In 2004, the AME Church made a major commitment to Indigenous Leadership with an unprecedented election of three bishops who were born in overseas districts (Districts 14-20). The intent was sealed with a document: The Covenant. Persons born outside of the USA would serve areas of their birth. Yet, the understanding of those elected was not clear in terms of their having made an active, career long obligation.

While most delegates in 2004 thought the obligation would be until retirement, the very wording of The Covenant suggested a lesser arrangement. The document called for the continued election of District 14-20 candidates until there “may” be a natural rotation off into Districts 1-13. The very notion of “rotation” showed the matter had not been thoroughly reasoned.

Rather than effectively responding to years of discussion in the African Jurisdictional Council (AJC) to empower local leadership of the church, the denomination created a smooth path for the election of global candidates with no clear vision for how they would be best deployed. The dilemma faced us after eight years and the challenge of assignments. Unlike our sister churches, we had no provisions for more than an eight year tenure for a bishop beyond North American shores. Suddenly, bishops were not indigenous, and they were not in the nation of their preference.

Some candidates (2004) foreknew the issue, and they refused to enter the Covenant. They were connected to their new base in America. They did not foresee themselves serving in their birthplace for more than one or two quadrenniums (like their American born colleagues who also sought the episcopal office). So, now we have it. Worthy candidates did not take advantage of a favorable condition to be elected. Others took advantage of the opportunity with the notion that the church was trying to make the ranks of leader internationally diverse, not that indigenous leadership had become a new value for our Zion.

Most of the delegates (2004) were clear on the terms of commitment. Whether or not those elected had the same understanding is not for current reflection. That many candidates thought they lost the opportunity for episcopal service because of the global “set aside” is no longer relevant. These are my pressing concerns:

1. The personal toll on “indigenous” leaders is unfair given our undeveloped structure for Indigenous Leadership. Moving bishops across the continent to diverse cultures for an entire career is not fair to them, or their families. We need to address the impact of our policy with a pastoral response. We do not have to perpetuate an administrative error by continued insensitivity to the human predicament. Let’s move forward from our mistakes.
2. The church has reneged on its obligation under The Covenant. The document/sentiment should be considered null and void. This is not an automatic claim check to a District 1-13 assignment. It is the call for the removal of the stigma and prohibition. Evaluate gifts and graces. Match them to vacancies.
3. We need legislation which will accommodate truly indigenous leadership. Indigenous Bishops are a good idea we have not properly developed. A Southern African Jurisdiction may accomplish much of this, but there are other considerations such as tenure limits on service in one area.
4. Our comrades in Districts 14-20 are going to have to be clear about THEIR acceptance of indigenous leadership. Let us not be fooled, there are some districts which have No Desire for indigenous leaders. Candidates from those districts need to be forthright in their campaign. You are not a bishop for “your” area as “your” area does not want “your” leadership. You are a candidate from the global theater seeking to serve wherever the has for a person of your gifts and graces. Rank and file AMEs need to be cautious about how we encourage aspirations. Do not mislead your sisters and brothers.
5. AMEs, Be Careful About What You Ask For! You may get it, and have to live with it. Advice for Districts 1-20!
6. We have wasted 20 years of preparation time for a new generation of leadership from the continent. When I think of the late Bishop Senatle, not only do I remember a man of depth and gifts which were unknown to most, but I also consider the mentoring/preparation of the late Bishop Ming. The Bishops, Clergy, and Laity should be praying for, and preparing, leaders from the trenches of Districts 14-20.
7. Indigenous only works if the people who will be led do the selecting. Americans must not elect leaders who will be forced on the people. My comrades across the water, I will not support any candidate from among your numbers until you come together in support of the candidate(s)!