The Council of Bishops (COB) has announced new dates for the 2020 Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States which have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreGiven the ongoing risk of gathering in large numbers due to COVID-19, we have decided to postpone the 2020 session of the Rio Texas Annual Conference, scheduled for June 10-13 in Corpus Christi…
Read MoreOn March 30, 2020, Rio Texas Conference Secretary Mickey McCandless shared the decision to suspend Annual Conference registration in light of the COVID-19 crisis, along with the intention to share a final announcement concerning Annual Conference on May 1, 2020. As of today, Bishop Schnase and the Annual Conference Design Team do not have a final decision to share.
The commitment to protect the health and safety of the Rio Texas community is simple, but the complexities required to make a final decision cannot be overstated. Bishop Schnase and the Annual Conference Design Team have been in dialogue with United Methodist leaders across the nation. All are working to discern appropriate and creative ways of accomplishing the work of the Annual Conference in accordance with the Book of Discipline, without compromising the health and safety of our communities.
Bishop Schnase and the Annual Conference Design Team appreciate the patience and understanding shown by the Rio Texas Conference community. A final decision will be announced next week.
Zoom gatherings—limited to 30 people per session
This is primarily for Clergy but 1 key lay/staff person can be invited from each church
(More can be scheduled if needed!)
Led by Rev. Karen Horan, Director of Creating/ Vitalizing Congregations and Developing Leaders
Churches with average worship attendance of 120 or less
May 4, 9:00-11:00 a.m. - Session Completed
May 4, 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Session Completed
May 5, 9:00-11:00 a.m. (Spanish interpretation available) - Session Completed
Churches with average worship attendance of 120-300
May 5, 1:00-3:00 p.m. (Spanish interpretation available) - Session Completed
May 6, 9:00-11:00 a.m. - Session Completed
May 6, 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Session Completed
Churches with average worship attendance of 300+
May 7, 9:00-11:00 a.m. - Session Completed
May 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Session Completed
(And please note…we may not need two hours, so don’t get freaked out)
It is easy to get overwhelmed with SO MUCH information. Sure, a lot of it is great, but sometimes we read and listen to so many voices, we forget to stop and pray…pray and listen…and trust what you know about yourself, your leaders and your community of faith.
Yep, I have a list of resources you can check out (or choose not to!) …and you probably have a lot you could give me to share. Let’s do all of that, but sometimes we just need time to get on the balcony to get perspective. We won’t have all the answers, and you won’t have a strategic plan at the end of the two hours, but maybe we have some room to think, dream and breathe…we can always meet again!
Join me on one of the days listed above to get on the balcony—to think and pray about some of these questions and more:
What can we do now to be ready for re-launching?
Discern and evaluate – what does the church need to keep doing that has worked during this time? What new skills have you developed, and what fruit have you seen as a result? Have you learned new ways to connect with people inside the church? With those visiting virtually? What have you learned about on-line worship and new ways of giving? How are you staying creative?
Discern and evaluate – what have we been forced to stop during this crisis that maybe doesn’t need to start again? Or another way to ask that is, what is essential going forward, and what is not? How will you decide? How might you listen to your leaders and participants in your ministries to answer this question?
What gifts have you received during this time that you don’t want to lose? What have you learned that is so essential, you want to hold onto it? As a leader? As a church? As a community?
What is next and how can the church be intentional?
How can you be intentional about listening to staff and leaders, praying, and communicating what is next?
What is a goal or dream your church has had but not yet realized? Has your perspective on this changed?
What will be different, what will be the same as the building re-opens? How might staff roles/leadership roles change based on the focus of re-launching? What are resources of time, money, or people that could be put to use in a new way?
How can you as the leader be prepared for the possible push back that could come? How might you explain the “why” behind the “what”?
What can be new?
Could your church be a both/and community of faith, present with each other both in person and online?
How might you reach deeper into your zip code and reach far beyond it?
Could your church become a place for people to process their grief as a result of this crisis? What are some ways you could provide resources and space for listening, especially for people outside your church?
How might you re-imagine a summer connection with children and families, if Vacation Bible School isn’t wise in your context? If you have mission trips planned for youth, could you make those smaller, local events that connect people in new ways with your own community?
Will you consider creating space to keep the creative “juices” going? With whom? When and how often?
What questions might you bring / need to consider?
Resources to check out:
Video/Webinars:
Re-Launch – Path 1 (free) Re-Launch.mp4 (there is also a free study guide on the Path 1 website)
Fuller Seminary Formation classes (Free until July 1)
Especially Tod Bolsinger’s “Leadership in a Changing World” https://formation.fuller.edu/.
Fresh Expression Webinars (free) – scroll down to Reset: Start your church again after the Quarantine https://freshexpressionsus.org/distributedchurch
ClergyEducation.com has a variety of pre-recorded sessions that cost $15-$20 each. https://clergyeducation.com/recorded-courses/
Articles/Blogs/Websites:
Leading Beyond the Blizzard
Carey Nieuwhof blogs (careynieuwhof.com)
We’re all start-ups now (whether we like it or not)
4 ways to quickly (and unintentionally) stop your innovation curve and miss the future
Tom Bandy Positive Trends, Social Realities and the Future of the Post-Covid 19 Church (ministrymatters.com)
For any questions, please feel free to reach out to Nicole Alabi, Administrative Assistant for Project Development, Implementation, and Support, at (210) 408-4514 or nicolea@riotexas.org.
March 30, 2020
Rio Texas Conference Delegates
After consultation with Bishop Robert Schnase, the Annual Conference Design Team, and the Uniting Table, (whose function it is to coordinate mission and ministry in the Rio Texas Conference) I have determined that it is wise to suspend registration for the 2020 Rio Texas Annual Conference. Through discussions with United Methodist leaders across the nation, the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the shelter in place orders in many local communities, the Annual Conference Design Team will continue to monitor the continuing and developing COVID-19 pandemic. We expect to make a final decision by May 1 concerning holding Annual Conference in June, 2020.
The staff of the Rio Texas Conference are working from their homes and are using internet platforms to stay in touch with each other and our congregational leaders. We continue to be informed on the complex situation presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our congregations are being creative in sustaining their members and community with The Word of God through Jesus Christ as they gather electronically for prayer, worship, Bible study and connection. The safety and well-being of our staff, our leaders, our congregants and the persons in our communities is at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.
Bishop Schnase and the Annual Conference Design Team have been and will continue to be in dialogue with United Methodist leaders across the nation to discern appropriate and creative ways to accomplish the work that must be done in the Clergy Session and at Annual Conference. We have guidance from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and General Board of Finance and Administration on meeting the administrative and Disciplinary mandates for Annual Conference. We will make a final decision by May 1 concerning holding Annual Conference in June, 2020. Pray for our nation, our churches, our leaders and all of us as we seek to be sustained by our faith in Jesus Christ through this pandemic.
In Christ’s service,
Mickey T. McCandless Rio Texas Conference Secretary
Churches all over the world and in our conference are having to consider what effect the spread of COVID-19, also called the coronavirus, will have on their congregation. The CDC has recommendations for faith-based organizations, businesses, and individuals. The World Health Organization also has recommendations specific to COVID-19. Many of these recommendations are healthy practices we can use throughout the year and every flu season. The simple habit of handwashing has radically changed the course of diseases around the world. Promoting hand washing and taking other small steps to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and the flu can help our church communities feel safer and be healthier. Staying informed will be very important in the coming weeks.
Rio Texas Conference Office
Unless otherwise instructed by the CDC, state health officials, or the City of San Antonio, the Rio Texas Conference office will continue to maintain our normal business hours. In response to COVID-19, the Rio Texas Conference staff is taking some steps to help promote good health.
Extra attention is being given to cleaning doorknobs, door handles, handrails, and other public surfaces.
Hand sanitizer is available throughout the office.
Staff exhibiting signs of illness are being asked to stay home.
Our Churches
We are recommending churches in our conference to continue meeting and worshipping together. If a person within one of our church communities has a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will follow the recommendation of the CDC and state health officials. The Rio Texas Conference also recommends churches consider taking steps to help promote good health. In addition to recommendations by the CDC, many churches are making small changes to their worship and gathering practices to help ease growing concerns. Below are some recommendations churches may consider implementing.
Worship Services
While passing the peace and greeting one another, offer alternative greetings to your community. For example, a person could place their hand over their heart to indicate they would rather not make physical contact.
Work with janitorial staff for regular environmental cleaning with bleach and to keep the restrooms stocked with hand soap.
Ask your hospitality volunteers to make sure that there are facial tissues and hand sanitizer stocked and available for worship services.
Give people permission to stay at home if they are experiencing illness symptoms (i.e., cough, shortness of breath) of any kind.
For churches with live streaming, remind your community that it is a great way for individuals to recover from an illness at home while staying connected to the church.
Communion
Limit communion servers to those who do NOT appear to have illness symptoms (i.e., cough, shortness of breath).
Be sure that Communion chalices, cups, trays, cup fillers, and patens (plates) are washed as thoroughly as any other dishes you might use at home (hot water, dish soap or detergent) before and very soon after each use and stored in a dry, clean cabinet.
If your congregation is still using individual cups, be sure to have a server who has washed his or her hands give the cup to each recipient, being careful not to touch the hands of the recipient. The server should not touch any used cups, nor should those receiving place used cups back into the trays. The use of disposable communion cups is another option that can be considered.
Prepare fresh elements with clean hands. People who have any communicable illness, including colds, should not prepare or serve communion.
Prior to the Eucharistic prayer, have Communion stewards exit the worship space to wash hands with soap and water at the nearest facility.
Include the “Sacrament of Purell” as a part of the preparation. Have all servers publicly use alcohol-based hand sanitizer prior to handling the elements. Allow your hands to dry naturally prior to reaching for the elements.
Instruct servers not to touch their face after washing their hands and using the sanitizer.
If Holy Communion is received by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup), be sure to have only the servers touch the loaf. (The practice of individuals breaking off the bread for themselves greatly increases the risk for contamination).
Instruct servers of the bread to provide pieces of bread that are large enough to be dipped into the cup without the recipient's fingers needing to touch the juice.
Instruct servers of the cup to tilt the cup slightly toward the recipients to enable the juice to flow toward the bread, thus eliminating a perceived need to "plunge" the bread (and perhaps fingers!) into the cup. For this season, you might ask parents to help dip their children’s bread into the cup.
Communication
Take time to keep your community informed of the steps your church is taking in response to COVID-19.
Reach out to the groups that may use your facility but are not part of your community. Partner with them to help support community health.
Stay informed and keep your community informed.
Dear Governor Abbott,
On January 10, 2020, we and our fellow Texans learned of your letter to the U.S. Secretary of State, refusing the resettlement of refugees in our state. We write to urge you to reverse that decision.
Read MoreJanuary 10, 2020
Dear pastors, members, and friends of the Rio Texas Conference,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A statement was released last week entitled “A Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.” The eight-page document represents work done by a group of United Methodists from across the world who embody diverse voices and constituencies of our church.
The writing of this Protocol was done in collaboration with Kenneth Feinberg, PC, noted mediator known for his work with the September 11th Victim’s Compensation Fund, the Virginia Tech and Boston Marathon victims, and the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster. Mr. Feinberg, who is not a United Methodist, offered his professional guidance to us pro bono.
The Protocol was prepared to serve the United Methodist delegates who will gather this May in Minneapolis for the 2020 General Conference. While not perfect, the Protocol addresses many important concerns of United Methodists from across the global church. The work was unanimously affirmed and signed by the sixteen participants.
This Protocol does not represent a final decision for a course of action for the United Methodist Church. Rather, the General Conference will receive this recommendation and proposed legislation at their May meeting and will have the authority to adopt it, modify it, or to adopt something different.
Key features of the Protocol include:
The continuance of The United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church remains The United Methodist Church. All churches desiring to remain United Methodists will not need to do anything different or to make any further decisions.
A gracious way of departure for a traditionalist conservative Methodist Church as a denomination, with a financial settlement to help form the new church.
The creation of four regional conferences—Africa, U.S., Europe, Philippines—each with its own ability to adapt the Book of Discipline according to its context.
The removal of restrictive language related to ministry with LGBTQ persons in the U.S. post-separation United Methodist Church following the May General Conference.
Holding in abeyance any administrative or judicial processes regarding restrictions in the Book of Discipline related to LGBTQ persons, as of January 1, 2020.
Creation of a fund to strengthen the Black Church, ethnic ministries, and work among marginalized persons.
No annual conference or local church is required to vote. By default, churches and conferences remain in the continuing United Methodist Church unless they decide they wish to vote to leave.
No one is asked to leave the United Methodist Church, and every pastor, member, and church is invited to stay. However, those who desire to separate from the United Methodist Church are given a graceful means to do so. The plan provides a timeline for orderly separation.
Wespath will offer service across the various Methodist expressions, assuring the continuity of pensions and benefits.
This Protocol seeks to offer a respectful path forward that treats United Methodists from varying contexts, and with diverse life experiences and differing theological understandings, with grace and dignity.
Since this is a negotiated proposal, everyone will likely feel that it does not completely satisfy all their personal desired outcomes. The denomination needs to look for the best solution to address the current long-standing impasse on LGBTQ inclusion, a solution that fosters vibrant communities of faith in as many places and forms as possible to bear witness to the grace of God. Please reflect on the content and spirit of the proposal. Carry the future of the church with you in your prayers during these months to come.
I invite you to read the news release, the full proposed agreement, and the Frequently Asked Questions found by the links below. Read these materials prayerfully. Do not rely merely on news stories in the press or opinions shared on social media. Take special note of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Press Release
The Signed Protocol
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Friends, I am proud of the way we’ve remained united in in the Spirit of Christ to fulfill God’s mission in our work together in the Rio Texas Conference. I appreciate the civil and respectful conversations that so many of our pastors and laity are having about the future of the church they love. I give God thanks for the love you have for our life together in Christ and for the mission field God has entrusted to us in the Rio Texas Conference. It’s a privilege to serve as your bishop.
This June, when pastors and laity representing all our congregations gather together for the Rio Texas Annual Conference in Corpus Christi, we will know what actions General Conference has taken and we can begin to determine the implications for our conference and our churches.
There are no actions or decisions that need to be taken at this time, except to familiarize ourselves with the proposal, pray for one another, and stay in touch with our elected General Conference delegates from the Rio Texas Conference. The delegation will be planning information sessions for the conference, once legislation already submitted has been published and they have had time to review it.
In the meantime, we continue in our ministries, proclaiming the good news that God has met our highest hopes and deepest needs in Jesus Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Robert Schnase
Estimados pastores, miembros y amigos de la Conferencia Río Texas,
Gracia y paz a Uds. en el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
La semana pasada se publicó una declaración titulada “A Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.” ("Un Protocolo de Reconciliación y Gracia a Través de la Separación"). El documento de ocho páginas representa el trabajo formulado por un grupo de metodistas unidos de todo el mundo que encarnan diversas voces y grupos de nuestra iglesia.
La redacción de este Protocolo se hizo en colaboración con Kenneth Feinberg, PC, destacado mediador reconocido por su trabajo con el Fondo de Compensación de Víctimas del 11 de septiembre, las víctimas de Virginia Tech y del Boston Marathon, y del desastre de BP Deepwater Horizon. El Sr. Feinberg, que no es un Metodista Unido, nos ofreció su orientación profesional pro bono.
El Protocolo fue preparado para servir a los delegados metodistas unidos que se reunirán este mayo en Minneapolis en la Conferencia General 2020. Aunque no es perfecto, el Protocolo aborda muchas preocupaciones importantes de los metodistas unidos de toda la iglesia mundial. El trabajo fue unánimemente afirmado y firmado por los dieciséis participantes.
Este Protocolo no representa una decisión final como curso de acción para la Iglesia Metodista Unida. Más bien, la Conferencia General recibirá esta recomendación y la legislación propuesta en su reunión de mayo y tendrá la autoridad de adoptarla, modificarla o adoptar algo diferente.
Las características claves del Protocolo incluyen:
• La continuación de la Iglesia Metodista Unida. La Iglesia Metodista Unida sigue siendo La Iglesia Metodista Unida. Todas las iglesias que deseen permanecer como Metodistas Unidos no necesitarán hacer nada diferente ni tomar más decisiones.
• Una forma de partida en gracia para una Iglesia Metodista conservadora tradicionalista como denominación, con un acuerdo financiero para ayudar a formar la nueva iglesia.
• La creación de cuatro conferencias regionales: África, los Estados Unidos, Europa, las Filipinas, cada una con su propia capacidad de adaptar el Libro de Disciplina de acuerdo con su contexto.
• La eliminación del lenguaje restrictivo relacionado al ministerio con personas LGBTQ en la Iglesia Metodista Unida de los Estados Unidos después de la separación siguiente a la Conferencia General de mayo.
• Retener a partir del 1 de enero de 2020 cualquier proceso administrativo o judicial con respecto a las restricciones en el Libro de Disciplina relacionadas con personas LGBTQ.
• Creación de un fondo para fortalecer a la Iglesia Negra, los ministerios étnicos y el trabajo entre las personas marginadas.
• No se requiere conferencia anual o iglesia local para votar. Por defecto, las iglesias y conferencias permanecen en la continua Iglesia Metodista Unida a menos que decidan que desean votar para separarse.
• A nadie se le pide que abandone a la Iglesia Metodista Unida, y cada pastor y a cada miembro e iglesia está invitado a quedarse. Sin embargo, aquellos que deseen separarse de la Iglesia Metodista Unida reciben medios de gracia para hacerlo. El plan proporciona una línea de tiempo para permitir una separación ordenada.
• Wespath ofrecerá sus servicios a través de las diversas expresiones metodistas, asegurando la continuidad de pensiones y beneficios.
Este Protocolo busca el modo de ofrecer un paso respetuoso hacia más adelante que trate con gracia y dignidad a los Metodistas Unidos en sus diferentes contextos, con diversas experiencias de vida y diferentes interpretaciones teológicas.
Como se trata de una propuesta negociada, es probable que todos sientan que no satisface completamente todos sus resultados personales deseados. La denominación debe buscar la mejor solución para abordar el estancamiento actual de largo trazo acerca la inclusión LGBTQ, para iniciar una solución que fomenta comunidades de fe vibrantes en tantos lugares y formas como sea posible y para dar testimonio de la gracia de Dios. Reflexione sobre el contenido y el espíritu de la propuesta. Eleve el futuro de la iglesia en sus oraciones durante los próximos meses.
Los invito a leer el comunicado de prensa, el acuerdo propuesto completo y las Preguntas Frecuentes que se encuentran en los enlaces a continuación. Lea estos materiales en oración. No confíe simplemente en las noticias en la prensa u opiniones compartidas en las redes sociales. Tome nota especial de las Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQ)
Amados amigos, me orgullo de la forma en que nos hemos mantenido unidos en el Espíritu de Cristo para cumplir la misión de Dios en nuestro trabajo conjunto en la Conferencia Río Texas. Aprecio las conversaciones cordiales y respetuosas que muchos de nuestros pastores y laicos están llevando a cabo sobre el futuro de la iglesia que todos aman. Le doy gracias a Dios por el amor que tienen por nuestra vida unida en Cristo y por el campo misionero con el que Dios nos ha confiado en la Conferencia Río Texas. Es para mí un privilegio servirles como su obispo.
Este junio, cuando los pastores y los laicos que representan a todas nuestras congregaciones se reúnan para la Conferencia Anual Río Texas en Corpus Christi, sabremos qué acciones la Conferencia General ha tomado y podremos comenzar a determinar las implicaciones para nuestra conferencia y nuestras iglesias.
No hay acciones o decisiones que se deban tomar en este momento, excepto el familiarizarnos con la propuesta, orar unos por los otros y mantenernos en contacto con nuestros delegados electos a la Conferencia General de la Conferencia Río Texas. La delegación planificará sesiones de información para la conferencia, una vez ya que la legislación sea presentada se haya sido publicada y que todos hayan tenido tiempo de repasarla.
Mientras tanto, continuamos en nuestros ministerios, proclamando las buenas noticias que Dios ha cumplido nuestras más altas esperanzas y necesidades más profundas en Jesucristo.
Aténtamente en Cristo,
Robert Schnase
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 3, 2020
(Washington, D.C.): A diverse group of representatives from United Methodist advocacy groups with contrasting views and bishops from around the world has collaborated on a proposed agreement for the separation of The United Methodist Church (UMC) that has the unanimous support of all the parties involved.
The agreement, the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, was achieved on December 17, 2019 and announced today.
The action comes amid heightened tensions in the church over conflicting views related to human sexuality after the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference failed to resolve differences among church members.
Legislation to implement the Protocol statement – an eight-page document detailing the terms of a split of the 13+ million-member denomination – is expected to come before the United Methodist General Conference for a vote at their legislative meeting in Minneapolis, Minn. in May 2020.
The 16-member group came together as an outgrowth of a consultation initiated by bishops from Central Conferences located outside the United States. The parties sought assistance from prominent attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who specializes in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Feinberg, who served as Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and administrator of the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund along with a number of other complex matters, agreed to provide his services pro bono.
Meeting over several months, the unofficial group reached an agreement by signatories associated with all of the constituencies within the UMC for a mutually supported pathway for separation, bridging differences among other plans to be considered by the General Conference. “The undersigned propose restructuring The United Methodist Church by separation as the best means to resolve our differences, allowing each part of the Church to remain true to its theological understanding, while recognizing the dignity, equality, integrity, and respect of every person,” says the protocol statement.
The document’s signers include representatives from Europe, Africa, the Philippines, and the United States, and include persons representing UMCNext; Mainstream UMC; Uniting Methodists; The Confessing Movement; Good News; The Institute on Religion & Democracy; the Wesleyan Covenant Association; Affirmation; Methodist Federation for Social Action; Reconciling Ministries Network; and the United Methodist Queer Clergy Caucus; as well as bishops from the United States and across the world. The representatives have pledged to work together to support the proposal and develop legislation to implement it.
The Protocol anticipates the formation of a new traditionalist Methodist denomination. Once formed, the new church would receive $25 million over the next four years and give up further claim to the UMC’s assets. An additional $2 million would be allocated for potential additional new Methodist denominations which may emerge from the UMC. Acknowledging the historical role of the Methodist movement in systematic racial violence, exploitation and discrimination, the Protocol would allocate $39 million to ensure there is no disruption in supporting ministries for communities historically marginalized by racism.
Under the protocol, conferences and local congregations could vote to separate from The United Methodist Church to affiliate with new Methodist denominations created under the agreement within a certain time frame. Churches wishing to stay within the UMC would not be required to conduct a vote. Provisions exist for entities that choose to separate to retain their assets and liabilities. All current clergy and lay employees would keep their pensions regardless of the Methodist denomination with which they affiliate.
Under the Protocol, all administrative or judicial processes addressing restrictions in the United Methodist Book of Discipline related to self-avowed practicing homosexuals or same-sex weddings as well as actions to close churches would be held in abeyance until the separation is completed. The protocol also references a plan which calls for a special general conference of the post-separation United Methodist Church. The purpose of the Special Session would be to create regional conferences, remove the current prohibitions against LGBTQ persons, and to repeal the Traditional Plan.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Bishop John Yambasu (Sierra Leone) stated, “All of us are servants of the church and realize that we are not the primary decision makers on these matters. Instead, we humbly offer to the delegates of the 2020 General Conference the work which we have accomplished in the hopes that it will help heal the harms and conflicts within the body of Christ and free us to be more effective witnesses to God’s Kingdom.”
The signatories to the Protocol have provided a FAQ document to provide additional information about the agreement. Comments and questions may be directed to the signatories at mediationprotocol@outlook.com.
A live stream event will take place on Monday, January 13th to provide further clarity and explanations of the plan by members of the Mediation Team.
This statement is being released by the Council of Bishops Office on behalf of the Mediation Team members.
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Members of the Mediation Team
Bishop Christian Alsted (bishop@umc-ne.org), Nordic-Baltic Episcopal Area
Rev. Thomas Berlin (tberlin@florisumc.org), representing UMCNext, Mainstream UMC, Uniting Methodists
Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton (bishop@nyac.com), New York Episcopal Area
Rev. Keith Boyette (president@wesleyancovenant.org), representing The Confessing Movement, Good News, IRD/UM Action, and the Wesleyan Covenant Association
Bishop Kenneth H. Carter (bishop@flumc.org), Florida Episcopal Area
Rev. Junius Dotson (jdotson@umcdiscipleship.org), representing UMCNext, Mainstream UMC, United Methodists
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling (bishopeasterling@gmail.com), Washington Episcopal Area
Rev. Egmedio “Jun” Equila, Jr. (jun@brmc.org.sg), Philippines Central Conference
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey (bishop@la-umc.org), Louisiana Episcopal Area
Bishop Rodolfo Rudy Juan (bishoprudyjuan@gmail.com), Davao Episcopal Area, Philippines
Janet Lawrence (jan@rmnetwork.org), representing Affirmation, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Reconciling Ministries Network
Rev. David Meredith (dmeredith@cliftonumc.com), representing Affirmation, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Reconciling Ministries Network, member of UM Queer Clergy Caucus
Patricia Miller (pmiller1224@gmail.com), representing The Confessing Movement, Good News, IRD/UM Action, and the Wesleyan Covenant Association
Dr. Randall Miller (randall4015@hotmail.com), representing Affirmation, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Reconciling Ministries Network
Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer (wocbishop@woc.org), Ohio West Episcopal Area
Bishop John K. Yambasu (bishopyambasu@gmail.com), Sierra Leone Episcopal Area
For questions or comments, please contact: mediationprotocol@outlook.com.
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Media Contact: Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications – Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
202-748-5172
Thanks to your generosity, over $821,000 has already been given to support flood relief across the Rio Texas Conference—and the work continues.
In this video, Bishop Harvey celebrates the overwhelming response so far and reminds us that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint
In this video message, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey offers words of comfort, gratitude, and hope following the devastating floods that have impacted communities across the Rio Texas Conference.
The Rio Texas Conference is excited to welcome Lamar Davis as our new Disaster Recovery Coordinator. Lamar brings a wealth of experience in crisis management and a deep sense of calling to serve. He will guide our Conference through the long-term work of recovery and resilience following recent floods.
With 150 years of history, Memorial UMC joins Restore Austin to celebrate a new chapter of ministry, mission, and witness in the heart of Austin.
Restore Austin—a vibrant, inclusive church community—will soon join The United Methodist Church and merge with Memorial UMC to form a new congregation in Northeast Austin. This Spirit-led partnership marks a fresh chapter of shared mission, expanded ministry, and hope for the future.
