Williams can help improve our state.

The Right Rev. Preston Warren Williams II, head of the South Carolina district of the African Methodist Episcopal church, has been named head of the denomination's Council of Bishops. Like any time a local leader is given a prominent position, this appointment could give greater voice to the people of South Carolina, and particularly members of AME churches.

The Rev. Caesar Richburg, pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Greenville, told Greenville News writer Tim Smith, "There are remarkable benefits when a person such as this is invested as president of the Council of Bishops. It will bring millions of dollars to the state."

More than that, it gives Williams a larger stage from which to work to improve the lives of his church's members and all South Carolinians. Already, Williams has worked to bring about change in this state as head of the South Carolina district.

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Under Williams' direction, the AME church worked with the state Department of Juvenile Justice to help at-risk youth. He also helped lobby lawmakers to create a program to pay teenagers to tutor younger children. At a recent news conference, he called on state leaders to work on improving race relations here.

South Carolina has 634 AME churches and the most members -- up to 300,000 -- of any of the church's districts. Williams' appointment will give those members a greater voice and help him continue working to improve lives not only in South Carolina, but around the world.