The Board of Bishops announces that the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church will be held July 28th through August 1st, 2021. In light of the continuing health challenges stemming from the COVID-19 Pandemic and with the safety of our constituents being our highest priority, after surveying the delegation, consulting with health professionals along with the hotel staff, and after prayerful consideration, it has been determined that this will be a hybrid event. All activities will be in conformity with CDC protocols, including practicing social distancing and the mandated wearing of masks.
The General Conference will be open for participation by all delegates, alternates, and observers with the following guidelines:
1) Members of the Board of Bishops, the General Officers, those Connectional Officers, who must report to the General Conference, and all the duly elected delegates to the General Conference, who can show proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations will have the option of meeting in person at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Those Bishops, General Officers, Connectional Officers, and duly elected delegates who choose not to be vaccinated, or who are uncomfortable, whatever the reason, with meeting in person, or who are unable to travel to the site of the General Conference due to international visa challenges or other considerations, will be able to participate, vote, and communicate virtually. Duly elected alternate delegates, who may need to fill the spot of a delegate but who have not been officially seated prior to the opening of the General Conference will be able to participate, vote, and communicate virtually. We are strongly discouraging from attending in person anyone not included in these groups named.
2) All other constituents of The A.M.E. Zion Church, including Alternate Delegates, Connectional Officers who are not delegates or designated to report to the General Conference, and all observers will be able to view the proceedings of the General Conference virtually.
The A.M.E. Zion Church, known as “The Freedom Church” is keenly aware of the repressive actions of legislative leaders in Georgia to adopt draconian laws in an effort to suppress the vote. We condemn such laws and fiercely advocate the expansion of voting rights for all citizens. We also applaud those who have decided to highlight the immorality of such laws through economic boycotts and civil disobedience.
After much debate, many consultations, and agonizing deliberations, we ultimately heeded the counsel of key civil rights leaders in Georgia, including Senator Raphael Warnock, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Stacey Abrams, to come to Atlanta. It is our conviction that rather than further hurt the very people a boycott would have been intended to help, that The Freedom Church will make our unwavering commitment to justice and voting rights clear by our presence, our voice, and tangible actions during our time in the State of Georgia.
Your Chief Servants:
The Board of Bishops of The A.M.E. Zion Church
Bishop George E. Battle, Jr., Senior Bishop and President of the Board of Bishops
Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Secretary
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr., General Conference Program Chair