By Judge Derek H. Anderson, Member, The Historic St. Paul AME Church, Columbus, Ohio
The Third Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church made history during its recent Bishop Richard Allen Founder’s Day Celebration, marking a groundbreaking moment in the life of the District and the broader AME Church. At the visionary request of Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, a lay person was invited to serve as the keynote speaker for a district-wide event—an unprecedented step that signals a renewed appreciation for the voice and leadership of the laity.
Mrs. Sonya Nelson, President of the Pittsburgh/West Virginia Conference Lay Organization, delivered the address at the Bishop Richard Allen Founder’s Day Luncheon, an innovative program instituted by Bishop Wicker as an official component of the District’s Founder’s Day observance. Her message centered on the theme of “Freedom,” reflecting on the enduring legacy of Richard Allen and the responsibility of today’s church to live boldly in the freedom Christ provides.
Nelson’s appearance represented a historic milestone. Since the time of Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr. (1992–2000), no lay person had been invited to speak at a district-wide program. Until Bishop Wicker’s intentional selection of President Nelson, lay members had traditionally participated in worship through scripture reading, prayer, or auxiliary presentations—but not as the primary messenger for such a major district gathering.
The decision was met with widespread affirmation across the District and beyond.
Mr. Marvin Harris, President of the Third Episcopal District Lay Organization, described the moment as both historic and affirming for lay leadership. “This moment represents a turning point for the laity of our District,” Harris said. “For generations, lay people have faithfully supported the work of the Church. Bishop Wicker’s selection of President Sonya Nelson acknowledges that the laity also carries a powerful voice and a message worth hearing. It was a groundbreaking decision and one that we celebrate with great pride.”
Nelson’s message on freedom resonated deeply with attendees, drawing connections between the courage of Richard Allen and the continued call for believers to live and serve with spiritual and social courage.
Mrs. Adrienne A. Morris, Advisor to the Third District Lay Organization and a respected Denominational Leader, reflected on the historical importance of the occasion. “The AME Church was founded through the courageous leadership of both clergy and laity who believed in freedom and dignity,” Morris noted. “President Nelson’s address reminds us that the strength of our church has always been rooted in the partnership between pulpit and pew. This moment honors that legacy and invites us to continue building a church where every voice committed to the mission can be heard.”
The significance of the moment also resonated across the broader Connection.
Ms. Ametta Reaves, former Connectional Director of Lay Activities, expressed hope that this historic step will inspire future opportunities for lay leadership throughout the church. “Bishop Wicker has made a profound impression with this decision,” Reaves said. “For far too long, many believed the role of the laity at major events was limited. This moment reminds us that lay people also possess wisdom, testimony, and messages that can inspire the entire church. My hope is that this becomes a door that opens wider for lay voices across the Connection.”
Support also came from fellow conference leadership.
Mrs. Verna Gaskins, President of the South Ohio Annual Conference Lay Organization, expressed deep appreciation for the historic inclusion. “It was truly an honor to witness a lay person finally recognized as a featured speaker for a district event,” Gaskins said. “President Nelson represented the laity with grace, conviction, and excellence. Bishop Wicker’s decision affirms that the gifts of the laity are vital to the life of the church, and it encourages all of us to continue serving boldly.”
The Bishop Richard Allen Founder’s Day Luncheon itself represents an innovative addition to the Third District’s celebration calendar, designed to deepen reflection on the life and legacy of the AME Church’s founder and to bring together clergy and laity in fellowship and learning. Through this historic moment, Bishop Wicker’s leadership has reaffirmed a central truth of the African Methodist Episcopal tradition: the mission of the church is most powerful when clergy and laity serve together. As many in attendance observed, the day was not simply about a program—it was about possibility!
