[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 110 (Friday, June 23, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E607-E608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE BIENNIAL MEETING OF THE 4TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 
CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2023

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, the African Methodist Episcopal 
(AME) Church is one of the oldest and most influential African-American 
denominations in the United States. The roots of the AME Church can be 
traced back to the late 18th century during a time of intense racial 
segregation and discrimination in the United States. The institution of 
slavery was deeply entrenched, and African Americans faced severe 
restrictions in practicing their faith within predominantly white 
churches.
  In 1787, Richard Allen, a former slave and preacher, along with other 
black Methodist worshippers, formed the Free African Society in 
Philadelphia. The society aimed to provide spiritual support, 
education, and assistance to African Americans in the city.
  The AME Church convenes regular conferences and conventions at 
various levels within its organizational structure, of which the 
Biennial is one. The Biennial Meeting of the Connectional Lay 
Organization is done every two years. The Lay Organization of the AME 
Church is commissioned to teach, train, and empower its members for lay 
ministry, global leadership, and service following the tenets of Jesus 
Christ.
  Located in the 7th Congressional District of Illinois, the 4th 
Episcopal District Connectional Lay Organization of the AME Church will 
host two conventions in Chicago from June 25-30, 2023: the 81st Annual 
Connectional Lay Organization Meeting, and the 38th Connectional Lay 
Biennial Convention. Their theme is: ``Living A Global Witness Ministry 
that Transforms, Transcends and Liberates''.
  I salute the work of the Connectional Lay Organization under the 
leadership of: Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, Commission Chair and newly-
elected Council of Bishops President; Bishop John Franklin White, Host 
Bishop; Mrs. Penny H. White, Episcopal Supervisor; Matikane Abe Makiti, 
President of the Connectional Lay Organization of the AME Church; Mrs. 
Patricia Wright, Connectional Director of Lay Activities; Ms. Jameshia 
Williams, Connectional Young Adult Representative; Mr. Jerry Turner, 
Jr., 4th District Episcopal President; Mr. Michael A. Cousin, Jr., 4th 
District Episcopal Director of Lay Activities; and Mr. Terrence 
Sanford, 4th District Episcopal Young Adult Representative.
  I welcome the participants of the Biennial Meeting of the 4th 
Episcopal District Connectional Lay Organization of the African 
Methodist Episcopal Church to the 7th Congressional District of 
Illinois, and I wish them much success.

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