As I look around the church and look at the list of candidates for bishop, we only have one that is worthy, and that seems to be Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry. Even the powerhouse districts don't have any high powered candidates. For example, the 1st district has nobody. They are rumoring that an aging Attles(67) is the leading candidate and that Alvan Johnson, who no one knows, is running. the 2nd district is the same way. If you know of some candidates and can back them up with attributes, please share them with me. And yes I am a delegate and have been for the past 8 years.

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

Answers

Have we elected General Conference delegates for 2004 yet? I thought elections were held the year before?

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

No, ma'am no one should have elected delegates the General Conference for 2004 in 2001 . . .

Again, I lift up my mentor and friend, the Rev. Dr. Allen W. Parrott, a premier Presiding Elder and former top pastor in South Carolina. He superintends a district of some 38 churches that is a composite of the AME Church - from the most urban and a membership of over 2000 to the most rural and just a membership of a 2 or 3. He is responsible for the second highest budget in SC (as presiding elder districts go) and is SC's Christian Education Director. Just recently, under the leadership of our Bishop, Bishop Henry A. Belin, Jr., he spearheaded the healthy AME website and coalition that Bishop has begun in SC. His presiding elder district has recently posted a web site. I don't remember the address but put in Kingstree District AME Church and you will come across it.

He is well respected among the bishops and others in the church and will serve the church well as one of the Reverend Fathers in God. Don't sleep . . . Allen Wayne Parrott will "fly" to heights unknown in this church and will do our church proud.

*Check a similar post in this discussion board for more details about Dr. Parrott.

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

The 15th Episcopal District, under the visionary leadership of Bishop Gregory Ingram, met for the Planning Meeting from December 12th - 15th, 2001 at the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia and the Rev. A B Lewin, Presiding Elder and Administrative Assistant, was unaimously endorsed as candidate for the episcopacy in 2004. To date, no one else in our district has come forward and we hope, pray and solicit your support to have Rev. Lewin's contributions acknowledged in 2004.

The Lewin team, of which I have volunteered as a Campaign Manager, is proud to commend and recommend for your consideration, a local African product who has been raised, trained and has local experience as pastor, presiding elder and administrative assistant. He is a man of integrity whom God has called for service on a different level of the AME denomination.

Pray much, pray much, pray much that God will use His man to effectively address the challenges that lies ahead.

God bless the A M E Church!

-- Anonymous, December 20, 2001

While I have only heard of three confirmed candidates, I have compiled a list of remaining candidates from 2000 along with them. The list is spotty, however, and would benefit greatly from your input. You are welcome to view it at http://www.ghg.net/jlpayne/candidates.html. I welcome any data or suggestions that enhance the accuracy and efficacy of the list.

Thanks,

-- Anonymous, December 26, 2001

A good candidate would be Rev. Dr. Mikarl Thomas, pastor of Grant Memorial AME Church, Chicago. Highly educated, Dr. Thomas has over 27 years of experience and has pastored churches in Georgia, the 1st District and the 4th District. Again, I don't believe he has announced candidacy, but he would be a good pick.

-- Anonymous, December 26, 2001

Jerryl, thank you for your listing. I think it is an important contribution to the work of the Church. Can you add a column and list the age of the candidates. I feel a number of them listed are likely to be disqualified based on their age and potential Episcopal ministry. Due in part to the number of people on the Episcopal pension role, we should not be, in my opinion, in a hurry to add to many more names to this list.

-- Anonymous, December 29, 2001

Any body who is any body knows for a fact that Rev. Carolyn Tyler- Guidry will be a Bishop. That is one spot. That leaves 6 more. Now the talk about the 2 canidates from Africa is not a myth.However, it is not entirely true either. As a chruch we have to be careful on how we handle this situation. Personally i feel that there should be a bishop from africa. Not only that he or she should be able to preside not just over african disticts but in the states as well. thats 3 spots. that leaves four spots left. Now i must defend Alvan Johnson. He is known by the right people. he will be a good asset to the church if elected. also since i am in the sixth i must lift up the name Rev. Earl Mccloud who i feel has a good chance on becoming a Bishop. truly with seven spots everyone is trying the get in. However, remember it seems like alot but its not. what is sad is often times the best canidate is looked over because of lack of money. Sam Greene is another solid canidate and Jimmy Thompson in florida. We need to pray for our leadership. those in delegate positions do not waste your vote. your vote will determine the next 20 or so years of the church. Vote for the bishop who feel brings something to table and will be able to handle themselves as a leader.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2002

Mr. Hilson:

The First District of the A.M.E. Church has a most worthy candidate for the office of bishop in the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey N. Leath, pastor of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. He is truly a man of God. He has a brilliant mind and never afraid to stand against the powers that be when they are in the wrong. He is blessed to have a wonderful family. A most worthy candidate. I cannot think of any finer.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002

It is diificult to read Sister Greene's evaluation of my Pastor, Rev LeRoy Attles. We are in the midst of celebrating 25 years of Pastoral service at St. Paul, Cambridge. Judging from the comments of his sons and daughters in the ministry, her comments do not apply to very many, if any. Out of a hundred ministers, there may be some that have issues but a vast majority still love and respect him. Half the Pastors in our conference have come through St. Paul and Pastor Attles. His record of service here is outstanding, including our Housing program, the Hildebrand Self-Help program, a food Pantry that served 6250 persons last year. Last year 130 persons accepted Jesus Christ. This is not the place for a complete bio and resume but I will hold Rev Attles's record up as one that we are NOT ashamed of. When new pastors from churches around the Boston area come to town their first appointment is to meet with Pastor Attles. Many pastors in the Black Ministerial Alliance consider him THEIR pastor. Contrary to what Sister Greene alleges, Rev. LeRoy Attles will make an outstanding bishop.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2002

Good Day All, in the glorious, magnificent, kind, loving redemptive name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

It is with sadness and regret that I have read the comments of Sister Greene regarding Pastor Attles, who is an outstanding, dedicated and most kindly and humble servant of God. I know whereof I speak because he is my pastor and his ministry has been a great blessing from God upon my life. But I am not alone.

At St Paul AME Church in Cambridge MA, Sister Greene should have been present this past week as for 7 glorious days hundreds of persons from all over the United States, Canada and the Carribean celebrated his 25 years of stellar service to the people of God throughout not only the greater metropolitan Boston Area but the entire Ist District and the world.

Sister should have been there as outstanding ministers from many denominations came to praise him and testify of the many great works he has undertaken, the many wonderful things he has done to serve God and his people and provide a sterling personal example of faithfulness and courageous leadership.

Oh, Sister Greene, should have been there! She could have personally witnessed the seven joyful, soul-stirring, evenings of praise and worship and celebration of this servant's magnificent monument of service and humble dedication to his and our Lord. 25 years worth! In one church in one community in one district.

100 sons and daughters in the ministry! later and Sister Greene should have counted the dozens of them who journeyed from near and from far from all over the United States to be in attendance and to testify mightily with their presence and their joyful, tearful and thankful words of praise of the great blessing that Pastor Attles has been in their own lives.

But if Sister Greene had been there, she also would have witnessed the presence of not one, or two but three great Bishops of the AME Church who thought it not robbery but a divine necessity, to come and bless Pastor Attles' name for his outstanding tenure of service to God and the AME Church. She would have heard retired 80th-something Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand praise Pastor Attles' ministry and leadership and Christ-like spirit; Sister would have heard Bishop Cummings who came up from the 6th District in Georgia to praise God for the success of the Attles ministry and hear our current Ist District Bishop, Bishop Hezekiah Grady lavishly praise God for his service. These great leaders of the AME Church, outstanding descendants of Richard Allen themselves, all remarked upon and thanked God for counseling them to appoint and then reappoint Pastor Attles to St Paul AME Church in Cambridge MA and they said they were GLAD ABOUT IT! For 25 years! That is a monument and testimony in itself! 100 Sons and Daughters in the ministry including 2 of his own children!

Glory! Hallelujah! Praise Be to God!

Sister Greene, I hereby forgive you for your remarks. Because you could not have been there, at last week's great celebration with all of God's people to see and hear and experience and know what's really going on with the ministry or the man that is the Rev. Dr. Leroy Attles and his helpmate, the equally outstanding Sister Henrietta Attles.

I forgive you Sister Greene, in the name of our glorious and magnificent, magnanimous, matchless saviour, Jesus Christ! And I pray Lord, Jesus, that you will touch all of us, who may be offended by her careless and reckless remarks, and those who may have been mislead by them, with your redeeming power Lord; and cleanse us all of everything that is not of you. I ask this blessing Lord in Jesus' name. Amen.

-- Anonymous, September 20, 2002

As of our Planning Meeting in June 2002, the following were listed as potential candidates from the First Episcopal District; (New England) Rev. Dr. Leroy Attles, Rev. Dr. Alvan Johnson, (New Jersey) Rev. Reginald Jackson, (Philadelphia) Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leath, Rev. Dan. Turk, Rev. Terrence Hensford, (Bermuda)Senator Rev. Dr. Leonard Santucci. It is recognised that there are others who are giving consideration for either 2004 or 2008. At this time, these are the most talked about names. Personally, I believe that all of my colleagues have every right to offer their service to God as it relates to this form of ministry. I wish all candidates throughout the Church God's blessings.

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2002

I think that the A.M.E. Church has a good number of good canidates running for bishop in 2004. The question is which ones will be elected? I have read some of the e-mails people have sent in and heard some of the rumors. The truth is that no one knows what's going to happen at the General Conference. Has the church ever been in this situation before? In 1972 there were 8 bishops elected. There were some very wise choices made in that election. But now in 2004 all of the class of 1972 will be retired and the class of 2004 will have to lead the church until, who know when. This election is even bigger than the one in 1972. First there are way more people running this time and secondly there are no clear faviortes. Have we ever been in a situation where the church is torn between so many canidates? The answer is no. Could this General Conference divide the church? Everybody wants to get there canidate elected. I am estimating and excuse me if I am wrong, but there are about 65-75 canidates running for bishop, and we don't even know how many spots are open. Some say seven but at the 2000 General Conference we all thought that there were going to be two spots open and there ended up being four. We never know what Bishops will ask to be located as Bishop Brookins and Bishop Byrd did in 2000. As you read this e-mail you may say who do I think are the best canidates. All of the canidates can make the Church better in there own way, but one stands out. I don't know who is going to win and I will not speculate but, I think The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey N. Leath is one of the best canidates. He is the pastor of Mother Bethel in Philadelphia, PA where he is doing the Lord's work. He has many programs for children, teens, young adults, and adults. If elected he will bring some of these programs to the Connection. Most of all he is a leader, innovator, administrator, and a Child of God. Did I mention that he is also one of African Methodism premire preachers. He is well seasoned for the office of Bishop and I along with many other people think he will make one of the greatest bishops in A.M.E. Church history.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2002

Well let me enter the name of John Lambert the Pastor of Bethel Indianapolis, he is a man of integrity and faith. He has a great love for all the people of the church and I believe that he will be a wonderful bishop. I also think very highly of Alvan Johnson and Albert Tyson of St. Stephen Chicago. I am surprised that no on is talking about the number of current General Officer seeking episcopal orders Kenneth Hill (Christian Education) Ricky Spain (The Christian Never On Time and Always Outdated Recorder) and George Lovelace Champion (Church Growth and Evangelism)

-- Anonymous, October 25, 2002

Brother Harold:

Kenneth Hill is an outstanding candidate for the Bishoprick in 2004. I think it is safe to say, judging by your parenthetical comment, you are not as enthusiastic with R. Spain. QED

-- Anonymous, October 25, 2002

It has also been suggested that Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Director of Resxearch and Scholarship, is running as well.

I am currently "tracking" about 60 candidates. As candidates develop web sites, the table at Episcopal Candidates for 2004 will be updated accordingly. Drs. Lambert, Hill and Johnson are already on this list.

Interestingly, only a few candidates have their own web sites so far. Take a moment and "poke around." :-)

-- Anonymous, October 26, 2002

really,a question what happen to william watley as a candidate for the episcopacy? for some time many people believed that he would run or so his church members have stated . what happen???

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2002

I am a proud A.M.E., who has devoted much of my life’s work in support of the goals and principals of our great church. However, I am saddened by the use of the worldwide web (the internet) to discredit, slander and defame the character and ministry of candidates offering themselves for the Holy Office of Bishop in the A.M.E. Church.

We must realize that God has used each candidate’s ministry for his glory in different ways. Therefore, if you are supporting a particular candidate, it would be of greater benefit to the church and your candidate if you shared how God has used them to bless the body of Christ.

Some terrible and untrue things have been posted on this message board regarding Rev. Dr. LeRoy Attles who is candidate offering himself for the Holy Office of Bishop. For those of you who do not know him, I would like to invite you to come and visit Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts and tour the ministry.

In support of this candidate, I would like to state that I feel that I know Rev. Dr. LeRoy Attles better than any other person in the world. He is a spiritual humble servant of God. He is mature, loving and a nurturing universal humanitarian. I am honored and blessed to be his wife of 45 years, the mother of his three successful children and the grandmother of his seven grandchildren. Like Nestle, A T T L E S, Attles will make the very best Bi shop!

Christians let us not loose focus of who we are and who’s we are! We are the proud sons and daughters of Richard and Sara Allen and above that, children of the Most High God. We are Ambassadors of Christ demonstrating our faith by making a difference in this world. Let us not loss sight of this. My husband preaches a sermon entitled “Letting the Church Be the Church.” This message reminds us that the church is a Holy place of worship and any other business that does not glorify God should remain outside side.

Let us not allow candidates to be despitefully misrepresented by persons who hide behind the mask of the Internet. For what is done in the dark shall surely come to the light. God knows who these people are. So, I am calling on all the intercessory prayer warriors to join Pastor Attles and I in praying that God will intervene. That God will save the souls of those who scandalize the name of any candidate for Bishop and redirect their talents to glorify the Kingdom of God. Let us as members of the A.M.E. Church never forget who we are and who’s we are!

Dr. Henrietta S. Attles

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2002

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Lo, sons/daughters are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons/daughters of one’s youth. Happy is the man/lady who has his/her quiver full of them! He/She shall not be put to shame when he/she speaks with his/her enemies in the gate. Psalm 127, RSV

OBJECTIVE: To set the record straight, as a daughter, for over eighteen years, of the Reverend Dr. Leroy and Dr. Henrietta Attles, I write this letter of endorsement for Pastor Attles’ candidacy for Bishop and as a servant of the most High God. As a young person in ministry, Pastor Attles provided the training and leadership crucial to part of my Christian formation for active duty military chaplaincy, the pastorate in the Baptist Church, and presently as we labor to bring more fruit to the vineyard.

The “Pruning Process” has been quite marvelous as “Moments” in the food pantry, outreach center, many church services and just journeying in ministry spring to my mind. Were they always appreciated? Was I always a paradigm of perfection, appreciating the mentoring? Did Israel always appreciate the heavenly Father or were there issues based on growth and development? When we look to Him, as does my pastor, the labor is not in vain because we know that all things work together for the good,Romans 8:28, in an eschatological sense and the real deal, right now.

Have any of the sons and daughters of Attles fallen by the wayside? I think not because Pastor Attles, and soon to be Bishop, by God’s grace, is a great father in the ministry. Even when I insulted him publicly, at a revival/renewal service that he was gracious enough to bring the congregation to and preach at Healing Temple Baptist Church and the Church of New Jerusalem, he remained true to his calling to bring wholeness and healing to the marginalized. Is he perfect? Who is, except Jesus? Is he my pastor now and was he 18 years ago? The answer or the proof is in the pudding. The pudding or the fruit is that St. Paul A. M. E. Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts is doing a mighty work for the Lord under his leadership and we are happy about it! Come and See, if you doubt it.

Reverend Zelma Bostick Assistant to the Pastor, Jones Tabernacle A. M. E. C., Philadelphia, Associate Minister (Just Helping Out), St. Paul A. M.E. C., Cambridge Email: zebostick@hotmail.com

-- Anonymous, November 21, 2002

Best Candidate: Reverend Dr. Jeffrey N. Leath Pastor of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church Philadelphia I too am suggesting that Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leath, the current pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia is an excellent candidate for bishop. Dr. Leath was assigned to pastor my small church in Port Washington, New York, over 25 years ago when he first graduated from Yale Seminary. He was then and is now, a humble dedicated servant of God as well as a dynamic and powerful preacher. In addition, he has sound organizational, administrative, and conflict resolution skills, along with the character and moral fortitude that is necessary to withstand and reject the opportunities for corruption in the higher echelon of the church. Dr. Leath is always willing to help those whom he has known along the way. If any one in the New York area, is not familiar with this candidate, and would like an opportunity to hear him in person, he will be the keynote speaker at the Church Anniversary of his first pastoral appointment – Mt. Olive AME Church, Port Washington, NY. The date is October 26th, 2003. Tickets are available by 3-mailing me, Rev. Nixon at VDNixon@optonline.net

-- Anonymous, August 26, 2003

Apparently, this person has a fake e-mail address as well......

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2003