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Religion Forum Index » Christian Methodist Forum » UMNS: Black UM caucus names Talbert interim director
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 Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 7:21 am |
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Black Methodists caucus names Talbert interim director
By David Malloy*
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (UMNS) - The black caucus of the United Methodist
Church needs consistent leadership if it is to remain vital, according
to its new interim executive director.
Bishop Melvin Talbert was tapped to be the interim executive director of
Black Methodists for Church Renewal beginning June 1.
The Rev. Vincent Harris, caucus chairperson, has been working to secure
an executive director for the group since he took office two years ago.
Talbert's name was offered by the Ebony Bishops of the denomination's
Council of Bishops, and the caucus' board of directors accepted the
nomination during its annual meeting, March 24-27.
"I was surprised by the selection, but it was in sense a call for me to
do it," Talbert said. "I did not expect this, but I am looking forward
to leading BMCR for the next two years."
Elected a bishop in 1980, he is currently the interim top executive of
the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious
Concerns. The Rev. Larry Pickens of Chicago was recently chosen as the
commission's new top executive, pending approval by the denomination's
General Council on Ministries.
Black Methodists for Church Renewal was organized 37 years ago as a
forum for black Methodists to define issues and develop strategies for
change within the United Methodist Church. It aims to empower black
Methodists for effective witness and service; involve them in the
struggle for economic justice; and expose racism at all levels of the
church, its agencies and related institutions.
Talbert addressed the caucus on the final night of the annual meeting as
he accepted the mantle of leadership.
"BMCR needs strong, central leadership, to remain vital," said Talbert.
"We must implement exciting programs and move to self-sufficiency
because God wants us to do it, God desires us to do it."
Talbert asked for members to continue to support BMCR. He upped his
membership to Harry Hoosier status by pledging a $1,000 contribution,
and he encouraged other members to do the same.
"I am pleased by Bishop Talbert and the Ebony Bishops' initiative to
speak to the needs of BMCR," Harris said. "They know the black church
needs them, and now we will look new, feel new, and be able to boldly
move forward."
In other action, caucus members elected new officers for the 2004-05
year: Harris, Houston, chairperson; Brenda Mims-Wilson, Oakland, Calif.,
vice chairperson; Velva Hardaway, Dayton, Ohio, secretary; and the Rev.
Joseph Crawford, Norcross, Ga., treasurer.
*Malloy is the coordinator of communications for the Greater New Jersey
Annual Conference.
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United Methodist News Service
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