Business Session Three
Rev. Dr. James A. Keeton, Jr.
Business Session Three of the 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was called to order by Bishop James Davis of the Second Episcopal District on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 9:05 am. The order of the day continues to be a motion by Bishop Jeffery Leath concerning Retirement Services. The premise of the motion places parameters on the negotiators on behalf of the AME Church concerning the present class action lawsuit. Bishop Davis entertained questions and comments from the queue regarding the motion before the General Conference.
One of the questions was raised by the Reverend Andre Jefferson, who presented questions to help the General Conference make a more informed decision on the motion. When asked about the motion, Bishop Leath explained that it is intentionally broad to give parameters to the negotiator’s directions contrary to the instructions they have already received. The Reverend Dr. Gerald Cooper of the Third Episcopal District voted to end the debate on the motion. After receiving a second, the General Conference voted overwhelmingly to end the discussion. The General Conference proceeded to vote 905-632 in the negative. The motion failed.
The chair recognized the Reverend Dr. James Harris in the Third Episcopal District, who raised a question regarding retirement services from yesterday’s business session. The General Conference then returned to the planned agenda for this business session. The Reverend Dr. Mark Tyler and the General Conference Planning Commission members presented their report for information purposes only. The commission held all virtual Zoom meetings, making it possible for everyone across the global AME Church to engage fully in the commission’s work.
The Reverend Dr. Jeffery Cooper then presented a report from the General Secretary’s Staff, the General Secretary of the AME Church. After a brief introduction, the report was made via video. The video has additionally been placed in the AME Meeting App, which is accessible for this meeting. Dr. Cooper expressed gratitude because, after 12 years of serving in this capacity, this is the final report he will make as the General Secretary of the AME Church. Furthermore, he requests that he be retired as an active General Officer as he seeks to be elected a Bishop in the AME Church. The General Conference voted unanimously to grant retirement to Dr. Cooper.
Dr. Marcus Henderson, the General Treasurer of the AME Church, provided the General Treasurer’s Report. Since getting elected in 2021, Dr. Henderson has highlighted his accomplishments and those of his department. After the Treasurer’s Report, the chair was relinquished to Bishop E. Earl McCloud. The General Conference adopted by common consent to postpone the audit of the AME Church for 24 hours to allow the delegates to read the report before considering it. The AME Church Publisher, Dr. Roderick Belin, presented a report. Following a brief introduction, the report was presented via video.
By request of the General Secretary, Dr. Jeffery Cooper, the report of the Judicial Council will be moved to a later time during the General Conference. Rev. Dr. Gregory Groover then made the first report of the Revisions Committee. The Revisions Commission’s work was paperless for the first time, saving a lot of money and trees. Ms. Angela Pettis, the secretary of the commission, read the report. After examining the proposed legislation, 78 bills will be considered for the General Conference. Ms. Pettis continued to present all of the stipulations by which bills will be prioritized for consideration at the General Conference. The first reading was completed by reading the titles of all bills that the General Conference could consider.
Upon completing the reading of the 78 bills, the General Conference approved the first reading by common consent. Bishop Silvester Beamon offered closing announcements. Dr. Miriam Burnett made announcements concerning the COVID Protocols by encouraging everyone to wear masks and limiting gatherings in large groups in the convention center hallways. Bishop Beamon concluded his announcements with a video from United States President Joe Biden, who brought greetings and encouragement to the General Conference. Business Session Three adjourned at 12:04 pm.
