Let the Revolution Begin

This is in response to your question, "Can You Interpret for Me Ladies???"
 
It seems that the Episcopal Salutation is just that, a salutation that is meaningless unless one is aware that another is in pain or one is addressing a particular situation.  One then expresses true interest when inquiring as to how one is dealing with the pain or situation.  In view of the reactions of our Episcopal Leadership, the Episcopal Salutation is not a concern about the pain many AMEs are experiencing because of the lack of leadership on the part of some Bishops.  The Episcopal Salutation is simply prefatory as so many other passages in the Discipline.
 
The problem is the Discipline lends itself to too much interpretation.  Given the "belief" that the pastor is the final say irrespective to any given situation, a transformation of thought patterns is needed on the part of the Bishops and pastors.  The top down theory of leadership is over.  The exposure to technology, education and life experiences, shape the thoughts of AMEs.  The AME Leaders needs to recognize these factors and adjust their leadership styles accordingly. 

There is a necessity for the laity to remind the AME Leadership that there would not be a church without them and there is a need to respect the views of the laity.  The SAVE YOUR LOCAL AME CHURCH MOVEMENT offers proposed legislation to bring about needed changes.  Hopefully, the laity will not allow the efforts of the SAVE YOUR LOCAL AME CHURCH MOVEMENT to be in vain.
 
Once the laity demonstrates to the AME Leadership that they have the leverage regarding power and act accordingly, the Bishops and pastors will listen.  There is truly something to the revolutionary wording, POWER TO THE PEOPLE!  Can you imagine the reactions of the Bishops and pastors once the laity demonstrate their power? 
 
Now, back to reality, it is suggested that the Chairperson of the Annual Conference Legislative Task Force be bombarded with statements to the effect that interpretations of the Discipline should be as broad as possible to project inclusiveness as long as the interpretations do not violate the "spirit" of the laws in the discipline.  Keep in mind that one can argue that written laws do not include every aspects of all issues involved when dealing with a particular topic. 

However, written laws do lend themselves to provide some guidance on the interpretations of related subjects.  Given that we are dealing in a spiritual environment, it is reasonable for one to imagine what would Jesus think about the matter.  I believe and think that Jesus wants inclusiveness without violating sacred or worldly laws.  (Note that these are the words I used when addressing my Bishop when I challenged our pastor's interpretation of the Discipline.)
 
AME Justice's, stay encouraged.  It takes time for a revolution to evolve.  The revolution is coming.  Rev. Frank Madison Reid's essay, Up From Slavery:  A Wake Up Call for the African Methodist Episcopal Church provides the initiate.  The last sentence in his essay is LET'S START A REVOLUTION!  The last sentence in the Introduction Section of his essay is WAKE UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING!  The Bishops and pastors have read his essay.  Now it is time to hold them accountable.
 
LET THE REVOLUTION START WITH YOU AND ME!!!!

 
 
In a message dated 9/14/2006 7:23:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time, AMEJustice writes:

Errol,
 
Just between us, can you look at pages 2 & 3 of the 2004 Discipline (in your leisure?  Pay particular attention to the last section on page 3.  Seems that some B's who are retired or dead  developed this with good intent.  Some present B's are straying from item #1 and especially #7.  The pyramid really needs inverting.  People first, B's last. 
I am sickened with some of the events that are happening.  I'm glad there is a "vehicle" to hopefully get us back of a firm foundation.  Be encouraged.
 
****AME Justice Group is not responsible for the contents of the message above. We are simply a vehicle to relay information about the happenings in the 5th District of the AME Church****