A statement from Mayor A C Wharton in support of Bishop Brandon Porter’s bid for COGIC’s General Board:

Every 4 years, we find ourselves in the midst of a presidential election where we, as Americans, select the personality who will hold the title as Leader of the Free World. This year as we all know the choice is between President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. No matter what your personal choice may be, I want to encourage all registered voters to exercise their right to vote.

But there is another election that happens every 4 years. This is an election in which I cannot personally vote and many Memphians are not allowed to vote either. It is, however, an important election that is meaningful to our city.

I am speaking of the election of the leadership for the Church of God in Christ which will also occur in early November. The delegates within this Memphis-based denomination will elect a Presiding Bishop (of course, I am a big supporter of the current Presiding Bishop, Charles Blake). They will also elect the 12 members of the church’s General Board – the highest ruling body within the church.

Today, I wanted to just share my support of my friend, Bishop Brandon B. Porter as he seeks to be elected as a member of the General Board.

Bishop Porter has been a friend and supporter of mine for many years. He is the pastor of Greater Community Church which continues as one of the flagship churches for our region. His efforts reach individuals beyond the church with everything from poverty programs and prison ministries to summer camps for youth of the community.

I must say that service is in his blood, it’s in his genes. He is the son of the late Bishop W. L. Porter who was Mr. Church of God in Christ for so many of us. I knew his father as the Good Shepherd of North Memphis for his community work. Also, his lovely mother who celebrated a birthday recently is a devoted member of this community and this historic denomination.

For many years we have had a Memphian on COGIC’s General Board. It is my hope that we will be able to again have one of our own serving in this particular leadership position with the Church.

Bishop Porter, thank you for all you do to make Memphis better. And although I and many other Memphians cannot vote for you, we wish you well and remind you that you have our collective support.