How to Stop Leath's Posts - The Christian Recorder

By Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Sr., Ecumenical Bishop and Endorsing Agent

Stop giving him so much on which to comment. Truth, wisdom, transparency, integrity, eyes to see, and ears to hear would go a long way toward stopping Leath’s posts. It is not about flawless, just show that you are trying. There would not be as much for Leath, or others, to say.
Be open to hearing criticism; humble to admit mistakes; and, commit to correcting those mistakes in a timely manner. Most of what Leath posts, in principle, has been shared privately with little or no visible response. Come out of that closet, and let’s work together!
Create a space on the AME website for relevant discussion. Everyone knows other bishops have opinions on church matters. If you are worried about “public” discussion, create the private AME space. Let AMEs sign on with their AME Membership credentials. Let bishops, clergy, lay, and those who think they look bad because they are not part of the discussion weigh in on the exchange. My guess is that a “Private” AME FB Group could be started where our existing Membership Card Number could validate participation. Make AMEs for Reform obsolete! Stop using “public vs private” as as an excuse to silence dissent!
Do something! Leath’s frustration is not merely that he thinks folks do not hear, or that they don’t agree with him. YOU DON’T DO ANYTHING! If you hear, and disagree, put your view out there. Act on it. You may persuade Leath and others to see it your way. People are tired of talk and kicking cans down the road. They want ACTION and…you can Stop Leath’s Posts!
Stop playing — Inform the People. They go to meetings for substance and hope, and they get white noise and smokescreens. Leath would be redundant if the officials gave regular, accurate, official information on relevant matters.
Hold mediated conversations. We seem to talk “at” more than “to” one another. We only value “our own” views, so we do not hear what others are saying. We have used professional parliamentarians. Is it now time to bring in a professional conversation facilitator? We need trained, independent, (maybe non-AME) conversation directors who hear everyone and assist us to understand each other and explore areas of compromise and joint action. There is no shame in getting help to reach resolutions. Lock-ins may help where there is no exiting the room until there is consensus.
Create Opportunity for Voice and Demand Courtesy in Conversation. In addition to the safe, private space on the AME website or a special, “official,” private AME Facebook Group, we need to unshackle the editor and public for greater dialogue through the Christian Recorder. The empire strategy of muzzling the press and public is counterproductive. Let people speak, and cultivate the rules of polite dissent. Reform does not have to be rude. Dissent does not have to be disgusting. Let us speak with respect and without reprisal.
Set firm timelines for the implementation of reforms. A few motions would make the difference of night and day in our Zion. Every reform does not rest on General Conference action. We can change the structure in just one session of some of our meetings. Relegating issues to committees where they die is unacceptable. Set the goal. Keep the commitment. Watch the Leath posts fade.
Submit to experts (facts) rather than manipulate them for selfish goals. We often get great, authoritative advice, but we ignore it because it does not fit personal interests.
Make God’s will, God’s people, and the good of the church primary. “Enough” must be added to our vocabulary. Greed for money and power must not cloud our judgment and behavior.