By John Thomas III, Ph.D., Editor
At the opening session of the General Conference, persons knew to expect the excitement around the contested Episcopal Committee race as well as the update on the litigation regarding the AME Church Legacy Retirement Plan. What was NOT expected was a spirited debate over the Credentials Committee’s Report. Typically a routine affair, three separate challenges involving the report were laid on the floor of the Credentials Committee. The most spirited of these challenges involved appointing unelected persons to fill seats for delegates in the 17th Episcopal District who could not gain visas. Responding to the point raised by Bishop Frank Madison Reid III and others, Bishop David Daniels stated that this practice was one in use for years to enable Districts to participate more fully. After more debate, the report was finally approved with no changes.
The fact that the appointment of the unelected delegates from the 17th Episcopal District was even debated is problematic. Page 374 in the 2021 Discipline states, “It shall be unlawful for any bishop to appoint delegates, whether in the United States or another country, to membership in the General Conference. The Committee on Credentials is hereby forbidden to seat such delegates who are appointed by a bishop.” This provision has been in the Discipline since 1964 when Bishop Richard Robert Wright (63rd Bishop) detailed the mass disenfranchisement of delegates from outside the United States while he was Bishop of the 16th Episcopal District in his text, History of the 16th Episcopal District. The delegates from outside the United States fought for the legislation to preserve their rights to avoid being displaced. It is no secret, however, that Bishops outside the United States have played “fast and loose” with their delegations, filling them with observers, members from other parts of the Episcopal District, and even family members and friends.
The positive law of the church overrules custom, emotional appeals, and convenience. It is ironic that the pandemic-era 2021 General Conference, in some ways, promoted the most authentic representation from Districts 14-20 because no delegates needed to be replaced due to visa or travel issues. Reverting to our “normal” model in 2024 has deprived duly elected persons (including the 17th Episcopal District Representative of The Christian Recorder) of their voice and vote in our denomination’s maximum assembly. Yet, Bishop John R. Bryant’s comment regarding the discriminatory visa policies towards the countries many of our members reside in is essential and must be acknowledged and wrestled with. There are no easy answers to this question—however the status quo is untenable as a law which is routinely broken weakens our entire system of governance and the rights of our members that it was put in place to protect.
If we value Discipline as more than a paperweight or decorative app, the Church must ensure the quality of 14-20 representation.
A very interesting article addressing a persistently long and outstanding issue. In the age of technology is there a way to give those delegates access to vote and participate in the decision making process? Is personal presence a necessity when the church gathers? If the pandemic is any indicator, surely the possibilities are endless.
Rev. Dr. Bobby Seepersaud
Couldn’t they have setup a zoom meeting with district 17? So they could have still serve and voice their messages.
Thank you John. Doing the Lord’s work
It is painful what the 17th had to go through. However it is better to play by the rules. This kind of situation should prompt us as AME’s to seriously consider the jurisdictional model. The exclusion of GDC Districts from the Episcopal address should be a shame on our leadership. That in itself raise the question “do we really matter”
Dr. John
Thank you for your timely and thoughtful commentary on the overseas delegation to the General Conference.
It shouldn’t be problematic for the Council of Bishops to act as sponsors in ensuring that the overseas delegation obtain visas before 2024.
The Church should also provide some funding and legal advice to help facilitate the process of securing visas for our brothers and sisters in Africa.
We need to implement a Committee to work out the details. We need to ensure that all districts have a seat at the table.
Philis (Reverend Philis Griffin)