By Rev. Renita Green, Columnist
Today’s General Conference highlights include bills passed, rousing discussion on procedural matters, and a few inspiring quadrennial reports.
This update is not inclusive of all the day’s activities as the sessions move fast, and not all of the information was captured. Please check the minutes for a more detailed report of the business and activities of the 51st Session of the General Conference.
GGDA13 EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE AUTHORITY
The bill to expand the authority of the Episcopal Committee would have raised their authority to operate in the interim of the General Conference to fill vacancies or to reassign Bishops as needed.
Had this bill passed, it would have created the opportunity for Episcopal Districts to request, by 2/3 vote, for a Bishop to be removed or reassigned prior to the General Conference.
Although the bill offered that the Episcopal Committee would operate in the spirit of the General Conference.
Bishop Richardson, in his motion to delete the bill, stated that this type of legislation moving the church toward congregationalism.
The motion to delete the bill passed, 878 for, 460 against.
Immediately following the deletion of GGBO8, persons were in cue to contest the lack of opportunity to discuss the bill.
Mr. Randolph Scott from the 5th made a motion to repeal the bill based on a breach of parliamentary procedure. However, according to Robert’s Rule of Order, this motion was not legal, as stated by the Parliamentarian. Mr. Scott declared that the lack of discussion on bills was suppressing 1720 votes. He expressed frustration that this was the second time delegates were denied the opportunity to discuss a bill.
Ms. Edith Cartledge (1st Episcopal District) motioned to bring the bill back for discussion, stating that she voted on the prevailing side but believes that every person deserves to be heard.
This sentiment was also shared by other members of the lay delegation, saying they did not come all this way to be silenced.
GGB08 CHRISTIAN RECORDER PUBLICATION
Under the current legislation, The Christian Recorder was legislated to publish bi-weekly publications. However, in 2016, Editor John Thomas, III, moved The Christian Recorder forward with publishing one edition in print and one online following the Book of Discipline.
With the passage of this new legislation, The Christian Recorder will become a monthly print publication. Special/Commemorative editions may be physically printed at the discretion of the Editor and the Publisher. In addition, periodic news updates shall e distributed online.
There were no objections to this legislation.
JA 01 CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION
The Child and Youth Protection bill increases protections for the young people of our Zion by increasing the diligence of church leadership in ensuring that those who work with children are adequately screened through local and federal databases.
Several amendments to this bill were offered regarding the types of databases, the frequency of performing the background checks, the security of the documents, and wording to make it relevant for our global community.
As the discussion ensued, a motion was made to table the bill for two hours, allowing the opportunity for a committee to amend the bill to prevent rewriting the bill on the floor. The motion to table passed.
After the break, the amended bill was brought before the body.
As amended, the Child and Youth Protection bill passed.
Background checks will be required for all volunteers and all adult staff; the results will be kept securely in the headquarters of the Episcopal District in the DOCE database, with flexibility for each body to follow the laws of the land as they apply.
EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE REPORT: REQUEST FOR RETIREMENT AND THE PASSING OF THE CHARACTER OF BISHOPS
Before the passing of JA 01, the Episcopal Committee entered the room to deliver their report.
A request for retirement was made for Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram.
Although 43 delegates voted no and 3 abstained, the motion carried. Thus, at the close of the 51st Session of the General Conference, Bishop McKenzie and Bishop Ingram will be added to the roll of retired Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
After accolades and appreciation were shared for the retiring Bishops, the Episcopal Committee read the report on character. Except for Bishop Wilfred J Messiah, the character of the 17 active Bishops passed without objection or discussion.
Unreadiness was called by Bishop Messiah, who sought clarity as to why his name was not called.
Chairperson, Bishop Clement W Fugh, asked for the Episcopal Committee to answer Bishop Messiah. The Committee explained that proper notice of appeal to the Judicial Council was made regarding the earlier action of locating Bishop Messiah. Accordingly, the Judicial Council instructed the Episcopal Committee to take no further action until the completion of the hearing, which was scheduled for some time today. Bishop Messiah accepted the explanation.
A motion was made and passed to adopt the combined report of the Episcopal Committee.
Connectional Department Reports
The Report of the Department of Church Growth and Development was made by retiring Executive Director Dr. James C. Wade.
Against the backdrop of many challenges across the global connection, the Department of Church Growth and Evangelism celebrates the following highlights:
–The 2020 Annual Seminar on Church Growth
–Certification Program for Evangelism
–Certification Program for Chaplaincy
–The 2021 Annual Seminar on Church Growth virtual meeting!
–The Bishop Sarah Frances Davis Covenant Keepers and Intercessors Connectional Prayer Ministry led by Rev. Dorisalene Hughes
–2021 Connectional Day of Prayer: A Virtual Experience
Dr. Wade is retiring after sixteen years of service across the globe.
Appreciation and accolades were given to Dr. Wade for his exemplary service.
The full report is available on the AME GC202 app
The Department of Global Witness and Ministry report was made by video presentation, which is available on the AME GC2020 app.
The Reverend George F Flowers was the first Executive Director of this newly formed ministry at the General Conference in Cincinnati in 2000. After 21 years of service, the Rev. Dr. Flowers is retiring at the close of the General Conference.
Quadrennial Highlights
–Emergency and Humanitarian Disaster Response Program
–Programs and Partnerships with American Red Cross and Church World Service trained 321 First Responders and provided annual training for them.
–Publication of “Handbook to Guide Disaster Ministry” authored by Executive Director Flowers
–Established Endowment Fund for disaster relief totaling $362,416
–Provided hurricane and tsunami relief in the United States and the Caribbean.
–Provided $352,992 in support to indigenous pastors in Districts 14-20
–Voice of Missions Magazine providing a connection between Districts 14-20 and those Stateside
The motion to adopt the report was made by the President of the Council of Bishops, Rev. Dr. Anne Henning Byfield. She gave high commendations and appreciation to the Rev. Dr. Flowers for the care and concern he demonstrated to the 16th District where she presides.
The motion was seconded by Bishop John White, Commission Chair, who also gave high commendations and appreciation.
The motion carried. The full video report is found on the AME GC2020 app and on the African Methodist Episcopal Church YouTube channel.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie presented the Anvil report
Bishop Murphy McKenzie shared that The Anvil began in 2005 as stories from the perspectives of Bishops of the Church recalling traditions and historical moments. The goal was to provide content to the denomination and to raise funds for the AME Church.
The Anvil evolved from print editions into documentaries, including Echoes from the General Conference, Preaching on the Frontline, The Spirit of African Methodism, and AME Next.
A trailer for AME Next was played for the General Conference.
To date, the Council of Bishops has provided $150,000 in support
–AME Colleges and Universities
–Disaster relief after hurricanes and earthquakes
–Mother Emmanuel
–Metropolitan AME Church
The Quadrennial Theme for the 2021-2024 Season was announced,
“Forward in Faith: The Post Pandemic Ministry”
The final presentation made by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was the presentation of $10,000 to the newest AME Seminary—Jacksonville Seminary in the 12th Episcopal District.
The full report can be found on the AME GC2020 app
