There has been talk of removing the Women from the WMS inasmuch as men may join. Now that we have a male episcopal supervisor, wouldn't it be feasible to move forward with the name change. Maybe it could be called The Sarah Allen Missionary Society.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000

Answers

That sounds like a great idea. BUT and there is a But would it sell? The constintuency is very conservative when it comes down to changes. Though since we are in a new century that modification would be more inclusive a less biased. The AMEC is changing and we must learn to respond and adapt to the changes. Great SUGGESTION Peace !!

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000

As a member of the WMS, I know that any attempt to change it will meet with opposition from some of the 'old guard'. But as for myself, I think it is a great idea! Missionary work is not just for women, just as the ministry is no longer just for men, our goal should be inclusion vs. exclusion! Together we can accomplish a much greater work for the Lord!

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000

I believe the name was automatically changed when the glass ceiling was broken Bishop McKenzie. The renaming should a logical step to bring the AMEC into the new Century and in line with the new movement of equal inclusion and opportunity for all members of our church. I personally like The Sarah Allen Missionary Society. The battle has been the wall torn down. Let us come together hand-in-hand and do the much needed work of the Missionary Society. Let us welcome our new Episcopal Supervisor Brother Stan McKenzie with open heart and hand.

-- Anonymous, August 17, 2000

At the risk of being considered a part of the "Old Guard", may I suggest caution in renaming the missionary society. In the words of the late Presiding Elder Alto (A. L.) Brown of Texas, "We ought not to mess with the missionary society because they are working." Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, August 17, 2000

In my humble opinion the far more important issue is changing the perception of mission work in the AME Church. We can eliminate the gender identification but what really needs elimination is the silly idea that a spiritual division of labor results in women doing missions. Local and foreign mission must include men if it is to be sustanining. The Great Commission is gender-neutral.

-- Anonymous, August 17, 2000

If changing the name of the WMS to remove the gender based reference would result in the society not working as indicated above, then woe be it to those who are working...or are they really working and working for the right reason. The name does not affect the work currently being done, but will add to the labors to get the job done more effectively!

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000

Do we really have a male episcopal supervisor?

Unless it was just changed, the Discipline specifically states "The Episcopal Supervisor shall be the WIFE of the Bishop of the Episcopal District or HIS appointee" p355 1996 Discipline.

Was this changed at GenCon2000?

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000

In spite of what the discipline says, YES, WE DO HAVE A MALE SUPERVISOR!!! Obviously, the revisions committee did not anticipate the election of a female bishop. We are told that the male YPD'ers stay in longer in Africa than they do in the U.S, and a male supervisor will be a welcome addition.

In posing my original question, I just assumed that more male would join if they knew men were welcome. In my view, WMS may indicate "women only." Yet, Women in Ministry have male associate members. I don't know the answer, actually, but I do feel a name change would be more inclusive.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2000

I'm a WMS member who is planning to attend the upcoming Quadrennial Convention in Dallas as an observer. Can someone explain exactly what's going on re a possible name change for the WMS, i.e. what's on the table for the Quadrennial and what happens next? Thanx.

-- Anonymous, July 07, 2003