NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

History in the Making as Black Methodist Denominations Meet for First Time in 45 Years

Press Conference at the National Press Club, Tuesday, February 9 at 10 a.m.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, February 9th, the nation's three largest Black Methodist Church denominations (combined memberships of more than 5 million) will pay tribute to Black History Month by announcing the formation of a historic coalition and plans to hold a major strategy summit in Columbia, S.C., March 1-3, 2010.

Titled the "Great Gathering," the strategy session will seek to alter the troubling history of African American males by identifying and seeking unified solutions for the key issues that are devastating the African American community. These debilitating factors include: incarceration; drug abuse; escalating unemployment; and high school dropout rates. The coalition believes a solid plan of action and the unified power of their faith, beliefs and commitment can bring significant change to the Black Community.

The press conference will take place at 10 a.m. in the National Press Club's First Amendment Lounge.

Leading the press conference will be:

    --  Senior Bishop John R. Bryant of the African Methodist Episcopal Church;
    --  Senior Bishop George W.C. Walker of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion
        Church;
    --  Senior Bishop William H. Graves of the Christian Methodist Episcopal
        Church; and
    --  U.S. House Representative James Clyburn, Democrat, South Carolina.

The "Great Gathering" in Columbia, S.C., will bring together the Senior Bishops, politicians, church leaders, civic leaders, educators and others to develop initiatives to combat the myriad problems facing African American males from ages 12-25. Organizers of the event expect more than 6,000 attendees. Details about the "Great Gathering" can be found at www.greatgathering.org.

    For more information, contact:
    Alan Hermesch           ahermesch@aol.com           (301) 365-4762
    David Thompson          dthompson6@comcast.net      (301) 785-7670
    Bob Ellison             bellison@wallscomm.com      (202) 726-1599
    Lon Walls               lwalls@wallscomm.com        (301) 996-1669

    GREAT GATHERING
    1401 Boyer Street
    Raleigh, NC  27610
    (919) 834-9286
    www.greatgathering.org

SOURCE Great Gathering