The Urgent Call for Campaign Reform in the AME Church

Rev. Henry E. Green, III, 11th Episcopal District

In a pivotal moment for the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, delegates have gathered for the 52nd quadrennial session of the general conference and have voiced a collective call for reform in the campaign operations of episcopal candidates. I am not a journalist, and I don’t make this claim with the support of empirical evidence. However, this year’s discussions centered on the church’s commitment to health and community safety and the effective use of technology and stewardship of time. As the AME Church continues to navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, church leaders need to be conscious of eliminating traditional campaigning practices that pose health risks.

The current method, which often sees candidates traveling from district room to district meeting room to deliver brief pitches, is costly and a potential “super spreader” activity. “While we honor the spirit of connection and engagement, we must also prioritize the health of our members, who opened the conference with a call to action. We cannot ignore the risks of gathering large groups simply to hear campaign speeches that often leave little lasting impression. Delegates discussed the financial burdens of aggressive campaigning, which frequently includes producing unmemorable theme songs and other promotional materials. They argued that the time spent in these activities detracts from the essential work of the church and disrupts the focus of episcopal districts. To address these concerns, a proposal needs to be put forth to leverage digital media as a means of campaigning.

This writer suggests equipping districts with monitors or projectors, allowing candidates to share pre-recorded messages and presentations. This innovative approach would not only reduce the need for extensive travel but also diminish the potential for health risks while maintaining an accessible platform for candidates to communicate their visions. It’s about more than just convenience; it’s about fostering a culture of safety and efficiency within our church. We can maintain the integrity of our elections while being responsible stewards of our resources and our members’ health. The proposal to adopt digital campaigning methods, while not yet universally supported, is seen by many as a forward-thinking solution that aligns with the church’s values of community care and modern stewardship, ensuring the sanctity of our electoral processes.

As discussions progress, the AME Church stands at the forefront of a necessary evolution in its electoral processes, setting a precedent that could inspire other denominations to follow suit. The general conference continues this week, with further discussions on health initiatives, technology integration, and the future of the AME Church in a rapidly changing world. As leaders and delegates unite under the banner of reform, the AME Church reaffirms its commitment to leading innovation in the face of adversity.

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Karen L Caffee
Karen L Caffee
2 months ago

Excellent article and suggestions! We’re long overdue to utilize technology not just for campaigning, but also for (yes, I’m saying it) the General Conference as well.

Karen Bostick
Karen Bostick
2 months ago

I would love to further engage in this discussion. I think it’s past time for a modernization of this practice. I’ve seen too many elderly saints nearly trampled and too many escalators overloaded, not to mention the health and financial concerns. We need to look at the dollars spent and what we could be doing with those dollars in support of the work of the denomination and the alleviation of our fiscal concerns.

Dr. Bree Wannamaker
Dr. Bree Wannamaker
2 months ago

This is a great idea!!

Patricia Wright
Patricia Wright
2 months ago

Well written! This writer’s suggestions speak not only to our health but to a leveling of the ground that gives access to aspiring candidates as well as to inquiring and supporting delegates. Let’s move to leverage these leadership strategies and suggestions.

Dr. Christopher Clomus Mathis Jr
Dr. Christopher Clomus Mathis Jr
2 months ago

Agreed, we must adopt and move forward as a unified unit in Christ!

Herman Kelly
Herman Kelly
2 months ago

Excellent suggestionsv

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