By TCR Staff
From December 13-15, 2023, hundreds of AMEs gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Columbus, Ohio to deliberate proposed legislation for the 2024 General Conference for CONVO XXI. The theme for this gathering was “Let’s Talk and Act” (Isaiah 1:18). The CONVOs for the 2021-2024 period have been chaired by Bishop Michael L. Mitchell. This assembly was a continuation of the deliberations begun at CONVO XX this June at the seat of the General Board in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The meeting was opened by Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield. The Third Episcopal District coordinated the Opening Devotions with Rev. Roderic Reid sharing a meditation, “Put Some Respect on That Name” (Philippians 2:1). Greetings were shared from Bishop Mitchell and Senior Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. Bishop Byfield provided notes on the theme and reminded the assembly that CONVO is not the end of all that the church does. She acknowledged the sacrifices of the persons who were unable to be present—particularly Young Adults and members from Districts 14-20. Senior Bishop Richardson provided a keynote text “From Despair to Hope” (2 Kings 7:3-4).
Following the message, Judicial Council Member Dr. Derek Anderson presented Mayor Ander Ginther who shared greetings and his appreciation to the AME Church in anticipation of the 2024 General Conference.
The bills presented to the General Secretary were spilt into various breakout groups aligned on the following themes:
- Oversight and Accountability: Moderators—Bishop Reginald Jackson and Bishop Ronnie Brailsford; Respondents—Cynthia Gordon-Floyd, CPA; Dr. Alphonse Allen, Dr. Marcus T. Henderson
- Organization and Structure: Moderators—Bishop Clement W. Fugh and Bishop David R. Daniels; Respondents—Rev. Dr. Jonathan Augustine, Presiding Elder Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Dr. John Thomas III
- Church Development, Expansion, Social Action: Moderators—Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield and Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II; Respondents—Rev. Matthew Watley, Dr. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Presiding Elder Anica Howard, Dr. Marcellus Norris
- Worship and Sacrament: Moderator— Bishop Samuel L. Green and Bishop Harry L. Seawright; Respondents Presiding Elder Troy Thomas, Rev. Garland Pierce, Dr. Roderick Belin
- Ministry and Order: Moderators—Senior Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Bishop Julius McAllister, Sr. and Bishop Michael L. Mitchell; Respondents—Dr. Keith Mayes and Presiding Elder Toni Belin Ingram
After the dinner session, the assembly met on mass for the evening plenary session to prepare on the summary report and to address the legislation that had been submitted. This session was moderated by Bishop Jeffrey Leath, Bishop Reginald Jackson and Bishop Clement Fugh.
The next morning, December 14, the assembly was called to order by Bishop Michael L. Mitchell who presented the 3rd Episcopal District for devotionals. Dr. Brandon A. A. J. Davis gave the morning homily, Reverend Brandon A. A. J. Davis (3). “What’s in a Choice? (Philippians 3:8). Bishop Fred Wright then took the chair and presided over the various breakout group reports. A full summary of the minutes and comments on the 45 bills presented is available from the General Secretary/CIO. After the summary reports and announcements, Bishop Wilfred Messiah delivered the benediction and the meeting was adjourned.
While legislation is still being submitted for review to the General Conference, CONVO XXI provided a barometer for where the discussions of the church are. The situation with Ministerial Annuities has prompted calls throughout the Connectional Church for fiscal accountability. As the bills were debated, it became increasingly clear that while much of what it desired is already the positive law of the AME Church, certain legislative corrections would make the existing provisions easier to implement and more difficult to avoid. The issue of LGBTQ+ inclusion also was hotly debated, yet the consensus was that debates are premature until the report from the Sexual Ethics Committee chaired by Dr. Fry Brown has been given.
The AME Church clearly came to talk. The actions of the 2024 General Conference will show if the discussions bore fruit.
