Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Presiding Prelate, Bishops of the Church, Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Episcopal Supervisor, General and Connectional Officers, Rev. Dr. Carl D. Ogden, Sr., Host Presiding Elder & Mrs. Forestyne Ogden, Episcopal District WMS President, Associate Presiding Elders, Host Pastor, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey N. Leath & Dr. Susan Leath, Pastors, Ministers, Laypersons, Missionaries, YPD'ers, Delegates, Members, Visitors and all their spouses, of the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference, Greetings:

We, your Committee on Social Action and Special Resolutions, beg leave to submit the following report. America cries for the African Methodist Episcopal church's leadership.

Where is the Nation Headed?

Whereas: The cry and call of the American citizen facing today isn't for Moral Integrity but for higher profits and more pleasure; the majority of people are concerned only for themselves and not for others. Therefore, the morality of America and nations of the world is all about I, my, and me.

The Almighty and all wise God gave through His word instructions of how human conduct was to be exercised on a daily and consistent basis.

Daytime Talk Shows, some music, some fashion, and the general behavior of too many persons in America are contributing greatly to the moral decay of our communities and indeed our nation.

The acts of violence that are being committed by children, youth and parents alike are "Rocking the Nation" from one border line to the other. Than what is the answer? It has not changed from last year's report. "If you remove God from anything you must expect chaos and mayhem to come in.

Secondly, parents must demonstrate parental guardianship over their children to the point, that, as long as they live in their home, they must make it their business to know what is going on in the lives of their children. This will help prevent any further tragedies occurring."

Therefore, the madness of what is happening shouldn't be surprising in the world today. Furthermore, it isn't the responsibility of teachers to be baby-sitters or to rear the children sent to school for education; but they should be role models to all children. The responsibility of rearing of children was given by God to the parent or parents of that child. Parents should teach their children to be God-fearing and to respect the rights of other people.

If, therefore, you are not ready to become parents, you must think before you act. Even though having children without the benefit of marriage has lost its' stigma of yesteryear, it does nothing to help our communities with children having children. Now may be a good time to say thank you to the countless number of quickly made grandparents who have stepped up to the plate and are raising their second set of children.

Famine in Ethiopia

Whereas: A drought has the country desperate for rain and food; all of the signs of a famine exist: food is scarce, cows are so weak that their legs buckle under them when they have to be moved for passing vehicles, and wells are drying up. Many farmers are eating their corn instead of planting it in the dry soil. In a few weeks, most of their cattle will be dead. The children are listless and covered with perspiration. When we look at their faces in newspaper articles, it is evident that they are in poor condition. There is not enough water. There is not enough food. The children are dying.

The United States and other industrial nations have already committed themselves to sending emergency relief, but little of it will reach remote places where the hot winds bring in clouds of grit and there is the stench of dead cattle. Where is the help to these African countries that have been shouting for weeks for aid? In some remote places, six children each day die in their huts made of twigs and cardboard.

Instead of cameras thrust into huts where babies are taking their last breath, there is a need for food aid. The officials are getting tired of so many visitors who come empty handed. Where is the help they need?

The time has surely come for the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to lend serious support to the Episcopal District in Africa in such a way that we give more than lip service. We must send our financial support with our time and talents to make a real difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Africa. We applaud the work of, Mrs. Ethel McNair, and others who provided bicycles for pastors in Africa. The next time you start your car and leave to go about your daily business, no matter the distance, think what it would be like on a bicycle. We really must do more.

Education in Philadelphia Public Schools

Whereas: While all are happy to hear that the State of Pennsylvania will pump seventy-five million dollars into the Public School System of Philadelphia, we must be vigilant and insure all public schools, especially those housing our children, and those that look like us, be given every opportunity to succeed. That simply means we need committed teachers, supplies and resources that assist teachers to perform the duties well. We go on record supporting Mayor John F. Street's initiative to make school uniforms compulsory for all public schools.

The Digital Divide

Whereas: Many individuals and congregations have not embraced the new technology available that can help us do business more efficiently and effectively (computer ownership, use of the Internet, e-mail, etc.) Statistics indicate that persons of color are being left behind in their acquisition, knowledge and use of new technologically advanced systems.

Voter Registration - General Elections

Whereas: There is too much apathy when it comes to registering to vote and actually voting. An important election will occur on November 7, 2000. It is imperative that all of us a register and that all of us vote.

Rev. Dr. Richard F. Norris

Whereas: The esteemed and able pastor of St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church has presented himself for Episcopal service: he has served with distinction across the First Episcopal District, he is a kind, generous, prepared and able candidate and he deserves to serve this church as one of it's Bishops.

Whereas: Mrs. Mary Norris must now prepare for new service. We thank her for outstanding leadership in her capacity as office manager of the Bishop's office. We wish her well in her new role as an Episcopal Supervisor.

Whereas: During the presentation of the Bishop at a recent District meeting in Philadelphia, Presiding Elder, Dr. Larry E. Dixon, quoted Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' popular song, "If you don't know me by now, you will never know me." In the event that there is one person present today who is not aware of the leadership in develop in the First Episcopal District, permit us to share some highlights of the hardest working Bishop in Methodism.

Whereas: Bishop Philip Robert Cousin developed:

• Developed the Young Adult Network to recapture the 18-39 year old "Used to be AME's members."
• Adjusted the format of the Christian Education Congress placing it under one roof for better management and operation.
• Clarified financial and ownership of the District Headquarters, 3801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, liquidating all inherited legal and construction debt, refinancing the mortgage and making all obligations current.
• Developed various economic development initiatives, such as: Telephone long distance program with the Episcopal District and local church rebates.
• The Affinity Credit Card with rebates for the churches.
• First District Construction Company for local church construction and renovations.
• Various banking relationships for local church needs at preferential interests rates.
• The development of the First District Insurance Agency which offers property insurance for all churches and a $20,000.00 life insurance policy for all Pastors.
• Creation of the Western New York Annual Conference for the purpose of establishing a visible, viable A.M.E. presence in the western part of New York State.
• Created FEDEDG (First Episcopal District Economic Development Group.) Developed various full-time, paid staff positions (Chief Financial Officer, staff accountants, Construction Manager.)
• Emphasized and elevated preaching, worship and praise.

Whereas: Dr. M. Joan Cousin, our beloved Episcopal Supervisor's work in raising our consciousness of HIV and AIDS is legendary. We are far more sensitized to this dreaded disease because of her leadership countless families have benefited from all of her efforts. We may not have said thank you often enough, but be mindful that God sees and knows all. She held yearly retreats for minister's spouses to help them develop in the ministry with their spouses. Women's Missionary Society work in assisting the disadvantaged in the First Episcopal District and in Africa.

Be it resolved that the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference:

Urge each Lay Organization in the local churches organize parenting skill workshops, teen pregnancy prevention and conflict control seminars in an effort to turn around the moral decay in our communities.

Be it resolved that the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference:

Ask each Presiding Elder District of the Philadelphia Annual Conference to find the appropriate method in their District to lend support to the work of missions in Africa.

Be it resolved that the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference:

Remains vigilant in all developments of the public school system and urge a complete evaluation of the current situation and make careful determination in improving the quality of education in our city. However, parents must raise their children and let teachers teach.

Be it resolved that the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference:

Ask every member congregation to sponsor a community voter registration drive at least once per month. We further encourage all registered voters to participate in the upcoming local and national elections. Along with voter registration, we encourage "voter education," so that persons will know the issues as well as the personalities.

Be it also resolved that the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference:

That every effort be made by the Philadelphia Annual Conference to garnish enough support that the Rev. Richard Franklin Norris will be elected and consecrated as Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Be it also resolved that the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference:

Go on record thanking Bishop and Mrs. Philip R. Cousin for their collective leadership of the First Episcopal District for eight years (1992-2000).

Be it further resolved that the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference:

Acknowledge that we have gone to higher levels of effectiveness (economically, spiritually, politically) because of the leadership provided by Bishop and Mrs. Cousin.

Be it also further resolved that the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference:

Pray God's blessings upon them in their new assignment which will be made in July at the General Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Be it finally resolved that the 184th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference:

Express our deep gratitude to our Episcopal Leaders for a "job well done." We love you and will miss you.

Respectfully Submitted:

The Special Resolution Committee

Rev. George T. Sims, Chairman Philadelphia Conference Board of Trustees
Bro. Reverdy Garrett, Philadelphia Conference Lay President
Sis. Rosa Browning, Philadelphia Conference WMS President
Sis. Diane Smart, Philadelphia Conference Young People's Director
Rev. Juanita Walters, Philadelphia Conference Women In Ministry President
Rev. Janet Jenkins, Philadelphia Conference Department of Evangelism President
Philadelphia Conference Young Adult Network

Social Action Committee
Rev. Trevor E. Woolridge
Rev. Lorne Bean
Rev. H. Holland Fields
Rev. Granville P. Dennison
Rev. Wassetta Moses
Rev. Katherine Baker-Rose
Rev. Charles McAllister
Rev. Pleasant L. Hailey, Jr.
Rev. William F. Gillis
Tammye Tuck
Vivenner Grant

Resolution Committee
Rev. John Fisher
Rev. Johnnie V. Vause
Rev. Virginia Sanders
Rev. John W. Anderson
Rev. James C. Stewart
Rev. Isaac O. Ryder
Rev. William F. Gillis
Rev. Martha Lang
Rev. Stanley Hearst
Benjamin Barnes
Darryl Brown

For a report from the first day of the Philadelphia Annual Conference [Click Here] For a report from Day Two of the Philadelphia Annual Conference [Click Here] For a look at the highlights of Day Three [Click Here] For day four highlights [Click Here] And for conference close, Day 5 hightlights [Click Here] For the overall schedule of the Philadelphia Annual Conference [Click Here]