All of Bermuda’s 11 African Methodist Episcopal churches will convene throughout the week for the 133rd Bermuda Annual Conference of the Church.

The conference gathered local pastors and international faith leaders yesterday at the Fairmont Southampton to discuss the effect of the AME Church on the island.

Sermons over the week will be overseen by Bishop Gregory Ingram, who leads the AME church’s First Episcopal District that includes Bermuda and the northeast sector of the United States.

David Burt, the Premier, Governor John Rankin, AME Church elders, members of Parliament and members of the opposition party are all expected to attend.

Reverend Dr Gilbert Hayward, of Richard Allen AME Church in St George’s, said that discussion topics will include the spirituality of the church, its impact on the community and individual funding.

He also said that the accomplishments of missionaries, youth ministries and unordained members will be honoured at the event.

He said: “Any and everyone is invited; we will have lively sermons and get quite a convergence at this conference.”

The conference will conclude on March 10 with a commissioning service at the Fairmont Southampton at 3.30pm.