Religion Roundup
Church Delegates Open Convention in St. Louis
The Associated Press
July 4, 2008
ST. LOUIS - More than 40,000 delegates, church leaders and visitors from around the world have gathered in St. Louis for a convention of the oldest predominantly black denomination in North America.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church meets every four years to enact laws, assign bishops, and review policies. It claims 2 million members in three dozen countries.
Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain both were invited to speak. Late Thursday, the Obama campaign said he will address the convention Saturday.
While the A.M.E. Church is predominantly black, it has made inroads with India's Dalits, or "untouchables." Twenty-one Dalit congregations are seeking to become part of the A.M.E. Church.
The convention, which runs through July 11th, also may consider a position on gay marriage.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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