Desert Mountain Annual Conference

Learn More

Leadership, community, and the story behind 140 years of faithful gathering.

5th Episcopal District

Episcopal Leadership

Under whose faithful guidance the Desert Mountain Annual Conference convenes.

Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Esq.
Presiding Bishop — 5th Episcopal District Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Esq. African Methodist Episcopal Church
5th Episcopal District
Supervisor Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MPH
Episcopal Supervisor — 5th Episcopal District Supervisor Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MPH African Methodist Episcopal Church
5th Episcopal District
Host District

Mountain Valley District

Hosting the 140th Annual Session — August 25–29, 2026

Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge
Presiding Elder — Mountain Valley District
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, MDiv
Mountain Valley District  ·  Desert Mountain Annual Conference

Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge serves as Presiding Elder of the Mountain Valley District of the Desert Mountain Annual Conference. Under her leadership, the Mountain Valley District is proud to host the 140th Annual Session — a milestone gathering of the A.M.E. Church in the 5th Episcopal District.

Mountain Valley District — 21 Churches & 5 States

✝
Rev. Dr. Hilton J. McClendon, Sr. Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Cheyenne, WY
✝
Rev. Michael Permillion Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church Denver, CO
✝
Rev. Dr. Vada Southern Embry Chapel A.M.E. Church Ogden, UT
✝
Rev. Margaret D. Graham First A.M.E. Church Pueblo, CO
✝
Rev. William Cornick, Jr. Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church Albuquerque, NM
✝
Rev. LeSean Tarkington Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church Phoenix, AZ
✝
Rev. Tonya Taylor Harbert Chapel A.M.E. Church Flagstaff, AZ
✝
Rev. Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. Historic Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church Phoenix, AZ
✝
Rev. Daryell Jackson Historic Trinity A.M.E. Church Salt Lake City, UT
✝
Rev. Corey Moore Holy Trinity Community A.M.E. Church Mesa, AZ
✝
Rev. Dr. Shiame Okunor Howard Chapel Mission Gallup, NM
✝
Rev. Brenda Hector Jordan Chapel A.M.E. Church Denver, CO
✝
Rev. Arnold L. Jackson Mt. Moriah Community A.M.E. Church Maricopa, AZ
✝
Rev. Eric Taylor Murph Community A.M.E. Church Phoenix, AZ
✝
Rev. Sharon Arvil Owen Chapel A.M.E. Church Alamogordo, NM
✝
Rev. Charles Wright Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church Colorado Springs, CO
✝
Rev. Gerald Richard, Esq. Prince Chapel A.M.E. Church Tucson, AZ
✝
Rev. Shelby A. Goodman Sierra Vista Community A.M.E. Church Sierra Vista, AZ
✝
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith Shorter Community A.M.E. Church Denver, CO
✝
Rev. Stephen Garnett St. Paul A.M.E. Church Winslow, AZ
✝
Rev. Dr. Geleta A. S. Smith The Word of God A.M.E. Church Rio Rancho, NM
The Annual Conference

Who, What & Why

Understanding the heart and purpose of this historic gathering.

W

Who We Are

The Desert Mountain Annual Conference is a conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church — one of the oldest and most storied denominations in American Christianity, founded in 1816 by Bishop Richard Allen in Philadelphia as a witness to freedom, faith, and the full dignity of all people.

The 5th Episcopal District encompasses A.M.E. churches across the western United States. The Mountain Valley District serves congregations across Arizona and surrounding communities — and is proud to host the 140th Annual Session.

W

What It Is

The Annual Conference is the official convening of clergy and lay representatives from churches throughout the district. Under the presidency of the Bishop, this gathering brings together delegates, pastors, licentiates, and lay members to conduct the business of the church.

Reports are received, financial matters reviewed, ministry leadership affirmed, and the direction of the Conference established for the year ahead. It is where the church exercises its collective voice — and charts its course forward together.

W

Why It Matters

The Annual Conference exists because the church is more than a collection of individual congregations — it is a body, connected by covenant, mission, and faith. When we gather, we strengthen that bond. We hold one another accountable and celebrate what God has done.

For 140 years, the Desert Mountain Annual Conference has been that gathering place. The 140th Session is a milestone worthy of our best participation, our deepest engagement, and our most hopeful presence. Today's observers are tomorrow's leaders.