Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE GLOBAL CORNER:
- MISSIVE TO THE CHURCH CONCERNING CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE LATE MRS. CHARLOTTE MANNYA MAXEKE OF SOUTH AFRICA:
Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ
The State President of South Africa consistently honours and salutes the Late Mrs Charlotte Mannya Maxeke for what she has done among the people of South Africa. In 2004, President Mbeki gave the highest honour in the country for Mrs Maxeke. Now, in his weekly online column as the President of the ruling party, he writes a celebratory note on the role and contribution of the Late Mrs Charlotte Mannya Maxeke and makes inexhaustible references from eminent scholars, undoubted revolutionary scholars, and illustrious interpreters of the history of the African people both here at home and in Diaspora. He pays tribute to her and his complete text follows hereafter
As a delegate to the 46th Session of the General Conference, in Indianapolis, last year, glorious events of the church unfolded before me and I was the witness thereof (elections, passing of laws, preaching, eating and laughing). There is one thing I did which memory refuses to forget: “I cried.” I cried when I heard citations of the stalwarts of the history of the African-Americans’ struggles were made and those stalwarts were posthumously honoured by the A.M.E. Church. I was in a middle of a glorious event, I should have cried.
I cried, not only because glory was unfolding before me, but I also cried because among those who fought and gave up their lives for Black/African people, I missed one who laid her life for millions in South Africa – Charlotte Maxeke. I was saddened by the exclusion of heroes and heroines of the people on the continent of Africa not included among those who were to be honoured for their roles and contribution to Liberation and Reconciliation. In me, there was a DISCONNECTION in the CONNECTION.
I thank Bishop Cornal G. Henning, Sr., and Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., for their counsel and consolation that day and beyond. I had almost forgotten about the pain and lamentations of that Sunday until this morning when I was surfing on-line SA newspapers to find Donwald Pressly (Sunday Times online – www.sundaytimes.co.za) reporting about what President Mbeki had to say in his column last Friday in the ANC Today (www.anc.org.za). Reading the article entitled “Mbeki pays tribute to top women” could not satisfy my thirst to know what he had to say about those top women and switched on to ANC Today. I discovered that he went home to illustrate their lives, particularly that of my AME ancestor, Charlotte Maxeke.
My prayer is that the AME Church, at a Connectional level, will take time to acknowledge her, too. Had it not been her sacrifice, not just for the SA nation (i.e., for the general population thereof), but also in the AME Church, I wonder where I (and today’s AME generation) would be. She is no god, but a part of Sarah’s lineage (a woman of faith). She took the baton from Sarah of faith and spent herself so that out of her would be conceived today’s generation of South Africans and AMEs. She stood in the gap, stretched her hands between the US and Southern Africa to connect the AME Church in the US and Ethiopian Church in South Africa. Meanwhile, she also stood in the gap by mobilising and organising people to reject their oppression as black and women. Today, we have a democracy in South Africa, all just because she abhorred suppression and oppression of people-by-people and yearned for liberation and reconciliation of all people. What was a dream for her, for which she availed herself to be spent on, is a reality of my generation, my times and me.
I am messing up with protocols and procedures of the Church. I know that. The church does not decide by emails, faxes and telephones but conferences, meetings and seminars. I know that. My request to you who would be in these meetings, seminars and conferences, thinking about what the flow and content of the planned meetings would be, would you be kind enough to think that she deserves our acknowledgement, too, as the Church.
Kind regards.
Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
National Director: HIV/AIDS Programme
South African Council of Churches
9th Floor, Khotso House
62 Marshall House, Johannesburg 2001
Tel: +27 11 241 7811/2/6
Fax: +27 11 838 4818 or +27 11 492 4818
Mobile: +27 82 412 2960
Email: tgk@sacc.org.za
- RESPONSE TO REVEREND KLASS’ MISSIVE BY THE REVEREND WILLEM SIMON HANSE:
Dear Brother Klaas
The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my source of strength. Before you and other readers continue reading my comments, please note that I may sound critical but I am not negative and I understood your writing in that spirit!
Thanks for sharing the information. Recognition of AME heroes from the African continent has been very slow in our denomination. During the past three or so quadrennials, I have been actively writing to the AME Church leadership and AME institutions to give recognition to deserving African AMEs. The late Bishop George K Ming was very helpful in 1990 in securing honorary doctorate for the sacrifices made by the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi in the liberation struggle of our country. After a long period of silence entered Bishop Gregory Ingram, and together with Bishop Harold B Senatle and Bishop Adam J Richardson played a significant part in securing honorary doctorates for the Rev. Dr. Nicholas C Christians, the late Rev. Dr. Willem Moses Jod (my paternal grandfather) and the Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa. We do not minimize the part played by Bishop Wilfredt Messiah when he was still the President of the R. R. Wright Theological Seminary.
Less I forget, the AME Church also gave the Richard Allen Award to the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi in 1992!
In the Namibian context, it is a slow process but it has happened and we believe that The AME Review is the appropriate platform to share the legacies of these heroes with the wider Connectional Church. And, I thank the Rev. Dr. Dickerson for affording me the opportunity to research and write on the Namibian AME heroes!
Finally, I thought the naming of Wilberforce institute building complex to this South African lady was an act of recognition, or am I missing the boat the somewhere? The Africa Summits, the AJC and the present GDC are platforms we must utilize to sensitize our African-American AME’s on these issues, and I think this could be one of the issues discussed at the GDC EXCO meeting in February 2006.
During March 2006 the St. James AME Church, Mariental is going to host the Joint Midyear for the Namibia and Angola Annual Conference. We are made to understand that a small group of overseas visitors, from the bigger Lay delegation sojourning in South Africa, may visit our country for that meeting. Bishop Samuel L Green SR has left no stone unturned to make a huge success of last year’s Midyear, and we believe that this year’s meeting will be a bigger one! When these visitors come, it will be another divine opportunity to interact, network and share with them our pains and joys. Let us work towards sharing the African sentiments in such a way that our overseas brothers and sisters will own it and help us achieve our goals.
Please stay bless
Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
St. James AME Church
Namibia Annual Conference
stjamesmariental@yahoo.com
w.hanse@parliament.gov.na
+264 81 122 5048
2. SEVENTH DISTRICT 2005 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Sunday October 9th to Friday October 14th the Seventh District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Elloree for its 2005 Central Annual Conference. This weeklong event took place at Union AME Church located at 390 Old River Road in Elloree, and was the sixth and final regional annual conference held within the Seventh Episcopal District.Between 3000 to 4000 AME church clergy and delegates attended this conference, which is comprised of the Orangeburg, Manning and Wateree Districts. This 82nd session makes it the youngest of six annual conferences held within the Seventh Episcopal District. With 18 churches in Orangeburg, 23 in Manning and 22 in Wateree the Central Conference contains approximately 25,000 AME members and with 634 churches throughout South Carolina, the Seventh Episcopal District contains nearly 300,000 AME members statewide.
Under the leadership of the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, the Presiding Prelate of the Seventh District, this was the first time in the more than two-century year old history of the AME Church that the Central Annual Conference was held in the town of Elloree. The Annual Conference is where the entire church body comes together to assess what has been accomplished during the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year.
2005 Central Conference Resolution
To the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District, Mrs. Wilma D. Webb Williams, Supervisor of the WMS, MWWA, YPD and DMC, and members of the 82nd session of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference, we greet you in the matchless name of the One who became poor that we might become rich.
And, are we yet alive, and see each other’s face? Glory and praise to Jesus give, for his redeeming grace. What troubles have we seen, what conflicts have we passed, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last? To God be the glory.
The nation state of South Carolina has been blessed with a dynamic team that has said, “Enough is enough” and has launched into the deep to take the 7th Episcopal district to another level, and they did it with the power of love. We are eternally grateful to God for allowing us another opportunity to come together to be about His business and for breathing on this conference to help it to be what He wanted it to be.
We express our gratitude to the host church, Union AME, its technological, energetic, assertive and focused leader, the Reverend Dr. John E. Washington, the officers and the wonderful members for hosting this 82nd session of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference and for providing an environment that was structured, organized, supportive and hospitable.
The conference commenced with the Debs and Masters program at Union AME Church in Elloree, SC. This experience provided the Debs and Masters, Sub-Debs and Masters, and Allenites an opportunity to display their talents to the glory of God. The suave and debonair Mr. Peter L. Felder II and Mr. Curtis Randolph served as DMC honorees.
We are indeed grateful to Mrs. Cassandra Jamison, Central Conference Commissioner, Rev. Dr. Bennie Colough, Associate Commissioner, area directors, and local directors for their commitment, dedication and hard work. Mrs. Felita Grady Davis, Episcopal DMC Commissioner, and our Episcopal leaders, Bishop and Mrs. Williams, recognized and praised all participants for a job well done.
The Women’s Missionary Society convened at Union AME Church to conduct business, and officers were elected for the next conference year. Sister Kathleen Simmons was reflected as president. The missionaries held their annual luncheon at Felderville AME Church. The theme for the luncheon was “Fulfilling Our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way.” A Sarah Allen torch lighters ceremony was held at the luncheon to recognize the following torch lighters: Sister Okerita Watson, Orangeburg area, Sister Bertha J. Lawson, Manning area, and Sister Celia L. Haynes, Wateree area. Sister Ruth F. Solomon presided over the ceremony and Mother Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, and Mrs. Bernice Sanders, Episcopal President, presented awards to these charming ladies.
The Sons of Allen performed from the theme “Christian Men on the Move” as they honored God through song. Brother George Brown, State President, gave the state of the Episcopal district; Rev. Joseph Darby, Episcopal Coordinator, sanctioned the accomplishments, gave encouraging remarks, and thanked everyone for a job well done. The Conference President, Bro. James Howell gave the state of the conference address.
The open convocation took place on Tuesday morning, October 11, 2005 and was presided over by the Reverend Willie J. Baxter, Presiding Elder of the outstanding Orangeburg district. The Reverend Juennarrl Keith, pastor of Williams Chapel AME Church in the Orangeburg district, who set the tone for the conference as he preached from the title “Enough is Enough and that’s Enough,” which was taken from Mark 8, preached the annual conference sermon.
Bishop James presided over the Holy Communion service with assistance from the presiding elders and pastors. The conference was called to order and organized by the Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal district. The Conference Secretary, Reverend Rufus Gaymon, called the roll. Nominations of marshals and other officers were made by the presiding elders and elected by the conference.
The following persons were elected as marshals: Rev. Albert Jones, pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, Orangeburg district; Bro. Ogie Guess, Heyward AME Church, Wateree district; Rev. Andrew Jordon, pastor of Biggers AME Church, Manning district; Sister Rose Montgomery, Trinity AME Church, Manning district; Rev. Mary Washington, pastor of Zion and Bethel AME Churches, Orangeburg district; Sister Keisha Guess, Williams Chapel AME Church, Orangeburg district; Reverend John Davis, pastor of Providence AME Church, Wateree district.
The Finance Committee and the Judiciary Committees were formed. The Central Conference trustees were elected. The boundary of the conference was set, and the conference directory served as the agenda for the conference. The presiding elders gave their reports for the conference year, which were received by the conference. Bishop Williams thanked them for making excellent reports. The Board of Examiners presented candidates for ministry. The conference increased its members of the clergy with three persons having been elected for ordination as itinerant deacons: Valerie Bartly, Archie Romeo Fair and David Owens.
The Women’s Missionary Society performed to the glory of God. This was a night to remember as the missionaries glorified God through the theme “Fulfilling our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way”. This service was presided over by Sis. Mary B. Jackson. Mrs. Gwendolyn Snider, from the Northeast Conference WMS, was the speaker for the missionary service. She spoke with enthusiasm, confidence and conviction from the subject “Having a Mind to Work,” which was taken from Nehemiah 4:6. Mother Williams, Supervisor of the WMS, greeted the missionaries with words of encouragement and words of wisdom and the missionary service was graced with the presence of Mrs. Bernice Gore Sanders, Episcopal President of the WMS, who also thanked the missionaries for a job well done.
The Reverend Roslyn Coleman, Presiding Elder of the Newberry-Spartanburg district, preached the noonday service on Wednesday. Elder Coleman preached a powerful sermon entitled “Into the Deep,” which was taken from Luke 5:1-11. This service was presided over by Reverend Ralph Brown, pastor of St. James AME Church in the Manning district.
The 2005 Youth Witness Night, Wednesday, October 12, 2005 was an outstanding, magnificent and wonderful success as the young people used their mind, body, soul, and strength to witness to the Lord. This spirit-filled experience was presided over by Miss Jessica Cord. The theme for this year’s conference was “Spiriting toward Excellence”.
Our astute, intelligent, wise, focused, dedicated, committed, and compassionate Bishop, who believes in helping every person to become all that he or she can be, set aside space in the conference for workshops.
Christian Education Day was held, Thursday, October 13, 2005. This workshop featured Rev. Dr. Weems, Jr., a professor at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. who spoke on “Who are God’s Leaders and What do God’s Leaders Do?” Rev. Reginald Morton, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Plantersville, South Carolina, spoke on transformative bible study and transformative ministry with a youth focus. Chaplain Capt. Addison Burgess, Sr., spoke about the qualifications, benefits and opportunity in the U.S. chaplaincy. Rev. Dr. Allen Parrott, Director of the Christian Education Department, brought greetings. Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Seventh Episcopal District Dean of Christian Education, gave the purpose, and Sis. Keisha Guess introduced the presenters.
In keeping with Christian Education Day, Mr. James L. Lucas, Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice in Orangeburg, SC, presented pertinent statistical information and Mrs. Pamela Huff, Community Development Coordinator, presented information about the Auxiliary Probation Officer (APO) Program. This program recruits persons to work with at least one child to help him or her to move forward in his or her life with success.
The pastors of the outstanding Orangeburg district, the wonderful Wateree and the magnificent Manning districts gave an account of their work for the conference year as they reported their conversions, accessions and highlights of their work for the year. Each delegate was asked to give a Bible verse and to say a word about the vision and work for the year.
Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, Thursday, October 13, 2005 preached the noonday service. Rev. Young electrified the conference as he preached from the subject “A Power of Love” which was taken from 1 John 2:15-17. This service was presided over by Rev. Dr. Allen Parrott, Presiding Elder of the Kingstree district in the Palmetto Conference.
The Central Conference Lay Witness Night, Thursday, October 13, 2005 was presided over by Sis. Lula Debose. Senator John W. Matthews was the speaker. Senator Matthews’ emphasis was on economic development. The former pastor of Trinity AME Church in the Manning district, Reverend John Fredrick’s name was submitted for retirement.
The Ordination Service was held, Friday, October 14, 2005, to ordain those persons who have met the requirements for the ministry according to the Board of Examiners. Retired Bishop, Richard Allen Hildebrand, preached the ordination sermon. He set the conference on fire as he preached from the subject “Feed my Sheep”, taken from St. John 27:17. This service was presided over by Reverend Georgeann Pringle, pastor of Antioch AME Church in the Wateree district.
The faithful, energetic, spirit-filled and committed Superintendent of the Church School, the Reverend Helen Ziegler, and the church school participants have glorified God through the lesson entitled “The Ethiopian Official,” Acts 8:26-40.
A Memorial Service, presided over by Reverend Rufus Gaymon, was held to pay respect to Presiding Elder Alvin J. Blake of the Wateree district whom God called from labor to reward. Reverend James Stukes, pastor of Friendship AME Church in the Manning district, gave a tribute on behalf of Elder Blake.
The conference was graced with the presence of Bishops Frederick, Calhoun, James, Zedekiah, Grady, and Hildebrand; General Officer George F. Flowers, Executive Director of Global Witness and Ministries; and a host of presiding elders, visiting pastors and friends.
Bishop Zedekiah Grady took us to a spiritual plateau as he preached from the subject “I Believe in the Church,” which was taken from St. Matthew 16:13-20. This service was presided over by Reverend Malachi L. Duncan, Presiding Elder of the Manning district.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Central South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the dynamic leadership of the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, and Mother Wilma D. Webb Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, will no longer be the same, for they have cast the dye of commitment, dedication, and a deep love for humanity. Because of their superb leadership and spiritual guidance, we, the members of this 82nd session of the South Carolina Annual Conference, will leave better equipped, more renewed, revived, invigorated, and inspired to carry out the mission and challenges given to each of us.
Be it further resolved, that the presiding elders, pastors, conference officers and laity are to be commended for their commitment and dedication toward the work of the Zion.
Be it further resolved, that the Union African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the splendid, superb, and dynamic leadership of the Rev. Dr. John E. Washington, is to be commended again for the careful attention and courtesy shown to the members of the conference as they hosted the 82nd session of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference. We are eternally grateful and appreciative for the warm hospitality, and we give them a standing ovation for a job well done!
Respectively submitted by the Committee on Resolution:
Rev. Dr. George E. Hicks, Rev. Leonard E. Simmons, Rev. Stanley Rivers, Rev. Ralph Brown, Rev. Patrick Mellerson, Rev. Georgeann Pringle, Sis. Josephine Mitchell
Submitted by:
Benjamin HarrisonPublic Relations Director7th District AME ChurchTel 803.935.0500Cell 803.528.7104Fax 803.935.0830HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
3. ATTORNEY GLORIA LYNN SYDNOR SMITH, DAUGHTER OF DR. CALVIN AND THE REVEREND CHARLOTTE SWORN IN TO ARGUE CASES BEFORE THE U.S. SUPREME COURT:
The Editor and his grandson, Denzel Sydnor traveled to Washington, DC to attend the swearing-in ceremony for the editor’s, daughter, Gloria Lynn Sydnor Smith to argue cases before the Supreme Court. Her associate Attorney Wendy Cross and other attorneys were sworn in at the ceremony that was conducted at the Supreme Court Building. Attorney Smith practices law in Cincinnati with Cross-Smith and Associates.
4. REQUEST THAT ALL EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AND FORWARD TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Great suggestion sent in by Brother Eric and Sister Stephanie Stradford
It might be extremely helpful if an updated website list is sent out in the online Christian Recorder as well as the printed version.
Although some districts have reserved a new website address, they are still developing the content. Others have not renewed their individual sites, and are listed at amec3000.org in a sub-directory. Here is our most recent list of "working websites."
"Boloka Tumelo" = Keep the Faith!
Stephanie and Eric Stradford
www.TheEnterpriZe.com
Communications, PR and Conference Management Consultants
Official Website
African Methodist Episcopal Church:
http://www.ame-church.com
Ecumenical Affairs:
www.ameecumenicalaffairs.org
Episcopal Districts: 1. http://www.amec3000.org/1st_District/
2. http://www.2ndamec.org/
3. http://www.amec3000.org/3rd_District/
4. http://www.fourthdistrictame.org/
5. http://www.ame-church.org/
6. http://www.sixthepiscopaldistrict.org
7. http://www.amec7thdist.org/
8. http://www.amec3000.org/8th_District/
9. http://www.amec3000.org/9th_District/
10. http://www.amec-10thdist.org/
11. http://www.11thdistrictamec.org
12. http://www.amec3000.org/12th_District/
13. http://www.13thame.com
14. http://www.amec3000.org/14th_District/
15. http://www.amec3000.org/15th_district/
16. http://www.ame16th.com/
17. http://www.amec3000.org/17th_District/
18. http://www.18thDistrictamec.org
19. http://www.amec3000.org/19th_District/
20. http://www.amec3000.org/20th_District/
5. THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 9TH ASSEMBLY IN A NUTSHELL:
The first WCC assembly of the 21st century, it will gather up to 3,000 church leaders and ecumenical representatives from nearly every Christian tradition around the world. As such, it will be one of the broadest global gatherings of its kind. Its theme is a prayer: "God, in your grace, transform the world." Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop E. McCloud and other AME Episcopal representatives, as well as a number of other clergy and lay members of the AME Church will represent the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
WCC assemblies are often turning points in the life of the World Council, and this one is expected to leave its mark on ecumenical history. Deliberations will focus on issues such as the future of the ecumenical movement, the churches' commitment to economic justice as well as their witness to overcoming violence, and the challenges faced in the midst of religious plurality.
In Porto Alegre, members of the ecumenical family will be able to gather around the assembly at a Mutirão, a Portuguese word that means coming together for a common purpose. Made up of workshops, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, this part of the assembly programme will offer opportunities for members of the wider ecumenical movement to gather, reflect and celebrate together.
This is the first WCC assembly to be held in Latin America, and it is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region.
A number of pre-assembly events (organized by the WCC youth, women, indigenous peoples programmes and Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network - EDAN) will be held from 11-13 February.
Editor’s note: The Editor will be attending the World Council of Churches’ 9th Assembly in Port Alegre, Brazil as the official news representative for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
6. THE WATCH NIGHT SERVICE:
Watch Night is now a gathering of the faithful on New Year’s Eve at churches across the United States and overseas. Worship services may begin anywhere fro 7 pm to 10 pm and ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year.
Many of the Watch Night Services celebrated in the black community can be traced to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve." On that night, African Americans came together in various places awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law.
At the stroke of midnight, January 1, 1863, and according to Lincoln's promise, all slaves in the Confederate States were legally free. People waited in churches and other gathering places until the actual news of freedom was received. There were prayers, songs and shouting as people fell on there knees and thanked God.
Before 1862, people gathered on the plantations across the south because many of the slave owners tallied their accounts and many of their human, property was sold along with land and furnishings to satisfy debts on the first day of the New Year. Families and friends were separated often never to see each other again. During that era, December 31 might be the last time that many of the slaves would see loved ones.
So, we continue to gather in this country, and overseas on New Year's Eve to praise God for bringing us safely through another year and praying for God’s grace and mercy for the New Year.
7. CLIMATE CHANGE A SPIRITUAL CRISIS SAYS WCC:
"We would like to light a candle" is how a World Council of Churches (WCC) statement to the UN climate change conference in Montreal, Canada, begins. The statement affirms that climate change is not only a technological, economic and ecological crisis but also a spiritual one.
The statement is to be delivered on 9 December at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the First Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol by WCC climate change programme coordinator Dr David G. Hallman.
The statement, and the [non-fossil-fuel!] candle, will celebrate the coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol, and evoke "the pain and disaster already suffered in various regions due to climate change". It will signal that "time is running out" for negotiating equitable and sustainable targets for post-2012 when the present protocol expires.
The candle will also symbolize "that what we suffer from is not simply a technological, economic or ecological crisis, but a spiritual crisis".
It is for this reason that the statement includes a spiritual declaration on climate change drafted by faith community participants at the conference. The declaration was circulated at an inter-faith ceremony attended by up to 1000 people at St Joseph's Oratory in Montreal on 4 December. In an earlier statement in support of WCC work on this issue, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos I defined climate change as a "profoundly moral and spiritual problem".
The WCC has been working on climate change ever since 1990, when this was identified by the scientific community as one of the most threatening social and ecological issues of our times, affecting creation as a whole. Representatives from over 180 countries are meeting in Montreal to negotiate the future of action on climate change. The talks are primarily about next steps in implementing the Kyoto Protocol, including resources needed by developing nations for adaptation to the impacts of climate change. The parties are attempting to start a process of negotiation for a climate policy framework that will be needed once the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
Editor’s note: Global warming is something about which AMEs should be concerned.
8. HOW THE NINTH WORLD ASSEMBLY WILL WORK:
The WCC 9th Assembly will offer a diverse and innovative programme for the expected 3000 participants from virtually all Christian traditions and regions. The moderator of the international planning committee, which is preparing the event, Norman Shanks from Scotland, explains how the 14-23 February 2006 Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, will work.
The Assembly programme will be both creative and diverse, and participants will have countless opportunities to interact and share insights out of their own experience. Porto Alegre is an attractive and dynamic city and the Assembly venue, the Catholic Pontifical University, offers a modern campus and meeting centre. The University has impressive experience in hosting major international events, not least the World Social Forum, attended by around 30,000 people. By comparison, the WCC Assembly will be smaller: we expect up to 1200 "core participants", including church delegates and representatives of related organizations, and up to 1800 others - visitors, ecumenical partner agencies, student groups, and so on. The Assembly theme, "God, in your grace, transform the world", is cast in the form of a prayer, reflecting the world's - and our own - need for healing and change, recognizing our dependence on God, acknowledging that we all have a part to play in the process of transformation. It will "flow" through the Assembly as we devote specific days to exploring its various dimensions: "transform… the earth, our societies, our churches, our lives, our witness."
The worship at the gathering will nourish and guide the entire life of the community, and is certain to be a memorable feature of the Assembly experience at Porto Alegre. Each day will begin and end with prayer in the large worship tent, with liturgy and music drawing from a wide range of church traditions. Additional services will be offered at other moments during the day. After morning prayer, delegates will gather in small Bible study groups to reflect on Scripture and share insights and experiences. Other participants will be led in larger-scale Bible reflection. During three days of the Assembly, delegates and youth participants will engage in "ecumenical conversations", choosing from topics of relevance to the life and witness of the church in today's world, each reflecting an aspect of the changing religious, cultural, ecumenical, social and political landscape - from HIV/AIDS to the challenge of racism, from mission and evangelism to information technology and bioethics.
Plenary sessions devoted to specific themes: economic justice; Christian identity in a pluralistic world; church unity and the future of ecumenism; youth overcoming violence, will be at the centre of the programme. A series of business sessions, building on recommendations by committees of delegates that will meet throughout the Assembly, will reflect on the work of the WCC since the 8th Assembly in Harare in 1998, hearing reports from the moderator of the central committee and the general secretary, amending the WCC's constitution, adopting an Assembly "message" and statements on significant public issues, and formulating priorities for the Council in the coming years.
This being the first WCC Assembly in Latin America, the programme will engage with the regional context through the involvement of local churches, national and local ecumenical bodies, and through the expected participation of many visitors from the region. A special "Latin America day" will be a highlight of the week, and will combine prayer, presentations and a cultural evening devoted to the region.
The planners hope that the 9th Assembly will qualify as a youth assembly, with the active and visible contribution of the youth delegates and the many stewards, and through the life of a special Assembly youth camp that will host young people from Latin America. A pre-Assembly event will prepare the youth participants, and there will be similar gatherings for women and members of the Ecumenical Disabilities Advocacy Network.A Portuguese word, "mutirão" - that implies gathering, sharing, and acting together with a view to "making a difference" - has been chosen to describe the space for sharing and exchange provided for all members of the Assembly community. It will be a specific part of the programme: each day, participants will propose dozens of workshops, as well as displays and exhibitions, cultural and artistic offerings and opportunities for other forms of ecumenical learning. I have no doubt that the WCC's 9th Assembly will be a life-shaping and -transforming experience for all those involved as well as for those who will be accompanying the event. My prayer is that all may be open to the grace-filled, graceful possibilities that the Assembly offers, and that the experience and decisions will permeate, influence, enrich and transform our churches and our world. "God, in your grace, transform the world!"
The Rev. Dr Norman Shanks is minister of Govan Old Parish Church, Glasgow (Church of Scotland). He was a member of the central committee elected at the Harare Assembly and is moderator of the Assembly planning committee.
9. THE 9TH WCC ASSEMBLY: PRAYING FOR A TRANSFORMED WORLD:
The 9th assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) will be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 14-23 February 2006. Its theme is a prayer: "God, in your grace, transform the world."
The first WCC assembly of the 21st century, it will gather up to 3,000 church leaders and ecumenical representatives from nearly every Christian tradition around the world. As such, it will be one of the broadest global gatherings of its kind. WCC assemblies are often turning points in the life of the World Council, and this one is expected to leave its mark on ecumenical history.
Deliberations will focus on issues such as the future of the ecumenical movement, the churches' commitment to economic justice as well as their witness to overcoming violence, and the challenges faced in the midst of religious plurality. In Porto Alegre, members of the ecumenical family will be able to gather around the assembly at a Mutirão, a Portuguese word that means coming together for a common purpose. Made up of workshops, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, this part of the assembly programme will offer opportunities for members of the wider ecumenical movement to gather, reflect and celebrate together. This is the first WCC assembly to be held in Latin America, and it is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region. Pre-assembly events for youth and for women will be held from 11-13 February.
10. THE HENNING FAMILY PROVIDES UPDATE ON SISTER HELAINE HENNING FUNERAL SERVICES:
Helaine Aleece Henning, the daughter of Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Presiding Bishop of the Eighth Episcopal District and Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning passed on Friday Morning, December 9, 2005.
Funeral Arrangements are:
1st Funeral Service
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
11:00 AM
Ward AME Church
1177 West 25th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-747-1367 (Phone)
213-748-6251
Reverend Sylvester Laudermill, Pastor
2nd Funeral Service
Friday, December 16, 2005
11:00 AMSt Andrew AME Church
867 S Parkway E
Memphis, TN
Dr. Kenneth Robinson, Pastor
901 948-3441 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent to:
Bishop C. Garnett and Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning
PO BOX 10326
Jackson, MS 39289
601-949-2927 (FAX)
or
9301 South 11th Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90305
Email Condolences:
Lanroc@aol.com
Bishop Henning's telephone 601 949-2925
Los Angeles (Home) 310-677-4779 (Phone)
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to the Helaine Aleece Henning Memorial Education Fund and mailed to 9301 11th Avenue South, Inglewood, CA. 90305
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The mother of Mrs. Norweda Carter, President of the 8th Episcopal District M-SWAWO passed on Saturday, December 10, 2005. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Norweda Carter and Family
P.O. Box 743
Greensburg, LA 70441
Email condolences: NORWEDAC@yahoo.com 1
2. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend William James Goodson, retired minister of the 9th Episcopal District passed on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 after a short illness.
Service Arrangements
Monday, December 12, 2005
Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church
1833 Center Way South
Birmingham, AL 35205T
he Reverend Frederick J. McCullough, Pastor
Services entrusted to:
Davenport and Harris Funeral Home, Inc.
301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Birmingham, AL 35211
(205) 252-2103
Condolences May Be Sent To His Daughter:
Teresa Weems
6633 Cordrey Court
Midfield, AL 35228
(205) 923-5790
Please keep the family in your prayers.
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: blountjb@bellsouth.net
The Central Conference of the 11th Episcopal District mourns the passing of Retired Presiding Elder Horace Hill.
Service Arrangements
Monday, December 12, 2005
12:00 Noon
Allen Chapel AME Church
580 George W. Engram Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32120
Phone: 386/255-1195
Eulogist: Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop, 11th Episcopal District
The Funeral Home is:
Herbert Thompson Funeral Home
901 Dr. Mary McCloud Bethune Blvd
Daytona, Beach, FL 32114
Phone: 386/253-1651
Phone number for Mrs. Evelyn Hill (his spouse) is 386/252-4006.
Submitted by June Blount
Central Conference President
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
