India And The African American Connection
AME INDIA
AME India represents the 125 churches of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) --all located within the subcontinent of India. AME India formally affiliated with the AME Church in 2008. This webpage gives the highlights, history and current activities of AME India.
AME India is officially a Conference of the Fourth Episcopal District of the AME Church under the leadership of Bishop John Bryant and Rev. Cecilia Bryant. The AME Church, a global denomination founded by former slaves, dates back to 1787. It is one of the oldest American Protestant denominations in the United States of America. The AME Church has congregations in 39 countries on 5 continents throughout the world. For the official website of the Connectional AME Church visit: www.ame-church.com |
INDIA
The People And Their Amazing New Relationship with African Americans
The People And Their Amazing New Relationship with African Americans
In Photo: Co-Founders of AME India. Presiding Elders Sarah & Abraham Peddiny with their children Beverly and Issac. They are the only Presiding Elder couple in the entire worldwide AME Connectional Church. This photo was taken the day that the Peddiny's met us at the airport in Chennai, Tamilnadu. It was their 21st wedding anniversary (thus the matching shirts) and it was 4:00 in the morning!!!
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In May 2014 a group of 40 members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) from the United States, Canada and South Africa attended the Fifth Anniversary Annual Conference of AME India. The week long trip included the Annual Conference attended by more than 200 members of AME India from across India, a visit to one of the AME India churches and a mission visit to an orphanage in Channai, Tamilnadu. This all took place during the conclusion of the India national elections, the largest democratically held election in world history.
AME India was fully admitted into the AME Church in 2008 with 20 churches. Today that number has grown to 125 churches and 25 Educational Centers, making it the fastest growing conference in the denomination.
This was my first trip to India...a trip that I had wanted to take for some time. Like my trips to Africa, this experience has been life changing. The Indians are warm captivating people with a multicultural range of textures, religions, ethnicities and perspectives. This was my first trip to India, but definitely not my last. As a diversity professional and a Christian, I hope to return, to learn more and to share my knowledge with people throughout the world.
-Carole Copeland Thomas
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The AME Church, with its beginnings in 1787, is one of the oldest denominations in the United States. With over 2.5 million members worldwide in 39 countries and five continents the Indian people identify with co-founder, former slave and visionary leader Richard Allen and the struggles of African Americans in the United States.
For more information about the AME Church visit www.ame-church.com.
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In May 2014 a group of 40 members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) from the United States, Canada and South Africa attended the Fifth Anniversary Annual Conference of AME India. The week long trip included the Annual Conference attended by more than 200 members of AME India from across India, a visit to one of the AME India churches and a mission visit to an orphanage in Channai, Tamilnadu. This all took place during the conclusion of the India national elections, the largest democratically held election in world history.
AME India was fully admitted into the AME Church in 2008 with 20 churches. Today that number has grown to 125 churches and 25 Educational Centers, making it the fastest growing conference in the denomination.
This was my first trip to India...a trip that I had wanted to take for some time. Like my trips to Africa, this experience has been life changing. The Indians are warm captivating people with a multicultural range of textures, religions, ethnicities and perspectives. This was my first trip to India, but definitely not my last. As a diversity professional and a Christian, I hope to return, to learn more and to share my knowledge with people throughout the world.
-Carole Copeland Thomas
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The AME Church, with its beginnings in 1787, is one of the oldest denominations in the United States. With over 2.5 million members worldwide in 39 countries and five continents the Indian people identify with co-founder, former slave and visionary leader Richard Allen and the struggles of African Americans in the United States.
For more information about the AME Church visit www.ame-church.com.
India At A Glance Population: 1.2 Billion 2nd Largest Population In The World (Behind China) 29 States In India (Like the 50 States In The US) 7 Union Territories Largest Democracy in the World Capital: New Delhi Independence Day: August 15, 1947 Official Languages: Hindi and English PLUS Several "Scheduled" Languages President (Head of State): Pranab Mukherjee Prime Minister (Head of Government): Narendra Modi |
An Interview With Rev. Karla Cooper
The Seminarian Who Co-Founded AME India
Senior Pastor, Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Audio Interview Length: 28:28
The Seminarian Who Co-Founded AME India
Senior Pastor, Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lincoln, Nebraska
Audio Interview Length: 28:28
Part One: Boston to Dubai....Dubai to Chennai, Tamilnadu INDIA
And Day One In India
And Day One In India
Part Two: A Visit To Faith Prayer House, an AME Church
Started by Pastor T. Samuel Murugavel and his wife, Pastor S. Esther Punitha
It is located in Kanchipuran, a city in Tamilnadu, India
Started by Pastor T. Samuel Murugavel and his wife, Pastor S. Esther Punitha
It is located in Kanchipuran, a city in Tamilnadu, India
Part Three: AME India Fifth Anniversary Annual Conference
This Took Place Over Three Days
Tuesday May 6 through Thursday May 8, 2014
Location: Joe Beach Conference Center
Near Mamalapuram ... about 35 miles from Chennai (1 hour 11 minutes driving time)
This Took Place Over Three Days
Tuesday May 6 through Thursday May 8, 2014
Location: Joe Beach Conference Center
Near Mamalapuram ... about 35 miles from Chennai (1 hour 11 minutes driving time)