Council of Bishops
Bishops of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church unite in support of Morris Brown College
In a recent meeting of the Council of Bishops, the
Council affirmed its continued commitment to Morris Brown College,
especially at this hour of crisis. The Bishops of the AME Church said they join with
Bishop Frank C. Cummings and Board members, administration, loyal faculty,
staff, students, and the many thousands of alumni and supporters to affirm
the future of Morris Brown College.
In a recent communication,
Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr., President of the Council of Bishops, both
explained the Council's and his personal outlook on the current crisis at
Morris Brown College,
Bishop Richardson made an
impassioned plea for all members of the African Methodist Episcopal church to
make a concerted effort to help keep Morris Brown afloat. He also shared
the well conceived plan the Council of Bishops has drafted to help the
embattled Morris Brown College. Bishop Richardson's thought are
below. Click Here for the Council of Bishops statement.
"As
you are aware, Morris Brown College has received considerable notoriety over the
past few weeks.
Speculation has run
high, even among AMEs, that we have or soon will lose one of our premier
institutions.
The situation is serious,
and President Taylor and members of his staff, along with Bishop Cumings and members
of the Board of Trustees are working feverishly to meet the demands and respond
to the complaints of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
I personally believe
it is a good plan of action that will address not the immediate concerns, but
will serve the long-term and and sustainable benefit of the institution.
The Bishops of the Church
met to hear the issues. Some of us have met with President Taylor and Board
representatives on campus. We have pledged our support and commitment to the
institution.
We have agreed to the
official statement that follows.
We need the support of every
loyal member of our great church.
Morris Brown College
is a high profile institution, situated in and belonging to the Atlanta
University Center.
It's Marching
Wolverine Band is being seen all over the United States as the featured band in
the hit movie, Drum Line.
We cannot let Morris
Brown falter nor fail. On the second Sunday of February, AMEC Founders' Day, we
are asking every member to contribute to the cause. Bishop Cummings is
soliciting 2500 persons to contribute $1000.
We are asking each pastor to
pass the plate on that Sunday to the benefit of Morris Brown. Perhaps the
benevolent offering could be used for that purpose on that day, or perhaps for
the entire month.
In other words, pastors are
being asked to use their own creativity to be helpful. Let's rally to the aid of
our educational enterprise.
