Worldwide Witnesses Leave Virtual Space to Continue the Divine Work—Closing Business Session of the 51stSession of the General Conference
By Rev. Dr. Maxine L. Thomas, TCR Columnist
As day-break dawns and lights the path through a tunnel darkened by a hostile pandemic for some 18 months, with tenacity, a sense of duty, great expectation, and unparalleled faith, we have come. The African Methodist Episcopal Church defied the odds of separation in real time as it was connected around the world as the Bishops, General Officers, Presiding Elders, Pastors, other Clergy, and faithful Lay encompassed and joined by delegations from Episcopal Districts 1 through 13 and 16 gathering in Orlando, Florida, were joined in virtual space and time by a grand assembly of delegates on the Continent of Africa comprising Episcopal Districts 14, 15, and 17-20 for the 51st Session of the General Conference of the AME Church.
With profound worship reflective of our ethos, fellowship throughout corridors and delegation meeting rooms, and business sessions that were at times stressed by making adjustments to technology, and, stretched as our Zion endeavored to maintain an ethic that could not be polluted, politicized, or pushed aside.
Heaven and earth rejoiced as newly elected General Officers and Bishops ascended the stairwell to higher service and holy leadership. The historic hybrid General Conference feted the meritorious Service of Retirement of faithful Episcopal servant leaders— among them, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie who shattered the stain glassed ceiling with her historic election as the first woman to be elected and consecrated as a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
After a most befitting Service of Installation of newly elected General Officers and a glorious Consecration Service for four newly elected bishops, and with unreserved thanksgiving, we came to the time of release of episcopates to fulfill the mission of their calling.
The last business session brought the final report of the distinguished Episcopal Committee. The Committee members graced the door, entered the room, and slowly processed to the stage with a seriousness, solemnity, and sanguinity.
The Assignment of Bishops to each of the Episcopal Districts was read. After Bishop David Daniels raised an unreadiness, much discussion ensued. The report of the Episcopal Committee was accepted.
Other business of this session included recommendations from the Council of Bishops of officers for the General Conference Commission, the General Board at large members, and the names of the Preliminary Inquiry Committee were given. The recommendations were accepted.
As AME’s and a host of other worldwide witnesses depart from this celestial and sacred place in both real and virtual time and space, we affirm our faith and commitment to our Lord and God, and our love and loyalty to our eternal Zion. And from around the world and throughout the universe our souls declare, “how great Thou art! The meeting adjourned sine die.
