to earn the Bishop David R. Daniels,
Jr. patch. These Girl Scouts are also the first-place winners of the AAMES Gardening Contest! The leaders of these highly active and accomplished troops are sisters Sybil Anderson, Hazel Gaines, Peggy King-James, and Cassandra Stovall. AAMES extends our congratulations to the AME youth who have attained the rank of Eagle and Gold as well as to the Girl Scout Troops of Pearl Street AME Church on a job well done. AAMES is forever grateful for the support of the Rev. Garland F. Pierce, executive director, and Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., commission chair of the Christian Education Department, for lending their support in making our first ever virtual camporee a success. It presented us with the opportunity, through technology, to connect with scouts, scouters, and parents from across the connection despite the limitations caused by the pandemic. ❏ ❏ ❏
COMMENTARIES
REFLECTIONS ON THE 2021 GENERAL CONFERENCE By Rev. Jazmine Brooks, TCR Contributing Writer
“I love America, more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize [him] perpetually.” -James Baldwin, 1955 The foundation of the AME Church is the spirit of resistance, liberation, benevolence, and mutual aid as evidenced by the Free African Society out of which the church was birthed. When black parishioners were refused the sanctity of free and sacred expression in St. George’s Methodist Church, the black delegation organized and formed its own independent institution. From schools to churches and political engagement alike, the church served as an embodied gospel lived out into the world. We existed to call the exiled into home- an inviting, embracing, and affirming space for those whose
dignity had been crushed by white supremacy. An extension of our African roots, our ubiquitous nature of religion and the corporate sense of identity is who we are and who we have always been. This is the history and truth that has called me into good and regular relationship with the church. However, as much as I love the AME Church, more than any other denomination in this world, I also insist upon my right to criticize him perpetually. The church has ceased to be what it was birthed to be and has instead chosen to live out the colonial import of evangelicalism drizzled in African sacred
rhetoric and hollow social justice parades. Our church has become a mini-America, our preachers, agents of the empire. See below a recap of our hypocrisy on public display: -On June 30, 2021, it was announced that William Cosby, Jr. would be released from prison on a technicality that was largely granted due to his socio-economic status. My timeline was full of male clergy whose sentiments were at best, insensitive, but at worst violent. Social media had proven some of our siblings to be theologically ...continued on p7
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...From Reflections on the 2021 p6 ill-equipped and clerically misguided in holding space for those who may be triggered by such an event. -July 4, 2021, we were reminded by our Connectional Women in Ministry leader that women are disproportionately underrepresented at the General Conference as lay or clergy delegates and as Episcopal leaders and/or general officers. The open letter necessarily addressed the apparent inequities of our General Conference body and now I add: the same inequities are apparent in pastoral appointment season, conference, and district level committee leadership, and overall social and professional mobility. Evidence of patriarchy and misogyny surrounds us. -July 7, 2021, the presiding officer of our General Conference business session illegitimately voted down a bill to allow clergy to marry same-gender loving couples. The bill was introduced and against all unreadiness on the floor, the bill was voted on and killed without the input of delegates elected to represent the body. An elite group of individuals had decided for a church that exists across 5 continents and 40 countries. Apart from the clear disfranchisement of our African delegations that also took place this summer, what we witnessed in that single week is evidence that the church of Allen is no safer today than was St. George’s in 1787. We have become the very system that we were born to resist. But I am not convinced that we cannot return to the heart of who we are. Isaiah 51:1 reads listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. These are the words of the prophet Isaiah to those who were living in exile. He spoke to them as a member of their community concerned for their crisis of faith and reminded them to seek the Lord who has promised us life and life more abundantly. A reminder that our exodus was only the beginning of
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our journey toward a freed state of being. In a moment of hopelessness, he prophesied to the heart of the people’s righteousness. We, too, are in a crisis of faith. Do we believe in a God of liberation and radical love or do we not? Do we believe in a Jesus who died in a struggle for our collective freedom or do we not? Do we believe in the inherent dignity of all persons or do we not? A lukewarm faith will no longer suffice. So, we must hold fast to the spirit of Sankofa, go back and fetch that which appears to have been forgotten as we march onward and upward in the faith of the Free African Society. As Isaiah called the names of ancestors in later verses, he venerated their spirit and declared the fullness of divinity in every one of their descendants. This is the rock from which you were hewn, the quarry from which you were dug. Calling the names of those who led us through our exodus - Richard and Flora Allen and Absalom Jones- I send the same message to my siblings across the connection: We will continue to pursue righteousness, a more just and equitable institution for all of Mother Bethel’s descendants. We will continue to fight for the promise born out of our founding- that those we have exiled will be brought back home by the power of our work. We look to God our rock, who is the divinity in every human being, and we affirm it. We dig into the quarry of our theological imaginations and push back against those who refuse to respect the divinity in all of humanity. We remember our founding parents, who in a moment of abandonment became a source of refuge, and we venerate their spirit amid Eurocentric theological applications. Let us return to the foundation of our institution until the promise of collective liberation is realized, lest we perish for a lack of human decency. ❏ ❏ ❏
GENERAL CONFERENCE 2021 COMMENTARY By Robbie Colson-Ramsey, TCR Contributing Writer
I remember traveling with my mother to my first General Conference in 2000, where Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was elected the church’s first female bishop. As a child, I was in complete awe of the pageantry of the church and great fascination with the stories of Sarah Allen, and the Four Horseman of African Methodism. Therefore, I would gladly proclaim I am a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Almost 20 years later, and attending my third General Conference, I am still excited for the church of Sarah and Richard Allen as we sit on the threshold of change. The global pandemic, some would say, shoved the church in a different direction, allowing us to realize the church is leaving its beautiful four walls and hitting the streets to change their communities. This pandemic made many understand that Sunday worship is only a tiny portion of what the church does. Did the General Conference allow Episcopal districts and church ministries to show how they have shifted amid a storm? Like other large denominations, we, too, are transforming the community around us. I struggled to see if it was in the church’s best interest to have General Conference in one of the early hotbeds of the pandemic; my concern was for the mothers and fathers of our aging church. Although, I had to believe in my heart of hearts that the church I had a love affair with since a child would secure my
safety amid a worldwide pandemic. I can say without a doubt that at all times while attending the 2021 General Conference, I felt safe, and the church did a good job maintaining our safety. Even when the sparks overtook a small portion of the ceiling in the main ballroom, Bishop Vashti McKenzie quickly controlled the environment. The staff of the General Conference was outstanding; if, if att any time ti they th were unaware of an answer or a location, they worked very hard to find the solution. However, we would love to have more signage to help the crowd’s movement. The music ministry must be applauded for singing with angelic voices every worship service, ushering the presence of the Lord into the convention hall. Although the world is in the midst of a global health crisis and we were unable to welcome our brothers and sisters from Africa, the General Conference was held. The fact that amid the chaos of assignments, worshipping virtually, revisions of church legislation, being off schedule, emergency recesses, and reports from the Episcopal Committee, we celebrate as Charles Wesley proclaims, “And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face?” ❏ ❏ ❏
THOUGHTS ON MISSING THE 51ST SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE By Dr. Brandon A. A. J. Davis, TCR Contributing Writer
This past week the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference was held in Orlando, Florida. Not since 1992 was a General Conference held in that magic city where the church elected four Episcopal leaders. This historic meeting made bold and dashing strides amid a looming global pandemic. The high note of this General Conference was the election of four new bishops; they are: Silvester Scott Beaman, Marvin Clyde Zanders II, Francine Angelique Nelson Brookins, and Frederick Allen Wright, Sr. Also from this meeting was the decision to uphold the church’s stance on same-sex marriage which gained national attention through the print media. While the church continues to make forward strides towards maintaining the legacy of being the liberating and reconciling church, this General Conference proved there are concentrated areas where this self-identifier has been tested and now must prove its relevancy.
Allow me to applaud the work and energy placed into providing a safe and health-conscious meeting. I’m told temperatures were checked, and wrist bands were issued to indicated individuals being feverfree. Distance protocols were instituted, along with face masks being encouraged but not mandatory for vaccinated individuals. All of this I was able to glean from friends and family who were in attendance of our Church’s famed and coveted meeting. For personal and albeit selfish reasons, I did not attend this meeting. M My concerns ffor a quadrennial meeting being held in a COVID-19 contested state, along with being around so many people not entirely sure of their COVID status, ...continued on p8
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felt it prudent to stay home even though I am fully vaccinated. Furthermore, I struggled with the reality of attending my first General Conference, not as a pastor, a campaign worker, personal aid, alternate delegate, or even a delegate. Not since my first General Conference in 2004 in Indianapolis, Indiana, have I missed this meeting. In 2004 I served on the campaign of Presiding Elder Allen Wayne Parrot – he, along with Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton, learned I had never attended a General Conference. While a poor student at Allen University, they offered to pay my way in exchange for some campaign work – to this day, I am eternally grateful. At the 2008 General Conference, I served as the
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personal aid to then retired General Officer Dr. Ricky Spain – through his friendship and kindness, I was exposed to elements of the conference that influenced my understanding of African Methodism. I also saw for the first time Bishop Z. L. Grady spin as he quoted his life’s mantra: “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” In 2012 I was elected an alternate delegate from the North Ohio Annual Conference. I was a connectional officer of RAYAC. I served as chief marshal to Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., and aide to Bishop Vinton R. Anderson. I remember fondly hearing former General Officer Dr. Floyd Wilson Alexander say, “At 27 years old, you sat on the stage of a General Conference.” Finally, in 2016 I was elected a delegate
to the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference again from the North Ohio Annual Conference. Again, a historic meeting among which several firsts took place – one being the election of Bishop Elizabeth Anne Henning Byfield, who became the 4th elected woman in the succession of bishops, and she and Bishop Henning became the first brother and sister bishops of the church. So, after sixteen years of firsts, I struggled to reconcile attending the General Conference as a mere observer, plus observers must watch from a different location, and after seeing the church at work from either the stage or the floor, being an “observer” felt like being in the cheap seats. In comparison, this may seem like frivolity to some; missing a General
THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM Conference is a shared feeling of deep and personal regret. The work is essential, and so are the people we elect to superintend our church. Yet, for most people attending a General Conference, they, like myself, treasure seeing friends who, over several meetings, become as close as blood relatives. The late-night conversations that sway between high emotions and concentrated seriousness to the fellowship of friends feel less like a church meeting and more of a family reunion. While I am grateful for friends who thought it not robbery to miss me enough to include me in the day-to-day happenings, I sincerely hated not being at this General Conference. God willing, and the creek don’t rise, I’ll see my family in 2024. ❏ ❏ ❏
LET AFRICA BE SEEN, LET AFRICA BE HEARD: THE 51ST QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH By Rev. Thato Mere, Contributing Writer
Sociology defines perception as “ the window through which one looks at reality” whereas the dictionary defines reality as “the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.” In an ecclesiastical reality upon which the AME Church was founded and spread across the globe in its growth and development process, Africa is part of the connectional church. The 51st Session of the General Conference left the AME Church in the African districts asking themselves as to whether they are indeed part of the connection or just adopted children which the General Conference tries to squeeze into the busy schedule of the proceedings. It is unfortunate that the outbreak of the COVID 19 denied the African districts’ delegates an opportunity to travel to the United States for physical attendance of the General Conference forcing them to connect virtually either from hubs or personal space. The virtual connection disenfranchised the African districts all in the name of technical glitches which could have been taken into consideration if the perception by American districts towards Africa was not that of adopted siblings. In reality and in principle, as enshrined in The Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church, African districts have the right to participate fully in the proceedings and resolutions of the General Conference; however, that has been displayed in a very minimal amount during the sitting of the General Conference held in USA, Orlando, Florida from the 6th-10th July 2021. The first female to be elected bishop in the AME Church, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, preached a unifying sermon during the opening session of the 2021 General Conference, stating in her sermon that
“I’m here to be seen, I see you. I’m here to be heard, I hear you.” The prayer is that the angels and the archangels of heaven through the power of the Holy Spirit answer that “Africa be visible enough to be seen, Africa be audible enough to be heard.” When Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and other servant leaders founded the AME Church in 1816, it was founded on the notion of aborting social, spiritual and ecclesiastical injustices that were taking place at the time. It is in the same spirit that as much as African districts are part of the connectional church, which believes in the principles and precepts off G God Father, Christ d our F h Ch i our Redeemer, Holy Spirit our Comforter, Humankind our Family, be displayed without compromise. Let Africa be heard and let Africa be seen from the valleys Mozambique, to the mountains of Lesotho, from the dusty roads of Kuruman in the 15th District to the tarred roads of Angola. From the impoverished villages of Congo to the economic decline of Zimbabwe, from the social and political injustices of DRC and Swaziland, let Africa be seen, let Africa be heard. For the sweat and commitment of men and women who have devoted themselves to the service of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ the redeemer under unfavourable circumstances, let Africa be seen, let Africa be heard. Rev. Thato Mere, 19th Episcopal District
FROM MISSION TO LEGACY: A RAYAC PERSPECTIVE By Matthew Seawright, RAYAC Editor
And we ARE yet alive and see each other’s face. An opportunity that may have been taken for granted two years ago as the Connectional Young People’s Division and Women’s Missionary Society convened in Columbus, Ohio. No way anyone could have predicted what was to come; time has undoubtedly been filled with swift transition. God’s grace and mercy are experienced by so many supporting the declarative question, “Who else but God?” While a once every hundred-year virus continues to devastate the world, God positioned the AME Church to modify her approach, shift her direction, and even her expectations. What troubles have we seen, what conflicts have we passed culminate tough times in various capacities. Businesses were lost as others flourished. Lives have been celebrated in both death and birth. I must admit, while hopeful and enthusiastic about engaging the people as well as
seeing familiar faces, I had my doubts about the gathering of the saints. These doubts were not solely that of safety, if at all, as I have confidence in the precautions taken to keep myself and others safe. If you’re reading this, you made it. Far from the norm and hosted remotely across five continents, the church continues to make and trod the path of history. Countless staff and volunteers worked smart to support the hopes of the General Conference Commission and the host district to assure a safe and productive 51st Quadrennial Session of the AME Church. The 51st Quadrennial session of the African Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference commenced and was everything it was ...continued on p9
THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM ...From From Mission p8 expected to be. The remnants
of success from the 50th Quadrennial Session were fully displayed as others prepared to offer themselves for service. The apparent absence of voices from many prominent and impactful lay and clergy leaders was truly undeniable. Chants and songs of teams supporting those offering themselves for service, interaction and purchases from vendors, and pause in the halls of the convention center as the Episcopal Committee walks by were genuinely different and missed. The theme, “From mission to legacy,” for the 51st Quadrennial Session was set. What all does our legacy mean and speak? One of the most evolving and involved times in the life and history of the church. In the year 2000, the church was preparing to host the 46th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference. It was the season when the world was settling from the anxious tension of what may have been at the start of a new millennium. A response of sorts to the shift in times was electing and consecrating the first woman as bishop in the AME Church, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. Twentyone years later, as the world is settling from the anxiousness of a global pandemic, the AME Church retired the first woman bishop from active service. Congruently, the AME Church elected the fifth elected and consecrated woman, the Right Reverend Francine Brookins. From mission to legacy, history again being made in electing who is in line to become the first woman to don the honor of being the senior bishop (2040-2048)
The Christian Recorder This election is not just about the elevation of a more than qualified woman to the bench but more so an embrace of what leadership can and should look like—personality, engagement, connectivity. Being the leader of a younger generation is beyond clothing, music, and events; it’s about trust. As stated in an expression of encouragement from Rev. Jennifer Leath, “Liberating power is based on substance, not control.” Young adults in the AME Church connect to Bishop Francine because of substance; many trust her. Trust that voices are heard, trust that ideas, hopes, and thoughts are accepted with compassion and introspection. Trust for her genuine approach to life and emotional transparency as it pertains to matter outside the church’s walls. As many are reimagining the same church differently, the election of Bishop Brookins is about reimagining the way for a renewed church. One of the General Conference consistencies is the meeting of sub-committees, and this quadrennial was no different. The Richard Allen Young Adult Council invited all delegation members 18-40 per the tradition of gathering for the sake of discussion and examination of events, legislation, and hopes for advancement. An enthusiastic discussion fueled a variety of responses. Our first millennial general officer addressed us not to count ourselves short or take our presence for granted. Instead, we were encouraged to keep pushing through the doors as he was able to push through with our support. We shouldn’t settle for a seat, and the table is set
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and desires that we embrace his position as “OURS.” Having been disappointed about the bill on inclusion, the RAYAC subcommittee met to discuss who we are and how we move forward as an organization. The action begs whether many of the lessons learned pre and post height of the pandemic fell upon deaf ears. Thoughts rooted in the desire not just to lead but to be impactful, be held accountable, and support the legacy of the AME Church fueled the conversation. While progress has been made through adopting a Resolution to Establish an Ad Hoc AME Sexual Ethics Discernment Committee (SED-C), the strategy must be consistent, and our intentions must be specific. With the review of and understanding the legislation submission process, RAYAC can make healthy strides in committing to the work involved to see a church reflective of our hopes and ideas. The question remains, “Where do we go from here?” as asked by Ninth District RAYAC Corresponding Secretary Rev. Brandon Thornton. What do we walk away with? What portal would we utilize to be a community enabling young adults to speak and convey thoughts to each other? Until two quadrennials ago, access and use of social communication platforms were not as prominent as it is today. For this, there is hope and concern for a turning of the tide in how leadership is governed. Tomorrow starts today, and we were in a position for progress yesterday. Let’s be inspired to cultivate substance moving forward. ❏ ❏ ❏
JULY 5 — 11TH SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: A CHARGE TO KEEP WE HAVE THE ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET By Mrs. Valarie Russ, 11th Episcopal District
How do we fellowship and generate funding for three legendary HBCU institutions of higher learning? Simple, you have a Scholarship Banquet. Great idea; however, a banquet virtually, not so simple. The Eleventh Episcopal District was faced with such a task and made it look so easy. The district hosted their Scholarship Banquet virtually on Monday, July 5th. The theme, “Building Healthy Communities: A Charge to Keep We Have.” The event featured program participants from each of the HBCUs benefiting from the proceeds.
serve in the midst of a global pandemic. We have been called out the last fifteen months of chaos, confusion, calamities, and conflict to the blessing of assembling for this General Conference and virtually for this occasion. When his prayer concluded there was nothing to say but amen, amen, and amen. Florida A & M University was smoothly represented by Devin Lloyd and Gustave Major. Their skills on the piano and saxophone were beautifully displayed in their rendition of “Falling in Love with Jesus.” You were left wanting to hear more from these
Ms. Patricia H. Wright eloquently set the atmosphere in elegance with an energy of celebration. This occasion in this virtual setting was to celebrate and support higher education and provide scholarship opportunities for Florida A & M University, Turner Interdenominational Center, and Edward Waters College. Program participants represented those three institutions. The Rev. Victor Coles, a graduate from Turner Interdenominational Center, stirred things up with a mighty prayer. He charged those assembled on this virtual platform to remember we have been blessed to learn new ways to do church and
talented musicians. Ms. Wright then introduced another FAMU alum. Described as a notable FAMU graduate and a high stepping cadence keeping drum major for justice, the senior bishop and presiding prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District, Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson shared thoughtful greetings and gratitude. He reminisced what this event would have looked and sounded like with all the pomp and circumstance befitting the occasion. Instead, the global pandemic has affected millions all called loved ones. We are forced to do things differently and be creative and imaginative. He emphasized the theme is relevant ...continued on p10
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...From Building Healthy p9 in a health crisis and captures the essence of their
tenure in the Eleventh Episcopal District. Representing Edward Waters College was acclaimed theatre actress, Tarra Conner Jones. With theatre credits such as, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and The Color Purple just to name a couple, Miss Jones spent over 20 years teaching before pursuing her passion. This evening she wrote and performed the monologue, “The Communities Covid Built.” She masterfully conveyed the emotional roller coaster 2020 and the pandemic took us on. It started with the shock and disbelief of this reality we were facing. Then the heartbreak of the loss of friends and loved ones. And finally coming together to care for each other and empowering our communities to aid our communities in ways we never imagined. We had to uplift each other, care for each other, love each other, and thereby build healthier communities. Communities had to work together to save each other. We quickly learned that no one was helping our communities but ourselves. At the heart of healing and helping our communities was forgiveness and recovering relationships once thought lost. Tarra Conner Jones is a true artist who put an emotionally charged 2020 on full display. This pandemic gave us the opportunity to rest, evaluate, revive, forgive, and flourish. She preached that monologue and then sang the challenge to each of us, “A Charge to Keep I Have.” This amazing evening’s chairpersons were the Reverend Terence Gray, Dr. Cynthia Griffin, and Mrs. Pamela Prier. It was supported by corporate sponsors Florida Blue and The AME Housing Board. Individual sponsors at various levels gave support. Special thanks were given to the FAMU director of bands, Mr. Shelby Chipman. Also, to the Reverend Kenneth Irby and the Reverend Clarence Williams in collaboration with Kraken Media, LLC for the production of the program. ❏ ❏ ❏
A LEGISLATIVE PRIMER: FROM PROPOSAL TO ADOPTION By Dr. Michael A. Cousin, Sr., 2nd Episcopal District
Before the General Conference is called to order, the Revisions Committee is tasked with the responsibility of cataloguing the many pieces of proposed legislation to be presented and considered by the general body. There are over 300 pieces of proposed legislation from across the connection, a deluge of ideas hopeful in improving the polity and doctrine of the church. Out of this number, maybe 30 pieces will be adopted into the The Doctrine and Discipline while remaining pieces may be reworked and presented again at the next General Conference. Keeping this in mind, I am often asked, “What must I do to have my bill brought out of committee?” My response has been, “Have you followed the suggested format provided by the church?” Adhering to the suggested format may be the difference in having a bill called out to the floor or placed again on the proverbial backburner. The proposal must be clear upon its intent and rationale. It is helpful to refrain from debating your proposal on paper when you attempt to present it for consideration. Debating your proposal on paper before submittal may be an indication that the intent and purpose may be unclear. When considering your ideas, ask the question, “How will this benefit the church?” Will this issue be relevant in years to come? Will this proposal stand the test of time, serving as an ecclesiastical guardrail in keeping the church true to its purpose and mission? If this proves to be so, then discuss the proposal with
members of the legislative task force of the annual conference. Within this setting the proposal will be vetted and scrutinized upon its merit. Attending one of the legislative convos would prove beneficial in learning the sentiments across the connection regarding proposed legislation. These sessions serve as a filter to sort out and fine tune the proposal’s rationale and intent. Additionally, a bill’s budgetary impact upon the church is a salient point. To many in the church, there is the sentiment of finding money. In other words, “Where will we rob Peter to give to Paul?” The table is getting larger and the pie smaller. These bills are time sensitive if there are financial issues to be vetted by other pertinent departments and not just the Revisions Committee. With so many legislative proposals to consider, time is not a luxury during the General Conference. The window for legislative action grows smaller as each day passes. Remember, bills are to be read three times before adoption. Adhering and implementing the suggested criteria may increase the bill’s chance of moving from the backburner to the floor. More importantly, the bottom line for the proposal should include clarity and relevance. Turn ears into eyes in making the point clear, and its rationale relevant.
The Rev. Dr. Michael A. Cousin is the pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Chapel Hill, North Carolina and has served as a member and vice-chair of the Revisions Committee for several sessions of the General Conference.
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WE COME TO WORK Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd, Contributing Writer
Nehemiah 4:6 - So built we the wall…for the people had a mind to work. what it looks like it is a war of spiritual making. Our The Nehemiah story tells of a group of Samarians people—the children of Richard and Sarah Allen—are led on by Sanballat, ridiculing and threatening the being stalked, attacked, and killed on a weekly basis. Jewish remnant who were determined to rebuild If you are dedicated enough to be attending this the wall that represented their faith and the legacy General Conference, then you are dedicated to being of their people. When their taunts didn’t work to part of God’s kingdom warriors. dissuade them, the group took to arms to attack. Still determined, the Jewish remnant called on their Under the authority of Bishop E. Anne HenningGod, and then continued to work, brick in one hand, Byfield, I recently ended 4 weeks of teaching our new gun in the other. Soon recognizing the enormity of church in Bahia, Brazil. In preparation I re-read from the task, they became overwhelmed—fear and doubt cover to cover, Richard Allen: Apostle of Freedom, the 2016 began to set in. Nehemiah spoke to the people, AME Discipline, and the Catechism. It was sobering, “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and empowering, and joy producing! I was privileged fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, to see the faces of our new members as they listened your wives and your homes…Wherever you hear attentively, recognizing the miracle in the life of the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God Richard Allen! The joy that erupted as we studied the will fight for us!” According to the Bible, they built polity, organization, and doctrinal affirmations of our the wall because the people had a vision and the church was matched by my own as I began to gain a determination to continue the work! renewed understanding of the meaning and purposes As we approach this long-awaited General of the AME Church for God’s black and brown people. Conference, let us fix our hearts and minds on the In the war against racism, I believe that the AME history and meaning of the AME Church. So that Church stands as “Exhibit A” of how God has been the meaning will not be lost in the preparation and miraculously active in the lives of people of the African celebration, let us begin our preparation with at least Diaspora. Each general conference calls us to honor these two contexts in mind. We have made it through the Nehemiah vision, determination, and audacity of this unusually traumatic time, having been attacked our ancestors. Beaten, overworked, castigated, kept by two formidable enemies—death and racism! As we from marriage, family formation, and even the right select our outfits and our election playbooks, let us be to learn to read and write— they gathered having seen ever mindful that we are at war! People of color and in the Bible, what enslavers worked to keep them from people of the African Diaspora are at war, and despite seeing. From these revelations, they gained strength to
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE “BUSINESS UNusual” By Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito, 19th District TCR Field Representative
It has always surprised me to see a church meeting agenda with “Unfinished Business” already in the agenda. Today, doing business the UNusual way is part of the agenda. Tomorrow, the General Conference of our beloved denomination the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be convening as UNusual, by date, venue, and business. Around this time last year, the church was grappling with the question of either postponing the General Conference by a few months or holding it virtually or moving it to July 2021. A few months later, the decision was to move to July 2021 in-person. Until Sunday 27 June, when the president of South Afric,a Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that South Africa will be on Lockdown Level 4 from Monday 28th, the church was set to meet in a hybrid fashion in two venues, South Africa, and the U.S. As it is, a litany of meetings continues to be held within the church since the Cape Town venue will no longer work, but let the work continue, let business UNusual continue, people’s lives matter. Does this mean the many voices that had called for a virtual General Conference from the beginning have now been vindicated? How safe and secure are the networks, how fair and smooth running will the General Conference be when business UNusual kicks off on tomorrow 6 July 2021? Will the church recover from the time loss and financial haemorrhage? Could the church have been more punctilious in the administrative and financial execution of its work?
Was this a perfect opportunity for the church to ride roughshod over the rights, opinions, or feelings of its people, or should accolades be accepted that the church has, unlike never before, widely consulted its members to arrive at a decision? How inclusive, or should we ask, how exclusive is this General Conference? Perhaps the roll call should call the names of those who are not there. UNusual is a good opportunity to achieve what could not be realized unless it was necessary. I believe necessity is still the mother of invention. We should not be too hard on ourselves. Some believe that credit must be given that the church was caring, prudent, and diligent. Indeed, there are many questions and few answers but AMEs must unite and agree in the knowledge that, “No matter the format or location, one thing for sure is that we know how to worship.” Some committees have already commenced their work and some uncanny aura and fellowship hangs in the air, heightened politicking and on-line lobbying (or none at all) is taking place, inevitable virtual elections and worship will be experienced differently, thanks to the one-year long practice of virtual worship. God’s business must be done only to his glory. From one “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” at opening to another one five days later, the General Conference, Quadrennial or not, will be over. Many prayers will be answered, a few dreams attained. So, cheer up AMEs, UNusual does not mean bad. What remains to be seen is whether the African Methodist Episcopal Church, this beloved Zion, will
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form a church that today stands millions strong! Yes, from that group of homeless, fearful, uneducated formerly enslaved persons came a church that is present in over 40 countries, having built nineteen schools, colleges, and universities! Today, my brothers and sisters, this is who we are, and our foundational goal is found in Jesus’ stated agenda in Luke 4:18 & 19. We come together every 4 years from all over the world—united in our vision and with the determination to continue to build and rebuild God’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, the symbol of our spiritual and cultural legacy. Slavery could not stop us. Jim Crow could not stop us. Burning crosses and hooded demons could not stop us. All over the world the Sanballats rose, in civil wars, in mass murders, in lynching, abductions, and natural disasters. But the AME Church connected across the world, rebuilding, and supporting the vision! Organized racism, police backed violence, and the devil’s demonic walk in Mother Emanuel couldn’t stop us. Millions strong we stood together, building our church. It is July 2021. Please, set aside a few minutes during this conference to honor those who were the original builders, by praying that God’s spirit will fall with renewal power as our church once more gathers—unable to be stopped—building on the legacy! ❏❏❏
learn and grow from the devastating aftermath of COVID-19. It is going to be difficult for the church to abandon what has worked and make it the ‘usual’ going forward, albeit pushed against the wall. Doing things just because it is ‘how we used to do’ them, is not a strategy, it is like walking backwards towards your future. The decisions made in this General Conference will show the church’s propensity to make good out of a bad situation. I pray that the church will swiftly move away from the impending blame game in ensuing meetings following the close of the General Conference, “Whose fault was it?”, “I told you so.” But also, the church, for her to grow, must acknowledge that she was inflexible to hear simple voices of reason from both the U.S. and African districts. There will be casualties, believe it or not. Worship UNusual is an opportunity to heal. The African Methodist Episcopal Church must remember its mission “to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.” If we put God first in this UNusual General Conference, this mission can still be attained. Come on, AMEs, dust yourselves up, wipe your tears off, be reinvigorated, we have a great legacy bequeathed for us, we need to hand over a better Church for posterity. The Reverend Gaborone P. Lesito is the 19th Episcopal District field representative for The Christian Recorder.
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JULY 6
OPENING BUSINESS SESSION OF THE HISTORIC 51ST SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Day 1 Business
By Rev. Dr. Maxine L. Thomas, TCR Columnist
The Opening Business Session of the 51st Quadrennial Session convened during the global pandemic that halted the gathering a year ago. While the setting did not bring the mega numbers in real-time as in past quadrennials, the group hailed from two global continents, Africa and America, and garnered international attention and acclaim. The delegation comprised attendees from the first through the twentieth Episcopal districts and observers from the same. We knew it would not be just business as usual agenda on the heels ual because becau use the agenda set forth would reflect the Lord’s business busi of a worldwide crisis that has left l f us grateful f l to be b alive li and hopeful for a new beginning that will encompass the new normal coupled with a majestic presence and performance of eternal glory. perf The tone was set as the historic hybrid General T Conference was called to order by Senior Bishop Adam Con Richardson. With an intentional inquiry into the J. R number of delegates in each Episcopal district convening num Florida, and in countries within Africa and in Orlando, O South Africa, when a quorum was reached, the business Sou proceeded. proc The T Credentials Committee chaired by the Rev. Dr. Joseph Cousin (6th District) was given and was approved Jose by b the t General Conference. The report highlighted a total tota of 1723 delegates were elected. Next, the Rules Committee, chaired by the Rev. Dr. N David Dav Cousin (1st Episcopal District), read its report. Protocol as related to safety procedures during the Prot convening of the General Conference were elaborated. A conv dialogue ensued about restrictions and limitations of an dialo Episcopal candidate’s campaign teams. Following only a Epis few revisions, the report was voted on and accepted. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie took the chair for the B following part of the meeting and called for the Election follo Committee Chair by Bishop Clement Fugh. A motion was passed to empower the General Secretary to ccast one unanimous vote on behalf of the General Conference. Accordingly, the Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry from the 5th Episcopal District was elected, and the meeting adjourned. ❏ ❏ ❏
THE DIGITAL DIVIDE AND THE GENERAL CONFERENCE 2020 By Rev. Royd Mwandu, TCR Field Representative, 17th Episcopal District
Every four years, the bishops of our great church, led by the Holy Spirit churn out the quadrennial themes! By collective prayer and fasting, the whole Council Of Bishops who meet in their retreat to seek God’s face on the direction that the church would take. You will recall that at the 50th Quadrennial Session of The General Conference held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Quadrennial Theme 2016-2020 was shared. In what constituted The Episcopal Address, Bishop Henning gave out the year by year breakdown of the theme as follows: “The African Methodist Episcopal Church: A Social Justice And Liberating Faith.” “And What Does the Lord Require of You but to Do Justice, To Love Kindness, And To Walk Humbly With Your God?” Micah 6:8 (NASB) 1. Political Justice (2016) 2. Criminal Justice (2017) 3. Environmental Justice (2018) 4. Economic Justice (2019) ...continued on p13
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HBCU NIGHT By Rev. Dr. Shakira Sanchez-Collins, TCR Columnist
HBCU’s have paved the way in providing access to education not only for black American students, but also for students from all over the world. With the pandemic and racial justice movement as a backdrop, this past year has garnered more attention for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States leading to a much-needed increase in awareness and support for these institutions. In similar fashion, on the evening of July 6, 2021, the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference placed a spotlight on the HBCUs of the African Methodist Episcopal Church with a HBCU Gospel Benefit Night. The virtual concert featured the musical talents of the Paul Quinn College Choir, J.J. Hairston, and other solo artists who led us in a night of praise and worship. Bishop Wilfred Messiah delivered an encouraging word entitled “God Will Make Your Iron to Float” from
2 Kings 6:1-7 which focused on how God will make a way even in times of great obstacles. Interspersed between the music and Word, the bishops, college presidents, and alumni gave a clarion call to financially support and envision a greater future for the AME scholastic institutions. “Invest in us. Invest in our students. Invest in our dreams. Invest in our institutions. You do that by sharing your time, your talent, [and] your treasure,” Dr. Michael Sorrell, the president of Paul Quinn College, said during the concert referring to the AME academic institutions. Throughout the concert, many of the academic institutions had the opportunity to display their scholastic strengths, recent achievements, and vibrant college life in hopes to attract the next generation of scholars and achievers. An inspiring virtual event, the HBCU gospel night highlighted the communal call to ensure that the HBCUs of the African Methodist Episcopal Church have the resources and support necessary to educate and equip future generations. ❏ ❏ ❏
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The clergy and laity were encouraged to incorporate the connectional theme in the ministries of local congregations with special worships services, bible studies, retreats/conference sessions, action plans and community conversations. Whether or not this was achieved is for you our reader to provide a feedback. Additionally, auxiliaries, on the connectional and conference level were encouraged to include the theme in their ministry and deliberations. It was hoped that those will not be just talking points but action items for our global ministry. Again, whether or not this was achieved is for you our reader to provide a feedback. The question is, do we take our Episcopal Leadership Address with the seriousness with which the sharing is presented? Or is it just a talk show of sharing ideas of what could be done without rolling out corresponding action plans with quantifiable deliveries. No doubt, COVID-19 has been an untimely interjection and challenge to parity in our church’s global ministry. For 2019, Economic Justice was the theme
that was going to usher us into the General Conference 2020 which is now being held in 2021 under the transitioned, modified, and flexible Orlando hybrid, due to the challenges of COVID-19. The writer is seated in the cluster at what we are calling “Orlando, Ndola, Zambia,” while others are in Orlando, Liberia, and Orlando, South Africa. In the yearly roll out, one line Items that was to be given attention in 2019 was the the digital divide. A careful look at the details makes one prove that it is fitting well into the covid-19 environment the church is groping in. “Digital Divide” refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology, and those that don’t or have restricted access. This technology can include the telephone, television, personal computers and the internet. See, the bishops saw it and were on point that in 2020, the digital divide would be a problem if not well handled. The GC2020 has fully exposed the true realities of the Gaps that exist between demographics and regions in the USA and the African continent. Resistance for GC2020 to go 100% virtual was a clear indication that ...continued on p14
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OPENING WORSHIP SERVICE 51ST QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH By Rev. Betty Holley, TCR Contributing Writer
The Opening Worship began with our Senior Bishop and host, the Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, Jr., with the familiar words, “This is the day that the Lord has made,” followed by “The Fanfare of Trumpets and Cymbals” that commenced the great processional of the leadership and the Council of Bishops of our great Zion. The singing of the Doxology was followed by the Call to Worship by Bishop Gregory Ingram. Bishop Jeffrey Leath led us in the opening hymn, “And Are We Yet Alive.” The Invocation was by Bishop Messiah, followed by the MCAM Connectional Choir singing, “Psalm 117.” The Old Testament reading, read by Bishop McAllister, came from Isaiah 40:28-31. Bishop Wicker read the Epistle, II Timothy 2:11-15, followed by the Gospel from John 13:22-27, read by Bishop White. A Summary of the Decalogue was shared by Bishop James L. Davis. The MCAM Connectional Choir shared a well-known gospel, “Total Praise.” Bishop Byfield read the powerful litany followed by the mission offering conducted by Bishop David Daniels. The MCAM Connectional Choir blessed our hearing with the singing of “How Excellent Is His Name,” which was followed by the introduction of the preacher of the hour by Bishop Bryant. In Bishop Bryant’s introduction of our preacher, the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, he gave a chronology of her ministry in the episcopacy and pastorate. After the introduction, guest soloist, Crystal Aikin, sang the sermonic hymn, “That’s Why I Praise You.” Our preacher, the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, shared her text-two pieces of scripture, Habakkuk 1:5 and Mark 6:36-38. The theme of the Quadrennial Sermon was “Between What is and What Could Be.” Just a few highlights from Bishop McKenzie’s sermon include the following: She shared in her sermon that we all have had and are still having challenges of “five loaves and two fish days.” Since the global pandemic showed up, we have seen cancelled cultures, cancelled graduations, cancelled family reunions, cancelled church as we know it, cancelled General Conference of the AMEC. Every generation can change the trajectory of their day. None of us are exempted from a “five loaves and two fish day.” The Gospel of Mark revolutionizes the idea of God. God is unchanging, ...From The Digital p13
awesome, and Markk shows us not d understanding. d d h only what Jesus said in the text; but what Jesus did. Jesus will locate us out of sight when he is ready to handle that enemy in our lives. God does not always send our problems away. When we find ourselves in “five loaves and two fish days,” we need mustard-seed faith, two mites, the fringe on the helm of Jesus’ garment, the jawbone of an ass, a stick to part the water, or a stone to bring down a giant. Let us imagine the possibilities of God. If God has God’s way with the church, what would the AMEC look like? We could arrive at new levels, potential for greatness will be realized, gaps will be closed, resources will multiply. Finally, we need to get in the practice of acknowledging the presence of others. At the close of this powerful message, Bishop McKenzie asked all to engage in an ancient African tradition: Say, “I am here to be seen.” Response from the person you are acknowledging: “I see you.” Then say, “I am here to be heard.” Response from the person you are acknowledging should be: “I hear you.” Bishop McKenzie extended the Invitation to Christian Discipleship. We thank God for the 51st Quadrennial Sermon from Bishop
the church did not prepare adequately for the digital
Vashti h Murphy h McKenzie. The Opening Service closed with the investiture of Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield as the new president of the Council of Bishops. Other officers of the Council of Bishops are Bishop Ronnie Brailsford, secretary and Bishop Stafford Wicker. After the presentation of the medallion, the anthem, “O Come Give Thanks,” played and Bishop Byfield gave her electrifying response and charge to the church to shift into a new age. After the benediction, the South African struggle song, “Siyahamba,” played as the bishops recessed. ❏ ❏ ❏
ever made an attempt to make digital divide hay while the sun shined.
divide. In spite of technical advice for the church not to proceed with in-person
To this end, notwithstanding, in the GC2016, all accredited delegates were
gathering, we insisted on swimming against the current of COVID-19. Simply
provided with electronic tablets irrespective of the district of their origin. In
stated, we did not prepare adequately and we failed to invest heavily in the much
contrast, in 2021, delegates from the continent of Africa were requested to
needed necessary information and communication technology (ICT’s). Clearly,
provide their own pieces of electronic gadgets whether they liked it or not. As
there were pockets of laxity in closing gaps of the digital divide between Africa
a result, at the time of this write up, some delegates on the continent of Africa
and the USA. At the end of the quadrennium, we should have been boasting of
who do not have their own laptops and tablets told their bishops they would not
having state of the art Episcopal computer laboratories and ICT war rooms in
participate in the GC2020. Some of these are presiding elders and that tells a
Africa. Apart from a few districts that have institutions of higher learning, none
story, the situation among the clergy and laity is worse off.
It is hoped that, in the GC2020, we will take the Episcopal address seriously so that we do not find ourselves in the same situation we found ourselves on the issue of the digital divide. We wish all ourbishops, general officers, connectional officers, delegates, and the whole AME Church family success in the GC2020. ❏ ❏ ❏
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JULY 7 CONGRESSWOMAN VAL DEMINGS ADDRESSES THE 51ST SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE By Rev. Renita Marie Green, Columnist
Representative Val Demings greeted the General Conference during the Opening Business Session on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Demings is a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Florida’s 10th District. She is a member of St. Mark AME Church in Orlando, Florida where the Reverend Terence Gray is the Pastor. During her address to the members of the Connectional AME Church, Congresswoman Demings expressed great appreciation for our presence in the state of Florida during this conference, but even more so for our continuing prophetic witness across the United States. The congresswoman echoed the question often asked of those outside the Black Church tradition: Does the church have a place in politics? Affirming what we know, Demings exclaimed that the role of the church is to ensure that no one is left behind and that the most vulnerable among us are protected. Demings celebrated the AME Church which has historically and consistently been committed to improving the quality of life for all. Representative Demings called the church to collective action, “The urgency is now,” she declared as she lifted issues that are of urgent importance to our communities. Equitable access to –quality health care –good housing –fair and sufficient wages –quality education, lifting up Edward Waters University in Florida Also, issues of importance are protecting and expanding voter rights and reforming the criminal justice system. Demings declared that the strength of the United
States is found in our democracy, which we must protect. We are supposed to be a people who choose our politicians, not a land where politicians choose
their voters through gerrymandering. On January 6, 2021, Demings found herself among lawmakers at the Capitol who crawled on the floor wearing gas masks unsure if they would live or die that dreadful, shameful day. Nevertheless, she was confident of one thing, no matter what happened to them that day, someone would certify the election so ballots because democracy still means b something to people today! so Demings closed her address by reminding us that the one sure way to re know where we are going is to never kn forget our history. When community fo leaders visit our connectional le meetings, it is an affirmation that they m recognize the power of our collective re voice. As Micah compels us to do vo justice, love mercy, and walk humbly ju with our God, it is undoubtedly that w we will leave this place and carry on w in the tradition of the Black Church— doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. ❏ ❏ ❏
GENERAL OFFICER APPRECIATION DINNER By Rev. Dr. Shakira Sanchez-Collins, Columnist
Members of the General Officers Council, bishops, family members, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor the retiring general officers at the General Officer Appreciation Dinner held on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. The evening highlighted and recognized the legacy of four general officers who will retire during the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference: Dr. George F. Flowers, the executive director of Global Witness and Ministry; Dr. Jerome V. Harris, the executive director of the Department of Retirement Services; Dr. James C. Wade, the executive director of the Department of Church Growth and S Development; Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, the treasurer and chief financial officer of the AME D Finance Department. F The appreciation dinner featured remarks delivered by the General Officers Council. Speakers including the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, the Rev. Dr. Garland Pierce, Mr. John Thomas III, the Rev. Dr. Roderick Belin, and Dr. Jeffery Cooper, T who also presided over the special occasion. Other speakers included Bishop Adam Richardson, Bishop Clement Fugh, and w Bishop Samuel Green, who presented the retiring general officers and emphasized the impact and significance that each B ggeneral officer has had on the life of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “General officers are the glue that holds the connectional church together,” said Mr. Thomas during the occasion. “Many persons only get to see the connectional church through p the work of our departments.” th On behalf of the General Officers Council, Dr. Cooper, the general secretary of the AME Church, and the bishops presented the general officers with an engraved commemorative plaque recognizing their dedication and commitment to the service of the connectional church. In response, each retiring general officer gave a valediction reflecting upon their achievements and memories during their leadership tenures. “I promised the Lord that I would do the best job that I could do,” said Dr. Harris during his remarks. Elected towards the beginning of the 21st century, the retiring general officers ushered in significant improvements and innovations in the infrastructure of the AME Church. As the tenure of these four general officers comes to a close, the church celebrates their service and sacrifice. ❏ ❏ ❏
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INTERVIEW WITH YOUTH DELEGATE KHAZI GUWA By Mrs. Maggie Grootboom de Bruyn, 15th Episcopal District TCR Field Representative
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share or talk with my fellow brethren in Christ; to me it is an honour. 1. Impression: Initially I have mixed emotions today as I know that there are some technical challenges in some of our areas in the conference, but it as joy when I noted the number of people that have connected to make the 15th District delegation more visible at the beginning of the quadrennial. 2. Highlights: Possibilities of a blended hybrid convention against all the challenges COVID-19 has posed just a week before Cape Town venue was set in motion. 3. Positives: I was so impressed with the technology advancement, and I have learned a lot through it, but it has created more opportunities of separatism as overseas districts are well-advanced and therefore can participate in a hybrid platform 4. Negative: Inability to really engage in the session deliberations due to virtual distance and sometimes network experience. Second, time difference can be a challenge as it’s already close to midnight on this side and therefore concentration is at its lowest, affecting intellectual engagements with the reports presented thus far. 5. Africa: COVID-19 has just proved that the new strategic direction for Africa is needed as it has proved that much as we are one. There are still many bridges to cross. Africa needs to have clear agenda within connectionalism. ❏ ❏ ❏
GOD SEES, HEARS, KNOWS, & LOVES By Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, Ph.D., 5th Episcopal District
Pictured here is a button I found yesterday in the Hyatt gift shop on-site at the General Conference. The
waiting to be multiplied
card stock paper on which this black, rainbow-fleeced sheep was presented stated: “I’m the Rainbow Sheep
– are also heard and
of the Family.” Yes, I celebrate being black. Yes, I celebrate being quare.* However, I did not purchase this
seen among us?
“black rainbow sheep” for those reasons.
we receive what God is
I purchased the “black rainbow sheep” because, when I saw it, I not only recognized myself signified, but also remembered I am not alone: “The Lord is my Shepherd!” (Psalm 23:1). God, my shepherd, sees me, God hears me, God knows me, and God loves me. As my shepherd, God has covenanted with me, with us as African Methodists, and with others like me in the AME Church. This covenant is that God does not seek our destruction (Genesis 9:8-17). Moreover, there is an assurance: All things work together for good for we who love God and are called according to God’s purpose (Romans 8.28).
Can’t
manifesting through the LQBTQ people in our midst? Can’t we see answers to our needs in those we have problematically excluded, ignored, and/or oppressed?
Can’t we
see that the future is ours to create together – those traditionally seen and unseen, heard and unheard? Except insofar as I reflect the image of God, I
I cannot describe the excitement I felt in 2000 when I heard chants in the halls of the General
would be okay without being seen or heard.
Conference: “It’s time, it’s time to make a change! McKenzie’s the one! She can do it!” The
However, Bishop McKenzie invited us
words of Esther echoed in the corridors affirming the imminent election of Bishop Vashti
to declare, “I am here to be heard”
Murphy McKenzie: “For such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). I join the community of those
and to respond, “I hear you,” to
who will lament the retirement of Bishop McKenzie. Yes, McKenzie was the first of only
declare, “I am here to be seen,”
four women elected to the episcopacy of the AME Church thus far – joined by Bishops
and to respond, “I see you.” In this
Carolyn Tyler Guidry (retired), Sarah Frances Davis (deceased), and E. Anne Henning Byfield. However, more remarkable than this accolade is McKenzie’s prophetic witness within and for the church.
spirit, with the unction of God’s DNA in me: Hear me, see me, create with me. For such a time as this: I will be the one with
Bishop McKenzie’s message at the Opening Worship of the General Conference, “Between What Is and
the black rainbow sheep pin on, inviting you to make
What Could Be,” was further evidence of her prophetic witness. Three aspects of McKenzie’s sermon rest in
your presence and support known as God calls you
my spirit as I write: 1. While many of us are focused on what is, Jesus is manifesting what could be. 2. The
to, defending legislative and electoral choices that
“could be” answer is not only among us but is also found in unlikely people – including the next generation.
open our eyes, our ears, and our creativity to all the
3. We are invited to “co-create” with God – imagining a “could be” future.
“black rainbow sheep” among us.
For this co-creation – transforming a limited “what is” through “what could be” to a new and expanded
*Taking a cue from E. Patrick Johnson in “‘Quare’
“what is” – McKenzie invited us to reconfigure the Zulu call, “Sawubona,” and response, “Yebo, Sawubona.”
Studies, or (Almost) Everything I Know About
McKenzie explained the meaning of this call as “I see you; I recognize you; I value you” and the call and
Queer Studies I Learned from My Grandmother,”
response together meaning that we see one another and consider: “What can we do in this space together?”
quare means “queer; also, opp. of straight; odd
McKenzie made powerful appeals: See the value of
Zoomed and/or distanced siblings now in Africa
or slightly off kilter; from the African American
women! See and protect children! See and support
from whom we are yet learning the “Sawubona” call
vernacular for queer” and signals a womanist way
physical and mental well-being! And we know there
and response.
of being “LGTBQ” – turning the “Q” from “queer”
are others among us who we could see and hear and
However, the roll cannot stop there. Can’t we also
should see and hear but historically have not seen
imagine the AME Church as space where LGBTQ
See Leath, “The Fire This Time: AME Sexual
and heard well as a church. But, to call that roll,
people – disciples of Jesus, filled with the Holy
Politics,” The Christian Recorder, 14 June 2021 for a
we must begin with our missing, unseen, muted,
Spirit, overflowing with “two fish, five loaves” gifts
definition of “quare.” ❏ ❏ ❏
to “quare.”
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THE ONE WHO GOES BEFORE US: REFLECTIONS ON THE EPISCOPAL ADDRESS
By Rev. Dr. Barry Settle, Contributing Writer
In Deuteronomy 31, we see a transition of leadership power from Moses to Joshua, where Joshua was given the responsibility to lead Israel into the promise that God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In v. 8, Moses encourages Joshua strongly of his divine appointment and reminds him he will also be divinely led. He is reminded that as he moves into places that he has never experienced, that God has already gone before him, will be with him, and will not forsake him. This is the impression which the African Methodist Episcopal Church should be reminded of, as we experienced the opening business sessions of the 51st Session of the General Conference. The tension was obvious as to what kind of General Conference would we experience. This would be different. It has to be, because of the social circumstances we face. Bishop Richardson reminded us in the opening session, that he brought a suitcase and it was packed with nothing but patience. As we moved through the first two days, we must draw from this suitcase. Wednesday morning, Congresswoman Val Demings greeted the General Conference. She challenged us by asking the question, “Does the church have a role in politics?” She said, “Politics is only about individuals who are represented to protect the majority of the people.” She reminded us of our charge by not forgetting our history where Richard Allen rejected an agenda that did not include him and the AME Church still looks to improve the quality of life for all people. “We can’t stop now,” she said. “The sense of urgency is now.” As new leadership is elected in this General Conference, let us remember this urgency and remember that the Lord has already gone before us, is with us, and will not forsake us.
As Bishop Ingram then led us in the Episcopal Address, because of the circumstances experienced, the entire address was not able to be read completely and he requested we pull up the document on the AME General Conference App, as the complete document is available. Bishop Ingram summarized, “The next three years will be a period of unparalleled challenges for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, so as we look to the future, not only must we give and begin the process of determining how to stay on track and commit to our legacy and mission, but we must cast new vision and establish our quadrennial goals that the whole entire global church will embrace and implement.” As we commit to the legacy and mission of African Methodism, may we be reminded the Lord has already gone before us, is with us, and will not forsake us. As Bishop Ingram closed the address, he encouraged us as we explore how change can move us to higher heights in the Lord and that our methods must align with the environment which means we must do things differently. Old wine in new wineskins will not work. At the end of the 51st Session of the General Conference, our prayer should be steadfast for the leadership of African Methodism. We have a great church, and may our prayer be that the Lord, who has gone before us, will be with us and not forsake us and will bring clarity to us as we move to further the kingdom of God and make Christ known to all. ❏ ❏ ❏
JULY 2021
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JULY 8 ARE WE THERE YET? By Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito, TCR 19th Episcopal District Field Representative
This is one question that many parents have had to answer. This often happens when a family takes a trip, and the parents look forward to it; the children are excited to be part of it. Yet the second turn of a three-hour-long journey, the children ask, ‘Are we there yet?’ It doesn’t matter how many times the parents can assure the children that they will get there in the next two or three hours; the question will still be asked until the destination is reached. So where are we going? What’s in it for the AME Church to take this journey? As on 6 July, I am one of those who ask whether I will experience the General Conference in the way it is intended, from Business Session I at 7 p.m. South African time. I and some 19th District delegates and some from districts outside the U.S. still had not received all our credentials by 7 p.m. South African time. As I get ready to submit the article on 7 July, the voter credentials were sorted out but still awaiting the credentials to enter the Zoom platform. I have hope that all these teething problems would be sorted by the time you read the article. In my Project Management class, I was told – as I reported on the project – “I hope all will work out well,” that HOPE is not a strategy. I am glad I am a pastor, so I still hope all will be OK as we get there. Would you please join me in this journey of hope? I am happy that our Facebook and YouTube are organized. This assisted in watching the Morning Manna and the Opening Worship Service for the 6th and 7th. Many of us this side of the continent are trying not to express our frustration but cannot hold it off any longer, and we want to ask that question, ‘Are we there yet?’ I have tested our AMEGC2020 APP, which is a fabulous tool and has information on some of the subsections of it. The more you play with it the easier it gets. Relevant information gets uploaded as the days go by. We expect more information as the days go by with outdated information removed such as about Cape Town. This journey is happening for the first time for all of us, so while we should not
stop asking whether the execution of the GC fits the preparation, we must hold each other accountable, we must acknowledge each other’s hard work, but more importantly, we should remain hopeful that all will be ok, let us enjoy the ride. Three days ago, someone asked me where I would be connecting for the proceedings of the GC. I was ambivalent as I pointed to my office at the parsonage. There was a ‘Selah’ and then we enjoyed ourselves talking about the times we are in. Finally, we agreed, we have to get in, we have to do the best we can but most of all, enjoy ourselves. The technical and admin teams have done outstanding work to help sort out all the glitches. Someone commented, “I have never checked my emails as I did for this GC. As the church honoured Bishop Vashti McKenzie with a platform to preach her last sermon as an active bishop and to pronounce the benediction, that was AME in action. I pray the practice goes down to all levels of the church and keeps the AME Church’s practices alive at grassroots from the learnings at the GC. Sawubona, AME. Yes, we heard you bishop, and the African continent waits to see whether we will be heard. Is the church prepared to hear, because, without a doubt, Africa is speaking. How shall the church show she has heard? Let’s look at the bills that come from Africa (if it does not affect the U.S., it does affect Africa), let’s look at the budgeting in context, let’s look at the candidates. Who will get in? Let Africa tell you; please hear us. We are a liberating and reconciling people; we have a chance to live this creed. Let every vote pass the test of liberation and reconciliation. If it fails to meet this canon, don’t take it. The behaviour and decisions of this GC will tell whether we should keep asking the question, ‘Are we there yet?’ Shall all good things come out from this GC, or is the journey still too long? I believe the church intends to arrive at a glorious destination, ensuring that all who are in this vehicle are happy when we get there. The church needs to unite, even as we hold the meeting separated by time, room, continents, and countries. ❏ ❏ ❏
BUSINESS SESSION REPORT FROM JULY 8
By Rev. Renita Green, TCR Columnist
JUDICIAL COUNCIL The Judicial Council of the AME Church made its report to the General Conference. There were 3 judges retiring from the council. The term of the Rev. Francine Brookins came to an end and reelection was not sought. There were three issues before the Judicial Council. Because one person was not present and the other had withdrawn from the AME Church, only the appeal of the Rev. Clinton Brown was heard. The General Conference heard the third matter of the Rev. Clinton Brown, 6th District. The Rev. Brown’s complaint was being moved from one church to another that was not equal or greater. He sought restoration to the former charge and compensation for lost wages. The Judicial Council found that because appointments are for one year, and the Rev. Brown accepted the appointment to the lesser charge, and by the time he filed the complaint, the appointment had expired, there were no grounds to grant his request. Furthermore, it was stated that the Rev. Brown attempted to sell the property without the support or consent of the congregation and had been recommended to counseling and professional mentoring. When brought to the General Conference body for a vote, 985 votes to affirm Judicial Council report and 360 against affirming the vote. The matter received the necessary 2/3 votes and therefore, the Rev. Clinton Brown’s appeal was denied.
AME INC. REPORT AME Inc. is set up to provide administrative oversight to the 501(c)(3) status of the AME Church, ensuring that the corporation meets federal guidelines. The incorporation is made up of 9 members including 3 bishops, 3 elders, and 3 laypersons as well as nonvoting members. The full report will be available on the AME GC2020 app. One highlight of AME Inc.’s report is the relationship of AME Inc. with
Morris Brown College. Relieving debt is one of the steps in seeking to reestablish accreditation status. To that end, AME Inc. forgave all of the debt that Morris Brown owed to the corporation in exchange for the establishment of $1.5 million in scholarships being established for students with the AME Church. Another highlight is that of the partnership with the AME Sunday School Union in the sale of their old building and the erection of a new home for the Sunday School Union. Out of this partnership, the AME Future Fund was established.
AME FUTURE FUND LLC ESTABLISHED TO LEAVE AN INHERITANCE TO THE NEXT GENERATION The Future Fund was established to hold in trust surplus funds from the sale of the Sunday School Union building. The funds were to be allocated for the new building project and charitable purposes. To that end, the managers of the Future Fund made the decision to invest the residual funds into a trust to be held for a minimum of 7 years before it can be touched. The fund will then be used to ensure that the church is poised for self-reliance, self-movement, and self-direction. The total amount invested was $3,675,000.00. A full report can be found on the AME GC2020 app.
EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS LOCATION OF BISHOP WILFRED MESSIAH AND THE RESTORATION OF POSITION TO BISHOP KAWIMBE The Judicial Committee of the Episcopal Committee arrived to present its Quadrennial Report. There were three cases in the hands of ...continued on p19
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...From Business Session p18 the committee: (1) Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, (2) Bishop Paul J. Kawimbe, (3) Bishop Wilfred Messiah.
On the matter of Bishop Reginald Jackson, the complaint (not stated) was unfounded. On the matter of Bishop Paul Kawimbe, the Judicial Committee, after much consideration of the Grievance Committee of the Council of Bishops, it was concluded that Bishop Paul J. Kawimbe should be returned to active status. On the matter of Bishop Wilfred Messiah, the Judicial Committee, after much consideration of the evidence before them, concluded that of all the many charges against him, there were three charges of maladministration which were most egregious: (1) Withholding of monies that were due to widows after a terrible accident killed their husbands, (2) Choosing delegates based upon those who were able to pay $275 for registration, (3) Removing duly elected delegates to the General Conference and replacing them with those who had not been elected. Consequently, the Judicial Committee found the Rt. Reverend Wilfred Messiah guilty and recommended that he be located. Bishop Messiah spoke in his own defense, refuting the charges. However, since this session is for business and not a trial, as stated by Chairperson Bishop Jeffrey N.
Leath, the decision of the Judicial Committee was all that could be discussed, not the charges themselves. There were several points of order called by members of the delegations in both Africa and the United States. However, the only discussion that could be entertained was that of procedural issues. To that point, out of the 13th Episcopal District, there was a motion and second to divide the report so each bishop could be voted on individually as opposed to voting on the combined report. This motion passed. Motions were made individually to approve the following reports and recommendations: On the matter of Bishop Reginald Jackson—motion carried. On the matter of Bishop Paul Kawimbe—motion carried, Bishop Kawimbe will be restored to active service. On the matter of Bishop Messiah—motion carried, Bishop Messiah will be located. The question was raised of what “located” means in terms of becoming the senior bishop, retirement, and/or salary. The Episcopal Committee was sent back to define the meaning of located.
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH AD HOC AME SEXUAL ETHICS DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE WAS ADOPTED The Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, Ph.D. and the Rev. Stephen Green, undergirded by a host of collaborators that includes Mrs. Jackie Dupont-Walker, Chair of the AME Social Action Commission, offered a resolution to officially support a “discernment process to identify and promote holy, just, and clear positions for
the church concerning sexual orientation and gender identity” so that we will live out the mission of the AME Church. The full resolution will be posted on the AME GC2020 app. The motion passed 985 to 371.
PRESIDENT BIDEN GIVES AN ADDRESS TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE President Joseph Robinette Biden addressed the 51st Session of the General Conference via satellite this morning. He exhibited great knowledge of our Zion, comparing the birth of the AME Church like that of the Declaration of Independence of 1776 and the start of our nation. He stated that he was very familiar with the church and that it was always an inspiration to him. Highlights include: • The church has always served socially, spiritually, and physically • AME churches have been houses of healing with food banks and vaccination centers •Quoted Absalom Jones “to rise out of the dust and shape itself” • The church has done that with equity, and is at the heart of vaccination efforts
maintain the sacred right to vote for all and he looks forward to working with the AME Church. Editor’s note: Due to the nature of rapid coverage, please check the official minutes of the General Conference for vote counts and motions. ❏ ❏ ❏
President Biden further stated that the American Rescue Plan (ARP) works cutting back on child poverty, support of blackowned businesses, and historic support of HBCUs. The ARP forgave 1.6 billion in HBCU debt and provided 6 billion in additional funding. He also signed into law Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Biden’s major thrust is to work to
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OM THE GENERAL CO CONFERENCE ONFERENCE COMMU ON COMMUNION NION SERVICE N By Rev. Sheri D. Smith Clayborn, TCR Contributing Writer
Thursday, July 8, 2021, the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gathered in person at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center and around the world virtually for the Service of Word and Sacrament. Senior Bishop Adam J. Richardson led worship. The MCAM Ensemble provided The Moments of Praise prior to the Doxology (AME Hymnal No. 647). The Call to Worship was led by Bishop Reginald Jackson and written by Bishop E. Anne Henning-Byfield. The Opening Hymn, “The Blood That Jesus Shed for Me” (AME Hymnal No. 137), was led/lined by Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, followed by The Invocation prayed by Bishop Clement W. Fugh. “Sweet Hour of Prayer” is the prayer response that followed. The anthem, “Inflammatus” (Rossini), was lifted through video/multimedia presentation. The Scripture Lesson was read from 1 John 1:5-7 (NIV) by Retired Bishop Robert
Webster. The Preface to the Decalogue, “From All that Dwells” (AME Hymnal No. 69) and Bishop Henry Turner’s version of The Summary of the Decalogue was led by Bishop John F. White, Sr. The Gloria Patri followed. The worship service program chair, Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, presented the preacher, the Right Reverend Samuel L. Green, Sr., the presiding prelate of the 7th Episcopal District and the former pastor of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church (Orlando, FL). The Seventh Episcopal District/ MCAM choirs lifted the sermonic selection and invited us to join in the low country connection that transitioned us from mainstream to ...continued on p20
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...From Highlights from p19 down home as they sang, “O Thou, in Whose Presence” (AME Hymnal No. 83). The Facebook chat lit up in response to their invitation
through ancestral sounds. After Bishop Green gave honor to God, his family, and friends for their support, he opened with the prayer, “Do it again. Amen.” His text was Nehemiah 2:1-5 – using the title, “I Can’t Do This Anymore.” Bishop Green began his sermon by sharing a statistic that four million people left their jobs in April 2021, according to a report from NPR. The pandemic prompted this move. It was as if the issues of our current society caused millions of people to rethink their lives. Bishop Green said, “We are one problem away from our greatest moment.” Bishop Green states that Nehemiah was in the same position. He was sick of his situation with his home country in ruins. He had a prestigious job but was unfulfilled. Bishop Green referenced the words of Jesus, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness and all these other things will be added unto you.” Only the things of God fulfill us! Bishop asserted that something deeper was calling out to Nehemiah. Deep calls unto deep! Our future will call to us. We must listen to the voice of God. Often times we do not recognize God’s voice. One of the unique places that God’s voice can be found, according to Bishop Green, is in restlessness. God will not leave us alone until God squeezes glory out of our lives. Nehemiah’s future called to him, and he heard God’s call through his own restlessness regarding the ruins of his hometown. We don’t know him as a cupbearer; we know him more as a builder…that was his destiny. Bishop Green declared that when we declare we can’t do this anymore, we are saying that we are ready for what God has for us. God has miracles for us. Better is coming. Get ready for an upgrade! Bishop Green’s sermon ended in celebration and praise! The invitation to Christian Discipleship was extended by Bishop Green. Part of Bishop Green’s closing prayer was, “Breathe on us, God. O breath of God, renew, restore, and revive us. Breathe on us.” The Offertory Appeal was led by Bishop E. Anne Henning-Byfield. Communion was held simultaneously in each of the delegate rooms. Communion included: The Solicitation (Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.); The General Confession (Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr.); The Summary of the Collects – Humiliation and Adoration (Bishop Michael L. Mitchell); The Prayer of Consecration (Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.); and singing the Caribbean version of “The Lord’s Prayer” (MCAM). The Celebration was led by Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, “What a Mighty God We Serve.” The service concluded with The Announcements (Bishop Ronnie Brailsford), Closing Remarks (Bishop Vashti McKenzie), and the Benediction by Retired Bishop John R. Bryant. Bishop Harry L. Seawright led the Recessional. ❏ ❏ ❏
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JULY 9 CHRISTIAN DEBUTANTE-MASTERS CEREMONY By Robbie Colson-Ramsey, Contributing Writer
Amid the chaos, worshipping virtually, revisions of church legislation, being off schedule, emergency recesses, and reports from the Episcopal Committee, we stop to witness the beauty of the Christians Debutante-Master Ceremony, young people from around the Connectional church virtually gather to make their introduction into Christian adulthood. These students from around the connectional church, although not in their conventional white ball dresses and tuxedos, accented in red, were still celebrated— this sacred but sometimes not well-known ceremony. The team led by Mrs. Lyndajo Watson, the Rev. Dr. Garland Pierce, and Bishop David R. Daniels dedicated themselves to the many months it takes to work with the students to make this ministry successful both in the conference and the Episcopal levels. I must personally admit when I heard that the ceremony would not take place live and in living color, I was a little saddened. I want the songs that reminded me of my childhood participating in the CDMC, so when I logged on and heard, “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee,” I smiled on the inside. The ministry team successfully adapted this traditional service from the Allennites and Sub-Debs/Master pledges, music, and prayers, to the most significant lighting the cross into adulthood. This virtual service paid homage to the details that make the CDMC a special rite of passage in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The commission also awarded scholarships to four debutantes and masters that range from $500 to $1000.00, believing that education is essential to the student and the church. ❏ ❏ ❏
CONGRATULATORY LISTINGS *46th Year Pastoral Celebration in Honor of Presiding Elder Thomas L. Bess, Sr., Member of the Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church The Atlanta East District, Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference will be hosting a 46th Year Pastoral Celebration in honor of Presiding Elder Thomas L. Bess, Sr. on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at Antioch AME Church, 765 South Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, GA. It will be an evening of celebration and fellowship through worship which will include special presentations of gifts from ministries, family and friends, greetings, and salutations from invited guests. CDC guidelines will be followed, and masks worn at this event. Live stream options will also be available. A souvenir booklet will be published to commemorate this momentous occasion. Souvenir booklet information: https://www.atlantaeastdistrict-ame.org/celebrating-46years-in-ministry. For more information, please feel free to contact the Rev. Vandy C. Simmons, host pastor @ 404-680-3626, or the Rev. Garland Higgings at 860-916-7298. The Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Bess, Sr. has been in the pastoral ministry for more than 46 years. He began his pastorate at Allen Chapel AME Church in Macon, GA in 1982. In 1988, he was appointed as senior pastor of St. Phillip’s Monumental Church in Savannah, GA. In 1991, he was appointed as senior pastor at Flipper Temple AME Church in Atlanta, GA. In 1997, he received an appointment to St. Paul AME Church where he served
JUNE 2021 until May 2013 when he was assigned to the Awesome Allen Temple. In addition to his service as pastor, Dr. Bess also served as an adjunct professor of AME Polity at Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center from 1994 to 2013. He also served as a chief chaplain at Coastal State Prison in Savannah, GA, as well as, clinical chaplain at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, GA. Dr. Bess was appointed dean of the Board of Examiners and Treasurer for the 6th Episcopal District which he served honorably. As a staunch supporter of education, Dr. Bess obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Fort Valley State University; his Master of Divinity from Turner Theological Seminary (ITC); his Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary; and matriculated for a year at John Marshall Law School. Dr. Bess is author of The Funeral and co-author of “When Black Folks Die.” His greatest gift of service is his ability to shepherd others in their calling to the pastoral ministry. He has many sons and daughters in ministry who have been appointed as senior pastors throughout the AME denomination. He has been a vital resource to many pastors across denominational lines. His professional organization memberships include a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Board of Trustee member of Turner Theological Seminary, and Board of Trustee member of the Interdenominational Theological Center. Dr. Thomas L. Bess is also a member of the Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, serving as the chaplain. Dr. Bess has been happily married to Dr. Gretchen Bess for over 40 years. They are the proud parents of two sons, Stephen and Thomas, Jr. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their granddaughter Mia. In all his accomplishments and accolades, Dr. Bess continues to hold fast to Isaiah 40:31, “...those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength...They shall mount up with wings like eagles...They shall run and not be weary...They shall walk and not faint.” Congratulatory expressions can be sent to: the Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Bess, Sr., Presiding Elder • P.O. Box 1205, 3435 Roosevelt Hwy • Red Oak, GA 30272 BlessBess46@gmail.com Atlantaeastdistrict-ame.org Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary CelebrationThe Reverend and Mrs. Ronald A. Boykin Congratulations to the Rev. Ronald A. Boykin and Mrs. Helen A. Boykin who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 12, 2021. The couple were wed in Washington, D.C. and have celebrated five decades of joy in ministry. The Rev. Ronald A. Boykin is the distinguished pastor of the historic Seaton Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lanham, Maryland and Sister Helen A. Boykin is the charming and gracious first lady. A special drive-by parade celebration in honor of this golden anniversary will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Seaton Memorial AME ...continued on p31
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JULY 9 REPORT ON JULY 9 BUSINESS SESSIONS By Rev. Renita M. Green, TCR Columnist
Business Session - Thursday, July 9, 2021 Today’s General Conference highlights include bills passed, a rousing discussion on procedural matters, and a few inspiring quadrennial reports. This update is not inclusive of all the day’s activities as the sessions move fast, and not all of the information was captured. Please check the minutes for a more detailed report of the business and activities of the 51st Session of the General Conference. GGDA13 EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE AUTHORITY The bill to expand the authority of the Episcopal Committee would have raised their authority to operate in the interim of the General Conference to fill vacancies or to reassign bishops as needed. Had this bill passed, it would have created the opportunity for Episcopal districts to request, by 2/3 vote, for a bishop to be removed or reassigned prior to the General Conference. Although the bill offered that the Episcopal Committee would operate in the spirit of the General Conference. Bishop Richardson, in his motion to delete the bill, stated that this type of legislation was moving the church toward congregationalism. The motion to delete the bill passed, 878 for, 460 against. Immediately following the deletion of GGBO8, persons were in cue to contest the lack of opportunity to discuss the bill. Mr. Randolph Scott from the 5th made a motion to repeal the bill based on a breach of parliamentary procedure. However, according to Robert’s Rule of Order, this motion was not legal, as stated by the Parliamentarian. Mr. Scott declared that the lack of discussion on bills was suppressing 1720 votes. He expressed frustration that this was the second time delegates were denied the opportunity to discuss a bill. Ms. Edith Cartledge (1st Episcopal District) motioned to bring the bill back for discussion, stating that she voted on the prevailing side but believes that every person deserves to be heard. This sentiment was also shared by other members of the lay delegation, saying they did not come all this way to be silenced. GGB08 THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER PUBLICATION Under the current legislation, The Christian Recorder was legislated to publish bi-weekly publications. However, in 2016, Editor John Thomas III, moved The Christian Recorder forward with publishing one edition in print and one online following The Book of Discipline. With the passage of this new legislation, The Christian Recorder will become a monthly print publication. Special/commemorative editions may be physically printed at the discretion of the editor and the publisher. In addition, periodic news updates shall be distributed online. There were no objections to this legislation.
JA 01 CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION The Child and Youth Protection Bill increases protections for the young people of our Zion by increasing the diligence of church leadership in ensuring that those who work with children are adequately screened through local and federal databases. Several amendments to this bill were offered regarding the types of databases, the frequency of performing the background checks, the security of the documents, and wording to make it relevant for our global community. As the discussion ensued, a motion was made to table the bill for two hours, allowing the opportunity for a committee to amend the bill to prevent rewriting the bill on the floor. The motion to table passed. After the break, the amended bill was brought before the body. As amended, the Child and Youth Protection Bill passed. Background checks will be required for all volunteers and all adult staff; the results will be kept securely in the headquarters of the Episcopal district in the DOCE database, with flexibility for each body to follow the laws of the land as they apply. EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE REPORT: REQUEST FOR RETIREMENT AND THE PASSING OF THE CHARACTER OF BISHOPS Before the passing of JA 01, the Episcopal Committee entered the room to deliver their report. A request for retirement was made for Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram. Although 43 delegates voted no and 3 abstained, the motion carried. Thus, at the close of the 51st Session of the General Conference, Bishop McKenzie and Bishop Ingram will be added to the roll of retired bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. After accolades and appreciation were shared for the retiring Bishops, the Episcopal Committee read the report on character. Except for Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, the character of the 17 active bishops passed without objection or discussion. Unreadiness was called by Bishop Messiah, who sought clarity as to why his name was not called. Chairperson, Bishop Clement W. Fugh, asked for the Episcopal Committee to answer Bishop Messiah. The Committee explained that proper notice of
appeall to the Judicial d l Councill was made d regarding d the earlier action of locating Bishop Messiah. Accordingly, the Judicial Council instructed the Episcopal Committee to take no further action until the completion of the hearing, which was scheduled for some time today. Bishop Messiah accepted the explanation. A motion was made and passed to adopt the combined report of the Episcopal Committee. Connectional Department Reports The Report of the Department of Church Growth and Development was made by retiring Executive Director Dr. James C. Wade. Against the backdrop of many challenges across the global connection, the Department of Church Growth and Evangelism celebrates the following highlights: ✍The 2020 Annual Seminar on Church Growth ✍Certification Program for Evangelism ✍Certification Program for Chaplaincy ✍The 2021 Annual Seminar on Church Growth virtual meeting! ✍The Bishop Sarah Frances Davis Covenant Keepers and Intercessors Connectional Prayer Ministry led by Rev. Dorisalene Hughes ✍2021 Connectional Day of Prayer: A Virtual Experience Dr. Wade is retiring after sixteen years of service across the globe. Appreciation and accolades were given to Dr. Wade for his exemplary service. The full report is available on the AME GC202 app. The Department of Global Witness and Ministry report was made by video presentation, which is available on the AME GC2020 app. The Reverend George F. Flowers was the first executive director of this newly formed ministry at the General Conference in Cincinnati in 2000. After 21 years of service, the Rev. Dr. Flowers is retiring at the close of the General Conference. Quadrennial Highlights: ✍Emergency and Humanitarian Disaster Response Program ✍Programs and Partnerships with American Red Cross and Church World Service trained 321 first responders and provided annual training for them. ✍Publication of “Handbook to Guide Disaster Ministry” authored by Executive Director Flowers ✍Established Endowment Fund ...continued on p23
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...From Report p22
for disaster relief totaling $362,416 ✍Provided hurricane and tsunami relief in the United States and the Caribbean ✍Provided $352,992 in support to indigenous pastors in districts 14-20 ✍The Voice of Missions Magazine providing a connection between districts 14-20 and those stateside The motion to adopt the report was made by the president of the Council of Bishops, Rev. Dr. E. Anne Henning Byfield. She gave high commendations and appreciation to the Rev. Dr. Flowers for the care and concern he demonstrated to the 16th District where she presides. The motion was seconded by Bishop John White, commission chair, who also gave high commendations and appreciation. The motion carried. The full video report is found on the AME GC2020 app and on the African Methodist Episcopal Church YouTube channel. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie presented The Anvil report Bishop Murphy McKenzie shared that The Anvil began in 2005 as stories from the perspectives of bishops of the church recalling traditions and historical moments. The goal was to provide content to the denomination and to raise funds for the AME Church. The Anvil evolved from print editions into documentaries, including Echoes from the General Conference, Preaching on the Frontline, The Spirit of African Methodism, and AME Next. A trailer for AME Next was played for the General Conference. To date, the Council of Bishops has provided $150,000 in support. ✍AME colleges and universities ✍Disaster relief after hurricanes and earthquakes ✍Mother Emmanuel ✍Metropolitan AME Church The Quadrennial Theme for the 2021-2024 Season was announced, “Forward in Faith: The Post Pandemic Ministry” The final presentation made by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was the presentation of $10,000 to the newest AME Seminary—Jacksonville Seminary in the 12th Episcopal District. The full report can be found on the AME GC2020 app. ❏ ❏ ❏
REFLECTIONS ON THE MORNING BUSINESS SESSION By Rev. Paula Lake, 11th Episcopal District
The Revisions Committee is another reminder of how rich our history and traditions are across the connectional church but are still and yet adjustable to our changing times while remaining relevant and effective. Some of the highlights from the report: Bill LCO04 – The Committee presented the AME Pulpit Altar Calendar. The rationale of this revision is to address the current ambiguity among the different Christian calendars, especially among other Christian denominations. The current reading in The Book of Discipline states that “the altar should be dressed with suitable clean, colored coverings.” The amended bill calls for churches to dress their pulpit and altar with colored coverings for the various seasons of the Christian year as prescribed by the African Methodist Episcopal Church seasonal calendar. Refer to Bill LCO04 for the AME Christian Seasons Color Calendar. Bill MIN15 – The Renewal of the Love Feast – The rationale of this bill is that the Love Feast has lost its preeminence in churches today. The Love Feast, practiced in our AME churches since long ago, is a time to express our love for God, our intent to live out a holy life and to be in loving fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The water and bread symbolize purity and fellowship. This revision seeks to renew this ritual by encouraging pastors to conduct a Love Feast prior to Communion. Those who participate in a Love Feast should be invited to the first table at Communion when feasible. The bill was passed. Bill JAO5 – Child & Youth Protection Background Checks Bill was presented
with much discussion among both our stateside and overseas delegations. The amendment called for adult employees and volunteers beginning work with or already working with ministries with children and/ or youth or with organizations or agencies associated with the church that serve children and/or youth to have periodic national criminal background checks and training related to child protection policies and procedures. The discussion was focused on the frequency of background checks and the turnaround time and availability of the results, especially in our overseas countries. Recommendations were made to reduce the time frame from 2-year background checks to every year. Further debate was discussed on the securing of the background check results, whether it should be kept at both the Episcopal office and the local church. This bill was postponed so that further discussion about the policies and restrictions of background checks in each Episcopal district could be ascertained. A final highlight of the morning Business Session was Bill GGBO8 – Change in frequency of The Christian Recorder. As we have witnessed this Quadrennial, The Christian Recorder is a consistent source of information and inspiration to the connectional church and beyond. The Revisions Committee presented the proposal for The Christian Recorder to be printed at least monthly instead of biweekly under the direction of the Commission on Publications of the General Board of the AME Church at the AME Sunday School Union. The bill was passed. ❏ ❏ ❏
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RETIREMENT SERVICE FOR GENERAL OFFICERS AND BISHOPS In the afternoon of July 9, the General Conference gathered to ho honor the retiring bishops and general officers who had “fought th the good fight and finished the race” of their service to the African M Methodist Episcopal Church. Persons retiring included: The Right Reverend McKinley Young—109th Elected and C Consecrated Bishop (deceased in 2019) The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie—117th Elected an and Consecrated Bishop The Right Reverend Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram—118th E Elected and Consecrated Bishop Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Sr.—Treasurer/CFO of the AME C Church Dr. George Francis Flowers, Sr.—Executive Director of the D Department of Global Witness and Ministry Dr. Jerome V. Harris—Executive Director of the Department of R Retirement Services Dr. James Carter Wade—Executive Director of the Department of Church Growth and Development Senior Bishop Adam J. Richardson presided over the service be beginning the Call to Worship stating, “The Bible states that it is appropriate for us to give honor where honor is due.” Together th the bishops represented 69 collective years of Episcopal service and th the general officers 84 collective years of service. The hymn for th the service was “How Great the Wisdom” also lined by the senior bi bishop. The prayer was led by Bishop Stafford Wicker. Due to the shortened General Conference service, the E Ecumenical service could not be held and the following ecumenical gu guests were recognized: Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith (Bread for the W World); the Rev. Dr. Vanessee Burns (Christian Chapel Temple of Faith, Dallas, Texas—Christian Methodist Episcopal Church); th the Rev. Michael McClain (National Religious Partnership for the E Environment), and Dr. James Salley (Africa University—United M Methodist Church). Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, general secretary of the AME church, th then formally presented each retiree to the General Conference. B Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield introduced the preacher after w which the choir sang a medley of songs, “I’ve Got a Testimony” and “O “Only What You Do for Christ Will Last.” Bishop James L. Davis pr preached the sermon, “This Is Your Season,” drawn from the text E Ecclesiastes 3:1. In his message he recognized each retiree by name an and encouraged them to be in the seasons of rest, restoration, and re reassignment. Each retiree then came in turn to respond to the m message beginning with the general officers and then the bishops. Dr. Harris thanked his family and the AME Church for their su support. Dr. Wade reflected on his journey and the absence of hi his recently deceased wife and the difficulty of ending a journey w without the person with whom he began it. Dr. Flowers reflected on his pastorates and journey and reiterated his desire to still be of se service to the general church. Dr. Lewis reflected on the challenges he faced but also the blessings he received along his journey. Dr. Deana Young McAllister gave the response for the Young fa family in honor of her father, Bishop McKinley Young. Bishop and Su Supervisor Ingram gave their reflections with a host of members of th the First Episcopal District to receive them. Bishop McKenzie was al also warmly welcomed by members of the 10th Episcopal District an and many members of Delta Sigma Theta who were present. She pa particularly recognized her husband Dr. Stan McKenzie who was un unable to attend the General Conference but who had stood be beside her throughout her entire ministry. Announcements were given by Bishop Ronnie Brailsford and th the benediction by Bishop Harry L. Seawright. ❏ ❏ ❏
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JULY 10 ELECTION RESULTS OF THE 51ST SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE GENERAL OFFICERS Elected by unanimous ballot cast by general secretary as set forth in Rule 24 (c)
GENERAL SECRETARY/CIO 210 Cooper, Sr., Jeffery B.
HISTORIOGRAPHER/DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP, EDITOR OF AME REVIEW 220 Brown, Teresa L. Fry
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER, SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION 230 Belin, Roderick Dwayne
EDITOR OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER 240 Thomas, John III
DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 250 Pierce, Garland F.
JUDICIAL COUNCIL ALTERNATE – CLERGY (4) 330 Cooper, Jeffery B. II 331 Williams, Jimmie III
JUDICIAL COUNCIL ALTERNATE – LAY (4) 340 Crawford, Monice
TREASURER/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 745 required 260 Eldridge, Darwin 261 Henderson, Marcus
273 1205
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY 1st Ballot 759 Required 270 Campbell, William M. 271 Cooper, Karla J. 272 Green, John 273 Sidberry-Thomas, Sheila 274 Spencer, Monica
397 140 653 102 225
The following candidates withdrew from the race and offered support for — The Rev. Dr. Karla Cooper offered support to the Rev. Dr. John Green — The Rev. Sheila Sidberry-Thomas offered support to the Rev. Dr. William Campbell — The Rev. Dr. Monica Spencer offered support to the Rev. Dr. William Campbell 2nd Ballot 760 Required 270 Campbell, William M. 272 Green, John
716 803
AME DEPARTMENT OF RETIREMENT SERVICES 745 required 280 Brown, Clinton 281 Griffin, Mark 282 Miller, James 283 Thompson, Taylor
34 443 933 79
CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR) 1st Ballot 745 required 290 Crutcher, Mark 291 Hampton, Dennis J. 292 Lee, Anthony L. 293 Mayes, Terence L., Sr. 294 Norris, Marcellus 295 Worthen, Carlton
238 32 445 196 500 95
The following candidates withdrew from the race and offered support for their chosen candidate — The Rev. Carlton Worthen offered support to the Rev. Marcellus Norris, the Rev. Dr. Francine Brookins, and the Rev. Dr. Vernon Byrd — The Rev. Mark Crutcher offered support to the Rev. Marcellus Norris — The Rev. Terence L Mayes, Sr. offered support to the Rev. Marcellus Norris
2nd Ballot 748 Required 291 Hampton, Dennis J. 292 Lee, Anthony L. 294 Norris, Marcellus
43 698 754
JUDICIAL COUNCIL Clergy Vacancies (2) 756 Required 310 Augustine, Jonathan C. 1132 311 Golden, James T. 310 312 Green, O. Jerome 1009 313 Hodges, Glenda 317 JUDICIAL COUNCIL LAY VACANCY (1) 767 required for election 320 Champ, Sandra 403 321 Hyche, Ida 282 322 Ngubeni, Thabile 849 OFFICE OF BISHOP Round 1 794 needed Beaman, Silvester S. 1014 #139 Elected Bishop of the AME Church Bell, Michael 196 Brookins, Francine A. 603 ...continued on p30
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CLOSING WORSHIP SERVICE AND CONSECRATION OF BISHOPS By Presiding Elder Betty Holley and Rev. Dr. Michael Carson, TCR Columnists
Our Closing Worship Service opened with the Doxology. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie led us in the Call to Worship followed by Bishop Stafford Wicker leading us in the great hymn of the church, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” The Call to Prayer came from Bishop Reginald T. Jackson. Bishop James L. Davis did the Call to Intercession with the choral response, “Anointing Fall on Me,” sung by the 11th Episcopal District Choir. The MCAM Connectional Choir, soloist, Shirley Washington, led the anthem, “Lift Up Ye Heads.” The scriptures, Acts 20:17-35 and John 21:15-17, were read respectively by Bishop Michael L. Mitchell and Bishop John R. Bryant. Bishop David R. Daniels introduced the “Te Deum Laudamus” beautifully sung by a choir from the 15th Episcopal District. Bishop John F. White introduced our Senior Bishop, Adam J. Richardson, our preacher. The Connectional MCAM Choir sang the sermonic hymn, “Before the Mercy Seat,” which was lined by Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr.. Bishop Adam J. Richardson took his text from Matthew 25:35-36. He titled his sermon, “Consecrated to Custodian Service.” Highlights from his sermon include the following: ✍Custodians, keepers, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, do whatever is necessary to keep the mission of the church intact. ✍We are a Matthew 25 church. ✍Always keep the Quadrennial theme, “From Legacy to Mission: A Call to Prophetic Education and Social Engagement,” in your focus. ✍The theology of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is on a pendulum, always adjusting itself. ✍We must intentionally address social issues. ✍It is not our “shout” but our service that God is looking for. ✍It is not our noise; it is our faithfulness that God is looking for. ✍We must make a difference as we are called to account. ✍There is nothing glamorous about this custodial assignment, a bishop of the church. ✍Jesus takes it personal what you do to the least of these! Jesus’ words, “In as much you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.” ✍Custodial work must become second nature. Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah offered the Call to Discipleship, followed by commendations from Senior Bishop Richardson for the services of all retiring bishops: Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram. Bishop Richardson shared his own litany for our spiritual giving. Bishop Clement Fugh called for our offering. The Service of Consecration was done by the bishops of the church with Bishop Robert Webster, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., and Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram leading the liturgy. The “Veni Creator Spiritus” was read by Bishop Julius H. McAllister. The Prayer of Consecration was read by Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie. The four newly elected bishops were then consecrated for service: The Reverend Dr. Silvester Beaman, the 139th Bishop The Reverend Dr. Marvin Clyde Zanders II, the 140th Bishop The Rev. Francine Brookins, the 141st Bishop The Rev. Dr. Frederick Allen Wright, the 142nd Bishop The Prayer was offered by Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield and Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe gave the final consecration blessing. Communion Service for the four newly elected and consecrated bishops and their families was held with Bishop Richardson serving as the chief celebrant. ❏ ❏ ❏
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WORLDWIDE WITNESSES LEAVE VIRTUAL SPACE TO CONTINUE THE DIVINE WORK— CLOSING BUSINESS SESSION OF THE 51ST SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE By Rev. Dr. Maxine L. Thomas, TCR Columnist
As day-break dawns and lights the path through a tunnel darkened by a hostile pandemic for some 18 months, with tenacity, a sense of duty, great expectation, and unparalleled faith, we have come. The African Methodist Episcopal Church defied the odds of separation in real time as it was connected around the world as the bishops, general officers, presiding elders, pastors, other clergy, and faithful lay encompassed and joined by delegations from Episcopal districts 1 through 13 and 16 gathering in Orlando, Florida, were joined in virtual space and time by a grand assembly of delegates on the continent of Africa comprising Episcopal districts 14, 15, and 17-20 for the 51st Session of the General Conference of the AME Church. With profound worship reflective of our ethos, fellowship throughout corridors and delegation meeting rooms, and business sessions that were at times stressed by making th aadjustments to technology, and stretched as our Zion endeavored to maintain an ethic that o h could ld not be b polluted, ll d politicized, or pushed aside. p Heaven and earth rejoiced as newly elected general officers and bishops ascended the stairwell to higher service and holy leadership. b The historic hybrid General Conference feted the meritorious Service of T Retirement of faithful Episcopal servant leaders— among them, Bishop R Vashti Murphy McKenzie who shattered the stained-glass ceiling with her V historic election as the first woman to be elected and consecrated as a h bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. b After a most befitting Service of Installation of newly elected general officers and a glorious Consecration Service for four newly elected o bishops, and with unreserved thanksgiving, we came to the time of release b of episcopates to fulfill the mission of their calling. o The last business session brought the final report of the distinguished Episcopal Committee. The Committee members graced the door, entered E the room, and slowly processed to the stage with a seriousness, solemnity, th aand sanguinity. The Assignment of Bishops to each of the Episcopal districts was read. After Bishop David Daniels raised an unreadiness, much discussion A eensued. The report of the Episcopal Committee was accepted. Other business of this session included recommendations from the Council of Bishops of officers for the General Conference Commission, the General Board at large members, and the names of the Preliminary Inquiry Committee C were given. The recommendations were accepted. w As AME’s and a host of other worldwide witnesses depart from this celestial and sacred place in both real and virtual time and space, we affirm our faith and commitment to our Lord and God, and our love and loyalty to our eternal ti Zion. And from around the world and throughout the universe our souls declare, “How great Thou art!” The meeting Z aadjourned sine die. ❏ ❏ ❏
BUSINESS SESSION JULY 10, 2021 Report of the Revisions Committee MIN-06 MEMBERS OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE The bill submitted added Women in Ministry as members of the Annual Conference. Bishop Jeffrey Leath called for an unreadiness and offered an amendment to include Sons of Allen and Richard Allen Youth Council. Chaplain A’Shellarien Lang requested that chaplains be specifically identified as members of the Annual Conference. She stated that they often have difficulty getting the time needed to attend Annual Conference. Amended text: “The Annual Conference shall be composed of all traveling elders and deacons (including chaplains), all local elders and deacons, the presidents of the Conference Lay Organization and Women’s Missionary Society, and the Conference directors of the Christian Education, MCAM, Women in Ministry, Sons of Allen, YPD, and RAYAC, CONN-M-SWAWO, CDMC and all other Conference heads of Connectional Organizations together with one (1) elected lay member and at least one (1) elected layperson between the ages of eighteen to thirty-five (18-35) when possible, from each charge within its bounds.” The motion passed by unanimous consent. The legislative session paused for a presentation of awards.
BISHOP’S QUADRENNIAL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS Senior Bishop Richardson introduced The Council of Bishops’ Distinguished Service Awards which were presented to outstanding members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. For Meritorious Service in the Military and Ministry Presented by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie to Army Surgeon General Scott Dingle For Strong Advocacy for the Marginalized Presented by Bishop James Levert Davis to Sherillyn Ifill, NAACP Legal Defense Fund For Trailblazing Work in Science and Journalism Presented Posthumously by Bishop Reginald Jackson to Gwen L. Ifill For Excellence in Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology Presented Posthumously by Bishop Jeffrey Leath to Dorothy Johnson Vaughan Received by Dorothy Johnson Vaughan, oldest daughter Presented Posthumously by Bishop Michael Mitchell to Mary Jackson Richard Allen Peace & Justice Awardee This award has only been awarded to three individuals: President Jimmy Carter, President Nelson Mandela, and President Barack ...continued on p30
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JULY 2021
The Christian Recorder
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A SWIFT TRANSITION: THE INSTALLATION OF GENERAL OFFICERS AND THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL By Rev. Craig T. Robinson, Jr., 4th Episcopal District
“Time is filled with swift transition,” asserted hymnwriter Jennie Wilson. As the 51st Session of the AME General Conference prepared to close on Saturday, July 10, the church gathered to celebrate a transition of power and responsibility after the election of general officers and new members of the Judicial Council. The brief Service of Installation had all the trappings of grandeur that one would expect during a General Conference. The newly elected general officers marched into the main auditorium in their robes to “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” Members of the Judicial Council were also part of the grand processional, with some members wearing their regalia of office. The senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson, installed the general officers and Judicial Council. The brief liturgy included a powerful prayer by retired Bishop John Richard Bryant, a scripture lesson by Bishop John Franklin White, and a solemn oath administered by other bishops of the church. The newly installed answered a bevy of pointed questions with, “I will by God’s grace.” The hymn “I Am Thine, O Lord” affirmed the depth of each new official’s commitment to serve God and the church. The AME Church welcomed four new general officers to helm the AME Church’s administrative departments: Dr. James Miller (Department of Retirement Services),
Dr. Marcellus Norris (Department of Church Growth and Evangelism), Dr. John Green (Global Witness and Ministry), and Mr. Marcus T. Henderson (treasurer and CFO). The new Judicial Council members included: the Rev. Jay Augustine, the Rev. O. Jerome Green, and Ms. Thabile Ngubeni. All were excited to begin their work on behalf of African Methodism. The election of general officers and the Judicial Council saw two very significant results. Mr. John Thomas, the incumbent editor of The Christian Recorder, was reelected to his office for another quadrennial. Mr. Thomas is the first to become a general officer from the millennial generation. His reelection bid was unopposed. “I am the first millennial, but I will not be the last,” Thomas remarked during his quadrennial report to the General Conference. The other significant election result for the July 10 election was the ascension of Ms. Thabile Ngubeni as the newest lay member of the Judicial Council. An attorney in the Republic of South Africa and a member of the Nineteenth Episcopal District, Ngubeni is one of only two women elected on Election Day (the other being the Reverend Francine Brookins to the Episcopacy) and the only elected official coming from the continent of Africa. She is also amongst the young adult population
of the church. Every four years, the AME Church makes a transition. New officials are elected and installed to new offices. Each new officer is expected to bring the best of their gifts in service to the church. We look forward to all that these new leaders will do in our Zion to make it better. After the Benediction by Bishop Julius McAllister, the General Conference prepared for the consecration service for our newly elected bishops and the closing ceremonies and reading of Episcopal appointments. The Reverend Craig T. Robinson, Jr., is the senior pastor of St. James AME Church in Chicago, Illinois.
WAS THE CUP HALF-FULL OR HALF-EMPTY? OR WERE YOU JUST PLEASED, THERE WAS A CUP? By Rev. Sekoboto Joseph Tau, 15th Episcopal District
The 51st Session of the General Conference of the AME Church, with a unique hybrid – seating model where oversees districts that could travel to Orlando, FL – was physically present but spread in different meeting rooms and all other districts in Africa attending the session, virtually through Zoom webinar connectivity, happened and concluded its business yesterday. Who said this was impossible to do? I can only lift my hands and praise God for the goodness we have seen, and emotions we felt as the GC got started with an Opening Worship Service and the first Business Session chaired by the Senior Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. At some point the struggles of sound and connectivity appeared to be insurmountable – until Bishop A.J., reminded everyone that he overhead someone telling him “they packed a lot of patience” in their suitcase, and he pleaded with all of us delegates – to start pulling that patience off our bags – we need it more this time, as the AME Church was doing something that was never done before, traveling in unchartered territory! For a moment, I stood in awe and adjusted my lenses and expectations…. for it is true…we were trying a new thing! Then a text from the Old Testament book of Isaiah flashed in my heart…. reminding me what God was busy with! “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 God was doing a new thing in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and God chose the 51st Session of the General Conference and all those who were present to be
witnesses that roads can be built in the wilderness and rivers can sprout in the desert. This only depends on whether you believe it or not. Was your cup half-full or half-empty? Or were you just pleased there was a cup, meaning the GC finally came to pass, so you can put your past behind and get on in life with the hope of a new order of things? A delay of a year was never a denial of seating of the 51st Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – I strongly believe God was preparing us and showing us the true art of what is possible if we are willing to take the first steps and trust God. My first experience of the General Conference was in the year 2000 – the 46th Session of the GC held in Cincinnati, Ohio, when I was delegated as a layperson; it is now 21 years later and the emotions I carried this week, attending the conference virtually in the comfort of my home, were not so far different from then. The fatigue and some frustrations with sounds, connectivity were not un-manageable, I guess because I had a big bag full of patience. For me, this cup was just more than half full! A lot of things ran smooth, despite a few challenges – the chairpersons did their best to manage business sessions, it was challenging with connecting virtual districts, to an extent that some nearly saw a “cup half empty” and cried foul on the exclusion of Africa districts as tactics to deny Africa the voice. Well, let us be honest and truth be told, my experience was that all bishops who chaired sessions were empathetic to the Africa delegation and became more understanding and accommodative given the poor quality of connectivity and sound…. this part of my General
Conference experience was called satisfaction, simply because I could see the willingness to adjust and accommodate. The technical support was really trying to meet us all at a point of happiness…. they had their own challenges; again…..they may have not done this before in the magnitude of the complexity of execution and thoroughness it deserved. Once again, I ask – would you still say your cup was half empty? I am more inclined to thank God for exposure and covering us through this COVID-19 pandemic, what we know today, what we have seen this recently past week, and what we have experienced and felt due to his grace, would never have come, had it not been God on our side. Praise is to God. The only downer, a not-so-good moment for all of us as a church, was the trial outcome, the report of the Episcopal Committee on Bishop Wilfred Messiah, and the reasons for his location. This was a true half-empty cup for me! Maybe because I worked closely with Bishop Messiah, my first assignment to a pastoral was to a church he was overseeing in Soweto Kliptown, Maxeke Memorial, since then we have been like family! Be as it may, it hurts, and it hurts the church and mostly the people of the 17th Episcopal district, and but worse his family. I don’t know if you heard the Opening Statement of bishop-elect the Rev. Dr. Sylvester Scott Beaman, ...continued on p29
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The Christian Recorder
LEGISLATION PASSED BY THE 2021 GENERAL CONFERENCE CSO1-43: Connectional Bylaws and Constitution CM-01: Uniform AME Pulpit and Altar Color Calendar MIN-15: Love Feast Ticket Language JA-01: Child and Youth Protection and Background Checks GGB-08: Change in Frequency of Publication of The Christian Recorder MIN-14: Call to Preach Question CC-15: Annual Conference Composition MIN-06: Transfer to Another Annual Conference The resolution on the LGBTQ Discernment Committee was also approved.
EPISCOPAL ASSIGNMENTS AND RETIREMENT DATES EPISCOPAL ASSIGNMENT First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh Eighth Ninth Tenth Eleventh Twelfth Thirteenth Fourteenth Fifteenth Sixteenth Seventeenth Eighteenth Nineteenth Twentieth Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Located
BISHOP ASSIGNED Julius H. McAllister, Sr. (129) James Levert Davis (123) E. Earl McCloud, Jr. (127) John F. White, Sr. (130) Clement W. Fugh (131) Reginald T. Jackson (132) Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr. (125) Stafford J. N. Wicker (137) Harry Lee Seawright (133) Adam J. Richardson, Jr. (115) Frank Madison Reid III (138) Michael Leon Mitchell (134) E. Anne Henning Byfield (136) Paul J.M. Kawimbe (121) Silvester S. Beaman (139) Marvin C. Zanders II (140) David R. Daniels, Jr. (124) Francine A. Brookins (141) Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr. (136) Frederick A. Wright , Sr. (142) Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath, Sr. (128) Wilfred J. Messiah (120)
RETIREMENT DATE 2024 2028 2028 2024 2024 2028 2036 2036 2032 2024 2024 2036 2024 2036 2036 2040 2032 2048 2032 2032 2032 2028
...From Was the Cup p28 when he said, “I was hurt. But now I am healed” for some
moment I reflected on their longstanding close relationship, then God’s spirit inspired me to look at a half-full cup one more time. Bishop Messiah’s location will effectively be for 3yrs (to 2024) instead of the normal 4yrs; Bishop Silvester Beaman is now assigned to the 15th Episcopal District, where he will continue the nonagonal odyssey of Bishop Daniels, Jr. It is my firm belief that “with God nothing is impossible.” God can restore, re-build, re-construct, and resurrect, we shall rise from whatever ash, just like a phoenix, we will rise and fly high again! Keep the faith. A moment of high and history, when a young female attorney from Bloemfontein in the 19th Episcopal District was elected to the Judicial Council of the AME Church, a first of its kind. Oh, by the way don’t forget the current seated Connectional lay president also comes out of the 19th Episcopal District. These may not be related, but all I am illustrating is that Africa has much more reasons to look at the AME Church through different set of lenses, change is gradually happening and taking place…. yes for you it is at a slow pace, but God is still God – just be patient! Keep confirming that the glass is half full…it will get full one day. I strongly believe that success happens when opportunity meets readiness. If Ms. Thabile Ngubeni was not ready and well prepared for the role, this opportunity would have come and gone past! It is my humble appeal to all African brothers and sisters, keep getting ready…. a time is coming where these opportunities will open, you better be ready…with a half-full cup, than just an empty cup! Prepare yourself and be the next to make Africa proud, to make “Africa Bounce Back” or to make “Africa
JULY 2021
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THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD WILL BE ESTABLISHED By Rev. Dr. Barry Settle, TCR Contributing Writer
The author of Proverbs writes in 19:21, “The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” At the close of the 51st Session of the General Conference, the leadership of our church has diligently worked to improve the African Methodist Episcopal Church through the passing of legislation, election, and consecration of general officers and bishops. All of the plans made were done with the intention of furthering the Kingdom of God. The final day highlights were the presentation of the Richard Allen Awards. The recipients of this award were: Lt. General Scott Dingle, Sherillyn Ifill, Esq., Gwen L. Ifill, Dorothy Johnson Vaughan (Hidden Figures), Mary Jackson (Hidden Figures), and Bryan Stevenson, Esq. (Just Mercy). Senior Bishop Richardson congratulated all recipients of this award and expressed how proud he was of these great men and women. He closed with the following statement, “What would I be if I wasn’t AME? I’d be ashamed of myself.” Vice President Kamala Harris then greeted the General Conference. She stated, “Our vote is our power and we can’t let anyone take that power from us. Let us continue to fight for justice, fight for freedom, and that every American can lift up their voice and be heard, and let us do the work that our faith requires, the work that is in the DNA of the AME.” As the Episcopal Committee made their report, they recommended the election of four bishops. There was a complaint to how Bishop Messiah was handled; however, Bishop Reginald Jackson reiterated that the character of Bishop Messiah has not passed and the matter was closed. After the elections were held, Bishop Adam Richardson preached the Service of Consecration & Closing from Matthew 25, on the subject, “Consecrated to Custodial Service.” He encouraged us all through this message, summarized, “We all have a choice, bishops and Judicial Council members and church members, to pretend we have never heard Jesus speak about justice and mercy, for the poor and the imprisoned. Or we can get busy, custodians, making a difference, as we will be called to account.” The plans of this 51st General Conference are complete. Now we are left to do the work for this next Quadrennial. Referring to Proverbs 19:21, after all of our plans, we trust that God’s ultimate purpose that will be established for humanity and African Methodism rests in the hands of the Lord. We should trust, we are in good hands. ❏❏❏ be opened for (God’s) business!”, as my classmate friend, Victor Kgomoeswana, writes in his business books! The cup is more than half full, with the outcome of the recommended and approved Episcopal assignments, we have not heard an outcry on any appointment, I am also sure that the assigned bishops are all excited for their challenges coming, the good news is – it’s only for 3yrs before we hit the 4yrs reset button! It is my prayer that at the end of this abnormal quadrennial term of 3yrs! It does not even sound right! Every one of us, members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will pray a prayer of fulfillment, and ask God to make our half-full cups to run over – as we continue to serve with diligence, commitment, care, and more love. The conditions are ripe, COVID-19 is here. The best we can be is instruments of love and care to the people of God, get the church to be in our homes, while the doors are closed! As we chart our way from Legacy to Mission, a call to prophetic, educational, and social engagement, let us all live, exemplify, and demonstrate in what we do, the values Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, David Payne, Henry McNeal Turner, Charlotte Maxeke, and many others not mentioned here, lived and stood for. They got us this beautiful heritage…. the most advanced, ordered, and disciplined denomination, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, whose cup, will always run over with blessings from God! The Rev. Sekoboto Joseph Tau is the pastor of Bethel Memorial AME Church, Hazendal Cape Town, South Africa.
JULY 2021
30 | PAGE ...From Election Results p25
The Christian Recorder
Burger, Willem
118
Byrd, Vernon
597
Chisolm, Barbara
139
Cooper, Katurah York
403
Eason, Gregory Vaughn, Sr.
307
Foster, John
74
Gaobepe, Dimpho A.
104
Marshall, Willie Eugene
128
Mccauley, Orlando
111
Mugala, Paul M., Sr.
9
Pierson, Mark S.
55
Ragin Merrick, M. Charmaine
37
Richburg, Caesar R. Rumph, James Arthur
239 31
Seibo, Samuel D.
168
Simms, Moses A., Jr.
133
Wilson, Harold Wright, Frederick A.
22 578
Zanders, Marvin Clyde II 864 #140 Elected Bishop of the AME Church The following candidates withdrew from the race and offered support for —The Rev. Willie Marshall offered support to the Rev. Dr. Vernon Byrd, Jr., and the Rev. Dr. Francine Brookins —The Rev. John Foster offered support to the Rev. Dr. Fredrick Wright —The Rev. Dr. Barbara Chisolm offered support to the Rev. Dr. Vernon Byrd and the Rev. Dr. Frederick Wright —The Rev. Michael Bell offered support to the Rev. Dr. Vernon Byrd, Jr. —The Rev. Mark S. Pierson offered support to the Rev. Dr. Francine Brookins —The Rev. Dr. Charmaine M. Merrick Ragin offered support to the Rev. Dr. Vernon Byrd, Jr., and the Rev. Dr. Frederick Wright —The Rev. Harold Wilson offered support to the Rev. Frederick Wright and the Rev. Dr. Vernon Byrd, Jr. —The Rev. Orlando McCauley offered support to the Rev. Dr. Vernon Byrd, Jr., and the Rev. Dr. Frederick Wright —The Rev. Dr. Cecil Richburg offered support to the Rev. Frederick Wright and the Rev. Dr. Vernon Byrd, Jr. —The Rev. Moses Simms offered support to the Rev. Dr. Francine Brookins —The Rev. Dr. James Arthur Rumph offered support to the Rev. Dr. Francine Brookins —The Rev. Gregory Eason offered support to the Rev. Dr. Francine Brookins —Chaplain Samuel Siebo offered support to the Rev. Dr. Francine Brookins and the Rev. Dr. Frederick Wright Round 2
792 Required
Brookins, Francine A. 937 #141 Elected Bishop of the AME Church Burger, Willem
85
Byrd, Vernon
718
Cooper, Katurah York
265
Gaobepe, Dimpho A.
58
Mugala, Paul M., Sr.
13
Wright, Frederick A. 839 #142 Elected Bishop of the AME Church ❏ ❏ ❏
THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM
...From Business Session p27 and First Lady Michelle Obama. This award
was presented to Dr. Bryan Stevenson, Esq. - Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative. VICE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS FROM VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the 51st Session of the General Conference in celebration of our rich history and our commitment to social justice initiatives, particularly Souls to the Polls and our fight for voting rights. VP Harris stated that democracy is a call and response—the AME Church responds. The vice president’s full speech is posted The Christian Recorder’s website thechristianrecorder.com. Chairperson Bishop Clement W. Fugh gave rules for the election proceedings. Candidates were allowed to have one sponsor in the room with them during the process. EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE REPORT The Episcopal Committee entered the room in their traditional somber fashion. In the Matter of Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah: The Episcopal Committee received a letter from an attorney appealing Bishop Messiah’s location stating that the proceedings did not have due process. Upon receipt of the letter, the Judicial Council ordered a stay of the Episcopal Committee’s actions regarding Bishop Messiah. The Judicial Council delivered a notice of trial that was to be held at 5:00 p.m. The Judicial Council met at 1:30 p.m. for a pre-trial hearing. The trial began at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2021. Bishop Messiah appeared in person with three attorneys on zoom. There were documents presented, witnesses, and exhibits. Bishop Messiah was able to cross examine witnesses against him. The Judicial Council also cross-examined Bishop Messiah’s witnesses. The Judicial Committee found that there was sufficient evidence: 1—Bishop Messiah had been found criminally liable by the High Court of Lusaka for misuse of charitable funds. 2—Inappropriate assessment of General Conference delegate/ alternate fees. 3—Assigning unelected delegates/alternate delegates The Judicial Council did not rule on the issue of delegates/alternates as their credentials were certified by the Credential Committee. However, they did find him to be untruthful in his testimony about the matter. They did not consider an array of complaints against Bishop Messiah. After reviewing the evidence and hearing the witness testimony, the Judicial Council found that there was sufficient evidence to sustain the ruling of the Episcopal Committee and thereby lifted the stay imposed. For the record, neither the Rev. Dr. Vernon Byrd, Jr. nor Glenda Hodges participated in the decision. The location of Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah is upheld. The second matter of the Episcopal Committee was to recommend the election of four bishops at this 51st Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. There were several Points of Inquiry that were deemed to be not regarding parliamentary procedure so, therefore, not recognized. The report was received: 1270 yes 153 no 39 abstained. The Election Committee prepared delegates for the election. Following test questions to ensure all delegates were able to vote, the election began. ❏ ❏ ❏
JULY 2021
The Christian Recorder
THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM ...From Congratulatory p21 Church.
There will be time during the parade for everyone to briefly greet the celebrating couple while remaining socially distant. Congratulatory messages can be sent to: The Rev. and Mrs. Ronald Boykin • 14521 Penderlea Court • Gainesville, VA 20155 • RevBoykin@aol.com *The Reverend Bruce Points, Sr., Pastor of Zion AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Proudly Announces the Graduation of Their Granddaughter, Darien Branche The Reverend Bruce D. Points, Sr. and Mrs. Cassandra Points proudly announce the graduation of their granddaughter Darien Branche from Howard University in Washington, D.C. on May 7, 2021. She received a Bachelors degree in Bioethics, cum laude. Rev. Points is the pastor of Zion AME Church in Philadelphia, PA. Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:prp804zion@gmail.com • pastorpoints@aol.com *Two Tennessee Conference PK’S Selected to Participate in The Higher Education Leadership Foundation Institute. Congratulations to Dr. Alexis Gatson Heaston, who has been selected to participate in The Higher Education Leadership Foundation Institute. The Higher Education Leadership Foundation is pleased to announce the Lambda and Mu cohorts for the 2021 Inspire Institute that will take place June 3-6th, 2021 on the campus of @wileycollege1873. These 44 scholars,
practitioners, and administrators make up the 11th and 12th cohort and were selected for participation in this 4-day leadership institute. For more information, visit www.heleaders.org. Dr. Heaston, a member of Payne Chapel AME Nashville, TN under the leadership of Dr. W.A. Sinkfield, is the daughter of Presiding Elder Alexander Gatson and Mrs. Annette Gatson of the North District, Tennessee Annual Conference of the 13th Episcopal District. Congratulatory responses can be sent to: alexisgatson08@gmail.com. Congratulations to Dr. Jeffery Wayne Norfleet II who has been selected to participate in The Higher Education Leadership Foundation Institute. The Higher Education Leadership Foundation is pleased to announce the Lambda and Mu cohorts for the 2021 Inspire Institute that will take place June 3-6th, 2021 on the campus of @wileycollege1873. These 44 scholars, practitioners, and administrators make up the 11th and 12th cohort and were selected for participation in this 4-day leadership institute. For more information, visit www.heleaders.org. Dr. Norfleet is a General Board member and the 1st vice president of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization. Jeffery is a member of Saint Paul AME Church, Oakwood, Tennessee where his father, The Rev. Jeffery W. Norfleet, Sr., serves as pastor and his mother Mrs. Cathy Norfleet, is the first lady. Congratulatory responses can be sent to:
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Jeffery.Norfleet@gmail.com Introducing the Techstars Sports Accelerator Powered by IndyClass of 2021, Tiffany Marie Kelly Tiffany Marie Kelly, daughter of Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. and Linda Marie Kelly, pastor and first lady of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana was selected to participate in the Techstars Sports Acclerator Class of 2021 Indy Class. Her company Curastory based out of Brooklyn, New York allows creators to shoot and edit high quality video, monetize shows, and distribute to all of their video channels, 100 percent free. This mentorship with startups is a 13-week mentorshipdriven accelerator program, culminating with a Demo Day on September 2nd, where they will showcase their progress in front of an expected audience of over 500 investors from around the world. Techstars only accept 3 percent of applicants each year. Tiffany Kelly is an honor graduate of Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida in 2016, where she received the highest award, The Wayne Huizenga Award, for the best technology and scholarship presentation thesis for a graduating senior in 2016. The award is named after Mr. Huizenga, who was the former owner of the Miami Dolphins. She is a former analytics associate at ESPN where she was the first minority woman of color hired on the team. Congratulatory messages can be sent to: spidermh7@ yahoo.com ❏ ❏ ❏
On behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop Vashti McKenzie, president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder Mr. John Thomas III, we celebrate and applaud your achievements.
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV) To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC
JULY 2021 — NECROLOGY LISTINGS * Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font, General Officers and Blue font, Connectional Officers. Michele R. Goodloe, president of the accountant, served on the Revision Committee Mr. DeWitt Hilliard, the father of the Rev. Lynnette Thomas and father-in-law of the Presiding Elder’s Council of the African and on the General Conference Commission of Rev. Gregory Thomas, Twelfth Episcopal Methodist Episcopal Church, presiding the AME Church elder of the Southeast District-South District Mrs. Eliza V. Lewis, the mother of the Rev. Mississippi Annual Conference and Willie L. Merrick and mother-in-law of Mrs. Mr. Bertell Porcher, the brother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Charles Young, presiding elder, Administrative Assistant of the Eighth Wanda T. Merrick, pastor and first lady of the Episcopal District and Dr. Sandra Young, area consultant of Flipper Chapel AME Church, Tallahassee, Mr. Buford Rice “Sonny” Walker, Florida Annual Conference-Tallahassee the Orangeburg District, Central Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal husband of Mrs. Jacqueline Dupont- District, Eleventh Episcopal District District of the African Methodist Episcopal Walker, consultant/director, Social Action Mr. George L. Russell Sr., (77) the father Commission, African Methodist Episcopal of the Rev. George L. Russell, Jr. who is Church Church Mr. Joseph President, of Moncks Corner, the pastor of Brown Chapel AME Church South Carolina, the maternal grandfather The Rev. Dr. Farrell J. Duncombe, (retired) in Cincinnati, OH, and father-in-law of Mrs. of the the Rev. Garrett J. Copeland, presiding elder of the Montgomery Selma Anna Russell, Third Episcopal District associate minister at Kairos Ebenezer AME District in the Alabama River Region Annual Mr. Horace Ricardo Scott, the brother of Church, Nashville, Tennessee, Thirteenth Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District the Rev. Dr. Edward Scott, pastor of Allen Episcopal District until his retirement from the AME Church; Chapel AME Church, Staunton, Virginia, and husband of Mrs. Juanita Duncombe, father of Mrs. Catherine Rainer, the beloved wife the brother-in-love of the Rev. Andrea Cornett Farrell Duncombe II and Djuana Paden, three Scott, pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME of the Rev. Melvin Rayner, retired pastor of Bethel AME Church, Bay Shores, NY, grandchildren Church, Staunton, Virginia, and dean of the First Episcopal District, who moved to Virginia Conference Board of Examiners, Brother Albert Bethea, the father of the Eleventh Episcopal District where the the former pastor the Rev. Dr. Michael A. Second Episcopal District couple were active members of Mt. Zion Bethea of Hemingway Temple AME Church, The Reverend Neal Chris Smith III, retired AME Church, Ocala, FL Washington, D.C., Second Episcopal District itinerant elder in the Fourth Episcopal District, Michigan Conference; served as The Reverend Sunday Musamala Mother Odesser Murray, mother of Pastor Sinyangwe, a minister for 18 years in the Sharon (Leon) Ogilvie, pastor of Wayman pastor in several churches in the Michigan African Methodist Episcopal Church, a member Chapel (Columbia, TN) and Jones Chapel (Mt. Conference, St. Matthew AME - Detroit, of the Lusaka East Presiding Elder District in Pleasant, TN) in Maury County, TN (Tennessee Allen Chapel - Kalamazoo, Mt. Calvary Detroit, and St. Luke - Roseville Annual Conference), Thirteenth Episcopal the Southeast Zambia Annual Conference of District the Seventhenth Episcopal District. Mrs. Pauline Bryant Hickman, the mother Mrs. Jimmie Mae “Mother” Goodloe, The Reverend D. Lavel Crawford, servant leader of the Rev. Ronnie Clark, pastor of Hurst matriarch of the Goodloe family, mother- at Avery Chapel AME Church, Oklahoma City, Chapel AME Church, Winter Haven, West in-love of connectional officer, the Rev. OK, he also served as Twelfth Episcopal District Coast Conference, the Rev. ...continued on p32
JULY 2021
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The Christian Recorder
THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM
EDITORIAL
WILL THE AME CHURCH BE HEALED? REFLECTIONS ON THE 2021 GENERAL CONFERENCE By John Thomas III, Editor
When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:6 From July 6-10, the family of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gathered in Orlando, Florida and through Zoom conferencing to conduct the business of the denomination in the best way they knew how. It seemed as if Murphy’s Law was in full effect: a global pandemic, a looming hurricane, poorly functioning sound, international connectivity issues, and to top it all off a brief electrical fire in the main hall. And still, we are yet alive…and thoroughly exhausted. Bishop Vinton Anderson once stated, “No two general conferences are alike.” I’m sure that the attendees of the 2021 General Conference pray that saying is true and that we never have such a harried meeting again. Even by our normally ambitious standards for General Conference agendas, attending this meeting felt like running a gauntlet. The schedule was so congested that only eight pieces of legislation were considered and by the middle of the fourth day, all general officer and Connectional reports were suspended and received electronically. I overheard a senior church official candidly state, “All we came here to do was retire these folks, elect new people, and pass a budget. Anything else is extra.” John Thomas III female bishop retired should be seared however, was not easy. Looming over the The “extra” accomplished, however, 21st Editor of The Christian Recorder into our memory along with the collective entire General Conference was the absence at the 2021 General Conference speaks cry against it. It remains to be seen if the of the delegates from Canada, India, and volumes. The AME Church became the knew no other way to live. But when asked tension over the Episcopal assignments the continent of Africa exacerbated by the first predominately black denomination about healing, the man jumped at the that brought an abrupt and chaotic end to technological challenges. While the AME to openly address concerns of sexual chance to be restored. Problems that have the General Conference will persist until Church did the best it could, our family ethics and LGBTQ inclusion by creating long been thought to be in the shadows are 2024. who were unable to travel to neither the a discernment committee charged with now fully before us just like the sickness of We are the descendants of the Free United States nor South Africa because bringing back recommendations to the the man at the pool was clear to everyone. African Society and the same spirit of of the pandemic deserved far better and 2024 General Conference. We elected The sicknesses of inequality, misogyny, resistance and refusal to be silenced that difficult questions must be asked about Advocate Thabile Ngubeni as the first lay homophobia, ageism, and neocolonialism led us out of Saint George’s also compels what “the Connection” looks like over the African and first African woman to sit on that erupted into the full view of the us to fight against the injustices and next decade. In several instances, bishops the Judicial Council. Bishop Francine A. General Conference can be healed—if we iniquities we see directed towards each ran roughshod over the rights of delegates Brookins was elected as the 5th woman wish it. Healing requires us to be honest other. and arbitrarily silenced debate during bishop and first daughter of a bishop. about the situation of our church at all As the dust settles and we move back the business sessions. We saw repeated She along with Bishop Marvin C. Zanders levels and continue open and honest into the routine of African Methodism, instances of ageism and microaggressions II are the first bishops from Generation dialogues towards real solutions. We as we must not rush through this moment to directed against young adults—even as a X (born 1965-1980). These historic members of the body of Christ serving in reflect on what the General Conference general officer of the church, I was not achievements show the best of the AME the AME Church must look around and 2021 showed us. When Jesus approached immune to being belittled because of my Church as a denomination of “liberating ask ourselves, “Do we wish to be healed?” the man at the pool of Bethesda, the man age. The brazen attempt to elect an alland reconciling people.” I pray so. ❏ ❏ ❏ had become used to his condition, and he male ticket to the Episcopacy as the first The road to these accomplishments,
Marque Woodard, pastor of Fountain Chapel AME Church, Tallahassee, the Rev. Gwendolyn Carroll-Simmons, pastor of Richbay AME Church, Havana, and the Rev. Debra Love, pastor of Oakgrove AME Church, Chattahoochee; all of the Florida Conference, Eleventh Episcopal District The Reverend Johan Ivan Phillips, age 59, an itinerant elder for 26 years in the AME Church serving churches in the Boland Annual Conference in the Fifteenth Episcopal District, who died in a tragic car accident on his way to a pastor’s meeting of the Montagu PE District The Reverend Mark Ellen Pietersen, age 53, an active itinerant elder in the Boland Annual Conference, Fifteenth Episcopal District for 30 years, who died in a tragic car accident on his way to a pastor’s meeting of the Montagu PE District Mr. Aaron M. Hunter, the brother of the Rev. Dr. Barbara Hunter Thompson, president of the Third Episcopal District M-SWAWO plus PKs and brother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Canton, Ohio, Third Episcopal District Sis. Mary Smith Zarzar, 1st vice president of the Fourteenth Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society, district secretary, and the administrative assistant to the pastor of the Eliza Turner Memorial AME Church The Reverend Dr. Peggy E. Wall, a beloved retired pastor of the Baltimore Annual ...From Necrology p31
Conference, Second Episcopal District Mrs. Pirley Mae Brumfield, the mother of Miss Alise Ware, and Mrs. Marie Gauthier, Louisiana Conference lay president; the mother-in-law of the Rev. Willie Gauthier, pastor of Salter’s Chapel AME Church, Bogalusa, Louisiana, and the grandmother of Mr. Emile Washington, former Connectional YPD president Presiding Elder Joseph Sono, age 51 years, an itinerant elder in the Kalahari Annual Conference in the Fifteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Mrs. Sallie G. Townes, Sixth Episcopal District, Macon Georgia Conference pastor’s widow, former president of the Macon GA Conference M-SWAWO Plus PK’S Ms. Rakgadi Evodia Fantsi, daughter of the late presiding elder, Rev. and Mrs. Edward Victor Fantsi, Nineteenth Episcopal District The Reverend Rashi Imel Pinckney, retired, Baltimore Conference of the Second Episcopal District Sister Bobbie Coleman, the widow of the late Rev. Willie R. Coleman, the mother of sisters Janet Coleman (Dr. Daniel W.) Johnson, pastor and first lady of Allen Temple AME Church, Pine Bluff, AR, and Lisa Coleman, Twelfth Episcopal District Mrs. Earlene King, the mother of the Rev. Linda F. (Sherman) Butler, pastor of Ward Chapel AME Church, Prescott, AR, Twelfth
Episcopal District Sister Creola Scott Bowens, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Debbie A. Bowens Davis, pastor of Agape Fellowship African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sumter District, Northeast Annual Conference and Dr. Brenda F. Bowens, financial secretary of the Seventh Episcopal District Lay Organization of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church Mrs. Lois Helen Cyprian, the widow of presiding elder Joseph H. Cyprian, Jr., the mother of Mr. Douglas (Pamela) Cyprian of Folsom, Louisiana, and the Rev. Derrick (Chalita) Cyprian of Houston, Texas, the loving Maw-maw to four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Condolences to the bereaved are expressed on behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop Vashti McKenzie, president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Roderick D. Belin and editor of The Christian Recorder, Mr. John Thomas III.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRSV) To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org •facebook.com/AMECFIC ❏ ❏ ❏
