Report of the July General Board Zoom Teleconference
On July 14, the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church met via Zoom Conference Call under the leadership of Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram (president of the General Board) and Bishop Michael L. Mitchell. (president of the Council of Bishops), the members of the General Board gathered to receive updates on the financial status of the connectional church to act on the report of its nominating committee.
Bishop Ingram called the meeting to order shortly after 2pm Eastern Time. Prayer was given by Rev. Dr. C Dennis Williams (10th Episcopal District).. Senior Bishop Adam J. Richardson greeted the Board reminding the assembly that the General Conference was to have taken place in Florida this week and thanking God for the recovery of Bishop Ingram after his heart attack. The Senior Bishop also reminded the General Board that despite the pandemic, the 2020 Census and the November General Election were still real concerns and needed our attention. Bishop Mitchell also greeted the Board, with the reminder to look to the future and to have faith in a healing God. Bishop Ingram thanked the Board for their prayers and testified his witness to the divine healing.
After the approval of the agenda, the meeting was turned over to Bishop Clement W. Fugh, Chair of the Statistics and Finance Commission. Bishop Fugh noted that the audits form the Connectional departments and Episcopal Districts were due in September. All approvals for special Episcopal District projects granted for 2016-2020 were in place and the Commission only needed to hear new requests. Treasurer/CFO Dr. Richard Allen Lewis indicated that the AME Church had applied and received approximately $500,000 dollars under the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and would determine by September how much of the money would have to be paid back per the terms of the program. He indicated that the General Conference housing process had to start all over again due to the new dates and would be reaching out to the Bishops with the relevant deadlines and information. He indicated that monies for the excess room nights would be returned to the Episcopal Districts. Additional discussion took place regarding the HBCU night and the decision was reached to disburse the approximately $150,000 equally to all institutions of higher learning immediately. Bishop McKenzie indicated that nine Episcopal Districts had not yet reported and encouraged them to turn in the monies. Due to the cut in the Connectional allocation because of the pandemic, the recommendation was made to create a process that the additional funds be disbursed as they are collected.
Discussion ensued regarding the process for disbursing the PPP money as well as the need for alternative plans for the 2021 General Conference given the continued surge of the pandemic in the United States and the restrictions on global travel. After extended deliberations, the matter was referred to the General Conference Commission and its Chair, Bishop John White indicated that body would begin to put together contingency plans including analyzing virtual options. Bishop Ingram then called for the nominating committee to bring forth the slate of officers for the 2020-2022 term and to ratify the Episcopal District member adjustments. The following slate was presented: President: Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah; First Vice President: Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe; Second Vice President: Bishop James L. Davis. The slate was approved, and congratulations extended to the newly elected officers. Bishop Messiah greeted the board and stated that change is not inevitable but must be driven by society. He extended his hopes for the church to successfully navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. With his election, Bishop Messiah becomes the first African-born bishop to preside over the General Board. To conclude the meeting, Presiding Elder Jocelyn Hart-Lovelace (1st Episcopal District) extended commendations to Bishop Ingram for his presiding and leadership.
Retired Bishop Cousin offered the benediction at approximately 4:30PM Eastern Time.
