AL HR855

Welcomes the 37th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to Mobile, Alabama, scheduled for June 26 through July 4, 2010.

Acknowledges the CME Church's founding on December 16, 1870, in Jackson, Tennessee by 41 delegates from eight Colored Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in response to African-American constituents' desire for their own independent organization.

Notes the CME Church changed its name from "Colored Methodist Episcopal" to "Christian Methodist Episcopal" in 1954 to remove the racial designation while honoring founding fathers.

Recognizes the involvement of two Alabama House members: Representative Barbara Boyd (District 32) serves on the Church's Judicial Council, and Representative Yvonne Kennedy (District 97) serves as Chair of the Committee on Episcopacy for two quadrenniums as the only female and Lay Voting Delegate in this position.

Extends gratitude to the Church and all participants, noting this is the first time in the CME's 140-year history that the General Conference has been held in Mobile, hosted by the Fifth Episcopal District under Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III.