About Global Development Council

The AJC Bill was approved by the Districts in Africa and subsequently passed at the 2000 General Conference, With minor amendments. In the quadrennium that followed, a great deal of work was achieved with the dedicated support of the AJC Executive Committee and the leadership of Bishops Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Richard F. Norris, Vashti M. McKenzie, Gregory G. M Ingram, and Preston W. Williams, who were serving in Africa. HB. Senatle, retired, and C. Garnett Henning as chair of the Commission on Africa Development. In the 2004 General Conference as a result of the work of the AJC and the goodwill of the General Conference, unprecedented results were achieved. The name was changed to represent the global interest of the Church’s ministry beyond the borders of the United States. The initiative is now known as the Global Development Council.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church has since seized the challenge of providing equitable development for the life and leadership opportunities for its members and ministries in Africa, the nations of the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. The Global Development Council is believed to be a model that embraces, empowers, and envisions full participation of leadership among all constituents throughout the Connection.

The Mission and Purpose of the Global Development Council is to:

  • Implement the mission and purpose of the AME Church as stated in the Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Church.
  • Establish opportunities for developing clergy and leadership in the church.
  • Unite all AME Churches in Africa, the nations of Caribbean, South America, Europe, and India.
  • Determine the potential resources of the AME church and develop and implement programs for the maximum development of the congregations.
  • Promote economic development and health initiatives.
  • Secure for members in the global community opportunities for service in the ministry of governance.
  • Develop a structure to address the needs, aspirations, beliefs, and cultures of the global context.
  • Promote deeper understanding, collaboration, and cohesion among the AME Churches in Africa, the nations of the Caribbean, South America, ‘Europe, India, and Canada with those in the United States.
  • Determine methods to address the unique challenges of the districts outside of the United States.
  • Propose legislation in the General Conference to move the process beyond the Global Development Council.