By Dr. Mark Tyler, First Episcopal District
I thank the Council of Bishops of the AME Church for their action against Bishop Gregory GM Ingram, this is only the beginning. He is NOT the victim in this story, the victims are the members of the churches impacted. Old men and women who often sold dinners, who gave their last dollar to the congregation, who let their own lights at home get turned off before they would let the lights at the church get turned off. They are the victims, and they must be prioritized now and forever. So, if you must feel sorry for someone, feel sorry for them.
In order to prevent this from happening again, we mWhile ust send a real message for future leaders.
1. The General Conference (either an extra session or the 52nd) must take action to defrock Bishop Ingram to deter others from following the same path.
2. A full investigation into the sale of 3801 Market Street in Philadelphia (aka First District Headquarters) must happen to provide transparency. I would like to see that property returned from the University of Pennsylvania to the rightful owners, the members of the seven Annual Conferences that comprise the First Episcopal District.
3. A full audit of all real estate and developer transactions in the seven Annual Conferences of the First Episcopal District during the tenure of Bishop Ingram.
4. A whistle blower protection program of some kind should be established that will allow persons to come forward to report their experiences of intimidation, threats of being removed as pastor for not ‘playing ball’, bullying, and other alleged offenses.
