Atlanta CMEs Host Pan-Methodist Bishops' Consultation. Atlanta, GA (March 11, 2007)—For certain, this particular Sunday was one evening when God was not a respector of race, gender, or denominational persuasion as leaders representating all of Methodism in the United States assembled at the West Mitchell CME Church for "A Methodist Gathering: A Service of Renewal and Commitment." This Celebration of Holy Communion served as the beginning of the Consultation of Methodist Bishops, the Commission of Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union. The service was an exercise in liturgical splendor with as many as 30 or more bishops in attendance from the various brands of Methodism, including the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the African Union Methodist Protestant Church, the Union American Methodist Episcopal Church, the United Methodist Church, and hosts the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Additionally, Methodists and others from throughout the Atlanta area filled the spacious West Mitchell sanctuary to drink in all the bishops had to offer in observance of the auspicious occasion.
Calling the congregation to worship was the Senior Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop William H. Graves, 1st Episocpal District. Others playing important roles in the service were Bishop George W.C. Walker, Sr., AMEZC; scripture by Bishop G. Linsey Davis, United Methodist Church; prayer by Bishop Philip R. Cousin AMEC; Mrs. Harriet McCable, introduction of the Pan-Methodist Commission; and Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Moments of Remembrance. Greetings were brought by the pastor of West Mitchell CME, Rev. Frederick L. Braddock, Sr. and the invitation and commitment was led by Bishop Gregory Palmer. Music was rendered by the Voices of the Sixth, comprising members of the 6th Episcopal District. The offering was designated for the Pan-Methodist Campaign on Children and Poverty. It was reported that over $2,500 was raised in the offering.
Senior Bishop Graves introduced the speaker for the evening, Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey, presiding bishop of the 6th Episcopal District and host. Speaking from I Corinthians 1:10-18, Bishop Lakey used as a title, "The 'In Between' Church." Bishop Lakey said that while the first church of the Christian faith, as depicted in the Book of Acts, may be the church of our dreams, and the church of the Book of Revelations (the eschatalogical church) might be the church of our vision, there is yet a church in the middle—an "in between church" if you will—the church of the here and now. He suggested that this "in between" church is full of all of the flaws and imperfections of the world. And the "in between" church brings much that "not yet" has been fulfilled. Nevertheless, looking forward to the "not yet," even the church of our vision (the future church), we still have hope.
Joining Bishops Cousin, Walker, Sr., Graves, Palmer and Davis as Celebrants for the Celebration of Holy Communion was United Methodist Bishop Gregory Palmer. AMEZ Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett gave closing remarks, followed by the Benediction by Bishop Lakey.
As hosts of the Gathering, CMEs helped fill the church. Among those present were Bishops Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr. (3rd Episcopal District); Bishop L.L. Reddick III (5th Episcopal District); Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham (8th Epispcopal District); and Bishop Nathaniel Linsey (retired). General Officers present were Mr. Leo Pinkett, General Secretary of Ministry to Men and Dr. Kenneth E. Jones, Editor of The Christian Index. Also present were Miles College President Dr. George T. French, Jr. and Mrs. Joyce French. Several bishops' wives were present.