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. EDITORIAL - BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III
The Christian Recorder is the oldest existing black periodical in America, and the only one in the United States whose existence dated before the Civil War. It had its genesis in the Christian Herald, which was established by the General Conference that was held in Philadelphia in 1848. The Christian Herald was a published weekly and subscribers paid one dollar and fifty cents a year.
The name of the Christian Herald was changed to The Christian Recorder at the Ninth Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that was held in 1852 in New York City. The first issue was published and disseminated on July 1, 1852. The first editor of The Christian Recorder was the Reverend M. M. Clark, who was one of the first college graduates in the A.M.E. Church. Clark was a graduate of Jefferson College and was considered to be one of the best-educated men in the A.M.E. Church. He wrote that the Recorder’s focus would be religion, morality, science and literature and it was to treat all geographical areas of the A.M.E. Church equally.
In 1864 John M. Brown was elected to succeed Elisha Weaver as editor but declined to serve due to his missionary duties in the wartime south. He was later elected and consecrated as the 11th bishop of the A.M.E. Church.
The Christian Recorder focused on religious news, but a lot of the paper was devoted to secular news. Articles were written about education, voting rights, equality, and other secular issues that affected the lives of black Americans. The Christian Recorder was a forum to address slavery, classism, as well as racism. Articles were written by black women and about black women, and the paper also addressed issues related to families.
The Christian Recorder was a strong and vocal opponent to slavery. It repeatedly addressed the biblical and moral issues of slavery and encouraged and nurtured black consciousness. Following the Civil War, the Recorder encouraged its readers to be diligent in protecting their families from whites who wanted to harm the newly freed slaves and regularly addressed the issue of families separated by the evils of slavery and published articles that tried to provide information that would assist in the reuniting of family members.
The Christian Recorder has been a faithful voice for the disenfranchised and the oppressed. The publication addressed various issues confronting the black community and has been an advocate for justice and equal rights. During Reconstruction, it advocated education for all citizens and was an activist for higher education and especially for an educated ministry.
The Christian Recorder has always been faithful to and a voice for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and black Americans. It was an anchor for the African American community and its columns were blessed with remarkable contributions in the form of essays, editorials, poetry and articles on various subjects that were relevant and timely. The Christian Recorder has provided its readers with a wealth of information that benefited the soul as well as the mind. The Recorder has been a ministry to the readers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church from its beginning to the present time.
The Western Christian Recorder came into existence at the General Conference in Columbus, Ohio in 1890. Dr. J. Frank McDonald was its first editor. Other editors include Dr. J. D. Barksdale and Dr. J. H. Wilson.
In 1882, Bishop Henry McNeil Turner founded the Southern Recorder. Editors who served include Bradwell, R. M. Cheeks, G. E. Taylor, M. S. Bryant, G. W. Allen, J. H. Claybourne, E. C. Hatcher, and S. L. Jones.
The Western and Southern Christian Recorders were established because the Church was growing and the constituents in the West and the South wanted more news about their regions. A woman, M. A. McCurdy, served as the editor of the Southern Christian Recorder.
The Christian Recorder continues to serve the African Methodist Episcopal Church in local communities and around the world.
Editors of The Christian Recorder
1. Molliston Madison Clark 1852-1854
2. Jabez Pitts Campbell (8th Bishop) 1854-1860
3. Elisha Weaver 1861-1864
4. *A.L. Stanford 1861
5. James Lynch 1866-1867
6. Elisha Weaver 1867-1868
7. Benjamin Tucker Tanner (18th Bishop) 1868-1884
8. Benjamin Franklin Lee (20th Bishop) 1884-1892
9. Henry Theodore Johnson 1892-1909
10. Richard Robert Wright, Jr. (57th Bishop) 1909-1936
11. George Arnett Singleton 1936-1944
12. David Norris 1944-1950
13. Fred Hughes 1950-1960
14. Benjamin Julius Nolen, Sr. 1960-1964
15. Lawrence Sylester Odom, Sr. 1964-1966
16. Benjamin Julius Nolen, Sr. 1966-1973
17. A. Lewis Williams 1973-1976
18. Robert H. Reid, Jr. 1976-1996
19. Ricky Spain 1996-2004
20. Calvin H. Sydnor, III 2004- Present
* A. L. Stanford served several months during Elisha Weaver’s tenure.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
- Re: Editorial - We need the Decalogue today more than ever; preachers, don’t eliminate the Decalogue:
Sometimes change is needed.
I belong to one of those churches going through "changes" with a "young minister" and, it's because of that young minister that I became more involved in our church. Senior citizens make up approximately 75 percent of our congregation and treat me, along with anyone else under the age of 50, like a child. People I grew up with, recited the Decalogue, the Doxology, the Gloria Patri and The Apostles Creed, know them just as well as they know their own names.
The people that know them best are the people mourning the loss of them from Sunday morning services. They are also the people breaking each and every one of them, before they even leave the sanctuary! So, if you believe the learning and repeating of these liturgical rubrics will serve our young people better than hearing them preached weekly during solid Sunday morning sermons or, by viewing spirit filled people, living the word and not just regurgitating it, then God Bless us all.
V. M. Motley
Bethel, Huntington NY
- To the Editor:
Re: Editorial - the guidelines of anointing with oil as found in James 5:14:
I read your thoughts on anointing with oil in the last print edition of the Recorder, and they mirror mine. I would, however, add my two cents worth. Jesus never said that we should anoint with oil, but when He gave sight to a man who was born blind (John 9:1-12), He spit in the dirt, made a mud pack, put it on the man's eyes and then told him to go and wash it off - He followed a medicinal tradition of his time as a physical and symbolic part of the healing process.
I think that action by Jesus supports the idea that James' reference to the "oil" was not a sacred requirement, but a nod to the use of the accepted medicinal traditions of his day as a physical and symbolic part of the healing process. If he were writing today, James might well tell the church in 5:14 of his epistle, "Those who are sick should call the elders of the church to bring them the prescription medicine they can't afford to pay for on their own and pray over them in the name of the Lord" or "They should call the elders of the church to pray over then and then take them to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment." In any event, James 5:15 makes it plain as to the true source of healing - "the prayer of faith will make the sick person well."
While there's no bottle of olive oil stashed in the pulpit lectern at Morris Brown, I do know and respect the fact that many of our clergy have borrowed the practice of anointing with oil from the Pentecostal tradition. We might do well, however, to view it in the same way that we should view the water that we use in the Sacrament of Baptism - as an "outward sign of an inner change" that symbolizes the true baptism of the Holy Spirit. When we fail to do that, then we end up with members of the church seeking "re-Baptism" because they were either Baptized by sprinkling as children or Baptized by sprinkling as adults and "didn't get wet enough!"
Those who hold to that mindset, which is overly influenced by tangible demands for the affirmation of God's power, cheapen their faith, overlook the power of prayer, and can easily get confused and believe that healing comes by way of the oil and not by the power of God, which is activated by the effectual and fervent prayer of the righteous.
(The Rev.) Joe Darby.
3. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX, THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CME IS NOW ONLINE:
The Christian Index, the official publication of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, like the AME Church, now has an online presence, which began in August 2006. Dr. Kenneth Jones is the editor of The Christian Index. Visit The Christian Index Online at http://www.thechristianindexonline.blogspot.com/.
The Christian Recorder staff wishes Dr. Jones and the Christian Index God’s blessing and much success. We share the words Dr. Jones wrote in the first edition of The Christian Index Online:
Finally, We're On our Own!
Welcome to the first posting of The Christian Index Online. For some time now, I have been thinking about how to increase the presence of The Christian Index, the official publication of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, on the World Wide Web. Although currently The Index's official site can be found on http://www.c-m-e.org/, there has remained a need for the Church's official organ to have a place where CME's and others can offer immediate feedback on matters that affect the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Moreover, from time-to-time, there will be news items of an immediate nature with respect to its importance in the life of the average CME. And another reason I wanted The Index to be more visible online was because I am very impressed with the progress of a blog site maintained by my counterpart and friend in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Calvin Sydnor, the editor of The [AME] Christian Recorder.
So here we are. The only thing I ask is that everyone please be patient as we start this new venture. I have no idea how much time and effort it will require to maintain the site, deliver the physical version of The Index, and meet other obligations. Your prayers and input are heavily solicited.
4. TALK ABOUT PRESCRIPTIONS:
Submitted by Sister Gwen Williams
From the October focus from the Health Commission
“Talk about Prescriptions Month” is an observance that promotes the safe and effective use of medications.
Things you can do:
Brown Bag Day-- Take all of your medications, prescribed and “over the counter” medications to either your pharmacist, physician or other health professional to check how they interact with each other, expiration dates and harmful side effects.
Remember the 3-Rs for safe medication use:
Risk - Recognize that all medications (prescription and non- prescription) have risk as well as benefits, talk to your health care provider.
Respect - Respect the power of your medication and the value of medicines’ proper use.
Responsibility - Take responsibility for learning about how to take each medicine safely by knowing:
- The name of the medicine and what it is suppose to do.
- How to take the medicine and for how long.
- What food, drinks and other medicines or activities to avoid while on the medicine.
What are the side effects and what to do should they occur? How will they interact with other prescriptions or over the counter and home remedies?
Medicines are used to preserve health and independence every day of the year, so communicate about your medicines year round.
5. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH:
Submitted by Sister Gwen Williams
From the October focus from the Health Commission
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women; men can also develop breast cancer.
White women are diagnosed more frequently than women of color (due to lack of early screening). Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer according to the American Cancer Society. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer and the risk increases with age.
Risk Factors:
- Over 40 -
- Family history of breast cancer, siblings, mother or daughter
- Never been pregnant
- Started menses before age 12
- Started menopause after age 50
- History of benign breast disease that required a biopsy
Not all women with one or more risk factors will develop breast cancer and women without risk factors may develop breast cancer. All diagnoses of breast cancer do not lead to death, early detection is the key.
Support the, “Y Me” Campaign and encourage a loved one to have a mammogram.
National Mammogram Day is October 20th.
A mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer, detecting it while it is treatable.
Mammogram should begin at age 18-38 and be done yearly at age 40 or over, persons 65-75 should have exams every two years unless an abnormality is detected, then yearly.
Breast Self Exam
Men and women should begin Breast Self Exams between the age of 18-20 to detect and prevent breast cancer.
Pre-menopausal women should check their breast one week after their period. Post-menopausal women and men should pick a date they can remember and do monthly checks.
Look for the following:
- Pocking of skin on breast and around nipple.
- Patches that are red or pink or normal in color but pores stand out any place on the breast that feels lumpy like a pea or that is thicker and harder than the rest of the breast; unusual discharge or bleeding or crusting from the nipples.
If you have any of the signs contact your health care provider as soon as possible
The Health Commission has a partnership with the Sister Care program an organization that is conducting a long term study of women 35-74, whose sister(s) had breast cancer. This study is an attempt to understand how women's genes and their environment influence their risk for breast cancer.
Tell your friends about the study, volunteer to speak at Breast Cancer Support Groups.
For more information contact MS. Kim Varner, Telephone: 877- 4Sister.
Remember National Mammogram Day is October 20, but don't wait for a special day, be checked soon.
Sister Gwen Williams
6. EPISCOPAL LEADERS OF FAITH AND COMMITMENT, BISHOP MCKINLEY YOUNG AND DR. DOROTHY JACKSON YOUNG JOURNEYS TO SERIES OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
The Reverend Edrena Houston Brown
Christian Recorder, staff writer
The series of annual conferences in the 11th Episcopal District are underway as the excitement of the clergy congregates, missionaries, youth and laity awaits the arrival for another exciting and enriched new conference year. The Episcopal Leaders of Bishop McKinley and Dr. Dorothy Young are providing spiritual leadership that exemplifies their faith and commitment to the district. The Eleventh Episcopal district is growing to another level of service in ministering to the church and communities. During their tenure, Bishop Young has restored the accreditation of Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida where The Rev. Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, serves as President. Bishop Young has enhanced the advertising media of Evangelism and Outreach for the 11th Episcopal District and has brought clarity to the understanding of Faith and Order in the Board of Examiners. Bishop Young, ecclesiastical leader and scholar, has generated a profound esteem for liturgical development in the overall worship experiences of African Methodism.
Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, a talented and trained professional in the medical field is implementing throughout the Missionary Society “The Project Moses” program which assist families and parents in the prevention of Crib death found among infants. Educational prevention and training of Crib death is being provided throughout the conference and cribs are donated to families in need of Cribs for their infants.
The Florida Conference and Central Florida conferences were blessed. As the Itinerary continues of Bishop and Dr. Young, they will travel to the South Florida Conference on September 23-29, 2006 at Historic Payne Chapel A. M.E. Church, West Palm Beach, Florida. The Reverend Dr. Raymond G. Heastie serves and the presiding elder of the wonderful North District and the Reverend Samuel Sullivan, M. Div., is the Host Pastor. Associate Presiding Elders are; The Reverend John Bodison of the Miami District and the Reverend Jimmy J. Thompson of the Fort Lauderdale District of the south Conference.
The Journey of conferences will continue throughout the Eleventh Episcopal District comprising Florida and the Bahamas through the month of December 2006.
7. THE GLOBAL CORNER - THE REV. DR. CLAUDETTE ANDERSON COPELAND & DESTINY MINISTRIES OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS CAME AND MINISTERED IN BOTSWANA:
The blessings recently showered on the 18th District began last year. In May, 2005 an e-mail from the Reverend Dr. Claudette Copeland to Bishop Sarah indicated that a group of women from San Antonio wanted to come to the 18th District in 2006 for missions and fellowship. Dr. Copeland stated that in lieu of her annual women’s conference season, she would plan for a trip to the 18th District in the September time frame.
The rest is history…on September 7, 2006, 73 persons (69 women and 4 men) stepped off a bus from Johannesburg onto the grounds of Gabion, Botswana with the founder of Destiny Ministries, the Reverend Dr. Claudette Anderson Copeland. Accompanying Dr. Claudette and the women of Destiny Ministries, was Bishop David M. Copeland of New Creation Christian Fellowship and spouse of Dr. Claudette. Bishop Copeland and three other brothers who came on this mission journey also participated in the ministry that took place in Botswana from September 8 – 10, 2006.
Upon their arrival Thursday evening, September 7th, the group was greeted at a Welcome Reception sponsored by Debswana Diamond Company. Churches of various denominations from Botswana that came out to greet the sojourners included: African Methodist Episcopal, United Congregational Church of South Africa, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Seven Day Adventist, Christ Healing Church, Apostolic Church, and others. Many from the local community and government were also on hand to welcome the Copeland’s and Destiny Ministries to Gaborone. The reception program was a brief one with prayer, singing, greetings, fellowship and a wonderful menu. Bishop Sarah introduced Reverend Dr. Copeland who introduced Bishop Copeland and Destiny Ministries to Botswana. There was lot of picture taking, filming and great fellowship before the evening ended and the guests were taken to the Gaborone Sun Hotel for their stay during their four days in Botswana.
On Friday morning, the group headed to the rural ministry site in the Lentsweletau community. This was a one and a half hours drive from the hotel in Gaborone. The mission for Friday was to minister to girls, young adult women and mature women. Approximately 200 women came from all denominations in the community. There was a group of 10 pastors from the community who came to make sure our guests had everything they needed. The 200 women and girls were initially divided into four groups for an agenda of teaching, singing, praying and open discussions. The focus was on women’s issues: health, well being, relationships (God and human), and roles women play; HIV/AIDS – prevention, cure, and care; purpose and values of women. Once the group sessions were completed many small groups fanned out and one-on-one sessions were seen taking place. Dr. Walker, medical doctor, and the nurses with Destiny Ministries were busy from the opening of the Destiny Clinic in the church until it was time to return to the hotel. Breast exams, blood pressure and diabetes tests were offered and in great demand. Several were able to receive referrals for further exams because of these initial screenings. What a day of rejoicing we all had for what God was doing in this community. We ended the day at the Chief’s Kraal for prayer. The month of September is Prayer month in Botswana for HIV/AIDS. The Council of Churches team of Pastors from five different communions of faith served as program participants with Presiding Elder Reverend M. M. Moruakgomo who served as the Worship Leader. Destiny Ministries was invited to share two songs for the service. Before returning to the hotel several persons went to the hospital to pray with patients there.
Saturday morning, September 9th, we all left for Lobatse which was an hour from the hotel by bus. Today’s emphasis was ministering to youth and young children. There were close to 600 persons on site at the M. Joan Cousin Empowerment Centre for Women and Youth where we set up two tents, used Ball Temple AME Church and St. Theresa Catholic Church and its church grounds. Cluster groups were also situated under trees and an outdoor covered pavilion. Today’s breakout groups numbered seven (7). The focus Saturday was teaching and dialogue on issues of HIV/AIDS, loving one’s self, learning how to protect your body, and lessons from Scripture. Lots of games and singing and demonstrations were used in making the lessons more meaningful and establishing rapport among all the groups. The Destiny Clinic was set up again at the M. Joan Cousin Center and Dr. Walker and the nurses examined the young women’s breasts and taught them how to perform self-breast exams. Blood sugar tests were also given to all who requested them (including the men).
Sunday’s Valedictory (farewell) Service for our ministry sojourners was held at Motswedi-wa-Botshelo Chapel AME Church, where the Reverend Mpho M. B. W. Moruakgomo is Pastor and Presiding Elder. The Reverend Dr. Claudette Anderson Copeland was the guest preacher that everyone had been waiting to hear. Invitations had been sent out weeks in advance and three tents were set up on the grounds of Motswedi Sunday morning. If you came much later than 10:30 a.m., you were challenged to find a parking space or a seat. Those in attendance included guests from many different communions of faith. The Seven Day Adventist Church choir marched in with the Motswedi AME Church’s choir singing “We’re Marching to Zion!” You knew from the time the processional started that the service was going to go higher, for the Spirit of the Lord was in the service from the beginning to the end.
Dr. Claudette preached from James 1:14 -24, stressing the need to “Hold on to Your Faith.” She said, “With faith there is always hope!!!” Dr. Claudette and her interpreter moved up and down the aisle preaching and demonstrating the message as if they had ministered together before. Before she finished her “Hold on to Your Faith” proclamation, she presented Bishop Sarah with a replica of a check in the amount of $ 72,000.00 which Destiny Ministries gave to purchase an SUV for the 18th Episcopal District. Bishop Sarah cried, shouted and testified of the goodness and faithfulness of God as she received the gift with much joy.
The other wonderful part of this special service was the awarding of the 18th District’s “Order of Sarah Allen Award” to the Honorable Dr. Margaret Nnananyana Nasha, by Bishop Sarah. The Honorable Dr. Margaret is a fighter for the poor and the marginalized. Her work in spearheading the fight for the rights of the children and their welfare marks the vivid example of the spirit of humanity and Christian mission. In celebrating the Honorable Dr. Margaret Nasha, the 18th District also presented her with a check in the amount of P 10,000.00 ($ 2000) to use as she deemed appropriate.
The blessings continued to come! Bishop David Copeland presenting bottles of anointing oil to all pastors in the service and then pledged $15,000.00 (USD) to the M. Joan Cousin Empowerment Center for the daily feeding of orphans and vulnerable children who come to the Center. The first $2300+ was presented at the time of the announced pledge. How true it is that our God supplies our every need according to His riches! The people gave shouts of thanksgiving and praise for what God was doing.
Bishop David and Reverend Dr. Claudette and Destiny Ministries left Botswana Monday morning headed to Cape Town and more mission work. Many declared when leaving… “We will be back!” Dr. Claudette Copeland and Destiny Ministries, and Bishop David Copeland will long be remembered in Botswana and the 18th District for their loving presence, the giving of their time, talent, and treasure. Truly they made a difference in the lives of all the people and the communities that they visited. We praise God for sending them to the 18th and to Botswana. May God continue to bless them and their ministries is our prayer.
8. SUMMARY OF ACTIONS OF THE 36TH GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (CME) CHURCH:
The 36th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was held June 24-July 2, 2006 in Memphis, Tennessee.
The following is a summary of actions of the CME General Conference, compiled by the Reverend Amariah McIntosh, the Kentucky Region and used with permission of Dr. Kenneth Jones, Editor, The Christian Index, the Official Publication of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
General Conference Summary:
- Adopted the Quadrennial Theme: “From Good to Great: The Jesus Challenge.”
- Passed the character of all active and retired bishops.
- Retired with honor Bishops Marshall Gilmore and Charles Helton.
- Elected Thomas Brown, Sr. and Kenneth Carter the 54th and 55th bishops, respectively.
- Rejected the creation of local diocese and Diocesan Bishops.
- Approved the Strategic Plan of the CME Church.
- Kept the 10th Episcopal District intact.
- Created a new department, The General Department of Ministry to Males and elected Leo Pinkett the first General Secretary of the Department.
- Approved the reports of all General Officers and Commissions.
- Re-elected all incumbent General Officers.
- Elected the Judicial Council Class of 2006: Dr. Godwin Umoette and Rev. Roland Johnson (clergy); Dr. Barbara Boyd and Bernard Snell (lay). Alternates: Dr. Phillip Bryant and Rev. Roy Reid (clergy) and Barbara Nichols and Carter Curtis (lay).
- Received the reports of the College Presidents and Heads of Institutions.
- Approved a new mathematical formula for computing Connectional Assessments and changed the term from Assessments to Apportionments.
- Approved the 2007-2010 Quadrennial Budget.
- Changed the title of the General Secretary of Finance to General Secretary of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.
- Rejected a change in the name Department of Christian Education to Department of Christian Formation and Nurture.
- Changed the number of days of General Conference from nine to seven effective with the 2014 General Conference.
- Rejected allowing a Young Adult to be elected an alternate delegate to the General Conference and a study to limit the number of consecutive times a person may run as a delegate to the General Conference.
- Rejected the automatic election of Regional and District Lay Leaders as delegates to the General Conference.
- Rejected allowing lay members to nominate Stewards.
- Rejected allowing Lay Leaders to interpret the Discipline and chairing the local church Budget Committee.
- Allowed a petition for declaratory judgment to be automatically referred to the Judicial Council after 60 days.
- Rejected a change in the provision to remove local church officers.
- Rejected mandatory first-aid training for ushers.
- Rejected elimination of the 30% head count.
- Rejected allowing Local Elders to be delegates to Annual and General Conferences.
- Rejected a change in the definition of a ‘member in good standing.
- Rejected a change in the name of the Committee on Ministerial Examination.
- Rejected a change in the structure of the Lay Council.
- Approved allowing all registered Lay delegates to be voting delegates at the National Lay Institute.
- Rejected the establishment of a Pastor-Members Relations Committee and Pastor-Church Relations Committee.
- Approved changes in the reporting and composition of the CME Board of Chaplains.
- Approved editorial changes to the Women’s Missionary Council’s Constitution.
- Approved including an emphasis on the family in the Social Creed.
- Approved the process of selecting an interim Regional Lay Leader.
- Rejected a restructure of the District Conference, office of Presiding Elder and Quarterly Conference.
- Approved giving priority to persons with special needs when a host hotel cannot accommodate all General Conference delegates.
- Approved the electronic recording of the General Conference business sessions.
- Approved the name change of the Oklahoma-Muskogee Region to the Oklahoma Region.
- Rejected engaging a professional event planner for CME events.
- Rejected allowing retired ministers to move their membership to the local church.
- Rejected a language change regarding proper clerical vestments for Local Deacons.
- Rejected the issuing of a Certificate of Priestly Orders to unordained persons.
- Rejected a language change regarding the duties of Traveling and Local Deacons.
- Rejected a change in the term “Preacher in Charge” to “Senior Pastor.”
- Approved with changes requests for educational requirements for Deacons and Elders. (Encourage completion of degrees, but not mandatory.)
- Rejected a request for a Connectional Moving Day, but established a Transitional Review Committee to oversee the orderly transition of pastors moving to and from a charge.
- Approved requiring background checks and psychological assessments on ministers, suggesting partnering with other denominations to assist in the process and encouraging an annual health assessment of all itinerant ministers.
- Rejected a program for conflict resolution for pastors and congregations.
- Approved strategies to assist foreign missions in moving to self-sustainability.
- Approved the establishment of a connectional Emergency Relief Fund.
- Changed the mileage reimbursement to be equal to the standard IRS rate.
- Increased the per diem to $50 per day.
- Approved our continued financial membership and affiliation with the National Council of Churches, Pan-Methodist Commission, World Methodist Council, Churches Uniting in Christ, World Council of Churches, and Bread for the World.
- Authorized all levels of the church to create a Cultural Diversity and Ecumenical Awareness Task Force, for the purpose of fostering, developing, and integrating dialogue and working relationships with other faith communities.
- Approved the forming of partnerships on every level of the church to provide increased awareness on the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
- Approved the consideration of a National Signage Project for rural churches.
- Approved advocating policies, procedures, and regulations related to immigration reform.
- Approved the CME Church taking a public stance against the war in Iraq.
- Required all churches to have a written Emergency Action Plan in the case of natural disaster, terrorism or pandemic.
- Approved banning smoking from all CME properties or any other facility where a CME Church service and/or business is being conducted.
- Approved requiring every CME minister in seminary to complete at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
- Approved printing the Book of Discipline in large print.
- Rejected the creation of a Financial Board of Directors.
- Rejected limitations on Connectional Loans by the College of Bishops.
- Rejected a salary increase to $115,000 for bishops.
- Sustained the 2006 General Conference action changing the geographical designation from Conference to Region.
- Ratified the newly created Arkansas Region and approved the Region’s boundaries.
- Approved the split of the Eastern Region (Nigeria) into two regions.
- Approved the creation of a new CME Hymnal.
- Approved the words “holy, catholic” and “communion of saints” be in lower case letters.
- Approved providing for alternative rituals for baptism, Holy Communion and marriage be included in the next printing of the Book of Ritual.
- Approved a recommendation by the Department of Personnel Services to revise the Sexual Harassment Policy.
- Added language to the Social Creed affirming marriage between a man and a woman and forbidding any CME clergy from performing same sex marriages or bless same sex unions. In addition, added language to the Social Creed that calls us to identify and prevent sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in all forms.
9. AME PITTSBURGH BUSINESS, SOCIAL AND FRATERNAL LEADER PASSES:
Taylor Thompson, 86 years old, founding president of Thompson’s Electric Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, respected business, civic, social, fraternal leader, and U.S. Army World War II veteran, died on Sunday, September 10, 2006. Mr. Thompson started Thompson’s Electric Company in 1951 in the Hill District of Pittsburgh and in 1972 relocated the business to the Brentwood Whitehall area of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Taylor Thompson was born November 1, 1919 in Forest, Mississippi to the late Hezekiah Thompson and the late Georgia Jones. He departed this life on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at the Kindred Hospital, Oakdale, Pennsylvania. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, Forest, Mississippi, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent at the age of 15.
He attended the Forest, Scott County Training School (for Coloreds); Mississippi worked in the carpentry shop, the saw mill and continued his education.
In November 1941, he joined the U.S. Army and served faithfully in World War II and was honorably discharged in October 1945. His tour of duty included Africa and Italy where he served in the trucking unit, hauling ammunition, gasoline, food and prisoners. He returned to finish his high school education at T.J. Harris Senior High School, Meridian, Mississippi in 1946. He entered Hampton Institute, studying electronics and completing his work in 1948. Taylor moved to Pittsburgh and received his certification at the Pittsburgh Trade School for television, electrical and electronics. He was employed in Homestead as a juke box repairman.
In 1949, he married Rosie Hale of Aberdeen, Mississippi in Homestead and thus, they began their life together. By 1951, Taylor founded the Thompson’s Electric Company at 2408 Wylie Avenue in the Pittsburgh Hill District. At that time his company was involved in the appliance repair business. While developing the service repair business, he began to add new electrical appliances and accessories as a way of increasing business. This continued until 1959 when Thompson’s Electric Company evolved into the only minority distributor of Zenith radios and televisions in the Pittsburgh area.
In the late 1960’s Thompson Electric Company began to examine new product lines which would enable them to reach a broader base of customers. During this period Thompson’s gradually made the transition from service and repair to a complete wholesale/retail electrical supply business. When this transition was complete, in 1973, they moved to facilities on Saw Mill Run Boulevard in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and restructured the business into a corporation. This incorporation under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, established the flexible structure necessary to do business with a wide range of corporations and government agencies.
Over the years, Thompson Electric Company developed customers in all sectors of the economy. As Taylor Thompson always said, “We’re proud of what we have here, but we don’t want anyone to think that we have it made. We still need new customers to help us to continue to succeed and grow”. This statement is true of any business. Those that aspire to grow and improve are always developing. Those that are satisfied with the status quo are actually declining.
Taylor Thompson was a respected business, civic, social and fraternal leader.
He was Steward Emeritus of Bethel A.M.E. Church Pittsburgh, Past President of the Business and Professional Association of Pittsburgh Inc.; past president of the National Business League, Pittsburgh Chapter; Past Commander of Sergeant William H. Carney, Post No. 46, Veterans of Foreign Wars and life member of the VFW of the United States; Past Chairman of the Board of the Student Consultants Project, University of Pittsburgh; a member of the St. Cyprian Consistory No. 4; member of the North Side Lodge, No. 124 I.B.P.O.E. of W. Pittsburgh; past National Aide-de-Camp of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (1975-1976); Charter Member of the Electronic Service Dealers Association of Western Pennsylvania (1957).
He was also past Imperial Deputy of the Oasis of Pittsburgh of Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South American Jurisdictions Incorporated; past Potentate of Sahara Temple No. 2 A.E.A.O.N.M.S.; past Treasurer of Pittsburgh Coordination Council, under direction of the Allegheny Conference; Past Master of Golden Star Lodge No. 143 F&AM - PHA; and Past President of National Alliance of Television and Electronic Service Association, Pittsburgh Chapter.
He was Past President of the Brentwood-Whitehall Chamber of Commerce; and member of the Brentwood-Whitehall Kiwanis Chapter; appointed Regional Vice-President of the National Business League representing New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey; elected to Who’s Who Among Black Americans, 1975-1976 and past chairman of the Pittsburgh Regional Minority Purchasing Council, Input Committee.
Taylor was preceded in death by his sister, Willie Vera Nicholas Streeter, daughter Norma Jean Thompson and granddaughter, Marissa Hassain
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Rosie H. Thompson, his children the Reverend Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor of St. John AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio, and daughter-in-law Dr. Barbara Jean Hunter Thompson; Bobby A. Hassain, and daughter-in-law Roslyn L. Hassain, Esquire and daughter Betty J. Thompson. His grandchildren Pia Butler, Cortlandt G. Thompson, Becca A. Hassain, and great granddaughter Shakiera, and a host of family and friends.
Submitted by the family,
Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson
216-214-6886 cell phone
412-833-3852 Home
10. MUSEUM DAY 2006 - FREE ENTRY TO MUSEUMS NATIONWIDE:
Free entry available to museums around the country on Saturday, 30 September 2006, as part of the Smithsonian-sponsored Museum Day. You have to download the Museum Day Card to gain free entry for 2 people. Visit the site for the card and the list of participating museums (by state). For those in the DC area who are used to free museums, here is your chance to visit some of the museums in Baltimore without paying a fee (including the Maryland Science Center).
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/articles/what-is.php
On September 30, 2006, for one day only, museums across the country will join the Smithsonian Institution in its long-standing tradition of offering free admission to visitors. How Does The General Public Participate? Download the Museum Day Card.
For answers to any questions, please contact us at museumday@si.edu.
If the link to the Museum Day card doesn't work, paste this into your browser: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/files/md_card.html
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- The Rev. and Mrs. Eugene E. (Jewel) McAshan celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, September 2, 2006 at the Marriott Islandia Hotel, Islandia, NY with approximately 250 persons in attendance. Their four children and eleven grandchildren were all a part of the wedding. Jewel’s original Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids were back for the celebration. Rev. McAshan's Best Man and Groomsmen were all Wilberforceans. The Rt. Rev. Richard F. Norris, Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District officiated as they repeated their vows.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
JD2EEMc4@aol.com
Rev. and Mrs. Eugene E. McAshan
1 Arthur Street
Copiague, NY 11726
631-841-0386
- Senedra S. Moore received her License as a Registered Nurse on Saturday, September 9, 2006. She graduated from Henderson State University May 13, 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Senedra is the daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Cornelious L. Hollinshed of Hot Springs, Arkansas, pastor of Pine Grove and Mt. Vernon A.M.E. Churches, Magnolia, Arkansas, Twelfth Episcopal District, West Arkansas Conference.
Email congratulatory messages can be sent to: vhollinshed@arkansaslegalservices.org
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: jdupontw@aol.com
Please receive this report about the death of Thedford Winston Dupont, son of the Rev. King Solomon Dupont (deceased Presiding Elder of the 11th Episcopal District) and brother of "Jackie" Dupont-Walker (Social Action Commission Consultant)
Survived by wife (Bertha) daughters - Cassandra and Monica with three grandchildren
Services to be held Friday, September 22, 2006 at 11 AM
St. Paul AME Church
825 Dover Road
Midway, Florida
850/ 539-0930
The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Brooks, Pastor
Mortuary: Madry Memorial Funeral Chapel
For mail
PO Box 874
Quincy, FLA. 32353
For deliveries
55 Madry Court
Quincy, FLA. 32351
850/ 875-2665 - voice
850/ 627-2885 - fax
gm2441@comcast.net - email
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Family of Thedford W. Dupont
c/o Sistah "Jackie" Dupont-Walker
1621 Wellington Road
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Email: jdupontw@aol.com
Cell: 213/ 494-9493
FAX: 323/ 734-5003
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: Gmabelbrown@aol.com
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Marvin Fogle; the brother of Rev. Manuel Fogle, pastor of St. Matthews AMEC in the Manning District of the 7th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements:
Funeral services
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
1:00 PM
Greater Friendship AME Church
3669 Tee Vee Road
Santee, SC 29142
803-845-2567 Phone
Services are entrusted to:
Jenkins Funeral Home
1696 Russell Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
803-534-2522
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. & Mrs. Manuel Fogle
119 Milwaukee Court
Santee, SC 29142
803-854-3601
Submitted by: Gwendolyn Brown
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE
From: 1wim@htcomp.net
I regretfully announce that Rev. Marva Bywaters, Pastor of Petra A.M.E. Church in Houston, Texas (Texas Annual Conference) went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 10, 2006.
Service Arrangements Held:
Wake: Friday, September 15, 2005 (6:00 P.M.)Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Dr. Ruben Braziel, Sr.-Pastor
3208 Washington Avenue
Houston, Texas 77088
Ph: (713)862-8718
Homegoing Service
Saturday, September 16, 2006 (12 P.M. Noon)
Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church
The Rev. Dr. Leo Griffin-Pastor
2209 Dowling Street
Houston, Texas 77003
Ph: (713) 659-6682
Condolences may be sent to:
Ms. Billie Garner (Sister)
4919 LaBranch Street
Houston, Texas 77004
Ph: (713)522-4775
Professional Services were entrusted to
McCoy and Harrison Funeral Home
4918 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Houston, Texas
Ph: (713) 659-7618
Submitted by,
The Rev. Dr. Sherryl A. Matlock-Pastor
St. James A.M.E. Church
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: mrscampbell@hotmail.com
Sadly we announce the home going of Mrs. Helen Verdell Tucker Golden. Mrs. Golden is the sister of Sister Gwendolyn Tucker Jenkins of the Eleventh Episcopal District of the AME Church, South Conference. Sister Gwendolyn Jenkins is the spouse of Presiding Elder C. E. Jenkins (Retired)
Funeral Service:
Date: September 20, 2006
Time:2:00 p.m.
Place:
Mt. Hermon AME Church
2245 W. Bunche Park Dr.
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Tel: 321-(305) 621-5067
Service Entrusted to:
Royal Funeral Service Chapel
17475 N.W. 27th Ave.
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
(305) 625-6818
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Gwendolyn T. Jenkins
2403 Dunbar Ave.
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (321) 727-3418
Fax (321) 722-0970
Submitted by,
Mrs. Marva Campbell,
South Conference MSA President
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Please remember the bereaved families in your prayers.
17. 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
