With the recent news from the Second Episcopal District that the Rev. Dr. Frank Madison Reid III has withdrawn from the race I guess the obvious questions spring to mind.

What happened? What is next for Dr. Reid? What is the impact on those others seeking the office in July? Who will emerge with a vision and plan for the future of our Church? Will that vision embrace the whole Church globally or just the United States? Will we refocus on the critical need for saving and feeding souls?

I believe we have reached a significant turning point in our denomination when the third generation Frank Madison Reid decides that the Office of Bishop (held by both his father and grand-father)is not an area he seeks to be involved with. The election of the class of 2004 will present historic challenges to the Church as well as the Class of Bishops elected. I believe the composition of the Class must be more inclusive of all geographic regions emcompassing our Global Church with the view of reaching souls around the world. I pray all of us consider this and I look forward to your views.

Finally to Rev. Denise we on this BB love you and have not forgotten you and Danielle. Congradulations on your excellant web-site. The AME Herald is a tribute to your passion to do more for the work of the Lord and know that we all still care for you. May God Bless You and your Mountain Ministry.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2004

Answers

Is this just a rumor, or has something official been sent out regarding Dr. Reid's pulling out of the election? I am curious. If it is true, then I am saddened that Dr. Reid is pulling out of the race because, in a lot of areas, he WAS by far one of the most qualified, with the most distinguished record of all of those that were seeking office. He would not have had to campaign. He basically won, hands down. Some delegates will probably vote for him anyway, and Dr. Flake, two of our AME "gems". Dr. Reid is doing an absolutely phenomenal job at Bethel AME Church - Baltimore. He is not only making an absolutely fantastic impact on the members of the church, but also the people in the community and the world community at large. Why would he want to give up that awesome opportunity? Dr. Flake is in the same position. They both have phenomenal ministry, outreach and teaching programs. They are working their calling where they all. Though a pastor is qualified and has a track record of excellence in ministry, the episcopacy couldn't possibly be something that everyone can stomach. God bless you.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2004

Dr. Reid is in the race. He did announceon the floor he was pulling out for reasons I will not say and then on Saturday he renetered the race. So Dr. Reid is still iin the race and doing well.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2004

Thank You Bro. Forbes

I did post this question and maybe misunderstood the result. I am pleased Dr. Reid is still in. His history in the Church and the involvement of his family are note-worthy. No intention to create a story on this Pastor. Apologies for any mis-understanding

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2004

I just received an email from a reliable AME source and a delegate to the Quadrennial that Dr. Reid actually pulled out of the race on Saturday. So he actually has pulled out, and has not re-entered. I guess we will find out the truth in Indianapolis, because as of right now these are just rumors.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2004

Can Dr. Reid, himself, or Dr. Fugh provide an authoritative answer to this question?

Peace

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2004

Well, as most know by now, I am neither Dr. Reid or Dr. Fugh but I feel compelled to respond. An anonymous AME insider shared with me less than an hour ago (12:45AM EST) that F. M. Reid III has NOT officially withdrawn from the race. Furthermore, it appears that the language Pastor Reid recently used in expressing his candidacy was his "ambivalence" about running for the office of Bishop. Many in attendance mistakenly interpreted this term to mean "withdrawal" when in fact it simply suggests the individual has mixed feelings about the office in question. Three things are certain. First, my earlier insider friends were not as "in the loop" as I previously thought. Second, Reid's state of ambivalence may prove to be politically costly. Third, to paraphrase 20th century humorist Will Rogers, the pandemonium associated with Reid's "announcement", confirms I am indeed not a member of any organized pary, I'm AME :-) QED

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2004

It is quite a sad development that a good candidate from the Second Episcopal District the Rev. Dr. Frank Madison Reid III has pulled out of the race. From recent developments one Episcopal District in Africa,one is bound to what Rev Reid has done.

I am doing a report about the un Godly utterances and discrimination which the outgoing Bishop made in his closing at the Christian Education Congress held from 24-28 April 2004.This should be ready within the nex few days.

I will not broadast this on this board, but will be able to circulate to individual members of this forum on REQUEST.

I wish Dr Reid all the best.

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2004