Could somebody please throw more light on the "new Lay Youth League" being promoted in the 15th Episcopal District? Some of us are concerned at the creation of new organs/auxiliaries whilst existing ones are not fully utilised. Moreover, when you ask for the motivation and rationale of this Lay Youth League, I am told that we are opposing this initiative. We have the Sunday School, RAYAC, Allen C Fellowship, Boys Scout, etc. other children and youth auxiliaries under Board of Christian Education. And than we have the YPD (up to age 30) under the WMS. Well, we have Junior Boards of Stewards, Trustees, etc in the local church? And I do not know which youth are left out that should be accomodated in the Lay Youth League! Once Bishop John H Adams preached that we attempt to create a whole lot of new laws whilst we do not obey the ones we have. Why duplicate youth organizations at this point in time and we are aware that there are attempts to change the RAYAC to Young Adults Ministry (or similar name). Finally, is the Lay Organization not part of the bigger church? To my opinion, yes, because I see a bishop is a ceremonial Chairman in the General Board. But in some cases, clergy are only used when it suits the needs of this organization and when we come up with rationale ideas not acceptable to the Lay leadership, we are simply told it is a non-clergy association of members and that such comments (statements and quostions for clarity) are simply confusing and weakening the Lay Organization. Is there someone with authority to help clarify this, please.

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2003

Answers

I concur with your concern about the establishment of another organization when we already have them in place. However Mr. Hanse, the intent of the young people's effort is what's important. You see, there is a bigger problem that we as AME leaders (Be it title or adults) are failing to recognize. Young people today, in the AME curch are "feeling" left out. Now wheter you believe this to be true or not, the fact is that the establishment of such organizations stems from emotional frustration of not being heard!

The Lay Organization has been toiling with this issue since the Lay Biennial in Rochester, NY..."How do we incorporate and maintain the participation of young people" This was the question that was asked and brought to the floor. Now that young people have acted on this and have come up with solutions, many feathers of adult laity are being ruffled.

I am an active, young adult member of the Lay Organization of the 5th District and we have been experiencing the same situation as the young people in the 15th district. I commend their efforts and I am in support of their efforts, yet there is a better solution to incorporate. At the Lay Biennial in New Orleans this past July, the Youth and Young Adults presented legislation to establish the position of "Direcor of Youth and Young Adults" as an elected position of the Lay Organization. That piece of legislation was passed and will be incorporated into the Connectional Lay Organization. Now, under this position, there is a description of this person's duties. One of them is to maintain a Youth and Young Adult Council within the Lay Organization. This is not meant to be a separate entity of the Lay Organization neither will it be separated from the AME's existing organization for Young Adults.

Which brings to mind; the YPD, RAYAC, Sunday School, and Boy/Girl Scouts organizations are merely social organizations within our churches. The Lay organization is different and from the Lay Organization comes delegation to Local Meetings, Conference Meetings, District Meetings, Planning Meetings, Connectional Meetings, and the General Conference. As a delegate, you now have voting power that is indicative to the AME church The YPD program is just that...the YPD Program, which is under the Missionary Society. After the tender age of 26, what happens next...especially if you're a young male?

Youth and Young Adults want to be heard on a larger scale. Support the young people. Find out what's really frustrating them and help them. Educate them on how they can be heard and include them in the structure of the our church.

Simeon Rhoden

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2003

At the "tender" age of 26, one ought to be running his business, law practice, finishing his/her medical residenct, graduating from siminary, etc. Why do we call a 26-year old a youth. Our youth are not interested in being delegates to the meetings we hold so dear. Some one defined insanity as "Doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results." Think about it. If we are losing our youth, then we must do something different. Most of the time, when change is suggested, the suggestee's loyalty is challenged and then invited out of the denomination if he/she is not willing to keep doing the same thing . . . . . , because we've always done it that way. Be Blessed

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2003

Parson Paris -

You are right. We have a habit of treating 26 year old men and women as "youth". Many men/women in the above age group are already successful businessmen/businesswomen, physicians, accountants, lawyers, etc. Youth suggests the group you are dealing with are basically children, incapable of executing adult responsibilities. At age 26 I -

1. was teaching economics @ a major college

2. author or co-author of several referred professional articles

3. was living in my own three story townhouse

4. driving a car that was already paid in full

5. enjoying life as a recent divorcee (When my autobiography is prepared 25 years from now I will devote a section to this part of my life :-)) QED

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2003

AMEN and we have many other talented, educated, and dedicated young men and women who would be more active and remain in our great church if we would challenge them by teaching, preaching, and presenting the word of God by both word and deed. I have found that when these persons are taught the scriptures using the tools such as Power Point presentations, etc., the tools they use in everyday business they readily accept Christ. Our mesages must be positive, relevant, using illustrations from thier experience; just as Jesus did. AMEN again AMEN

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2003

Fellas, you have missed the point! The question that Rev. Hanse basically asked was, "what are the Young People in the 15th district Doing..."? I tried to answer that question and then offer some constructive advice. In my opinion, no offense intended, the two of you went way left field.

Yes the age of 26 is a bit old to be charaterized as a YOUTH, which justifies the problem that many Youth and Young Adults are facing in the Laity and have tried to correct at many Lay meetings. Where have the two of you been? But since you tried to go there, let's talk about that a bit. The AME discipline defines 26 year olds as youth in many organizations such as the Missionary Society and the Lay. Point of clarification, 26 year olds do not define themselves as youth. When describing, depicting or defining the term "Youth" and then the term "Young Adults", the discipline is completely ambiguous. So I agree Mr. Dickens and Mr. Paris, "A 26 year old is not a Youth". Can you help us change that?

Gentlemen, I am 30 years of age and just recently, I was elected as the "YOUTH" delegate to the General Conference. 4 years ago, (26 years old) I was also a "YOUTH" Delegate to the General Conference, and served on the Episcopal Committee as a "YOUTH" Delegate. The most interesting thing about that Rev. Paris was/is that I am not a Youth! Yet the discipline says that I am...help us change this please.

Rev. Paris, I agree with you for the most part that youth (13-17) are probably not interested in attending our meetings, but Young Men and Women (Young Adults) are. This is what the "YOUTH", as described in the discipline, in the 15th district are going through. I know this because I met them.

FYI: at the age of 26 I - Finished my masters degree in Construction Science Maintained two demanding careers (Professional Designer/Opera Singer) Bought a Townhome on an island in Washington Owned two cars Attended Church regularly, served as an officer, choir director-and paid my tithes faithfully and three years later, started my own design firm with 10 employees.

Just thought I would let you know what a 26 year does...

In all this Rev. Paris and Mr. Dickens, I still find time to be interested in my church and supporting the Youth and Young Adults on all levels. All I'm saying is, before criticizing them, try understanding them first. You'll be suprised what you'd learn. Many of our Youth and Young Adults leave the church due to hypocricy and misunderstanding of praise and worship. What does power point presentations have to do with anything? The word of God is deeper than that. You say, "Teach them", but what can you teach them when you don't understand the frustrations? Listen first and then see what you can do to help.

First we have to fix the terminology describing Youth in our disciplines. Then we would have to re-define "Youth" and separate it from "Young Adult"...there is a difference. Then we would have to set aside an entity (Like what we did in New Orleans) that will define a role for the Young Adults (Director of Youth and Young Adults) that will allow them to teach up and coming leaders in the AME church. and the RAYAC aint it!

Also Gentlemen, I beg to differ, young people are interested in the church. Now...will you be willing to teach, guide and step aside to allow them to lead? Or will you run off on antics and idiosyncracies the way you just did?

Simeon Rhoden

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2003

Brother Simeon opines -

"Or will you run off on antics and idiosyncracies the way you just did?" If I could suggest, one man's idiosyncracy is another man's normal behavior :-) Its been a long time since I have been publicly chastised like this but I'm a thick-skinned soul. Sir, I believe you have fundamentally misunderstood and thereby misrepresented my comments. The point of my post was simply to shed some insight about the problems inherent with the way the AMEC cavalierly uses the term "youth". I am in complete agreement with Rev. Paris that the definition of youth in the AMEC is condescending when applied to someone who is between the ages of 20-26. I only chose to address that oddity in my response. I did not offer any procedural steps to rectify this problem. A good place for you to start would be drafting legislation which would re-define an upper age limit to "youth" at age 20 or 22. However, if I'm not mistaken the Connectional YPD at the WMS Quadrennial recently decided not to accept the recommendation which would have addressed this point. Also, I would suggest that you contact Jerry Turner of St. Mark AMEC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Turner is the Connectional President of the Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC). The RAYAC is addressing precisely the issues and concerns you raise in your post. QED

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2003

Mr. Dickens,

Forgive me... It is not my goal to chastise, reprimand or offend. I'm merely trying to explain what is always misunderstood of Young Adults and their involvement.

Mr. Dickens, please hear me on this. The YPD and RAYAC are social organizations for Youth and Young Adults, and on the contrary, its interest is not the same. The Young Adults who are actively involved in the LAY Organization are seeking involvelment in the AMEC on the same level that you and other Laity are involved: Re-writing Constitutions and By-Laws, creating Legislation, zoning in on the welfare of ministers and bishops...and so on.

When reading the constitution and by-laws for the YPD, you will notice that the YPDers are UNDER the Missionary Society. They have their own Quadrennials and once the young person reaches the age of 26, they must graduate from the program. 26 year olds are no longer considered as a YPDer. When the YPDers select their delegation, these elected persons are not delegates to the General Conference. At the General Conference is where the teeth of the AMEC gather.

As for the RAYAC and Jerry Turner, trust me, I am very much of aware of the RAYAC and its intent. I am also an associate of Mr. Jerry Turner. But what does the RAYAC have to do with the LAY Organization and writing legislation that will change the AMEC. This can't be done out of the RAYAC, this has to come from the LAY. Again, there is no delegation from the YPD or RAYAC. The two organizations has its own social entity. The LAY Organization is the foundation of the church and many Youth and Young Adults want to be involved as Organized Laity, not a member of the RAYAC. The RAYAC has been in our disciplines for years and within the last two years is the first I've heard of its movement. The 5th district is the largest district in our church and we do not have one person who would be willing to take on the challenge to reinforce the RAYAC. Yes, we've tried, but there is no interest at all!

At the Lay Biennial held in New Orleans this past July, Mr. Jerry Turner was invited to give a workshop on the RAYAC. He attempted to present/recruit for the RAYAC. However the Youth and Young Adults were not accepting. We love Jerry, but the RAYAC is not where its at.

By the way, there has been legislation written in regards to what you suggested. In fact, it was the Young Adults from my district (5th) who wrote it.

Mr. Dickens, I ask that you read page 439 of the 2000 discipline in its entirety. Also please read the YPD section under the Missionary Society and then read the LAY Organization found on page 239 and then page 425. You will not only see the ambiguity in reference to age, but you will also see and understand why Youth and Young Adults are wanting to become more involved through the LAY.

Thank God for the YPD (I was a member up until I graduted),thank God for the RAYAC, and thank God for the LAY; but there's something called free will. with that in mind,the majority of Youth and Young Adults are choosing to make a difference through the LAY Organization.

Again, please forgive me for missing your point, but let's address the real issue. We need your help in this struggle to make the appropriate change...The RAYAC is not where's its at.

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2003

Wow! Simeon, I had no idea you had accomplished so much. I am so proud of you. And it is great that you are my adopted son and we are in the Pacific Northwest Conference. I love you to pieces. You and Bill have a lot more in common than you realize. Bill is a Sunday School superintendant among his many other gifts and issues about youth have always been his concern.

We short change "Youth" which for me is under 18 when when lump them with adults. And by the same measure we do not provide a comfortable environment for young adults.

As most of you know my daughter licentiate Danielle Rogers is the co- founder of our church. She returned home at 23 to start this church. She pours her money and time into the church. She is looked upon as a leader in the church and the congregation sees her role as pastoral. Actually we call her "the engine of the church."

But as Simeon pointed out the real question about the Youth Lay League in the 15th district has not been addressed. In all fairness, I do not think we can provide a rationale for the birth of this organization in Mamibia.

Perhaps Presiding Elder Albert Biwa can shed some light.

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2003

Oops. I met to type in Namibia. Sorry

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2003

Brother Simeon, redux -

"Mr. Dickens, I ask that you read page 439 of the 2000 discipline in its entirety. Also please read the YPD section under the Missionary Society and then read the LAY Organization found on page 239 and then page 425. You will not only see the ambiguity in reference to age, but you will also see and understand why Youth and Young Adults are wanting to become more involved through the LAY."

Having completed the aforementioned reading assignment I wish to continue this rather stimulating dialogue with the gentleman from the great city of Seattle. I am an active member of the Lay Organization at the Local, District & Conference levels. I attended the recent Lay Biennial in New Orleans and sat in on the workshop that Jerry Turner sponsored. Several members of ths BB, Tamanika Terry, Barbara Robinson, Robert Matthews and Marian Spivey-Sudler were also present. I think it is terrific for you and other young adults (> 26 but < 35) to desire a more meaningful role in the Lay Organization. Your agitation for inclusion is the right thing to do. I have even proposed the somewhat heretical suggestion that a Young Adult Bishop (Jamal Harrison-Bryant) be created in order to address this issue.

The age anomaly however still exists regardless whether you are talking about YPD or the Lay Organization. Several years ago I suggested on this BB that the best long-term strategy for the YPD is to sever ties with the WMS. The current arrangement only fosters a matriarchal model suggestive that folks between the ages of 22-26 need maternal oversight to shape and mold their lives. But, is this really necessary? I know many men and women in this age group who reject this "youth" label because they have their own families in addition to careers. Consider also the case of the Lay Electoral College. The so called "youth" delegate has an upper age limit of 30. Hypothetically this means that a 29 year old cerebral software engineer, or a brilliant 28 year old cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Univerisity Hospital would be eligible for election provided he/she opts for the "youth" designation. Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. (D- TN) was elected to the US House of Representatives at the age of 26.

The upper age limit for youth delegates to the electoral college is too broad. I favor an upper limit of 22. After you graduate from college or complete a 4-5 year stint in the US Military you are not a youth you are an adult. Please understand I fully support a young adult (>22 but <30) as my peer. I want to see this age group in particular be more visible thorought our Connection simply because this is the age group which is fleeing the AMEC in large numbers. You asked earlier what can be done to bring about change. Again, from my perspective I believe this must start with re-defining the term "youth". As Denise correctly notes her multi-talented daughter is assuming leadership activities in both her church and community, even at the tender age of 23. Danielle is not a girl she is a woman. Words convey specific signals about who you are and expectations regarding your position in life. Just like many of our elderly black American male forefathers found it racially offensive and condescending to be addressed as "boy" by younger age whites, I too reject the label of youth when applied to someone between the ages of 22 - 30. On another related matter, are you a member of the same AME church in Seattle where a candidate ran for the Connectional Lay Office of Director for Public Relations in 2001? QED

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2003

Bro Simeon, I think if you read my post carefully I was critizing mayself and all other AME "Adults" who presist in defining our vital and vibrant young adults as children or youth and suggest that we are doing this to minimize the effect they can have in changing our Zion. This is just one man's opinion: As long as the young adults (18 - 26 years) are defined as youth, we don't have to listen to or implement anything that makes us uncomfortable such as discussing the effect of "African" in our name. At 18, we consider a person mature enough to vote, to fight, and to die for this country. That then should be the age at which one should be able to exercise as an ADult in the AME Church. Certianly we need experience and seasoning in certian offices. Our military, paid for with our taxes, will take a college graduate (21 or less), give him/her one year of training and give him/her a $100M aircraft to fly when his/her father may be reluctant to allow them the use of his El Dorado. And while speaking of age, the retirement age for ALL ministers ought to be 65 with no exceptions so that young ministers will see room for growth and advancement. At your next conference, estimate the average age of the participants. At my last Annual Conference, my estimate was about 60. Now lest some misunderstand my motives, if the Lord does not return and I am not called home, on December 25 I will be 5 years past my suggested retirement age of 65, the big 70. And I am perfectly capable of continuing in the ministry. But we need to get out of the way and allow the young people opportunity to shape our Zion so that we are indeed serving this present age. What to do with those who are still FOREVER young? Let them go out into the fields and found new churches, shepherd them until they are ready to be brought into the connection and then move on to another.

One man's opinion. Can you imagine!

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2003

Parson Paris -

You and Denise are correct in properly defining the upper age limit of youth at 18. My upper age limit of 22 is too high considering anone who is guaranteed the right to vote, matriculate in college, hold a full time job and serve in the military before age 22 is definitely an adult. I hereby rescind my prior upper limit (age 22) and adopt the upper age limit of 18. Thanks to both of you for helping me see this important distinction. QED

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2003

"First we have to fix the terminology describing Youth in our disciplines. Then we would have to re-define "Youth" and separate it from "Young Adult"...there is a difference. Then we would have to set aside an entity (Like what we did in New Orleans) that will define a role for the Young Adults (Director of Youth and Young Adults) that will allow them to teach up and coming leaders in the AME church. and the RAYAC aint it!"

I think the above statement is what we all can agree on...right? I wrote this on the 26th of September. I also think that we may be saying the same thing, but with different perspectives.

Yes, the term "Youth" should extend itself to 18 and 18 only...everyone else is an ADULT! But first the Discipline has to be changed to reflect this and this is what our Youth and Young Adults today are suffering from...misunderstanding as well as the ambiguity of the discipline.

Furthermore, Mr. Dickens wrote: "On another related matter, are you a member of the same AME church in Seattle where a candidate ran for the Connectional Lay Office of Director for Public Relations in 2001?" To answer your question, no I am not a member of Allen AME. I am a member of First AME in Seattle. Allen AME is located in Tacoma, Washington. However, I do know the person whom you are referring to. Is there something you would like to say?

Also, if the two of you were at Jerry's seminar. I'm curious to know your thoughts on his presentation and the workshop itself.

Thanks Rev. Denise. I never knew that you thought of me so highly. I had only wished we could have talked more at Annual Conference.

Simeon

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2003

Brother Simeon, redux -

"Yes, the term "Youth" should extend itself to 18 and 18 only...everyone else is an ADULT! But first the Discipline has to be changed to reflect this and this is what our Youth and Young Adults today are suffering from...misunderstanding as well as the ambiguity of the discipline."

Unless I am missing something, this is precisely the point that Parsons Paris, Rogers and myself have stressed. If we then have consensus about the definition the next step, as I suggested earlier, would be to seek a change in the Discipline. This will be an uphill task but it is certainly worth the effort in order to clear the ambiguity. One thing Simeon which still puzzles me is your firm skepticism about the RAYAC. Why? This organization aims at attracting and fortifying the young adults of our Zion. Young professionals between the ages of 22 - 35 are grossly under- represented in our local, district and Connectional church activities. I believe this is due to older adults not accepting them as peers. Now this perception by young adults may be false but until it is addressed and corrected the alienation will persist.

I have drafted legislation for the 2004 General Conference which seeks to establish a Church School class and supporting literature specifically for young adults/collegians (18 - 30). If my bill is approved by the Gen Con it will represent clear recognition that the needs of our young adults should be addressed just like we do for our other classes. Currently, the AME literature lumps all adults together as one homogenous age group (18+). The assumption of homogeneity among all adults is myopic and inefficient. I am prepared to pursue other activities which can provide our youth with greater exposure.

Yes, there is something I would like to add about the Connectional Candidate. What is her name? I can't seem to recall. QED

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2003

Bro. Simeon, of course I am proud of you!!!!!!!!! You were one of the first people in my conference to reach out to me. And I will NEVER forget that. I might also add that when I attended my first AME conference when I brought my church into the denomination. The person who walked up to me first at the conference was Christian from Bethel in Spokane. She was 24 and she sat with me and explained everything to me. I love her so much.

Those of us as clergy and laity have to advocate for young adults. Because we need your committment to Christ to build this church. I am 51. And when I was a child. It was easier I think to be a Christian and go to church, the stores were closed on Sundays, your neighbors went to church. There were meetings for the community in the church. Your parents had the bible on the living room table. You saved up money to see the Staple singers when they came to town. There was more of "church culture" in the black neighborhoods.

Now stores are opened on Sundays, we have dvd's, video games, clubs, and so many other things that young adults can gravitate to. Not to mention that in many of our communities the presence of the church is not respected or recognized. Friends do not go to church and would much rather schedule a brunch on Sunday at 11 AM or watch a DVD.

People over 50 did not have to deal with such distractions. Those that went to church were in the majority.

To Simeon and the rest of the young adults and youth on this board. PLEASE do not give up on us. God will use you in amazing ways. It does not matter what human beings do or say. The will of God is what matters. Gather 1 or 2 or young adults and start a mission project. Habitat for humanity, mentoring children, etc. If your pastor will not let you meet in the church, meet at a coffee shop and plan ways to serve God. Remember our founder Richard Allen did not let the racist attitudes of the Methodist Church or society prevent him from doing the work of the Lord. And remember he was a YOUNG ADULT.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2003

Of course you are all right about the age limits of youth and young adults. But having seen this from both sides of the fence there is perhaps something overlooked.

As a youth and young adult I worked closely with Bishop Young when he was President of the RAYC. This of course was before he was consecrated Bishop or was even an Elder in the Church. At the time we were mostly represent by persons 50 years old and above. Much through the efforts of Bishop Young and person like him at the time, legislation was written to assure that persons 18 to 30 would also be represented and have a voice.

With things as they now stand each local church MUST have at least one person who represents them among the young adults and youths. Now we can be certain that they are represented as well. While there still is certainly a need to make a distinction between the two, we must take care that what is rendered is not more intolerable than what we have. Namely, that we don't revert to lumping all adults in one group--once again allowing those persons 50 and over to represent and speak for all.

As I see it what is more important than defining specific age groups is that person 18 to 30 become knowledgeable of the inner working of the church, then show up in mass when elections are being held. So that they can assure that more persons elected will come from this age group as well.

Even though this is now a possibility, it has been my experience that this is still not the case. Too few youth and young adults still show up when decisions are made and elections are held. Therefore their representation is still confined to the minimum requirement of one (1), rather than equal representation of two (2), or three (3), or four (4).

When youth and young Adults are chosen from the local church, we need to make certain they will be able to clear their schedules when the Electoral College meets, when decisions are made and elections are held. They also need to pool their voting strengths to make certain they are equally represented among the delegates.

As always is the case, Jesus gave us the key in Matthew 12. He taught that when a demon is cast out and finds no place to rest, it returns to it original home and finds it clean and swept. Then it goes, and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first."

I am not suggesting that changes are not needed and that legislation should not be written and passed. However, until such time as this occurs let's be careful not to major in minors and work within the parameters of what we have. Thus not rendering the end result more intolerable than the first.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2003

"One thing Simeon which still puzzles me is your firm skepticism about the RAYAC. Why? This organization aims at attracting and fortifying the young adults of our Zion. Young professionals between the ages of 22 - 35 are grossly under- represented in our local, district and Connectional church activities. I believe this is due to older adults not accepting them as peers. Now this perception by young adults may be false but until it is addressed and corrected the alienation will persist."

I have nothing against the RAYAC. I believe strongly in its mission and I believe that one day, the RAYAC will stand strong. However at this time, I choose to be a member of the Organized Lay. It's better for me and I love what the organization represents. I stated earlier that the RAYAC is a social organization. I did that already as a YPDer for 20 years. As an adult, I have my fraternity (KAY) to keep me busy socially. The Lay Organization is a recognized, working organization on all levels of the church. And I'm not saying that the RAYAC is anything less, but...the RAYAC is way behind and its going to take a strong push to get it going and right now, there's no power behind it. There's no delegation from the districts/conferences who will represent the RAYAC at the General Conference.

Now as far as adults who are much older than me, I don't have a problem connecting with them. In fact, many of my closer friends are 45 and up. There may be some Young Adults who may be feeling what you've described, but that's not the case all too often. The fact/truth of the matter is that Seasoned Adults are threatened by Young Adults. Seasoned Adults don't want to give up the positions in the church. Young Adults come with new vision, and like you stated in a previous posting, "People are afraid of change". Young Adults are energetic and on the move for a brighter day and the Seasoned Adults don't know how to handle it. Young Adults see this as a problem, so they try to create avenues (Like in the 15th District) to find out ways to conquer the hypocricy and misunderstanding of the Seasoned Adults...are you feeling me?

By the way, the lady's name is Sylvia Parsons.

Thanks so much Rev. Denise and thank you so much brother Matthews for shedding some light.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2003

Bro. Simeon: Thank you for sharing your views with us! You are a prime example of our AME members who are younger than many of us but as qualified, if not more so, as most of us and more than ready to lead in our places if we would just step aside. Your responses to the verbal challenges presented on this BB were eloquent. You obviously are a man of conviction, well-grounded in your faith. Keep on keeping on!

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2003