Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
SPECIAL 2009 GENERAL BOARD/BISHOPS’ COUNCIL EDITION:
1. REPORT FROM THE 2009 ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL BOARD AND THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder and *Mr. John Thomas
From June 23-24, 2009 AME clergy and lay leaders gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana for the Annual Meeting of the General Board and the Council of Bishops. Under the leadership of Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr. (President of the General Board) and Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry (President of the Council of Bishops and Host), the various departments, agencies and Episcopal Districts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gathered to give the annual stewardship report of their work. Other AME auxiliaries and bodies began meeting as early as June 21, with the WMS, AME-SADA, CONN-M-SWAWO+PK’s, and the Board of Trustees of the AME Church, Inc. holding various business sessions.
The opening plenary session was called to order promptly at 9 AM on June 23rd by Bishop DeVeaux. After the devotion and roll call, the assembly was addressed by Senior Bishop John Bryant who reminded those gathered that the AME Church was “not poor” and should not carry a mentality of poverty. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland (1st Vice President of the General Board) acknowledged the various dignitaries of the Connectional AME Church and reminded those assembled that they should “rather be [at the meeting] than the finest mortuary in town.” During the adoption of the minutes from the previous session and the March Executive Committee meeting, Bishop David Daniels, Jr. and Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. both raised points of unreadiness regarding the decision of the General Board and the Council of Bishops to fund the expenditures of General Board representatives from the Episcopal District budgets due to the exhaustion of Connectional Budget for legal expenses. Bishop DeVeaux addressed Bishop Daniels by stating that the Council of Bishops had agreed to aid the representatives from Districts 14-20.
Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie (Chair of the Quadrennial Theme Committee for the Council of Bishops) introduced the theme 2008-2009 theme “Inheritance” as well as the availability of the 2009 Anvil. Of special note was the inclusion in the 2009 Anvil of four issues of “The AME Magazine”--the earliest known AME periodical--thanks to the efforts of the Schomburg Center and Rev. Dr. Mark K. Tyler, Pastor of Mother Bethel AMEC. Bishop McKenzie informed the body that all twelve (12) issues of “The AME Magazine” will be available in the 2009 Anvil eBook. The Council of Bishops voted to distribute the 2004-2008 proceeds from sales of the Anvil to the following causes: Metropolitan AMEC, Washington, DC ($10,000); AME University, Liberia ($10,000); and Morris Brown College, Georgia ($10,000). Bishop McKenzie encouraged all persons to support the Anvil so that the Church could continue to pass the benefits on to worthy causes. The plenary then adjourned for the members to attend their various Commission/Committee assignments.
Later on the evening of June 24th, the 8th Episcopal District presented the Investiture Banquet for Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry with the theme: “An Incredible Call Comes Full Circle”. The affair was truly magnificent with the talent of the 8th District entertaining the Connectional Church through song and dance. Even the hotel food was top-notch with quality well above standard banquet fare. Various political leaders extended greetings including New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin and City Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis. The banquet reached its zenith with a special tribute by critically acclaimed artist Tonea Stewart chronicling the life of Bishop Tyler Guidry. More than several persons in the room were moved to tears by the powerful witness and testimony of the life of the 122nd elected and consecrated Bishop of African Methodism. After the solemn transference of the Medallion of the President of the Council of Bishops, Tyler Guidry and others processed out in true New Orleans fashion forming the “second line” accompanied by a brass band. The investiture of 2009 was truly one for the history books.
Wednesday morning June 24th began with the Council of Bishops Worship Service. Bishop Vashti McKenzie delivered a timely sermon “Behold, I Will Do a New Thing” based on Isaiah 43:19 and Isaiah 11:6. Bishop McKenzie reminded the congregation that if there is no hope in the present there will be no hope in the future. People must rise above their crises and not relieve in the past, but learn from it. The message was especially apt given the challenges which currently face the AME Church. After the General Board luncheon and recognition of Supervisor Carol Messiah as the new President of the Episcopal Supervisor's Council, the final plenary session began. The various Commissions presented their reports and recommendations (see below for detail). Mr. Carl Dickerson, President of Dickerson Employee Benefits and brother of General Officer Dennis Dickerson, gave a presentation on the implementation of a Captive Insurance Company for the AME Church and received authorization from the General Board to use $350,000 of his own capital to begin the feasibility study.
AME Treasurer and CFO Richard Lewis stated that $0 was owed on the Connectional Line of Credit and all Episcopal Districts (to date) had complied with the quarterly payment schedule. Mr. John Thomas III (13th District) presented a “Resolution to Encourage Financial Accountability among the Departments, Agencies and Episcopal Districts of the AME Church” in an attempt to create General Board guidelines for the receipt and evaluation of financial documents. The General Board instructed the Commission on Statistics and Finance to evaluate the resolution and present recommendations for reporting guidelines to the 2010 Annual Session. Bishop Daniels presented the Treasurer of the AME Church with a check for $5000 covering the 14th District's contribution to the Connectional budget and spoke on the growth of the AME University endowment. After the conclusion of the Board's secular business, the Rev. Michael Broadnax, Sr. of the 13th Episcopal District led a memorial service to commemorate the life of Bishop Vernon Randolph Byrd, Sr. A special tribute and prayer were delivered by Senior Bishop John Bryant.
The Board then adjourned until June 2010. The next session will be hosted by Bishop James L. Davis and the 9th Episcopal District.
General Board Commission Recommendations Approved by the General Board
The Commission on Publications, Bishop Richard Norris, Chair
The General Officers who are members of the Commission on Publications are, Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer, Sunday School Union, Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer/Director of Research & Scholarship and the Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review; and Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, Editor, The Christian Recorder. The Rev. Henry A. Belin III is the Vice-Chairperson and the Ms. Latrellis O. Dent is the Secretary.
The General Officers and the Departments of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are amenable and accountable to the General Board. Another way of explaining the relationship of the General Officers to the General Board is that the “General Officers relationship to the General Board is as a pastor’s relationship is to the Annual Conference. The General Board is where General Officers give their reports and are on the “hot seat.” As pastors who give a sigh of relief after reading their Annual Conference Reports, General Officers offer sighs of relief after giving their reports and when their reports have been voted on and passed by the members of the General Board.
The General Board is made up of the Executive Committee, the Commission on Statistics and Finance, the Commission on Publications, the Commission on Church Growth and Development, the Commission on Annuity Investments and insurance, the Commission on Christian Education, the Commission on Seminaries, universities, Colleges and Schools, the Commission on Women in Ministry, Commission on Social Action, the Commission on Lay Organization, the Commission on Global Witness and Ministry, the Commission on Economic Development, the Commission on Chaplains, the Commission on Global Development, the Commission on Health, and the Commission on Ministry and Recruitment. Each Commission has members from every Episcopal District.
The meeting was called to order by Bishop Richard F. Norris; Dr. Johnny Barbour led in the devotional and called on the Rev. Marcellus Norris gave the prayer.
Bishop Norris greeted the members of the Publications Commission and acknowledgements the leadership the Commission; Dr. Johnny Barbour, Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson and Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III.
The Reports of all of the General Officers were published in a Combined Report that was available to all members of the General Board. Copies of the Combined General Officers may be ordered from the AMEC Sunday School Union http://amecpublishinghouse.com.
Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer, Sunday School Union
The Recommendations of the AMEC Sunday School Union are as follows:
- That all entities of the AME Church be encouraged to order and use the AME literature and supplies from the AMEC Sunday School Union.
- That the usage of the AMEC Trademark/Logo should not be used without permission. (An application for Permission to Use is included in the Annual Report).The shield with the anvil, the cross, and the lettering African Methodist Episcopal is the registered service trademark of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC). This trademark cannot be used for commercial purposes. Any permission to use this trademark must be approved by the AMEC Sunday School Union. Every usage of the service mark must maintain the accuracy of the symbol in its design, proportion and style. Please refer to application for permission. All applications must be submitted to Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer, Sunday School Union, 500 8th Avenue, South, Suite 200, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.
Recommendation from the floor:
- That all Official Board members and new members, following the completion of new members classes, be encouraged to purchase a current copy of The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – 2008.
There was also a request to include the Board of Examiners as another part of the requirement for purchasing a current copy of The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – 2008. A suggestion was made by Bishop Norris that this body send a Letter of Recommendation to the Bishops of the church to encourage this requirement.
Dr. Calvin Sydnor, Editor of The Christian Recorder
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor began his report by acknowledging the presence of Dr. Rickey Spain and Dr. Robert Reid, retired Editors of The Christian Recorder.
Recommendations of The Christian Recorder:
- That the Church work for a cultural shift from the notion of pastors ordering The Christian Recorder and one other periodical on their Annual Conference Reports and that encouragement for everyone to subscribe to all of the periodicals of the AME Church
- That the Episcopal leadership aggressively pushes for more members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to subscribe to The Christian Recorder and the other AME Church periodicals.
- That the Episcopal leadership aggressively requires every person involved in ministry and all applicants for ministry (itinerant elder, local elder, local deacon, licentiate, exhorter, deaconess) be required to subscribe to The Christian Recorder.
- That the Episcopal leadership aggressively pushes for stewards, trustees and other officers who serve in leadership positions in the local church to subscribe to The Christian Recorder
- That all academic institutions of the African Methodist Episcopal Church subscribe to, and have copies of The Christian Recorder in their libraries and that that local churches subscribe to The Christian Recorder and make copies available to its members who may not have subscribed to The Christian Recorder.
- That the African Methodist Episcopal Church be intentional in eradicating the “digital divide” by encouraging all local churches in the African Methodist Episcopal Church to purchase and have functioning Internet access.
Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer/Director of Research & Scholarship and the Editor of AME Review
Dr. Dickerson reported that The A.M.E. Church Review is up to date with publication and referred to his report with a correction that the January-March 2009 issue has been published.
The Recommendation from Dr. Dickerson:
- That the General Board endorse the project proposal that the Historiographer / Executive Director of the Department of Research and Scholarship has presented for the Bicentennial AME Encyclopedia.
A motion to receive this report with high accommodations was accepted by the body.
Bishop Norris in closing stated that in 2010 we will observe the 250th birthday of Richard Allen and plans have been implemented to recognize our founding father, Bishop Richard Allen.
The AMEC Sunday School Union has a website available which will allow persons to order literature and to subscribe to the AME periodicals.
The Rev. Henry Belin gave a dismissal prayer and the meeting of the Publication Commission was adjourned.
The Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges and Schools, Bishop John F. White, Sr., Chair
1) Face to Face meetings are with the Commission Chairperson and other concerned parties are to be held with the Presidents and Chairpersons of the Boards of Trustees of all Seminaries, Universities, and Colleges
2) Full support is given to the Isaac R. Clark Pastors and Musicians Conference at Turner Theological Seminary (ITC)
The Commission on Health, Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Chair
1) AME Churches in the 2nd, 11th, and 13th Districts will participate in the Alzheimer's Study being carried out by Vanderbilt University Hospital, University of Miami, and North Carolina A&T. The focus of the study is to help scientists determine the genetic and environmental factors that may cause individuals
2) Urgency of contacting our respective Congresspersons to encourage them in supporting Healthcare Reform being urged by President Obama. The AME Church is a part of the coalition that is urging the United States Congress to pass Healthcare Reform legislation.
3) It is important to publicize amehealth.org in The Christian Recorder and link it to the various Episcopal Districts websites and it is also urgent that health directors from each Episcopal District upload information to www.amehealth.org
4) Each bishop is encouraged to have Episcopal Health Directors be more proactive in responding to requests for information and uploading information to the website.
The Commission on Christian Education, Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, Chair
1) Through interdepartmental collaboration between the AMEC Sunday School Union, Department of Church Growth and Development, Department of Global Witness and Ministry and Christian Education, resource materials in languages other than English will be developed for standard usage throughout the Connection
2) Each Episcopal District will have an Episcopal District Director Boy Scout Director and Episcopal District Girl Scout Director
3) Each Episcopal District will have an Episcopal District Sons of Allen Coordinator.
4) Each Episcopal District organizes Fellowship of Church Educators units.
5) Each Episcopal District organizes units of the Richard Allen Young Adult Council.
6) The Good Samaritan (Youth/Local Churches) and Cross and Anvil (Adult/Local Churches) Awards be approved for distribution to awardees beginning September 2009.
7) Each congregant interested and involved in Christian Education be encouraged to submit their email address to the Department for more effective communication transmission.
8) Each Episcopal District appoints an Episcopal District Director of MCAM and an Episcopal District Coordinator of Dance and Drama.
9) MCAM's connectional organizational structure shall be replicated at the Episcopal District, Annual Conference, Presiding Elder District, and local church levels.
10) Each connectional component includes and/or consults the Music and Christian Arts Ministry when planning meetings or events where music is needed, to help ensure continuity in the presentation of music throughout the Church.
11) The musician (organist/pianist) or director assigned to a leadership position at the Connectional level shall be an activist member of MCAM.
12) The Commission fully supports the continuance of the relationship of the AMEC and the Boy scouts of America via the Memorandum of Mutual Support.
13) The Commission fully supports the Christian Education Department of the African Methodist Episcopal Church entering into a partnership with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America via the Partnership Memorandum of Understanding.
The Commission on Social Action, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
1) Authorization to create the most appropriate non-profit entity to act on the AME Church's behalf to obtain [the collection of Rosa Parks' memorabilia].
2) Concurrence to collaborate with the reps of the Council of Bishops and the Executive Committee of the Commission on Statistics and Finance in finalizing all steps.
3) Approval to develop a plan for raising the funds.
The Commission on Church Growth and Development, Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Chair
1) That Bishops send recommendations for the Order of the Flame to the Department of Church Growth and Development by September 2009 for the March 2010 meeting.
2) That Bishops encourage clergy to become part of the AME Network streaming to enhance the visibility of local churches.
3) That Bishops and Pastors encourage licentiates, pastors, and laity to become a part of the Certification Program.
4) That pastors with ministers and laypersons involved in the Department Certification Program cooperate with those students who need to complete an Evangelism project for their certification.
5) That Chairpersons of the Board of Examiners encourage pastors and lay persons to register for the 2010 Annual Seminar.
The Commission on Global Development, Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe, Chair
1) The Connectional Meeting planner be instructed to properly display all national flags of countries in which the AME Church is present in according to accepted international protocol at the various Connectional meetings.
2) The proposals for translation of AME materials into languages other than English be referred to the Global Development Council for implementation.
3) The Council of Bishops in conjunction with the General Church will assist in development a unified strategy to obtain visas for delegates representing Districts 14-20 traveling to Connectional meetings. Special care must be taken to ensure the safe arrival and departure of the members in accordance with United States visa regulations.
4) The various Connectional auxiliaries be encouraged to hold at least one Connectional meeting at a location in Districts 14-20 within the next quadrennium.
The Commission on Ministry and Recruitment, Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Chair
1) The General Board should approve the creation of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Training.
The Commission on Annuities, Investment and Insurance, Bishop McKinley Young, Chair
1) That Carl Dickerson and Dickerson Employee Benefits be authorized to begin a feasibility study of an AME captive insurance entity.
2) That a clear and defining distinction be made in regards to the terms “Supernumerary” and “Superannuation” by the appropriate policy making body of the church. Federal regulations require that persons requesting full surrender of vested retirement assets be officially retired (Superannuated) from active service. The status of “Supernumerary” does not meet the regulatory standard for the full surrender of vested retirement benefits and creates an untenable circumstance for persons who are ineligible to receive an Episcopal appointment but have not officially retired from active ministerial service.
3) That all ordained ministers receiving an Episcopal appointment be required to officially enroll in the AMEC Retirement Annuity Plan with a minimum semi-annual contribution of $312.00. The Department shall have no responsibility to accept or give final credit to the contribution of any person not adhering to this requirement.
4) That official, legal documentation be required for all requests for a change of name for any participant, and that the Department shall not be required to accept the requested change unless the proper legal documentation is submitted. All changes in marital status should be submitted to the Department by the primary participant as soon as possible.
5) That all Annual Conference secretaries or other authorized person(s) designated by the Presiding Bishop be required to submit a summary report of all ordinations, transfers, retirements, and voluntary separations occurring within each Annual Conference to the Department within thirty (30) days after the close of said Annual Conference.
The Commission on Statistics and Finance, Bishop Preston W. Williams II, Chair
1) That the AME Reserve Investment Fund strategy by Rev. Myron Howie be implemented.
2) That District 18 be allowed to exceed the 35% budget limit in order to raise funds for schools and other District projects.
3) Episcopal Districts move towards electronic reporting of Pastor's Annual Reports by the commencement of the 2010 series of annual conferences.
4) Episcopal Districts, Departments, Components, and local congregations comply with the policies and procedures adopted in 2002 relative to the use of the name African Methodist Episcopal Church, the AME Church logo (Cross, Anvil) and website contents.
The Commission on Economic Development, Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chair
No recommendations.
The Commission on the Lay Organization, Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Chair
No recommendations.
The Commission on Global Witness and Ministry, Bishop James Levert Davis, Chair
No recommendations.
The Commission on Women in Ministry, Bishop Jeffrey Leath, Chair
No recommendations.
Other Committee Reports
Right-sizing the General Conference, Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Chair
1) Final report will be submitted to June 2010 General Board.
Strategic Planning, Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, Chair
1) All strategic planning documents (summary, implementation plan, Episcopal District demographic profile) are now online at www.ame-church.com and the recommendations of the Strategic Planning process should serve as the baseline for further research and work on the development of Church initiatives
The Conn-M-SWAWO Plus PK’s Activities held during the Bishop’s Council, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
The Election of Officers was held on Monday, June 22, 2009 and the persons listed below were elected to a 4-year term (2009-2013).
The elected officers are:
President, Fredia Hanley-Johnson
First Vice-President, Birdie M. Boyd
Second Vice-President, Juanita Duncombe
Recording Secretary, C. Ann Thomas
Assistant Recording Secretary, the Rev. Candace D. Gray
Corresponding Secretary, Nellie Alexander
Financial Secretary, Charmaine Alexander
Parliamentarian, Geraldine Tate
Historiographer, Lula Cleckley
Worship Director, Anita Elliott Brannon
Coordinator of P.K.’s, Brenda Hurst
The Annual Clergy Family Awards Breakfast was held on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair of Social Action Commission, installed the newly elected officers.
President Fredia Hanley-Johnson made special presentations to the outgoing officers.
Presentations were made to:
The Rev. Margaret Giddings
Brenda Hurst
Dr. Roberta Hill
Juanita Duncombe
Angela Hawthorne Smith
Charmaine Alexander
Rayjo Farris
Rhonda McCall
Dr. Dorothy Owens
- The 1st Episcopal District won First-Place for Membership;
- The 6th Episcopal District won First-Place for attendance for selling the most tickets for the breakfast
- Mr. William Batson from the 1st Episcopal District won the First Gentleman Contest
- Mrs. Kemnesia Ford Hobbs from the 6th Episcopal District won the First Lady Contest.
11th Annual PK Scholarship Award Recipients:
- Mr. James Avery (JA) Alexander – 6th District was awarded $2,500.00
- Mr. Makesi Paul – 16th District was awarded $2,500.00
Book Award Recipient:
- Miss I’Nita White – 12th District was awarded $500.00
The PK Annual Meeting will be held December 3-6, 2009.
For additional information regarding the location of the Annual Meeting, please contact your respective M-SWAWO Episcopal President or e-mail the Connectional President at Connmswawopk@aol.com.
*Mr. John Thomas is a PhD student at the University of Chicago
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
RE: Breaking News: Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church
Thank you for staying on top of this. This is a comprehensive account of the situation in which Metropolitan AME Church finds itself. I would hope, however, that our readers might realize that the $10,000 donated by the Council of Bishops was derived from the sale of the Anvil. The purchase of the books did not come as royalties to the bishops. Bishop McKenzie has done an excellent job of keeping us on task. The printing cost (with shipping and handling) is not cheap, but from the sales we have managed to donate $10,000 to Morris Brown College, $10,000 to AME University in Liberia, and $10,000 to Metropolitan AME Church. The $10,000 from the 2nd District was derived from the Nehemiah Fund, an initiative I launched to assist and encourage congregations with construction issues (though it has been used with other issues like back taxes as well). The 2nd Episcopal District donates grants of up to $10,000. The fund is replenished from donations made during the benevolent offerings at 2nd Episcopal District Annual Conferences and 2nd Episcopal District worship services.
Bishop Adam J. Richardson
Presiding Prelate, 2nd Episcopal District
To the Editor:
Another school lost. We held conversations about this possibility last week in New Orleans. There was some disappointment that Paul Quinn did not give a report at the Commission Meeting. Bishop John White, Chair of the Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges and Schools has tried to stay on top of all of the issues affecting our academic institutions. Bishop McKinley Young indicated that we have to take a critical look at what we propose for the our future in education, in light of the financial prognosis we face as a people, as a nation, as a world in a competitive educational environment.
I re-proposed a few remedial steps stemming from the Educational Summit following the collapse of Morris Brown. These steps found their way back into the Episcopal Address in St. Louis. This week, Bishop White proposed to conduct Face-to-Face meetings with the presidents and board chairs of each of our institutions to consider the way forward. You will find this proposal in the Commission's report to the General Board. At this point, it may too little too late. Nevertheless, we still have our work cut out for us.
Bishop Adam J. Richardson
Presiding Prelate, 2nd Episcopal District
3. STATEMENT FROM THE BISHOPS’ COUNCIL THAT WAS HELD IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (JUNE 22, 2009):
At the close of the Annual Meeting of the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, held on Monday, June 22, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans, LA, the following statement was released concerning the Bishops’ deliberations.
I. The Bishops of the Church, recognizing the different kinds of insurance needs of our Pastors and their families and congregations, met with representatives of various insurance organizations to better understand the diversity of products that could be available for health, property and liability and other insurance needs of the people of the AME Church.
II. Bishop Richard Norris, Chairperson of Board of Trustees of African Methodist Episcopal Church, Incorporated, and Bishop McKinley Young, Chairperson of Commission on Annuity Investments and Insurance presented the Dickerson Insurance Group of Los Angeles to explain the concept of Captive Insurance and the AME Church having its own insurance company. This idea is not new to the church. Captive Insurance was first introduced to the Bishops and the AME Church under the leadership of now retired, Bishop Philip R. Cousin. The Bishops of the Church and the General Board authorized the Dickerson Insurance Group of Los Angeles to do a feasibility study of the AME establishing a Captive Insurance Company.
III. The “Cathedral” of African Methodism, Metropolitan AME Church, Washington, D. C., was built in 1880 as a planned denominational effort, and each annual conference throughout the connection contributed funds to its erection. Because of some major deterioration of the building, the Bishops gave authorization for a connectional funding campaign to restore and repair this major edifice of AME history. The ad-hoc committee for this project includes Bishop Adam J. Richardson as chairperson, Bishops William DeVeaux, Jeffrey Leath, Sarah Davis, and Senior Bishop John R. Bryant, and President of the Council, Carolyn Tyler Guidry.
IV. The Council of Bishops are in agreement with the General Board in approval of a recommendation from the Social Action Commission, Ms Jacqueline DuPont-Walker, Consultant, to establish a non-profit entity to seek funding from foundations and philanthropic agencies for the purpose of bidding and hopefully acquiring the Rosa Parks archives for the AME Church. The entity (possibly 501©3 will have the responsibility of maintaining the collection if acquired.
V. The Council of Bishops gave commendations to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie for the continued success of developing the Anvil, the publication of sermons, prayers, and meditations of the bishops and other scholars of the AME Church. The 2009 edition under the theme, “Inheritance,” includes reprinted copies of the AME magazine, first published in the 1840s. The magazine includes poetry and prose of our earliest leaders, Bishops Richard Allen, Morris Brown, and Henry McNeal Turner. We extend sincere thanks to the AME Church Historiographer, Dr. Dennis Dickerson and to Dr. Mark K. Tyler, pastor of Mother Bethel in Philadelphia for their assistance in negotiating with the Schonberg Collection for copies of these wonderful works.
The Anvil is the current work of Bishops and leaders of our Church, in keeping with the legacy of our fore parents. The bishops voted that the revenues of $30,000.00 from the sales of the Anvil would be distributed to our educational institutions. This year’s gifts went to Morris Brown College, Atlanta, GA, A.M.E. University, 14th Episcopal District, Africa, and to Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C., our “National Cathedral.”
VI. Senior Bishop John Bryant has been invited to be the speaker at the 100th Anniversary Religious Leaders luncheon of the NAACP on Monday July 13, 2009, 1-2:30 p.m. at the New York Hilton Hotel. The Bishops of the AME Church voted to continue support of the NAACP in the on-going struggle for Civil Rights.
VII. Several legal issues were brought before the Council and were referred to the appropriate committees for deliberation and action. The President of the Council was requested to respond to several correspondences received.
VIII. The Council spent a time of quiet prayer for the family of Bishop Vernon R. Byrd who passed away in May 5, 2009. While we mourn his loss, we rejoice that he has joined the heavenly Council of Bishops to deliberate in eternal rest.
IX. The Council extended commendations to its new president, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, for the excellent manner in which she presided. The 8th Episcopal District is also commended for the outstanding hosting of this 2009 session of the General Board and Bishops Council of the AME Church.
The Council of Bishops
Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, President of the Bishops Council
Bishop James L. Davis, Secretary of the Bishops Council
Bishop William DeVeaux, President of the General Board
4. THE AMEC SUNDAY SCHOOL WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING:
You may purchase items from the AMEC Sunday School Union Website by going to http://www.amecpublishinghouse.com/. Items may also be by calling (800) 648-8724.
5. ANOTHER WAY TO SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW HARDCOPY SUBSCRIPTION OF TCR:
You may subscribe or renew your subscription to hardcopy edition of The Christian Recorder by going to http://www.amecpublishinghouse.com/ and ordering the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church online. The Christian Recorder is the oldest black newspaper in continuous operation.
6. METROPOLITAN AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH APPEALS TO THE CHURCH AND THE NATION TO HELP RESTORE 7. THE BUILDING, LEGACY AND HISTORIC FACE OF AFRICAN METHODISM IN NATION’S CAPITOL:
In this historic moment when an African American is President of the United States, it is more important than ever that Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church maintain a strong historic presence in the Nation’s Capitol. Metropolitan has had a presence in the Nation’s Capitol for over 171 years.
For the past four years, Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, the National Cathedral of African Methodism, has taken significant steps to repair and restore its seriously deteriorating 123-year-old edifice. Architects were hired to make a comprehensive assessment of the structural safety and to prepare designs, drawings and other construction documents. They identified a construction manager to review the drawings and establish a not-to-exceed cost to implement the architectural design. The construction manager estimated the total restoration cost at $5.3 million.
Six weeks ago, a series of structural crises occurred which startled the congregation and resulted in additional costs. First, a segment of the sanctuary ceiling fell. Shortly after that, it was discovered that the Richard Allen Episcopacy Window was in danger of becoming dislodged. Stained glass experts estimated that the historic window would totally deteriorate in six months. The structural damage to the church resulted in the relocation of the worship services to Douglass Hall as a safety precaution for those attending worship services.
Church officials called in experts to determine what precautionary measures would be required. They discovered that full scaffolding of the sanctuary would be necessary to catch falling debris that would eventually allow the congregation to return to limited use of the sanctuary. The Episcopacy Window would have to be removed, repaired and reinstalled. They learned that addressing these two crises would require an additional $484,000.
“We are operating in crisis mode,” said the Rev. Ronald E. Braxton, senior pastor of Metropolitan, who stated that he thanked God that the congregation was ‘on one accord’ in their dedication to restoring the historic church. "We are now launching a national campaign to restore this historic church building”, he added. A national capital campaign is currently being organized.
To date, the response from the Bishops has been encouraging. On June 7, 2009, the Rt. Rev. A. J. Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District, gave the congregation words of encouragement and donated a check in the amount of $10,000 from the Second Episcopal District for the restoration effort. On June 2, Bishop David Daniels of the Fourteenth District made a $1,000 restoration gift.
Pastor Braxton along with his wife, the Rev. Dr. Marie P. Braxton, led a delegation to the Bishop’s Council in New Orleans, June 23 – 25 to inform the Bishops about the edifice’s dire physical condition. Metropolitan trustee, Gwendolyn Kimbrough, spoke compellingly of how, over the years, the African Methodist Episcopal Church has validated Metropolitan’s role as the “National Cathedral of African Methodism.” Kimbrough said, “Israel Bethel (1822) and Union Bethel (1838) are the foundational institutions out of which Metropolitan emerged and by order of the General Conferences of l868, l872, 1876, l880 and l884, $20,000 was appropriated towards the erection of Metropolitan AME Church; each of the annual conferences was directed to donate $100 toward a memorial stained glass window and each church of the denomination was ordered to lift a five cent per capita collection to aid in the erection of this Connectional edifice.”
After describing the proposed extent of the restoration and reconstruction to the Bishops Council, the Metropolitan delegation informed the prelates that $3.534 million was required to stabilize Metropolitan and $1.8 million was required for reconditioning the sanctuary and Douglass Hall.
The congregation has voted to borrow up to $3 million, but the restoration will cost more than the congregation can borrow. They are left with a shortfall of $2.834 million.
Awakening anew to the unique historic relationship between Metropolitan AME Church and the Connectional Church, the Council of Bishops donated $10,000 to the restoration effort. The Rev. Ronald Braxton applauded the generosity of the Council of Bishops and was encouraged that the Council of Bishops gave Metropolitan AME Church the authority to organize and implement a Connectional Capital Campaign to restore the edifice, and appointed a committee from the Bishops’ Council to work with him and the congregation to restore this historic edifice, all of which, once again reaffirms Metropolitan AME Church’s unique connection with the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Metropolitan’s recognition as the “National Cathedral of African Methodism.”
Details of that campaign will be announced soon.
7. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- Bethel AME Church, Baltimore sustains damage from possible Lighting Strike. The fire, according to news sources, was contained to the steeple and bell tower of the church, and the fire was extinguished without injury to firefighters or civilians. The fire was placed under control shortly after midnight. The Rev. Dr. Frank Madison Reid is the pastor of Bethel, Baltimore.
- The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse reports that Presiding Elder William A Balie walked from his room to the waiting room to see off the family and we pray that God will reveal yet a new blessing to the family when they visit him later today. We will continue to pray for Rev. Balie’s full recovery and that he will again to ascend the pulpit at Richard Allen AME Church, Swakopmund.
- The invitation goes out to stand with Ms. Kelly Saunders, Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 8:45 am inside the Board of County Commissioners Chambers, 111 NW 1st Street in Miami, Florida as Miami Dade County Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle honors her for helping to solve serious social problems in our neighborhood through untiring, diligent and indefatigable work. Ms. Saunders dedication, commitment and allegiance to the residents of district two is evident that she cares and her countless acts of service are one of our nation’s most valuable assets. For additional information, please call Ms. Sears: (786) 286-1104.
8. CHICAGO ANNUAL CONFERENCE HELD “ONE DAY SISTAHS' RETREAT:
Corlis S. Moody
On April 4, 2009 the Senior Supervisor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church convened women from all over the Chicago Conference for a “One Day Sistahs' Retreat!”
The day began with a cacophony of scripture, read aloud by the 400-plus women in attendance. Women in Ministry served Communion at prayer stations in the glorious sanctuary of Grant AME Church in Chicago.
Seven prayer stations located elsewhere in the building provided a place where women could go to experience God's presence and her “sistahs'” support. This one day retreat is the prelude to the International Women’s Global Initiative that the 4th District women will be hosting September 17-20, 2009 in Toronto, Canada. Women from around the world will join women from the 4th Episcopal District will join in prayer with our sisters from around the world and pray for each other; our children; for peace; and other issues.
To close the day the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Senior Episcopal Supervisor closed the event by preaching on “Prevailing Prayer”; and we all left wanting more.
9. 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
Mr. Stan McKenzie, Episcopal Supervisor
The Christian Education Leadership Congress
July 21 – 24, 2009
Murfreesboro, TN
The Kentucky Annual Conference
August 18–22, 2009
Quinn Chapel AMEC
Lexington, Kentucky
The West Kentucky Annual Conference
August 25 – 29, 2009
Bethel AMEC
Shelbyville, KY
The East Tennessee Annual Conference
Sept 28 – Oct 03, 2009
St Paul AMEC
Chattanooga, TN
The West Tennessee Annual Conference
October 13 – 17, 2009
Wards Chapel,
Memphis, Tennessee
The Tennessee Annual Conference
October 27 – 31, 2009
St. Paul, Columbia, Tennessee
The Planning Meeting
November 12 – 14, 2009
Payne Chapel AMEC
Nashville, Tennessee
10. THE THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Reverend C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning, Episcopal Supervisor
The West Virginia Annual Conference
August 26: The WMS Annual Meeting
August 27 – 30: The Annual Conference
Young Chapel AME Church
The Reverend Angela Walker, Pastor
836 18th Street
Huntington, West Virginia 25703
Phone: 304-522-9035
Annual Conference Revivalist: The Rev. Christilene Whalen (Chaplain)
The Pittsburgh Annual Conference
August 31: WMS Banquet
September 1: The WMS Annual Meeting
September 2 – 6: The Annual Conference
Greater Allen AME Church
The Reverend Brenda J. Gregg, Pastor
3600 California Avenue –
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212
Phone: 412-732-2775
Annual Conference Revivalist:
The Rev. Dr. Marvin Zanders
St. Paul AME Church
Jacksonville, Florida
The South Ohio Annual Conference
September 14: WMS Banquet
September 15: The WMS Annual Meeting
September 16 – 20: The Annual Conference
Greater Allen AME Church
The Reverend Dr. Earl G. Harris, Pastor
1620 W. 5th Street
Dayton, Ohio 45407
Phone: 937-223-5115
Annual Conference Revivalist:
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Marcus
Turner Chapel AME Church
Marietta, Georgia
The Ohio Annual Conference
September 29: The WMS Annual Meeting
Sept. 30 – Oct. 4: The Annual Conference
Mt. Vernon Avenue AME Church
The Reverend William S. Wheatley
1127 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43203
Phone: 614-253-4323
Annual Conference Revivalist:
The Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph
Payne Chapel AME Church
Hoover, Alabama
The North Ohio Annual Conference
October 12: WMS Banquet
October 13: The WMS Annual Meeting
October 14 – 18: The Annual Conference
St. Paul AME Church
The Reverend Robert Dye, Pastor
1800 E. Tuscarawas Street
Canton, Ohio 44707
Phone: 330-455-6003
Annual Conference Revivalist:
The Rev. Silvester S. Beaman
Bethel AME Church
Wilmington, Delaware
The Planning Meeting
October 29-31, 2009
The Columbus Renaissance
50 North Third Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614-228-5050
11. THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS OF THE 31ST CONNECTIONAL LAY BIENNIAL (2009):
Little Rock, Arkansas
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Excursions/Tours
Welcome Event for Young Adults (Fish Fry at Corey’s)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Registration Committee 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Registration 9:00 am - 12:00 noon &
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Executive Board 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Committee Meetings 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Candidates’ Forum 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
CLEDC Meeting 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
First Timers' Orientation 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Worship Service & Communion 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
District Meetings(optional)
Monday, July 27, 2009
District Breakfasts- (optional) 7:00 am - 8:00 am
Registration - 7:00 am - 10:00 am
Bible Study - 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Opening Business Session I - 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
(Rules Committee Report, Seating of the Delegation, Nominating Committee
reports)
Hour of Power - Keynote Speaker 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Lunch - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Business Session II - 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
(Credentials Report, Elections, Committee Reports, President’s Address, Presentation of
Theme)
Dinner - 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Host District Welcome Reception 8:00 pm -
District meetings (optional)
Game/Movie Night for the Young Adults
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
District Breakfasts - (optional) 7:00 am - 8:00 am
Bible Study - 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Business Session III - 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Hour of Power – Young Adult Explosion 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Lunch 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Plenary Session 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Workshops – Social Issues 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Young Adults 2:15 pm – 5:00 pm
Dinner - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Black Tie Event - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
2009 Episcopal District meeting (optional)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
District Breakfast (optional) - 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Bible Study - 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Business Session IV - 9:00 am - 12 noon
Hour of Power - 12:00 noon - 1:00
pm
Lunch 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Plenary Session II
Workshops – Spiritual Growth & Evangelism 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Young Adults 2:15 pm – 5:00 pm
Banquet 7:00 pm
Riverfront Exploration with Young Adults
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Episcopal District Breakfast (optional) - 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Bible Study - 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Memorial Service - 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Business Session V - 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Installation of Officers 11:00 am
Closing (Lay Benediction) 12:00 noon
*This information extracted from the Official AMEC Website: http://www.ame-church.com/
12. ANONYMOUS SINNERS:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
When we go to the polls to vote we must keep in mind that we are not voting for “saints,” but for “servants.” We are voting for Politicians to govern us. The requirement to become a candidate is that one must be a natural born citizen or a naturalized citizen and you must not be a felon. You are not required to be a member of any religious denomination. When elected, you take an oath of office, not an oath of morality. Some politicians run for office so that they could have special privileges.
We are living in a dream world if we believe that all elected officials are morally clean and upright. The recent confession of the Governor of South Carolina admitting his infidelity should not shock any of us. There are some, serving on all levels of government, I am sure, who fall into the category of “Anonymous Sinners.”
There are judges, doctors, lawyers, nurses, pilots and policemen serving the public, if we were to spend time probing and turning over every rock looking into the lives of all of them, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if some would immediately resign. We must also be reminded that every time we gather there are some “anonymous sinners” in our midst.
Which of you would refuse to let a Surgeon operate on you if you learned that he had an extra-marital affair? Which of you would cancel your flight if you knew that the pilot, on his stop-over, had been out with a “call-girl” the night before? Don’t be surprised it happens quite frequently. When you dine out for a wonderful evening what do you know about the moral life of the chef? If you discover that the chef had had an extra-marital affair do you think that your food would taste differently? Not that I condone any immoral acts, but we must face life’s realities.
I am surprised, but never shocked whenever I hear rumors of moral misconduct of politicians, judges or police, or even of the clergy. It always turns out that those who proclaim to be the “paragon” of virtue ends up being the epitome of immorality. It is without a doubt “By their fruit ye shall know them.” Matthew 12:33
So the question is what do we do now? If you wish to remain anonymous don’t answer this question.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, is a retired AME pastor who resides in Eatonville, Florida
13. CLERGY AND EPISCOPACY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- Bishop John Richard Bryant, Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District and the Reverend Dr. Cecilia Williams Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor of the Fourth Episcopal District, will celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, July 4, 2009.
Congratulatory responses can be sent to:
Fourth Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
5627 South Michigan Ave
Third Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Phone: (773) 955-9825
FAX: (773) 955-9840
Email responses can be sent to: 4thadministrator@sbcglobal.net
- Mrs. Kemnesia Ford Hobbs of the Sixth Episcopal District (the Augusta Conference) was named the 2009 First Lady of Conn-M-SWAWO Plus PK’s at the Annual Clergy Family Awards Breakfast. Mrs. Hobbs is the widow of the late Rev. Michael Hobbs. Together they were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Michalae "Mimi", Halae, and Faith. This event took place on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to Mrs. Hobbs: kemnesiah@yahoo.com
- James Avery (JA) Alexander, Jr., son of the Rev. James & Mrs. Charmaine J. Alexander of the Sixth Episcopal District (the Southwest Conference), received a $2500.00 PK Scholarship Award at the Annual Clergy Family Awards Breakfast. James Avery Alexander, Jr. plans to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. this fall.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to James Avery Alexander, Jr: Alex036@bellsouth.net
- The parents of the Rev. Jimmie L. Plummer celebrated 50 years of marriage. Mr. Joe L. and Mrs. Beatrice Plummer were married on June 22, 1959 in Dublin, GA. The Rev. Jimmie Plummer is the pastor of St. Luke AMEC in Gallatin, Tennessee. He is married to Debbie DeSalle Plummer and they are the parents of two daughters, Jasmine - age 12 and Jade - age 8. Rev. Plummer and his six siblings gave their parents a surprise celebration service on Saturday, June 27th at Buckeye Baptist Church in Dublin, Georgia. The Rev. Jimmie Plummer officiated in the renewing of his parents’ wedding vows.
Congratulations may be sent to: jlpddpjp2@comcast.net or to StLukeamec_gallatin@live.com .
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that the Namibia Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church announces the passing on to glory this morning of Mrs. Priscilla Kukuri, aged 80 and the mother of our Rev. Claude Ricky Katuamba (081 211 7217).
The memorial and funeral services will most probably be held at Ovitoto.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
17. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; 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
