In their joint quadrennial address, the AME Church’s bishops gave a list of recommendations to AME members on topics such as education, equity and justice, gender inequality and equal opportunities, voter suppression and the 2024 election, and self-care, mental health and health care.
As members did before and during the meeting, the bishops too called for greater levels of responsibility across the denomination, including the creation of “accountability measures for every elected and appointed leader within our church, even to the extent of using civil law to uphold and enforce rules and bylaws.”
The AMEs also heard separate video greetings from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Vice President Kamala Harris gives a video address to the AME General Conference. (Video screen grab)
In their brief remarks, Biden and Harris thanked the denomination’s members for their support and get-out-the-vote efforts. “We still have to do more,” Biden said. “Scripture says God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Harris cited the Gospel of Luke by saying “faith has the power to shine a light on those living in darkness and to guide our feet in the path of peace.”
“In moments such as this, faith guides us forward,” she said. “Faith in the promise of America.”
Her remarks were met with applause from the delegates and an affirmation from Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., who said, “Let’s celebrate the future madam president of these United States of America.”
This article originally appeared here.
