Why does the church charge a $75.00 "observer" fee for attendance at the General Conference? It seems prohibitive to members attendance at such an important gathering to impose a fee; besides you support the connectional church through your giving. The United Methodists, Presyterians, Lutherans and others don't require such fees. There's got to be a better way of funding the General Conference.

Kirk Wheeler

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2003

Answers

You're right these fees really seem unbelievable, not just for annual conference but for many other connectional organizatons within AME. However, as a tradition we don't give as much as the UME, PRESBY., or Lutheran Traditions. We don't leave endowments to the Church and on Sunday Morning you will catch a LARGE almost majority of your members giving at MOST $5. Furthermore, on off collections (secondary services) people average between $1 & $2. I'm tired of hearing that we don't have money to leave endowments or give more than $5 when we are one of the largest consumers in the US.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2003

I agree with Rev. Nicole (on this one).

Morris Brown failed because we didn't pay Conference Claims (1.5 million * $30 = $45 million annually that should be there to help OUR colleges).

ALL churches impose fees; they have diferent names for them. The bottom line is this: Hotels cost money. Convention centers cost money. Choirs and guest speakers cost money. Church upkeep costs money.

We are the biggest race of consumers, but have no economic power or legacies to rest on. We will spend $40 on nails, but $1 on the collection. We will spend $500 to buy our child an XBOX, but not a computer that could bring them 10 to 100 times return. We will go into debt trying to look good, but wont lift a finger to clean up God's house.

Having paid 3 to 5 times more for other conventions, $75 is minor (but that's just me). It breaks down this way: Skip a lunch for 3 weeks and set the $5 you'd spend aside. Boom! $75 dollars. Stop smoking. Boom! $75 dollars. Trust me: our people, if they want to go to something bad enough, will find a way to get the money.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2003

To play the devil's advocate:

Perhaps the fee is to make it prohibitive...I do not want to think about the ramifications (I still believe in the ability of mankind to govern themselves)...but it is a thought.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2003

This is done at the Lay and WMS Conventions as well. Why even bother to be an observer unless you choose? Doing so simply entitles one to an observer's badge, a seat FAR behind the delegates, a fancy bag and kit. Anyone may attend the General Conference who chooses to do so.

I don't need an Observer's Badge, a Kit and seat which will allow me to brag when I get back home that I was there. Observers cannot vote and don't have a voice. So knock yourself out and pay if you so choose. I will wave to you from the balcony as I observe, like you, for free.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2003

Rev. John Harper,

??? On this one.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2003

I stand corrected re: the $75 "observers" fee for the General Conference. I didn't know it was for special seating behind the delegates (I still wouldn't pay it). I too Robert will be happy to sit in the balcony. I was riled when I thought I'd have to pay $300.00 just to observe the proceedings if I wanted to take my wife and sons.

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2003

Brother Wheeler,

Before you take my word on it check with your Bishop or someone who knows to make sure the rules have not changed. Security issues might now mandate that one wears a badge to enter the convention site.

Since Presidential Candidates are invited to address the General Conference on their platform, I am certain there are times when those entering must be cleared and security is tight. I am only speaking from my experience in the past, but I can't be sure this won't be different this time.

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2003

Thanks Robert, I'll check with the First District office.

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2003

I didn't know there was a $75.00 observers fee, but as indicated previously, this must be for an official classification of "observer".

For GenCon2000, I attended only on the last day and after a break,the seat I took was off to the side on the first row behind the official delegates, i.e., members of the conference. Maybe I wasn't s'posed to be there, but no one asked me to move. Maybe because I had a camera, someone thought I was "official". (My seat before the break was near the back on the risers, but with the screens, all could be seen and heard.)

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2003

I have been under the impression that security will be very tight at this upcoming GC due to the events of 9-11 and the current culture of security enhancement at large meeting places. It was said that if you do not have an offical badge, then you will not be allowed in the meeting area. So, for the "balcony crew", it's not going to happen this time. Not without a cost. You'll be in the crows' nest with a $75 badge and a fancy kit (and a pair of binoculars). : )

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2003

I think we can get admittance badges from our Episcopal Districts Booths as we have in the past when the Presidential Candidates appeared. I don't think the church can officially charge a member of the church to attend any conference held by the church.

Perhaps I am wrong in this assumption. But I as a member of the church I think admittance is a given with no stipulation or fee attached. The only thing may not do is sit within the bounds of the Conference and vote. Binoculars are not needed because video screens do an excellent job.

As Reverend Harper suggested I think sometimes the powers that be would like to discourage attendance and will go to any length to do. I remember on two occasions when the General Conference was held in a Hotel Ballroom with standing room only around the walls. But try as they may they could not discourage the attendance of loyal members who came. So being uncomfortable with those arrangements this was never repeated again.

However, I too will check with my Episcopal District office to see what light they can shed on it. I stand to be corrected if I am wrong. Since I have attended General Confenences for years both as a non- paying observer and as a Delegate.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2003

This is one that I don't know about either. If it is not challenged, it is legal. I had planned to go if not as an elected delegate then on my own. But in light of the charges, I don't think so noow.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2003

The Registration Information on our Official Site says: "**New for this General Conference**" "All observers must register in order to gain access to the main hall."" There is also a note: "* While an observers badge will give you access to the main hall, seating is limited and access will be available on a first-come, first-served basis."

I have never attended a General Conference: What is the main hall?

BE Blessed

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2003

The main hall would be the area in which the delegations, bishops, general and connectional officers will hold the day's session. In 2000, there was an attempt to limit access to the floor of the voting body. Unfortunately, 9-11 has changed everything and security will be tight. It is customary that candidates seeking office visit and address the general conference. Space will be limited due to the size of the various district delegation. Room has to be afforded to meet the needs of delegates and alternates. I have attended since 1968 in Philadelphia...a great deal has changed.

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2003

This whole situation is really unfortunate. At the 2000 General Conference there was plenty of room for the Delegates, alternates and observers and those of us who attended but were not registered observers (read $75 fee). We were at the far rear but wth screens and binoculars we could keep abreast of the proceedings. Now they are restricting the "regular" members of our Zion, all in the name of 9/11. Will they at least have a facility for a close circuit TV? What is the real reason for the limitations? If the facility is too small, why did we book it? For many of us attending General Conference on our own, paying out of our own pockets, transportation, hotel, food, and all that goes with such a trip is formidable. Boston to Indiana is not a cheap fare and there are many cities with even more expensive travel. Now after all that we may not even get into the hall, even if we have the $75 fee. It is a shame. Instead of providing incentives to attend the General conference, they are encouraging folks to stay away. God Bless Bob McCain

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2003

I give a hearty AMEN to that Bob! It's not cheap going to the General Conference if you live out of the area. When the United Methodists had their quadrenium meeting they didn't charge an "observers" fee; in addition you could watch the proceedings on the internet in there entirety. Not only was their meeting open to their church members but the WORLD. The Episcopal Church (as apostate as they maybe) also broadcast their proceedings over the internet. I'm going to e-mail the church's general information officer and see if the proceedings to see if we could do the same.

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2003

In defense of our zion. We all know that this General Conference is going to be an extremely expensive event. WE know that in order to facilitate this openess it will cost our church dearly. We further know that the connectional church budget is lower than that of several of our larger churches. [For those of you who use the UMC as your reference point please let me know if such a situation exists] And although for many of our churches the budget or the assessment or conference claims are a heavy burden we must understand that this is the cost of connectionalism. We face an increase of at least 12% and if the observer fees will help offset any portion of that increase I am all for it.

-- Anonymous, August 26, 2003

Brother Kirk - While benchmarking with the UMC is good I doubt the AMEC will be in a technological position to use the Internet as a forum to view the 2004 Gen Con, unless money can be made from such an option. I plan to be in Indy on my own dime next year since I am seeking passage of my two sponsored bills. Personally, I feel concerns about security threats resulting from '9/11' are somewhat inflated for the expected tight security in Indy next year. QED

-- Anonymous, September 01, 2003

This really is about money. The Budget developed at General Conference 2000 was not sufficient. Additional funds are being solicited across the connection. I have only one objection to this process: Each year, our local church develops an operating budget and we try to live within that budget. In my church, we have been hit with at least three unbudgeted for items from the PE, Bishop and Connection. Question: Shouldn't all elements of the church be expected to operate within Budget?

BE Blessed

-- Anonymous, September 01, 2003