February 3, 2010 The Annual Endowment Service

February 4, 2010 The Heritage Lectures featuring Bishop Mildred B. Hines

At around 12:00am, Saturday morning on July 19th, 2009 it was made official that the Reverend Dr. Mildred “Bonnie “ Hines would be elected to the Episcopacy of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. As the first ever female to be elected to the Episcopacy in the A. M. E. Zion Church, it was evident, that truly this year represents the start of change that is sweeping this land. The suspense was high as the first 2 bishops were elected, the Reverend Dr. Darryl B. Starnes and then the Reverend Dr. Dennis V. Proctor. With a conference hall that was standing room only, the vote for the 3rd and final bishop to be elected was tallied, yet did not meet the 2/3 majority requirement as mandated in the Book of Discipline. Therefore, a subsequent vote was cast, and with a loud clamor, it was history in the making for the “Freedom Church”, as shouts sprang out throughout the massive Hyatt Regency. “Praise God!!! Praise God!! We did it!! We have made history tonight!”…sounded several delegates and convention attendees. Outside the hall where many stood in an overflow capacity, the celebration was in full swing as most hugged and danced in the hallways, and yet others embraced, with joy-filled tears and exuberant smiles that could be felt with great impact. For sure, something spectacular had occurred that saturated the atmosphere where 3000+ could not contain the emotional historical occurrence. Nearly a week ago, it was asked in a powerful news article on the corporate website, AMEZ.ORG, would this be the quadrennial where the AME Zion Church would elect a woman to the episcopacy? Would any of the 3 awesome female candidates captivate the General Conference in a way that would bring a new perspective to the Board of Bishops? Even, would this denomination with some of the most storied women in the history of the United States and the church, reach out in this “change” year and elevate one of the female candidates to the highest elective office in the church? Well, on this night, the AME Zion Church answered the question of whether it was ready for such a change and it did so with no hesitation. If there were any doubters with gestures of uncertainty, they were silenced by the thunderous praise and clapping from thousands of women and men that voted for this historical mark and stamped an assurance that said, YES!…YES!…..YES!….Y ES!….YES WE CAN!

Read more at www.amez.org


The 1st Female Bishop in The A.M.E. Zion Church - Bishop Bonnie Hines