As we are mourning the passing of Bishop Ming -- who will be the new leader of the Massive First Episcopal District?

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2002

Answers

Brother Smith:

Your question is pertinent and addresses the larger issue about how the AMEC implements succession policy for its leaders. The uncomfortable reality is the fact that there is much work unfinished in the Lord's Vineyard. There is a time for mourning but the Psalmist put it best by declaring, Weeping endureth for a night, but JOY cometh in the morning"!!! QED

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2002

Brother Dickens, Thank you for a gracious answer to this ... question. Many people are still mourning the passing of our beloved Bishop Ming and praying for his family. The Ming family and the church have both suffered great losses in the last few years.

As you well stated, the church will address the issue of who his successor will be in the prescribed manner. AS a church, we could stand to be more prayerful and mindful of the human aspects of our communion with each other rather than always dwelling on the political aspects.

We loved Bishop Ming. I met him myself and learned a great deal about his love for the church and his beloved wife. He spoke lovingly about how he and his wife shared a small cot during his stay in Africa and how she stayed by his side the entire time they were there.

I don't know if we as a church did all we could have done for Bishop Ming during the trials of his illness and the loss of his wife. Politics may be the reason we have been so heartless and uncaring toward him and others. We need to pray for the brother/sisterhood of the church if we are to grow stronger.

Nevertheless, we must carry on.

Until His coming again, I remain,

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2002

Dear Brother I believe that the next Bishop may be selected by Seniority on the bench (who is not in a large District). It may be Bishop Talbot who was elected in 1972. In any case my guess is someone who will retire in 2004. Who ever is selected or elected will have their hands full coming in at the half way point. This may be a first for many years. A lesson we should both watch and learn from. My Prayers go to all involved.

Blessings to you all P.S. Rev. Stocker how are you? I am keeping you in prayer and your portion of the vineyard.

May God Bless You

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2002

Brother Brangman,

I'm fine. Today is my birthday.

Sincerely,

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2002

The next Bishop of the 1st District is in God's hand, lets all pray for those in the decision making position and those under consideration for the position. We must use the "P" for PRAYER and let God handle the POLITICS. He has already named the successor.

My Sympathy to the MING Family.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2002

Dear Rev.Stocker

Happy Belated Birthday to you. May God Bless You, uplift you, hold you in his loving arms. Blessings for your entire year. I am placing it on my electronic diary to remember for next year. Take Care

Blessings from Bermuda

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2002