GENERAL BOARD OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CONVENES FIRST MEETING UNDER NEW PRESIDENT, BISHOP DAVID RWHYNICA DANIELS, JR.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church today convened the first meeting of the General Board under the leadership of The Right Reverend David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., the 124th elected and consecrated Bishop of the AME Church and the denomination’s Ecumenical Officer and Endorsing Agent. The historic virtual session marked a new chapter of connectional governance, spiritual focus, and denominational unity.
Bishop Daniels, a globally respected churchman shaped by decades of courageous ministry, pastoral growth, and prophetic witness, brings to this role a legacy of leadership forged in both Liberia and the United States. Known for his unwavering commitment to peace during Liberia’s civil conflict, his transformative pastoral work at Eliza Turner AME Church, and his administrative strength in the 14th, 15th, and 17th Episcopal Districts, Bishop Daniels has long been recognized as a visionary servant‑leader within African Methodism.
Today’s meeting opened with Bishop Daniels’ first official remarks as President of the General Board—words that set a tone of faith, courage, and denominational hope.
Opening Remarks of Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr.
President, General Board of the AME Church
August 22, 2026 – 11:00 AM EDT
"Good morning Bishops of the Church, General Officers, Connectional Officers, our Leadership on every level, Beloved General Board Family.
I greet each of you in the matchless, marvelous and mighty name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as your newly elected President, and Presiding Officer, not in my own strength, but in the potent and powerful strength of the Lord.
We are a Church going through serious challenges. I will not minimize them. But with uncompromising and unwavering faith in God, I come before you today with an unshakable conviction: With God, all things are possible. Matthew 19:26.
God is in this with us. We are not alone. His Holy Spirit is present, and His Holy Spirit will guide us through this difficult season.
For 239 years as a people, since 1787, and 210 plus years as a Denomination, since April 9, 1816, God has guided us, God has provided for us, and God has brought us through far more difficult times than this. And what God has done, God will do again!
Therefore hear the Word of the Lord: Our future is brighter than our past. Yes, brighter than even this present moment. Because we are a Church chosen by God.
I believe God will provide every resource, every dollar we need to be victorious and to be debt-free as a Church. Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord.
We are coming through this with flying colors — by God's grace, by His mercies, by His providence, by His provision, by His strength and compassion for us as a Church family.
So let us do this work today with hope, with unity, and with faith. To God the Father who chose us, God the Son who redeemed us, and God the Holy Spirit who sustains us be all the glory.
I call this meeting to order in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Thank you."
A Moment of Significance for the AME Church
The convening of the General Board under Bishop Daniels’ presidency represents a renewed commitment to connectional stewardship, spiritual clarity, and administrative excellence. His leadership—shaped by resilience, global experience, and deep theological grounding—signals a season of intentional focus on unity, financial strength, and mission‑driven governance.
As Ecumenical Officer and Endorsing Agent, Bishop Daniels continues to represent the AME Church across global Christian communions, strengthening the denomination’s witness and partnerships worldwide.
The AME Church celebrates this moment with gratitude to God and looks forward with confidence to the work ahead.
