Dear Madam Chair of BMCR,
I want you, the Board of Directors, and the general membership of Black Methodist for Church Renewal, Inc. to know how much I miss not being present at the 2020 General Session of BMCR meeting (I have not missed a general meeting since 1973)!

First and foremost I do not have adequate words to express my deep and sincere appreciation for such an honor bestowed upon me, so let me hasten to simply say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

I am happy and pleased to thank you, a cherished host of friends and colleagues who have over the years offered me your friendship, advise, criticism, and support over the long journey of my ministry, especially while humbly serving as Executive Director of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century.

I continue my expressions of gratitude with a word of thanks to my fellow board members (serving three different terms on the board) under whose guidance that rather pressing me into molding their questions and opinions, they helped me to begin thinking about what was theological, psychological, sociological, and practical questions about strengthening and sustaining the vitality of the Black United Methodist church and the development of its leadership both clergy and lay. After serving over 51 years as a clergy member of the United Methodist Church (The New York Annual Conference) I have come to realize and appreciate how rare and precious the gift of your partnership has been particularly supportive during my tenure serving as SBC21 Executive Director. This partnership does not end with my retirement status.

I would certainly be remiss not to mention the stellar cast of BMCR members as well as non-members who have spiritually, intellectually, and sometimes personally sustained me through the process of getting to the end of my work, helping it to be the very best work I could possibly produced as manifest through the various program initiatives that I and the team launched.

With all the support, criticism, and advice behind my leadership/work (it should have been perfect). But, more important than anything else, I know it was not: I alone am accountable for the errors, weaknesses and oversights that have been stubbornly remain.

Wishing you the very best meeting ever!

Again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Shalom,
Fred Allen