Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Has there ever been an open forum for Candidates for Bishop to share their views with the laity and clergy of the AME Church? I understand that the ultimate vote for the Episcopacy comes from the delegates; however, I was wondering if there has ever been a public forum where the candidates could share their vision for the AME church. Something likened unto the recent Tavis Smiley "State of the Black Church" forum held in Detroit. I know that something like this would be monumental, due to the sheer size of our Zion, but I was just wondering what people thought about this. Does anyone think something like this should occur? Looking at folks websites, reading blurbs, flyers and a few lines about their credentials just doesn't seem to be enough. Yes, all of those things are important but based on the discussions held on this website, I think we all deserve just a tad bit more than that. What are your thoughts on this idea and how would it be possible to have something like this? Would an evening at the General Conference be way too late? Just a suggestion. Please share your thoughts. Thanks and God bless.

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

Answers

This is a very progressive idea. With all the changes going on in our Zion it would be a breath of fresh air to hear from candidates what their vision for the future looks like. Thank you for suggesting such a positve approach to discerning good leadership.

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

Superb idea

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

You have a great idea! I will present your idea to the A.M.E. Herald staff and perhaps we can facilitate something like this in our chat rooms, discussion forums etc. We do plan on interviewing potential candidates for Bishop in the A.M.E. Herald. www.ameherald.com

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

In April, The Atlanta-North Georgia Conference Lay Organization just held a retreat in which the candidates in our Episcopal District participated in such a forum as this. Since our Annual Conferences are now being held, we also hear from the major candidates across the Connection as well.

However, it is a great idea to have them all at once. Perhaps the Lay Biennial Convention would be able to arrange such a large-scale forum as this. Maybe this would help eliminate the way to many also-rans.

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

The Lay Organization at their Bi-Annual Convention creates an opportunity for all candidates to give their vision in four minutes and two questions from the floor. This is been organized through their Episcopal Director on Lay Activities. This has been done in 1999 (Rochester, NY). Candidates must make sure this will happen again and that they do attend. Many of the Laity attending the Convention will be delegates (voters) at the General Conference in 2004.

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

Hello AJ!!!

So how is my fellow Donald Parsons fan?? :-) I would like to throw my support behind the idea of a Candidate's Forum as well. Our process of electing Bishops is tantamount to a beauty contest. Our delegates and members deserve a more professional approach towards selecting our next leaders. About a month ago or so Nalton and I were expressing a similar interest about this subject. I even proposed my two choices to serve as moderator: 1. Gwen Ifill, Moderator & Host of the PBS program Washington Week 2. Charles Ogletree, Prof. of Law @ Harvard University

Gwen Ifill is a member of Metropolitan AME in Wash DC and the twin sister of a Presiding Elder in the 6th District. Professor Ogletree is a terrific moderator (Tavis doesn't come close) in matters such as these plus his AME credentials are solid because he personally assisted me on a former project and his oldest son is one of my former economics student:-) Either way, the Forum would have a superb moderator. QED

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

It looks like a lot of positive energy is being generated on this worthy idea. Thank you Professor Dickens for those excellent suggestions and recommendations, together with Denise Roger's insight and energy I believe this debate/forum will become reality soon! I'm excited to be a part of such a progressive Zion. IHN (In His Name) Peace!

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

It looks like a lot of positive energy is being generated on this worthy idea. Thank you Professor Dickens for those excellent suggestions and recommendations, together with Denise Roger's insight and energy I believe this debate/forum will become reality soon! I'm excited to be a part of such a progressive Zion. IHN (In His Name) Peace! P.S. I pray the progressive winds of Holy Ghost change and growth will travel from heart to heart and breast to breast.

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

Sister Jackson, I think that is a wonderful idea. We need to know more about the candidates as well as their positions on issues affecting the AME Church. I believe we may have some campaigners with the spirit of Allen, Payne, Turner, etc.

However, I disagree with Brother Dickens' entry. As far as a moderator is concerned, I believe we need someone who is extremely knowledgeable about the AME Church, with brains and audacity as not to let any candidate evade questions. Although, I know he named two capable people, I sincerely suggest Brother Dickens as the moderator. I believe someone of his caliber would do a phenomenal job.

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

I think it is a great idea -- actually the RAYAC is in the process of planning a Young Adult Summit that will include a discussion with the persons aspiring for the office of Bishop -- we hope to discuss a variety of issues facing our church.

Pray with us.

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

Dear Sister

I too must agree with the distinguished Prof.QED that this is a wonderful idea. Let the visions for a better tomorrow start today. Without a vision we remained challenged. Don't let this idea go. I believe it may surface in the Philadelphia meeting next month.Shall we coax them with Catfish Professor?

-- Anonymous, May 14, 2003

Hello Fellow AME's and to Professor Dickens, your fellow "Donald Parsons'fan" is doing just fine. I cannot complain. I know that I haven't posted to the board in quite a while, but trust me, I have been closely following the discussion strings. Thanks so much for all of the feedback on this issue. I think that as a body, we cannot have too many forums because everyone is not going to be present everywhere at once. So, if forums are being presented at the Connectional Lay Meeting, RAYC, various District Conferences, etc., the more the better. However, it would be nice to have something like this at the seat of the General Conference, or at least during the week of the General Conference, 2004. To those of you who are well-connected, how can we make this happen? Thanks for your suggestions, feedback and insight! God bless!

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2003

Robert makes a key point about the "also-rans". Currently, there are in excess of 60 declared candidates and more to come considering the filing deadline is I believe January 2004. If I'm wrong about the deadline someone please correct. If our election process could do something about the "also-rans" a public debate consisting of the top ten candidates would be both feasible and beneficial. This is why in the real world of politics we have primaries to allow for a pruning of the candidates. Our church electoral system does not have a primnary and as a consequence the field is overpopulated with pretenders for the Bishoprick. If we had a primary for candidates to the Bench in 2003 this would make the final slate manageable for 2004. Perhaps this is something for future legislation to consider.

Now Mary's unsolicited support of my name as a possible moderator for a Bishop's Forum/Debate is extremely flattering. I would avail myself only as a default choice. I do believe that Ms. Ifill or Prof. Ogletree would be splendid choices. They both know quite a bit about the AMEC and the possibilities of C-SPAN or PBS coverage would be enhanced. All it would take would be a phone call to Ogletree's office and indicate that his son's outstanding grade performance would be subject to change by me if he declined the request :-) Of course if I was asked to submit a question or two I would gladly comply. Like retired CNN anchor Bernard Shaw I too don't shy away from asking tough questions. For those who remember back in the 1988 Presidential Debate it was Mr. Shaw's opening salvo which effectively doomed the Presidential prospects of Massachusettes Governor Michael Dukakis. QED

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2003

Good news! I have been in discussion with the president of the RAYC, and he is serious in planning and hosting a candidates'forum! Suggestions are needed for a date which could accommodate those interested in attending. Tentatively, I have learned that the 2004 memorial day weekend is being discussed! The forum will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta is a very accessible destination, even for some of us coming from distant places. Your suggestions and comments will be welcomed. This is good news!!! Hey Bill...here is your opportunity to present the issues in an astute manner! You would be a great person to have on the panel to ask and present the issues to the candidates.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2003

Ray that is great news, but is memorial day weekend a good weekend for such an event. Most people want to be home visiting cemeteries or having an outdoor outing. Or is it customary in the A.M.E. church to schedule things on memoral day weekend?

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2003

Sister Denise, I will relay the message to the president. This date was suggested due to the fact that most of the members of the RAYC, mostly young adults, will use this holiday instead of taking time off from jobs. Thanks for the comments...let's make this forum happen!

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2003

I am glad to hear that Jerry Turner is rapidly making plans for this forum. However, how would one determine who the "Top 10" candidates are for Bishop, 2004? Do you take a survey of the delegates??? Thanks.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2003

A primary in 2003 to narrow the field of candidates??? On the surface, this may sound like a good idea, but how what would be the logistics? The electors are not elected until their annual conferences in 2003, which is some cases run well into the autumn. Then, would the electors all come together for their votes? Or perhaps better, vote on a specific day in their respective districts, not unlike the Electoral College for presidential elections.

In any event, it would require changes in church law, so it ain't gonna happen before GenCon 2004. However, it is an idea whose time has come and is worth considering for the future.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2003

I have actually been contacting hotels in the Atlanta Area to see meeting room space, etc. in hosting such an event. We are looking at several areas in the Atlanta area. (perimeter, Lenox, Downtown and airport) I am also looking at the Budget of Hosting such an event -- would a $25-30 dollar registration be a hardship on people. Possible schedule:

Friday Evening: Greetings, Opening Worship Saturday: Summitt/Forum, ect.

Questions for Discussion: What area in Atlanta? Dates? Registration?

I would like to hear from you all ASAP

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2003

Jerry thank you for your hard work. I have a suggestion, why not contact some of our A.M.E. Churches in Atlanta and ask them to host the forums. Then you would not have to pay for rental space. In addition the church could co-sponsor the event with you. I do not know atlanta, but there are many on the board that do. Do not forget to check in with Bishop Cummings to let him know of your plans since you will be in his district. I feel like you are my son! I am proud of you.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2003

In my opinion, allow all candidates the opportunity to participate. A good drawing card would be to have as many elected delegates from the different Episcopal Districts in attendance. These will be the persons mandated with the awesome responsibility of electing the persons for the various offices. We need not worry about having a primary yet. There is an "unofficial primary' known as the first ballot. Candidates are often told whoever comes out strongest after the first ballot, is generally the candidate that is pushed! Talk about pressure!

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2003

Thank you for the reminder of AME Protocol will do this evening -- I wanted to stay away from a church in Atlanta since we have 4 canidates in Atlanta -- I want to give everyone an equal chance.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2003

Has anyone thought of the possibility video conferencing? You can include the connectional church without all the travel expenses. More candidates could be involved as well as many more AMEs.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2003

Perhaps we could draft and agree on a list of issues that every candidate would have the opportunity to address online. Each candidate's response then could be a linked document available for reading worldwide. This would give maximum exposure to every candidate's response (and also document the answer). Then, after the delegates are selected (elected) the in person debates could take place.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2003

I recognize that a "primary" is unrealistic and impractical for Gen Con 2004. I know it requires constructive debate and thoughtful legislation for future implementation (2008?). My point is simply that the issue about the "also-rans" will always be present unless there is some mechanism which can prevent this number from rising. Primaries assist in pruning the number. Ask yourself the follwing question. When was the last time you participated in a general election where more than 60+ individuals were competing for 7 elected positions (Bishop vacancies)? The concept of being elected on 2nd , 3rd or 4th ballots are weak alternatives since scarce time will be tied up in seeking coalitions, engaging in questionable deal-making activities and re-voting. If a primary system was adopted it would have the benefit of focusing on the top candidates, promote a quick election and free up time for other important activities during the Gen Con.

The idea of video conferencing or webcasting a Candidates Forum is a splendid suggestion because it will allow for our overseas Candidates to be a direct participant. I also endorse the suggestion by J. Turner to have the Forum away from the Atlanta churches precisely for the reasons he provide. I look forward to the thoughtful recommendations by Parsons Allen & Paris. I hope this can get done for next year. QED

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2003

The Atlanta-North Georgia Conference has 108 churches and still growing. To date there are only four candidates in the entire Episcopal district of more than 500 churches.

One month before the General Conference we need to certainly consider cutting our expenses. There are several churches in Atlanta which could host such a forum as this. I don't see how that would really give any candidate an advantage if we invited all of them and they were there to defend their views. Hotels are just too expensive. Since we presently own none we need to use what we have.

I would suggest contacting the executive board of the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference Lay. I am sure they have some excellent suggestions of how this could be done. Since, as I already indicated they did it for our Episcopal Candidates at our Lay Retreat.

Reverend Allen is also right. The first ballot is the best primary I have even seen. It works wonders and is a excellent reality check. Since we now do electronic elections this is cost effective and quick. Again, we cannot afford another Connectional Meetings which a Primary would be.

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2003

Well in doing some research I have found two other alternatives -- (A) Morris Brown College and (B) Having the summitt preceding the 2004 General Board meeting that is usually held in May so the General Board can ratify the General Budget so it can go to the general Conference for final review and acceptance. Most of the candiates are in attendance and it would be a good time to have this sponsored by the Young Adults of the Church.

The RAYAC is committed to organizing such a summitt. I value the suggestions that have been shared thus far -- We will continue to work on the plan.

I also want to remind everyone that which ever plan is decided -- it will incur some cost. As we move on, we will develop a plan that will meet the need at a low cost. Please continue to send your comments in and also topics of discussion.

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2003

Using the Morris Brown College auditorium sounds like a very intelligent suggestion, whatever the cost!!! Videoconferencing from that site is an excellent idea. Charging a registration fee to access the videoconferencing does not sound unreasonable. OrIndividual churches or conferences/districts could link into the conference. Also webcasting could be included (I believe something like this could be arranged via C-Span.) I am not sure. As AME's, we have made way too many hotels throughout the world rich. We definately need to get with technology! Using technology and supporting our own institutions (Wilberforce/Morris Brown, etc.) certainly makes much more sense, and in the end, though a cost would occur, it would benefit the church and the institutions at the same time. God bless!

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2003

A candidates forum in some format(s) is a superb idea. What is the status?

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2003

i sent a communique to Bishop Cummings outling to him what RAYAC would like to do -- I am waiting on his Episcopal Advisement.

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2003

A "first ballot" primary has a lot of possibilities; however, it was my experience at GenCon2000 that many of those who do not "make the cut", so to speak, on the first ballot, do not drop out of the race.

Perhaps the law or process should be changed so that if a candidate does not receive a specified percentage of the votes cast on any given ballot, he (generic "he") is automatically dropped from future ballots.

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2003