I would appreciate the guidance of members who could assist me with this information. Sadly I believe this General Conference failed to recognize the pivotal importance of economic development and became more involved with both electing the Bishops and having John Kerry speak before announcing his running mate (Not to forget the Frank Madison Reid Drama). Was this a mild version of Jerry Springer? or an honest attempt to draft reformers for the right cause? I believe we need to balance the need for both so that the Church can not only see a better vision of Kingdom Building but also develop the tools to get us there.

My One Man's Opinion Blessings From Bermuda

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2004

Answers

As to th presenting questin, I beieve there are 37 bishops on the bench: 21 active and 16 retired. I will update the table at http://www.ghg.net/jlpayne/assignments.html later this weekend, but the connectional site should also have the compleete information.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2004

There was an attempt to address the economic structure of the church through a substantial change in the ecumenical position of the bishop's council. The goal was to empower this position to serve as the CEO or CFO of the connection. Because the body had approved and voted on a budget without reconciling or understanding the true impact, this did not pass. The goal was to provide the ecumenical officer with a development staff. Because the budget had been approved prior to this legislation coming before the body, it was voted down. Therefore Bishop McCloud will sit and twiddle his thumbs for four years.

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2004

Thank You Sis. Carolyn It will be interesting to see how and what the Church produces in thsi next quadrennium without sound economic direction.

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2004

Nalton -

According to Jesus, not me or Jesse Jackson, "when the blind lead the blind, they both fall in the ditch". Something to think about concerning our lack of economic development focus. QED

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2004

Perhaps I am missing something: Where did the church get its mandate to become involed with economics or economic development? If I am missing something I know you all can show me the way.

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2004

Parson Paris -

Economic development is one of the 8 components of the AME Mission Statement. Please refer to the AME Doctrine & Discipline 2000 edition. QED

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2004