A Purpose-Driven Gathering Of Hearts And Minds On A Mission To Change The Nation

Newly appointed Presiding Prelate Bishop Sarah F. Davis, and Episcopal Supervisor of Missions, Mr. Claytie Davis, Jr. of the 16th Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church hosted a special gathering of local Heads of Churches, social and governmental agencies, A.M.E. Church pastors and spouses at their Episcopal Residence, located at 4A Widcombe Road in Kingston.

The purpose of this intimate event was to introduce the A.M.E. Church’s Episcopal Team to other local co-laborers in ministry and social activism. Present at the gathering were representatives from each of the following churches and organizations: Office of the Child Advocate, Bureau of Women’s Affairs, Food for the Poor, Diocese of Jamaica & the Cayman Islands, The Jamaica Baptist Union, Hands Across Jamaica, and the A.M.E. Zion Church respectively.

After brief introductions, food, and fellowship, Bishop Davis addressed her guests.
“Welcome, welcome! And thanks to each of you for taking time out of your very busy schedules to join us on a Friday night.” Bishop Davis began by explaining that while she physically resides in Jamaica, her appointment to the 16th Episcopal District encompasses the nations of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, the Windward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Guyana-Suriname, and Europe. She then shared a little about the path that has led her to this point in Kingdom history as one of only 3 appointed and consecrated female Bishops in the 200+ year history of African Methodism.

Bishop Davis assured her guests that she and Supervisor Davis remain committed to the principle of ‘living where you serve’, thus, these Texas natives arrive in the Caribbean after living and serving a four year term in the 18th Episcopal District of Southern Africa.
She furthered assured them that the A.M.E. Church (with 28 congregations across Jamaica) is willing, able, and ready to discover the possibilities of partnership on mission and ministry initiatives which unify us as both the Body of Christ, and as like-minded persons with a mandate to serve and transform the world.

“We have had a long and warm working relationship with the A.M.E. Church over the past 25 years, and we look forward to deepening that relationship in the future”, said Mr. Bradley Finzi-Smith, of Food for the Poor. Other guests such as The Right Reverend Alfred Reid and wife Mrs. Reid of the Diocese of Jamaica & the Cayman Islands remarked, “The A.M.E. Church has held a warm place in my heart for many years—we are a part of each other.” He shared his knowledge of the history and heritage of the A.M.E. Church and made special note of Bishop Frederick Talbot and his wife Dr. Sylvia Talbot, who faithfully lived & served in the 16th District from 1972-1980.

Ms. Faith Webster, Director and her assistant Mrs. Jennifer Williams of the Bureau of Woman’s Affairs were pleasantly surprised at the Episcopal Committee’s appointment of Bishop Sarah Davis. “We specialize in women’s issues. This includes support for women in positions of power, women in crisis, violence against women, and more. It’s a real blessing to have been invited and to meet Bishop Davis. We salute you!” stated Ms. Webster.
Supervisor Claytie Davis, Jr. introduced himself in a powerful way, commenting that although he became the Episcopal Supervisor of the Work of Mission as a result of being married to the Bishop, it is a role that he is not only prepared for, but is passionate about. Mr. Davis comes from a 30+ year professional business background in financial management with AT&T. He has served the A.M.E. Church in many different leadership capacities as a layperson. Just as his wife, Bishop Sarah has made history in becoming one of only 3 female Presiding Prelates in the AME Church, he, too makes history in being one of only 3 males to serve in the capacity of Episcopal Supervisor. This post oversees all the work of mission within the AME Church Women’s Missionary Society and the Young People’s Division (YPD) both of which have traditionally supervised by women.

“No man is an island. There is enough need in the world to go around, and none of us can do all of the work individually,” said Supervisor Davis. “But together, we can accomplish a lot of great things and that’s why we are here tonight.”

Presiding Elders, Pastors, and Itinerant Elders attending the event were:
Presiding Elders Lebert Dawkins, Barrington Lawrence, and Leonora Thompson-Prince, The Reverends Lenford Newell, Millard Davis, Clarence Turpin, Colin Grant, Michael Blake, and Stephanie Butler.

This gathering marks the first of its kind to be called and hosted by the Episcopal Leadership of the A.M.E. Churches in Jamaica among various denominations and organizations