First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks Thursday at African Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference

The 49th General Session of the African Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference will feature First Lady Michelle Obama at the Thursday Special Session, June 28 at 11 a.m. in Ryman C Hall at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Senior Bishop John Bryant said, “The African Methodist Episcopal Church, as the oldest, historically black denomination in the western hemisphere, is itself a history maker.  And how honored we are to receive another history maker, Michelle Obama.  Mrs. Obama’s service to the people of this nation will find history recording her as one of the greatest first ladies of the United States of America.”

The mission of the AME Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed.

President of the Bishop’s Council, Bishop Samuel Green said, “We have invited Mrs. Obama to address our assembly in the spirit of fellowship, to mark the fruition of many of our ancestors’ prayers for civil rights and equality; and to celebrate her service to America as an advocate for children and healthy families.”

Host Bishop Vashti McKenzie said, “We are extremely honored First Lady Michelle Obama will be sharing her thoughts at this quadrennial meeting.”

Nashville is part of the 13th Episcopal District, which comprises Tennessee and Kentucky.  This year is the first time the conference has been held in Nashville since 1872. The General Conference takes place every four years in a pre-determined city.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a membership of more than three million people worldwide with an even broader range of influence. There are approximately 7,500 churches throughout North and South America as well as Europe, Africa and India.  The Church has established and supports 12 higher education institutions, helping those with diverse backgrounds to obtain formal educational opportunities. The Church was founded in 1787 in Philadelphia, PA, and in 1816 the AME Church became an official religious denomination.

Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram serves as chair of the General Conference Commission.