A View of the Council of Bishops Meeting from the Presidents seat

The following is a statement on the Bishop's Council meeting from its president, Bishop William P. DeVeaux:

The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church met on December 13, 2000 in Nashville, TN. 

We began the meeting with an open session. The Discipline (see p. 146) mandates that two public sessions be held at each annual meeting. 

I interpreted this to mean that when the Council met prior to the General Board that we should invite persons to present issues they thought to be of importance. 

When the bishops meet again in Memphis, TN,  during the WMS Executive meeting, we will be in executive session. Thus there will not be a public gathering. 

However, members of the AME Church may submit complaints or comments at any time. Please direct your concerns to me or to Bishop Kirkland our secretary. 

The bishops discussed several matters that are of significance to life of our Church. These issues included, 

• 1. A commitment to the All Africa Jurisdiction Council that will meet in Harare, Zimbabwe in January 2001, 
  

• 2. A reaffirmation of the plan for captive insurance approved at the last General Conference, 
  

• 3. A statement in support of the Alliance fort Marriage which in effect restated our opposition to same sex marriages, 
  

• 4. The acceptance of the Council's nominating committee on the assignment of responsibilities within the Council. 
  

• 5. An agreement to complete any unfinished business at our next meeting in Memphis, TN. 

Bishop William P. DeVeaux
President Council of Bishops

Council of Bishops

The Council of Bishops was held December 13, in Nashville, TN at the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center.  Bishop William P. DeVeaux,  Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District, is the President of the Council.

The mood of the meeting was harmonious and did not contain many new revelations.  Some of the issues that were discussed included:

• - Reaffirmed the church's opposition to same sex marriage.
• - Supported the upcoming meeting in the 17th District to work on the African jurisdiction  The meeting will be January 17-19 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
• - Noted that the Fifth District Sexual Harassment judgment is being appealed.
• - Restated its support for the "captive insurance" program which will allow us to insure our own churches.
• - Noted the success of the denomination's voter alert drive.
• - Noted with disgust the recent election and Florida debacle.

The next Council of Bishop's meeting is scheduled for June.  I will let you know more details, the exact date and where it will be held, when this information becomes available.

This report was made possible by the Reverend Joseph Darby's sharing of his meeting notes.  Thanks also go to Presiding Elder Carl Ogden and  the Reverend Lanxton  Washington for providing 
some of the flavor  and feel of the event.