A Message from The Council of Bishops



Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis

Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis, 126th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, President of the Council of Bishops and Presiding Prelate of the Sixteenth Episcopal District transitioned from time to eternity on 9 November 2013.

The Council of Bishops mourns the loss of  our leader, colleague, friend and inspiration.

Bishop Sarah Davis brought unique gifts to the Council. Her dedication to prayer and commitment to the progress of our Zion will ever resonate in the heart of the Council of Bishops.

Elected from the Tenth Episcopal District (Texas) in 2004, Bishop Davis was the third woman elevated to episcopal service in our Zion. Before her assignment to the Sixteenth Episcopal District (The Caribbean, South America and Europe) she provided exemplary leadership in the Eighteenth District (Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland).

Bishop Davis was invested as the President of the Council of Bishops in June 2013.

The Bishops of the Church extend condolences to her husband/Episcopal Supervisor Claytie Davis and the Davis Family. We solicit prayer for Supervisor Claytie Davis Jr., and Family.

We also lift in prayer The Sixteenth Episcopal District, The African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the larger ecumenical community.

Preparations are being made for a Service of Celebration of the life of Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis. The details are forthcoming; however the observance will be in Houston, Texas on Saturday, 16 November 2013.

We ask the membership of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to duty observe the death of this leader with respect and prayer. Join with us with faithful resolve exemplify the hope and love of those who walk in light of Christ.

"Gracious God, we give you thanks for the life and labors of our sister, Sarah Frances Taylor Davis. We have been encouraged by her holy service and her life devoted through prayer. We stand firmly upon our faith as we seek comfort and strength for Brother Claytie and the bereaved family and friends during this time of pain and stress. Amen"

From the Desk of Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Secretary Council of Bishops AME Church