May 21, 2020
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is proud of our Presiding Elders, Pastors, ministerial staff’s and members who obeyed the shut-in. Yet, in spite of all states opening up in some form, the fact is the danger to the people and communities we serve is not over. The global pandemic is still wreaking havoc globally and in the United States. From Cape Town South Africa to Haiti, to Brazil, to California, the numbers of infections and deaths continue to rise. The danger is not over—-keep hope ali
The Council recently read an article that disturbed us greatly. On Mother’s Day 2020, a church held business as usual Mother’s Day service, later AP ran the headline: Over 180 People Exposed To Virus at California Church. All of them were asked by the Public Health Department to self-quarantine. The danger is not over———keep hope alivE.
We all remember the number of our ecumenical Brothers and Sisters who, before the shutdown was enforced, vowed that they would never stop having their traditional worship and meetings. Now we grieve their loss with their families, denominations, and communities. The danger is not over——keep hope alive.
When one considers that many people in the communities we serve find themselves still in the at-risk category, young and old, we must be aware of this statement of a prominent African American journalist: “For many Black people, to reopen now is an invitation to die.” In fact, For black, brown, indigenous, and poor people to be alive during this global pandemic is to be at risk. The danger is not over——keep hope alive.
The thief who has come to steal, kill, and destroy is not finished with the world or the church. We must not risk the lives of our people. We must not risk the life of our beloved African Methodist Episcopal Church. We must come up with a re-entry plan that will strengthen our people, our churches, and our global communities. We must come up with a plan that will help the people, heal the people, and give hope to the people. Our extraordinary African Methodist Episcopal Church has come up with such a plan. It will be presented to the entire church soon. The danger is not over—-keep hope alive.
Finally, the scientist tells us that without testing, tracing, and a COVID-19 inoculation that is available for everybody we should not be quick to reopen. So we are clear, the doors of the church are still open, it is the doors of the church building that are closed until we can go back protecting the lives and health of all those who come into our church buildings. Science tells us the danger is not over, faith tells us to keep hope alive.
Council of Bishops
African Methodist Episcopal Church
March 31, 2020
To The Connectional Church:
In light of the uncertainty around the spread and management of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Covid-19, the leadership of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has rightly placed the health and well-being of our members as the fundamental priority. Thus, it has been determined that it is wise and prudent to reschedule the 51st General Conference. The results of a series of conversations with officials in Orange County and the Convention Center, and several meetings with the Bishops, and the most recent meeting of the General Conference Commission, a decision has been made to postpone the General Conference. We are currently considering alternative dates in collaboration with the Convention Center and Officials in Orange County/Orlando that will also include dates in 2021. A date certain will be announced within the next few weeks — when all hotel and Convention Center negotiations are complete.
Worldwide, COVID-19 has infected more than 800,000 confirmed cases and finding new victims to assault every day. As of this writing, more than 39,000 people have died. The necrology is growing exponentially daily. Florida is now listed as a “hotspot” with more than 5,000 confirmed cases. By Executive Order, Orange County Mayor, Jerry Demings, has issued a “stay-at-home” order.
Our utmost concern is for the safety and health of the AMEC family as we would potentially gather for our quadrennial meeting, as well as an overarching concern for public health around the globe, especially as it pertains to the novel coronavirus. We are committed to following the policies mandated by official government agencies, and the protocols of best practices to flatten the curve of new cases determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Concerning our General Conference, all manner of possibilities are being considered.. Also being considered is the economic impact that a shortened General Conference Program might have as a long-term benefit to the denomination, for the local church, and for delegates, alternates and observers attending the Conference. All considerations, however, must include the full participation of Districts 14 — 20.
Please pray for the health of the world, the nations, and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Right Reverend Harry L. Seawright
President
Council of Bishops
WE’RE AME STRONG!
WE WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS TOGETHER!
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church want to express its deepest concern for the safety and health of our membership during this global health pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. This disease has disrupted our lives in multiple ways, threatening our physical, spiritual and economic health.
In light of the aggressive nature of this virus, there will be adjustments to already scheduled Connectional and Episcopal District meetings to minimize the risk of exposure for attendees, staff and other participants. This involves logistics, hotels, long and short-term travel as we comply with new federal and local government directives.
What you can expect:
• Episcopal District and affected Connectional officers are formulating contingency plans. They will make any necessary updates and announcements concerning postponements or cancelations available to their areas.
• Connectional auxiliaries are encouraged to look for alternative ways to continue their ministries if it becomes necessary.
Local congregations are encouraged to make or engage their emergency plans for distant worship and learning opportunities. Let’s keep the Connection connecting! We live in an enhanced technological age. Use digital platforms to stream worship services, convene meetings, lead prayer services and Bible studies. Utilize conference calls as another option. Use the Class Leader System or other means to encourage one another other. We will get through this if we stick together!
Google is making the professional version of Google Hangouts Meet available for free as a tool to livestream services for churches.
Dr. Miriam Burnett and the AME Health Commission has been closely monitoring this evolving crises. Pertinent information has and will continue to be disseminated through Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, Chief Information Officer. Read updates on the AMEC International Health Commission website at www.amehealth.org and its social media platforms. If you have questions for our AME Medical Director, email them to chamec@gmail.com.
Given the current guidance on COVID-19, the Council of Bishops encourages its global membership to act responsibly. The Bible encourages us to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Let’s love our neighbor by washing our hands often, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when necessary and disinfecting personal and public touchable surfaces before and after services and/or events.
Let’s love our neighbor by coughing appropriately into our elbows and practice social distance guidelines. This means no hugging, hand-holding, cheek-kissing or any high-fives to keep the most vulnerable among us safe. This may be difficult for some but for the moment, it is a healthy necessity.
Finally, the Council of Bishops is calling the church to prayer collectively and individually. We are admonished by way of scripture that “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NRSV) Lord, heal the land!
We will make it through this together! We’re AME Strong! Our perseverance is rooted in the grace of God. Our resilience is empowered by the Holy Spirit. We’re durable disciples of Jesus Christ, who do more than pick up the pieces and move on during uncertain times or during catastrophic events.
The Council of Bishops
Peace and Blessings,
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Senior Bishop
Bishop Harry L. Seawright, President, Council of Bishops
Bishop Michael L. Mitchell, Secretary, Council of Bishops
Bishop E. Anne Henning-Byfield, Assistant Secretary, Council of Bishops
