United Methodist elected leader of Seminole Nation
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Enoch Kelly Haney |
July 13, 2005
By the Rev David Wilson*
OKALAHOMA CITY (UMNS)--A Native American United Methodist and former
state senator has been elected Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation of
Oklahoma.
Enoch Kelly Haney, won an historic election on July 9 by defeating
four other candidates for the office of the 14,000-member tribe, gaining
over 60 percent of the total votes. The race was historic because no
candidate has ever received a majority vote without having a run-off,
according to Haney.
"I think the people were ready for a change," he said the day after
the election. "I am so thankful to people who felt like there needed to
be a change in this tribal government," he said.
"I am humbled and honored by my support base," he added.
Haney said an unusual number of young people voted in the Seminole
elections this year. At one of his campaign forums, 92 young persons
attended.
"The young persons made some really good recommendations, many which
deal with education," he said. "I am looking forward to implementing
several of their recommendations dealing with education."
Haney grew up at the Seminole Hitchitee United Methodist Church, which celebrated its' 149th
anniversary this spring. His grandfather was the first Methodist in his
family and later went on to become a Methodist minister. Haney's
father, Woodrow, also became a Methodist minister.
Haney followed in his father's footsteps and served for one year as a
local pastor in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference and also
served as director of youth ministries for two years.
"What sustains what I do is the belief that I am here for a purpose,"
he said. "That purpose for me has always been public service. It
started with ministry, but I believe it has been God's purpose to put me
in public service."
"I have been able to provide service to all people throughout the
state and now I will be leading people in Seminole nation," he said.
"God makes these things possible in God's time."
The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, which is comprised of 89
Native American United Methodist Churches in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.
Haney is currently an active member of Norman First American United
Methodist Church in Norman, Oklahoma.
Haney will be the fourth United Methodist to serve as chief and
tribal leader in the state of Oklahoma. His inauguration is Sept. 3.
* Wilson is the superintendent of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference.
News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Audio Interview with Enoch Kelly Haney
"We want to be proud of who we are as Seminoles."
Related Article
He creates statue for state capitol
Resources
Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference
Enoch Kelly Haney Biography
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Native American Comprehensive Plan
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