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 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 122
 1-3           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to
 1-4     recognize Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Incorporated, as
 1-5     it hosts the 34th Annual Meeting of the National Black Methodists
 1-6     for Church Renewal, Incorporated, on April 4 through 7, 2001, in
 1-7     Houston; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, At the same time, a celebration will be held for
 1-9     the appointment of the first African American Resident Bishop of
1-10     the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Black Methodists for Church Renewal was established
1-12     in 1968 because many Black Methodists were concerned about the
1-13     realities as the group moved toward the 1968 union of the Methodist
1-14     Church and the Evangelical United Brethren; and
1-15           WHEREAS, Some of the concerns include absorption, advocacy,
1-16     invisibility, powerlessness, and renewal; the Black Methodists
1-17     sought to eradicate racism within the United Methodist Church; and
1-18           WHEREAS, From the group's establishment, the Black Methodists
1-19     has been the voice of the black church as well as an advocate for
1-20     its growth and development; instrumental in creating agencies and
 2-1     programs in the general church, this body has been highly effective;
 2-2     and
 2-3           WHEREAS, The history of the Black Methodists for Church
 2-4     Renewal shows its tenacity, creativity, its lasting resources,
 2-5     and its sense of hope; now, therefore, be it
 2-6           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
 2-7     77th Legislature, hereby commend and congratulate the Black
 2-8     Methodists for Church Renewal, Incorporated, as it enjoys its
 2-9     34th Annual Meeting in April, 2001; and, be it further
2-10           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
2-11     the church as an expression of highest regard and esteem from
2-12     the Texas Senate.
2-13                                                                   Ellis
2-14                                  ______________________________________
2-15                                          President of the Senate
2-16                                       I hereby certify that the above
2-17                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
2-18                                  on January 29, 2001.
2-19                                  ______________________________________
2-20                                          Secretary of the Senate
2-21                                  ______________________________________
2-22                                           Member, Texas Senate