AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 50 th Quadrennial Session GENERAL CONFERENCE Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Business Session III July 7, 2016 Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Presiding MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux called the session to order at 9:28 a.m. asking for a moment of silence in response and in memory of the most recent killings of the young black men in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Alton Sterling) and St. Paul, Minnesota (Philando Castile). Personal Privilege In reference to a presentation prior to this session, Attorney Walter Searcy (13) stated he was from a family of Postal Employees and wanted to salute the AME Church s grand efforts to commemorate Bishop Richard Allen with the Black Heritage postage stamp. Dr. James H. Harris (3) spoke concerning having the lights turned up and having screens available for the upfront delegations. Bishop DeVeaux stated it is being worked on. The Reverend Quinton Liebenberg (15) spoke concerning microphones being available in every delegation, and promises made yesterday to have them available today. Bishop DeVeaux stated it is being worked on. The Reverend Dr. William Watley (6) stated appreciation of the prayer and moment of meditation concerning the slaughter of black males; but suggested referring the matter to the appropriate mechanism of the church to respond with an official statement. Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson stated that the Social Action Commission is currently drafting a statement to be presented this afternoon. REPORTS Bishop DeVeaux called for the following reports: Page 1 of 7
TREASURER S REPORT Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer presented his wife, Mrs. Delores Lewis, to the General Conference. He noted that a representative of the CPA accounting firm was present; then introduced Mr. Harry Richards to present the report (see the report). Personal Privilege The Reverend Wesley Reid wondered how the Third District could respond to a report they could not see; they still did not have access to a screen. Bishop DeVeaux stated the monitor concern was being worked on. Dr. Lewis stated portable monitors are to be installed at the close of this session. He noted the lights are coming on. The Reverend Paul Messiah (15) spoke concerning microphones not being placed in every District. Mr. Lewis stated the microphones would be in place after the first break. Mr. Walter Searcy (13) wished to commend the report of the Lay member of the Thirteenth District, Dr. Richard Allen Lewis. Bishop DeVeaux suggested we proceed with the next two reports and hold the Treasurer s report until the additional monitors are available. Dr. Earl Harris (3) moved and it was properly seconded adjust the agenda for the reports of Dr. Cooper and Dr. Jerome Harris. The motion carried. GENERAL SECRETARY Dr. Jeffrey Bernard Cooper presented the General Secretary s Report (see the report). He noted the two recommendations: (1) Increase the technological budget and (2) Encourage all Episcopal Districts to make greater use of technology. Dr. William Watley (6) stated the people of Georgia are proud of the innovative advances Dr. Cooper has brought to the office of the General Secretary and moved for the report s adoption; the Reverend James Cooper (7) seconded. The motion carried. Dr. J. Edgar Boyd (5) spoke to the tablets not operating properly. He asked when they would be operational. Bishop DeVeaux stated that at the break the tablet concern should be remedied The Reverend Henry Belin (1) asked that the queue to speak be placed on the side screens. Bishop DeVeaux said that can be done. Page 2 of 7
Mr. Honey Mateya (19) wanted to know if the report of the Chief Information Officer was complete as there was no mention of the number of candidates interested and approved to be a candidate of the church. Dr. Cooper stated the candidates list has been posted on the Official AME web site for weeks. The Reverend Dr. Ronald Braxton (2) noted that the Chief Information Officer asked for an increase in budget and asked that all requests of this sort be automatically referred to Statistics and Finance Commission. Bishop DeVeaux stated that would be done. DEPARTMENT OF ANNUITY INVESTMENTS AND INSURANCE Dr. Jerome Harris presented his wife to the General Conference. He then presented his report (see the report). Presiding Elder Dwight Dillard (9) on behalf of the Ninth commended Dr. Harris and moved for the report s acceptance; Presiding Elder David Reddick (9) seconded. Paul Messiah (15) requested on behalf of Districts 14-20 the opportunity for the overseas districts to be included in the Retirement Services. Dr. Harris stated that the Department is actively seeking a way to accomplish this. Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath expressed a concern about Recommendation number two. He stated that a superannuated minister s license to preach and practice is not removed--only the ability to be appointed. To surrender their orders is not always proper. Bishop Leath asked for the language of the recommendation to be changed. Dr. Harris concern pertained to the liability of the actions of persons not in relationship with the denomination. Rodrecus M. Johnson (3) spoke in agreement with Bishop Leath that recommendation number two s language should show permanent separation from ministry. The Reverend Dr. Ronald Braxton (2) suggested the third recommendation would be amended to show the Bishop and Presiding Elder would be responsible to notify the department, not the pastor. Dr. Jerome Harris agreed. The Reverend James Harris (3) requested to know where the Discretionary Funds are reflected in the report. Dr. Harris stated that Reverend Harris was referring to the 403b fund. Plans are combined on the statements: voluntary contributions, local church annuity contributions, 403b which comes on an annual basis and shows in December and June. Because of the amount of money and number of people in the plan, it s not going to be a lot of money. Reverend Harris (3) wants to know if it will show in the report. Dr. Harris responded yes. Page 3 of 7
The Reverend Madonna Gray (3) spoke concerning recommendation three that the money paid by the local church goes when the participant leaves. Dr. Harris says the money belongs to the participant since the pastor is vested. Bishop DeVeaux called for the reading of the first recommendation. Dr Ronald Braxton moved to receive the report; Mr. Walter Searcy (13) seconded. Mr. Walter Searcy (13) requested explanation of the phrase, primary Human Resources entity from recommendation one. Jacqueline Sibblies (1) expressed concern in agreement with Mr. Walter Searcy (13) that the phrase be reconsidered. The motion carried. Bishop DeVeaux called for the reading of the second recommendation. The Reverend Earl Harris (3) moved for adoption; the motion was seconded by the Reverend Ronald Braxton (2). The Reverend Earl Harris (3) addressed to the language of the recommendation. Bishop Leath suggested changes should be referred back to the Committee for correction. Bishop Leath moved the recommendation be referred back to the committee so the committee may bring back language acceptable to the body, seconded by Mr. Walter Searcy (13). The motion carried. Bishop McKenzie wanted the committee to realize as they worked on the language that there are differences in reasons for separation: some are separated unwillingly, some are retired, or some withdraw willingly. Bishop DeVeaux asked the Committee to report back by close of business. The Reverend Ronald Braxton reminded the Chair that he requested a language change on the third recommendation; instead of pastor, it should say presiding elder and bishop. He moved that the third recommendation be referred back to the Committee. Properly seconded, the motion carried. The Reverend Ronald Braxton presented Ms. Jasmine Brooks (2) recent graduate of Baldwin College to speak on behalf of the Second District to commend Bishop DeVeaux for the way he presided and for his service to the Second Episcopal District. Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. now in the Chair also commended Bishop DeVeaux, and Ms. Jasmine Brooks (2) for the way tremendous she expressed herself. Page 4 of 7
Dr. Harris (3) reminded the Chair that he thought we were to break after the last two reports so that logistical matters can be handled. Reverend Braxton (2) suggested that other reports be heard as a good use of time. Bishop Richardson called for the following reports: REPORTS JUDICIAL COUNCIL The Health Commission reminded the body to take their meds, eat on home schedule, and exercise. The third person since Sunday had been taken by EMS to the hospital. The Reverend Judge Vernon Randolph Byrd, Jr. (2) led the body in singing in We ve Come This Far by Faith. The Honorable Judge Patricia M. Mayberry (5) presented the Judicial Council report (see the report). She made special recognitions to the Reverend Judge Francine A. Brookins (5) who has served as Secretary and is leaving the Judicial Council. Special Recognitions to Judge Benjamin Edwards (5) who is retiring from the Council. Special Recognition to Judge Rosemarie Rhodes Miller (6), who has served as Vice President of the Council and is retiring. Recommendations The establishment of the position of Clerk of the Court (Judicial Council). Inclusion of the Judicial Council in the Composition of the General Conference. Limited Voting Rights, the right to vote outside of legislation. Lifting of restrictions limiting the physical meetings of the Council. Lifting of restrictions on when the Judicial Council can meet. Reverend Thurston Lamb (12) moved for acceptance, seconded by Mr. Walter Searcy. Bishop Jackson requested to make a legal appeal of a decision of the Judicial Council handed down on Wednesday. His concern was a misunderstanding of the Office of the Endorsing Agent. A certain chaplain violated the rules of the Department of Defense. It is the sole responsibility of the Endorsing Agent whether to endorse or withdraw the endorsement. Brigadier General Dingles, Chief of Chaplains asked that the chaplain be withdrawn. The Reverend J. Edgar Boyd (5) asked the definition of court and council. Page 5 of 7
Point of Procedure The Reverend Ronald Braxton wanted to know the procedure for Bishop Jackson s request. Bishop Leath stated the General Conference cannot consider something that is not before it. He moved that the matter be postponed until such time as the decisions of the Judicial Council are before the body, seconded by Bishop Daniels. Bishop Richardson called for an ad hoc committee to include the Endorsing Agent and the Chaplains to vet this information for us. Judge Mayberry stated the issue is not a part of the report of the Judicial Council. The Reverend Hartford Lee (11) wanted to know if the recommendations are accepted will the Judicial Council become a part of the General Conference and requested definition of Limited Voting. The Reverend James Cooper (7) wanted to address how the military handles situations like this. Bishop Richardson stated that the Judicial Council should report back tomorrow morning. Bishop Cousin wanted to know if the decisions made this Quadrennial can be made available to the body. Judge Mayberry stated the Judicial Report with all decisions is on the tablets. All who have a functioning tablet have the 42 Judicial Council decisions. The Reverend Earl Harris (3) inquired if the recommendations have budgetary impact. Bishop Richardson stated by virtue of the motion, the report in its entirety is to be postponed until Friday morning. Bishop Young asked if the Chair has sufficient confidence that we will be able to handle this intelligently in the morning. Bishop Richardson responded yes. Reverend Boikanyo Elisha (19) is holding his matter until tomorrow. The Reverend Dr. William Watley (6) also yielded. The motion carried. Bishop White moved the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee, seconded by Braxton (2). The motion carried. GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (GDC) Page 6 of 7
Bishop David Daniels presented the report (see the report). He was assisted by Presiding Elder Wayne Anthony (16) and Bishop Jackson. Presiding Elder Anthony announced that the participating Districts have raised just over $16,000 for the Global Development Council. Bishop Fugh moved for the adoption of the report, seconded by Bishop Paul Kawimbe. The Reverend Albert Biwi (15) stated the report lacks some of the recommendations it should contain. He offered a substitute motion to postpone until tomorrow after the Judicial Council report; motion was seconded by Mr. Walter Searcy (13). The motion carried. The Reverend Quinton Liebenberg (15) offered commendations to Bishop Daniels. The Reverend McCauley (14) offered commendations to the entire leadership of the Global Development Council. Bishop Daniels noted the support of the Connectional WMS and Bishop Ingram. SPONSOR Bishop Green presented the representative from Logos Bible Software (see the presentation). ANNOUNCEMENTS Bishop Fugh gave announcements. Bishop Kenneth Carter of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Sixth Episcopal District was welcomed by Bishop Fugh and Bishop Richardson. The Reverend Michael Mitchell (11) and the Eleventh Episcopal District gave commendations to Bishop A. J. Richardson for his leadership during the session. ADJOURNMENT Bishop Richardson announced 2:00 p.m. as the time to reconvene. He adjourned the session with prayer at 12:18pm. Page 7 of 7