THIS IS A ROUGH DRAFT OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER DAILY GENERAL CONFEFRENCE REPORT; JULY 4 – 11:
Editor's Note: This is a rough draft because the Editor is rushing to get this information on the website as soon as possible following the close of the General Conference.
The Christian Recorder subscribers have already received most of this report, and other information via the Christian Recorder daily General Conference reports. The Editor will make revisions when he returns to his office in Nashville.
The Christian Recorder Daily Report: Day 2, July 5, 2008
The day began with early Morning Prayer and Bible Study.
Business Session II
Business Session II began at 6 a.m. with Bishop John Bryant presiding. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle and Bishop David R. Daniels were associate presiding officers. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. was the preparer of the Episcopal address. Various bishops shared in the reading of the Episcopal Address.
There were several significant parts and I would hope that all of our members will receive and read the report. I hope that the Episcopal Address, in addition to being referred, will be acted upon.
There were several significant portions of the Episcopal address; one of which was read by Bishop Richard Norris is entitled, “Super Department/Meetings.” The reports in part, reads:
“The nature of the world economy during this quadrennial should have vividly etched into our minds the need to revisit the voluminous connection gatherings we habitually hold annually. The country is in a recession. The dollar is being devalued worldwide, the price of oil and the numerous products associated with it have sky rocketed. The travel and hotel industry prices are at an all time high. Yet we show no tendency to slow down! We continue to meet and schedule meetings to plan meetings at the same break-neck pace! The time for retrenching, belt-tightening, better stewardship of our resources is called for. The Church must revisit our fetish with holding meetings! Beginning with this General Conference and becoming a reality after the rise of the 2012 General Conference, there shall be only two connectional meetings per quadrennial; one meeting being a five (5) business- day Convocation at which all departments will convene in the same city. Each department will participate in the planning and programming. Their meetings will also feature worship, elections, legislation and fellowship. The second meeting of the quadrennial will be the General Conference. No department will be allowed to hold more than two Executive Boards during a four (4) year period. The implementation of this concept will be the results of revisions in the department’s constitutions and by-laws during 2008-2012.”
Bishop Gregory G.M Ingram read about the future of our AME publications, in which he encouraged all leadership levels of the Church to more fully use the AME periodicals. The report also encouraged all members to read all of our periodicals.
The ministry of chaplains was also highlighted in the report and the chaplaincy was commended as an authentic ministry that should be affirmed by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Chaplain Candidate Program was also commended to the Church as an option for preparation for ministry.
The General Conference adjourned for lunch.
The auditorium was prepared for Senator Obama’s speech.
Senator Barack Obama came onto the auditorium at 2 p.m. and gave a magnificent speech. You can view Senator Obama’s speech on all of the major networks. Mr. Obama was warmly received by the members of the General Conference.
The late afternoon / evening session dealt with the Episcopal Address, which received commendation from the GC delegates. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. was commended for his hard work.
Business Session III proceeded without a dinner break. Session III closed at 8 p.m.
The following General Officers gave their quadrennial reports via PowerPoint presentations:
Treasurer/Dr. Richard Lewis
General Secretary/Dr. Clement Fugh
Department of Annuity Investments and insurance/Dr. Jerome Harris
Sunday School Union/Dr. Johnny Barbour
The Treasurer’s Report provoked a lot of lively discussion; the General Secretary’s report was creative; the department of Annuity Investments and Insurance also provoked lively discussion; and the Sunday School Union Report was straightforward and voted upon without discussion.
Business Session III closed with prayer let by Bishop Sarah Davis and the benediction given by Bishop Robert Webster.
Day 3, Sunday, July 6 begins with Church School at 8 a.m., followed by Worship and Holy Communion Service at 10 a.m.
The Christian Recorder Daily Report: Business Session V, Day 4, July 7, 2008
Early Morning Prayer
Business Session V
The Department of Christian Education’s Quadrennial Report was given by Dr. Daryl Ingram. The report was enthusiastically received and Dr. Ingram and the Department of Christian Education were given high commendation for their work.
The Revisions Committee gave its first reading.
The Voting Commission, formerly the Election Commission, gave its report that included the directions for using the voting keypad.
The Episcopal Committee made its first report:
The Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry is the Chair of the Episcopal Committee.
The organization of the Episcopal Committee was given to the General Conference.
The Organization of the Episcopal Committee was accepted by the General Conference.
Bishop Preston Warren Williams’ birth date was confirmed as July 17, 1939 and the General Conference is to determine Bishop Williams’ retirement date. A spirited discussion took place concerning the retirement date and it was decided that the issue of Bishop Williams’ retirement would be sent back to committee.
Special guests were presented to the General Conference by Chaplain Ammie Davis, LT, USN, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina presented the special guests: Bishop Christopher Epting, Ecumenical and interfaith relations for the Episcopal church; the Rev. Dr. George Freeman, General Secretary, World Methodist Council; and Dr. Stephen Sidorak, General secretary of the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, United Methodist Church.
Following the introduction of special guests, the discussion about the voting pads continued.
The General Conference adjourned for lunch.
Business Session VI
The Episcopal District makes its second report. The second Report began with prayer delivered by the Rev. James F. Miller.
The Episcopal Committee unanimously changed the retirement date of Bishop Preston Warren Williams from 2012 to 2016 / Approved by the General Conference by vote with handheld voting pads.
The Revisions Committee gave a continuation of the earlier report. The discussion of the various bills is provoking a spirited discussion.
The General Conference adjourned for dinner
Business Session VII
The following reports were given:
- SADA / Mr. Robert Nicholas
- Department of Global Witness and Ministry / Dr. George Flowers
- Dr. Flowers and his department received loud commendations for the great work of his department in the continental USA and overseas. Dr. Flowers acknowledged those who were helpful to his work and recognized Dr. John Collier and Dr Jacqueline Grant Collier (Co-Editors of The Voice of Missions), his staff and his wife, Mrs. Phoenicia Flowers.
- Global Development Council (GDC)/Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah
- Department of Research and Scholarship / Dr. Dennis Dickerson
- The Christian Recorder / Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
- Department of Church Growth and Development / Dr. James Wade
All of the General Officers and their departments were given the highest commendations for their ministry and their departments.
The Session adjourned for the day.
The session closed with the hymn, “Father, I stretch my Hands to Thee” and prayer.
The Christian Recorder Daily Report: Business Session VIII, Day 5, July 8, 2008
The following reports were presented:
- Debutante Masters Commission
- Educational Institutions
- Lay Organization / Dr. Jesse Burns
- Women’s Missionary Society / Dr. Jamesina Evans
- Development of Districts 14-20
- Social Action
- Sons of Allen
- Women in Ministry
- Music and Christian Arts Ministry
The Memorial Service
The Memorial Service was conducted in a most appropriate and spiritually moving. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., and his members are to be commended for the dignity in which they conducted the service; it brought tears to my eyes.
- Commission on Statistics and Finance – Bishop C. Garnett Henning / Dr. Richard Lewis
There was a spirited AME discussion; anyone who has been to an AME General Conference knows what I am talking about. The Commission on Statistics and Finance will go back into session to reconsider the budget.
- Council of Bishops Nominations
The General Conference voted that the Commission on Statistic and Finance return to the GC to give its report tomorrow, Thursday morning (7/9/08)
- The Revisions Commission addressed the General Conference on the bills that have financial implications. Again the discussion was lively and the business of the General Conference is “moving up a notch.” Spirited discussion ensued with each reading of the bills. All of the bills had financial implications. One of the bills dealt with quarterly payments by Episcopal districts to the Finance Office. The recommendation states that notification of late / nonpayment of quarterly payments by Episcopal districts will be published in The Christian Recorder.
The afternoon session ended with the reading of a special resolution read by Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams. All of the lay delegates were invited to stand as she read her special resolution. She noted that at the special called meeting of the General Conference in 1946, the Bishops of the Church said the AME Church needed and informed laity (The full resolution will be published in The Christian Recorder). Dr. Williams received a rousing acceptance of her resolution which challenged the laity and the leadership of the AME Church to b e full partners in ministry.
The Election Commission, chaired by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, read the list of candidates for election that will take place on Thursday.
The election is scheduled for Thursday morning. Subscribers will get the result of each person elected as it happens.
The meeting adjourned with prayer. The business session will resume tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.
The Christian Recorder Daily Report: Day 6, July 9, 2008
The preparation of this General Conference has been superb; registration, availability of transportation from the various hotels and other administrative comforts that are results of superb planning. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, General Conference Commission Chairperson and her staff are to be commended for helping to make this one of the most efficient General Conferences.
The campaigning for bishop has been kicked up a couple of notches. The candidates and their entourages are creatively attempting to show all of the delegates that they are the best persons to elected bishop. Some of the candidates are providing transportation from the front of the Convention Center to the auditorium, which is located in the rear of the facility. The facility has a very long hallway and it’s a long walk from the street to the auditorium. Other candidates are handing out ball point pins and other useful items.
The vending area is very large and seems to me to be larger than we had have had at other General Conferences. In spite of the business sessions, the people are taking timed to shop.
Business Session X
The morning began with the report of the Commission on Statistics and Finance – Bishop C. Garnett Henning / Dr. Richard Lewis. Last night they worked on the budget and the revised budget is what they have brought back to this session of the General Conference.
The vote was taken and the revised budget has been rejected. Another vote was taken to equalize the salaries of the indigenous overseas bishops and to increase the budget. The vote was taken motion carried. Bishop C. Garnett Henning thanked the General Conference for the vote to accept the budget.
The Revisions Committee returned for the next readings of bills. One of the bills concern a change to the clergy sexual misconduct rules in the AME Church. All clergy will be trained in the policies of sexual misconduct and must sign a statement that they have read and understood the sexual misconduct policy. Additionally, background checks will be required of all clergy members. The supervisory chain of supervision is established by the proposed policy. Supervisors must respond in writing within 48 hours to any sexual misconduct complaints. The accuser must reply in writing to any complaint lodged against him or her. Women must be members of judicial committees. The AME Church is serous about sexual misconduct.
The Episcopal Committee is slowly making its way to auditorium. Everything stops when it is announced each time the Episcopal Committee makes a report. The Episcopal Committee procession to the dais is dignified and precise. Delegates, alternate delegates, and observers take their seats when the Episcopal Committee enters. Their entrance is a solemn tradition in the AME Church.
The third report was given in two parts. The characters of all bishops were passed; medical certificates of general health were received and reviewed by the Episcopal Committee.
Three bishops, Bishop Philip R. Cousin; Bishop Robert V. Webster; and Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. were approved for retirement. Three new bishops will be elected at this General Conference. There will be an orientation and training for all new bishops.
The Episcopal Committee’s report was approved.
Business Session X adjourned for lunch
Business Session XI
The Revisions Committee dealt with issues that are important to the Church
Bishop Cousin said that the Church had treated him well and that he had consulted with Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle and Bishop Robert V. Webster and they agreed that the work of the Church was important and that the work of the Revisions Committee needed to be completed; and he moved that the Retirement Service be cancelled. Spirited discussion ensued because some of the delegates wanted to follow Bishop Cousin’s recommendation and others wanted to have the service.
The GC voted to cancel the service, but discussion continued it was agreed that the retirement service would be held in conjunction with the Consecration Service.
The work of the Revisions Committee continued. One of the proposed bills that precipitated discussion was the bill to prohibit local elders and deacons to serve as supply preachers when itinerant and deacons and elders are available.
The body voted that the proposed bill be eliminated. Local elders and local deacons will be able to serve as supply pastors.
A discussion was held about a whether or not the AME Church should move to the acceptance of a permanent diaconate. That concept of ministry was not accepted by the delegates of the GC.
Business Session XI, Wednesday Evening (Con’t)
The work of the Revisions Committee continued its work with spirited discussion for the third reading of the proposed bills and proposed legislative changes.
The GC participants have to clear the auditorium by 9:45 p.m. or additional costs will be incurred.
The Revisions Committee completed its work of the evening. It’s time to depart this facility; and for Episcopal Districts and other entities to have their meetings, which will last late into the night and some of the meetings will last past midnight.
The election of bishops, et. al., will take place tomorrow (Thursday, July 10, 2008.
This business session was adjourned.
The benediction was given by Bishop Adams.
Business Session XI, Thursday, Day 8, July 11, 2008
The following persons were elected bishops:
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
John F. White
Thursday Evening – The General Officers’ Installation Service
The Installation Service for the reelected General Officers was conducted on Thursday evening. The service was well-attended and a spiritually enriched worship service.
The Christian Recorder Daily Report: Friday, Day 8, July 11, 2008
The Consecration Service was held. The following persons were elected bishops and this date consecrated as bishops in the African Methodist Episcopal Church:
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
John F. White
Business Session XIV
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry was the chair of the Friday morning business session.
The Strategic Planning Meeting Report as delivered and received by the General Conference.
The Rev. Sarah Pedinny, Presiding Elder for AME-India was presented to the General Conference. Rev. Pedinny addressed the General Conference and was well-received by the GC.
Bishop McCloud introduced the Rev. Cristalene Whalen as the most newly endorsed military chaplain.
Bishop McKenzie announced that the AME delegates and visitors had 16,000 room nights in St. Louis. The AME Church received $485,000 in sponsorship and in kind sponsorship donations of $125,000. Bishop and Dr. McCloud; the Rev. Mark Whitlock, Mrs. Delores Lewis; and Dr. Richard Lewis were responsible for raising the cash and in kind gifts that supported the General Conference.
The General Conference gave a rousing standing ovation for the great work of Bishop McKenzie and the General Conference Commission.
All of the bishops were commended by their Episcopal Districts and received extended rounds of applause.
The official Information of the General Secretary will be posted on the official AME Website: www.ame-church.com/
The Consecration Worship Service began with the Processional of the General Officers and the Bishops.
The bishops-elect, the Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath, the Julius H. McAllister, Sr. and the Rev. John F. White were seated in the place of honor; in the front pulpit area.
The versatile Fifth Episcopal District choir sang to the glory of God.
Bishop Philip R, Cousin’s sermon taken from Joshua 1:2, was a charge to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop Cousin reminded us that the African Methodist Episcopal Church has “a great past, but a greater future.” He spoke about the importance of the “now.” We should not waste the “now.” The “now” is filled with difficulties. The AME Church stands at a threshold of a greater future. The congregation came to its feet when he asked of the congregation had ever heard a preacher say, “That ain’t much,” went on to say, “Preachers who say that ain’t much.” He encouraged pastors and laity to be positive, and explained that the AME Church was not dead, but in need of “pruning.”
Bishop Cousin preached a dynamic and Holy Spirit filled sermon. At the end of his sermon he was greeted by his wife of over fifty years who went up to the pulpit to hug and embrace him. The congregation rose to its feet.
The musicians played “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and the congregation burst into the singing of that great hymn; the scheduled listed hymn was “Joys are Flowing.” After singing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness, the congregation transitioned into singing the hymn, Joys are Flowing.” Bishop Sarah Davis extended the Invitation and closed the Invitation with prayer.
Bishop John Bryant moved to the pulpit and called Bishop and Mrs. Cousin; Bishop and Mrs. Chappelle; and Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster and his daughter, Supervisor White to the pulpit. Bishop Bryant explained that Bishops Cousin, Chappelle and Webster had over 150 years of combined ministry. Bishop Bryant said that ministry was a shared vocation and that it was appropriate to honor the spouses with their husbands.
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Bishop Cousin led in the service of transferring the Senior Bishop title to Bishop John R. Bryant. Bishop Bryant is officially the Senor Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The offering was collected and blessed and the choir continued to sing to the glory of God.
The Service of Consecration
Bishop McKinley Young was the worship leader for the Service of Consecration for the three Bishops-elect. Bishops and itinerant elders selected by the Bishops-elect participated in the Service of Consecration.
The Right Rev. Jeffrey N. Leath, the Right Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr. and the Right Rev. John F. White were joined by their spouses when they were given Holy Communion.
The Closing Business Service
The following are the Episcopal assignments for 2008 – 2012:
1st Episcopal District – Bishop Richard Franklin Norris
2nd Episcopal District – Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson
3rd Episcopal District – Bishop Cornel Garnett Henning
4th Episcopal District – Bishop John Richard Bryant
5th Episcopal District – Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland
6th Episcopal District – Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux
7th Episcopal District – Bishop Preston Warren Williams II
8th Episcopal District – Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
9th Episcopal District - Bishop James Levert Davis
10th Episcopal District – Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram
11th Episcopal District – Bishop McKinley Young
12th Episcopal District – Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr.
13th Episcopal District – Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
14th Episcopal District – Bishop David R. Daniels
15th Episcopal District – Bishop Wilfred Messiah
16th Episcopal District – Bishop Sarah Frances Davis
17th Episcopal District – Bishop Paul Jones Kawimbe
18th Episcopal District – Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
19th Episcopal District – Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
20th Episcopal District – Bishop Julius H. McAllister
Office of Ecumenical and Urban Affairs - Bishop John F. White
The Closing Business Session consisted of the final report of the Episcopal Committee.
The closing hymn was “God be with You Till We Meet Again.”
The benediction was pronounced by Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr.
“The Right Hand of God” was the Recessional Hymn.
The 2008 General Conference has ended.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
