By Rvds Royd Mwandu and Gaborone P Lesito, 17th and 19th Episcopal District TCR Field Representatives
The Global Development Council (GDC) Executive Committee met in the picturesque landscape country of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, bordered by South Africa. African Methodists from Districts 14-20 came to transact the very important business of God’s Kingdom. What a pleasure this was as bishops, delegates, observers, and visitors met for the three days and made critical decisions to sustain the AME Church on the continent and ensure that the Connection is not just talk but a true symbol of African Methodism.
The 18th Episcopal District, being the host district, kicked off this meeting with a Lesotho-flair reception held at the James Centre in Maseru. The appointed organiser and excellent mistress of ceremonies for the evening event was the Rev. Beatrice Motokoa. All felt welcome as the host and presiding prelate of the district, Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, welcomed all persons attending. He was followed by the chair of the GDC, Bishop David R Daniels, Jr., who also extended a word of welcome and acknowledged all in attendance with the flair and exuberance only associated with him. We received connectional greetings from the Rev. Dr. George Flowers. Entertainment included the Lesotho WMS and Maseru City Choral.
On the next day following morning devotions, Bishop Daniels called the meeting to order. The business of the day went exceptionally well under the chairmanship of Bishop Daniels and other bishops on the continent chairing various sessions.
The meeting acknowledged the absence of Bishop E. Anne Henning-Byfield and the delegation from the 16th District and offered a special prayer for the health of the GDC treasurer, the Rev. Dr. Wayne Anthony.
The meeting received various reports from committees acknowledging progresses made. They also urged other committees to gear up in order to achieve the ideals of what was set up as the Africa Jurisdictional Council (AJC) in the years past and is now GDC.
Greater progress was acknowledged on the Economic Development Committee report with much debate on the Covenant that was entered into by the three bishops from Africa as they were elected in 2004. The meeting resolved to continue to handle this matter with great intent and circumspection, ensuring that our internal AME matters are not splashed irresponsibly through media. Another matter which came to the floor was the qualifications required from those aspiring for Episcopal office. The concern was that the Connectional Church needs to recognise qualifications offered by other registered and accredited institutions outside the continental United States.
Those attending this meeting included the Rev. Dr. Michael Joseph Brown, acclaimed theologian and president of Payne Theological Seminary; the Rev. Dr. Caesar R. Richburg; and the Rev. Dr. Orlando McCauley. They were all received with joy.
The worship experiences were befitting to the magnitude of this meeting. Bishop Ronne E. Brailsford and the Rev. Flowers preached the evening Holy Communion Service and the Closing Service respectively.
As the meeting closed, the Bishop Daniels thanked Bishop and Supervisor Wicker and the people of the 18th District for hosting. He also thanked the other participating prelates, Bishops Messiah (17), Kawimbe (19), McCloud (14), and Brailsford (20). To God be the glory as the banner of African Methodism continues to fly high on the mother continent.
