Rev. Mildred "Bonnie" Hines was elected to the episcopacy of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in its national meeting in Atlanta on Saturday, the first woman ever elected to that position in the AME Zion Church.
"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.
Photo: AME Zion
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