New Association of Black Methodist 

General Officers Charts Its Future

          When the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church assembled in Columbia, SC last spring for their historic “Great Gathering,” creating formal alliances was not on the agenda. Yet, in a meeting of general officers representing the three communions where there was intense dialogue on issues of the day, and answers, a new partnership was formed.
The Association of Black Methodist General Officers (ABMGO) consists of duly elected officials of each of the three churches, representing some of the greatest talent, gifts, and graces ever in the history of Methodism. While an official mission statement is currently a work in progress, the spirit of the agenda of the Great Gathering remains an important focus of the ABMGO, and making a positive impact on the lives of Black Methodists throughout the world is paramount.
Since that first dinner meeting in Columbia last March, the ABMGO has had several meetings by phone. Led by President Dr. Mary A. Love, Editor of the Department of Church School Literature, of the AMEZ Church, the ABMGO is taking all of the necessary steps to grow into an effective, competent group, with a strong organizational structure. Several committees have been established, including committees on Program, By-Laws, Courtesy/Amenities, Ad Hoc/Missions, Finance, Public Relations Committee and a committee on Nominations. Extensive efforts have been made to emphasize and take advantage of the “parallel relationships” among the Black Methodist General Officers. In this vein, there is a concerted effort to maximize the skills of those general officers that are in related, or similar, ministries to the benefit of Black Methodists around the world.
The Association of Black Methodist General Officers is looking forward to the first of what is expected to be an annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 19, 2011, as the Consultation of Methodist Bishops will hold their annual meeting at that time. The meeting in Atlanta ostensibly will be the first anniversary of the seminal work that took place at the Great Gathering last year, with heightened prospects for moving the Association forward.
Current members of the ABMGO are:
AME Church
Richard Lewis, Clement Fugh, John C. Wade, Jerome V. Harris, Daryl Ingram (Secretary), Calvin H. Sydnor, III, Johnny Barbour, Dennis Dickerson, George F. Flowers

AME Zion
W. Robert Johnson, III, Otis McMillan, Raymon E. Hunt
Shirley Welch, Kermit DeGraffenreidt, Mike Lisby
David Miller, James David Armstrong, George E. McKain
Bernard Sullivan, Terrance Jones, Mary A. Love (President)

CME Church
Tyrone T. Davis, Joseph Neal, Elnora P. Hamb, Leo Pinkett, Jeanette Bouknight, Dewayne Golightly, Clifford Harris, Carmichael Crutchfield (Treasurer),
Kenneth E. Jones, Roderick D. Lewis
Submitted by Dr. Kenneth E. Jones, Editor of The Christian Index