[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12551]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING BISHOP WILLIAMS

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I am honored to have the opportunity 
today to recognize Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, a man of faith 
and conviction and a leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 
I am privileged to extend my congratulations to Bishop Williams as he 
assumes the role of president of the Council of Bishops. This role 
requires an extraordinary person, one of both strength and distinction, 
and the AME Church has found one in Bishop Williams. Bishop Williams, 
along with his wife Mother Wilma Delores Webb-Williams as Episcopal 
Supervisor, have been dedicated public servants and tireless advocates 
for at-risk youth of the 7th district. I am confident that Bishop 
Williams' leadership will enrich the entire AME community.
  The AME Church has an unwavering commitment to its members and should 
be commended for its special mission to strengthen the community by 
encouraging and supporting children. While leading the 7th District, 
Bishop Williams built a partnership for at-risk youth, helped lobby for 
a teen mentoring program, and put in place services to provide for 
children in poverty.
  When Bishop Williams served at the 17th District AME in Central 
Africa, membership grew by over 100,000, eventually resulting in the 
creation of a 20th District. Fittingly, Bishop Williams used his power 
and influence to bring people together and inspire hope in that part of 
the world.
  His dedication to faith and community extends beyond the church into 
academia. As chairman of Allen University in Columbia, SC, and member 
of the board of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, Bishop 
Williams brings his passion and fearless leadership to our students. 
Bishop Williams is a spiritual leader, an activist, community leader, 
husband and mentor. I join with others in lauding his service, 
integrity, and vision.

                          ____________________