By Zenitha Prince
Washington Bureau Chief
An estimated 20,000 delegates, clergy and visitors are converging on St. Louis, Mo., for the 48th Quadrennial Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, July 3-11. The general conference is the major gathering of the 2 million-strong church, a preeminent African-American institution, which has roots stretching back to the late 1700s. The conference is expected to inject about $30 million into the local economy.
Conference Highlights:
- Three major preaching events: opening ceremony on July 4, when Bishop Bryant will preach; July 6, communion service, Rev. Pat Brody; and consecration service, Bishop Phillip R. Cousin
- July 6: gospel extravaganza with Marvin Sapp and Byron Cage
- July 3: opening banquet where presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D) is scheduled to speak
“This is always a historic occasion because we are the oldest Black denomination in the United States,” said Bishop John Bryant, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District in which St. Louis is situated. “We see ourselves as living proof that Black people can govern, organize and implement.”
Bryant added, “When we began, we began as children of slaves. Now, when we gather, we gather from 35 different nations.” And that number may increase to 36, the Baltimore native said. In an unprecedented move, 21 congregations from India will be seeking entry to the denomination, which is predominantly Black.
Delegates will also wrestle with other issues. “Every conference has its own personality and issues,” said Bishop Adam Richardson, who heads the Second District, which includes Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Among some changes to the 48th conference is a 35 percent reduction in the number of seated delegates. “The size of the general conference has been radically reduced as a cost-saving mechanism for the church,” Richardson said.
Another high point, Bryant added, is an expansion of programs for children and youth. “For the first time, we have, running at the same time as the general conference, our teens and children camp. We have a full track of events for the young people who will be there,” he said.
Some major legislation that will be presented includes:
--Refining protocol for handling clergy sexual and other misconduct.
--A resolution calling for more awareness of and a more conscientious, studied approach to dealing with domestic violence.
--Increasing the cut-off age for members seeking to become ordained itinerant ministers.
-- Helping rural churches -- “So much attention is being given to mega churches in urban areas that our small and rural churches are suffering,” Bryant said.
--Participation in the political process – “We are a church that believes in the social gospel so we believe it is not enough to sing, preach and pray while people are lacking housing, employment and a proper education,” Bryant said. “Our people should participate in this process to elect a government that will pursue these goals.”
To that end, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. attended and addressed the conference.
Excitement over the presidential race, however, was overwhelmed by the fervor of the denomination’s election of general officers, especially bishops. Nearly 30 ministers are vying for three bishoprics and, unlike other churches the A.M.E. allows campaigning on site. “The campaigning always brings a carnival atmosphere that would rival the political parties,” Bishop Richardson said. Eager supporters line the halls wearing T-shirts, waving placards, singing jingles and shouting chants in a bid to convince delegates to vote for their candidate.
“It’s very lively,” Bryant said of the elections. “All our political energies are channeled in the church.”
For the AFRO’s full coverage of the A.M.E. General Conference CLICK HERE!