From the last Convo in Charlotte it seems we may take four Bishops from Africa this summer. Will they have the same value as their American collegues? Are they confined to Africa? As a global Church are we catering to a short term issue and not really dealing with the truely globalized Church?

Who will be the real leader of the Church? The Senior Bishop or the President of the Council.

P.S. Best Wishes to Bishop Vashti who will be elevated to President in June.

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2004

Answers

The President of the Bishops Council is purely ceremonial. Nothing of lasting substance can come forth since the Discipline states that only the General Conference can pass legislation and set policy. Honestly, I don't know why we even devote precious time to this annual homage. I am deeply concerened about the two-tiered structure of the Episcopacy. Designating Africans as General Superintendents as opposed to Bishops is a management blunder and tragic compromise. I hope this idea is repealed at Gen Con. QED

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2004

Neither the senior bishop nor the president of the council is the "leader" of the church. No one individual has administrative responsibilities over the connectional church. The senior bishop is simly that- the senior-most active bishop of the church (longest tenure). The president of the council simply presides over the business of the council of bishops.

As to the two-tiered episcopacy, it remains to be seen what effect this will have on the connection. I am not clear on the "general superintendency" that Mr. Dickens mentioned. Can you elaborate?

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2004

How did Bishop McKenzie get the position of President of the Bishop's Council? I am just curious. Was this apointed or elected and by who, the members of the council?

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2004

The president of the Council of Bishops is a one year post rotating from the senior bishop. At present, Bishop Norris is the president and the next bishop in order of election would be Bishop McKenzie. The next bishop in order would be Bishop Ingram.

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2004

Sister Jackson,

The President of the Council of Bishop rotates by seniority each year in June. If I am correct the next bishop up in rotation serves as Secretary of the Council of Bishops the year prior to when he or she becomes President.

At General Conference 2000 this rotation had already reached the 113th Bishop, Bishop William DeVeaux. Thus it passed to Bishop Kirkland (114th) in 2001, Bishop Richardson (115th) in 2002 and Bishop Norris (116th) in 2003.

At the General Conference 2004 the mantle will be passed to Bishop McKenzie, the 117th consecrated Bishop of the Church. As you can see this really moves quickly down the line. If you will recall, Bishop Young was consecrated the 109th Bishop in 1992 and was President of the Council of Bishops in 1996.

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2004

Thanks REAM! Though I've been AME for a while, this was a new piece of information. God bless!

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2004