Some of our delegates have expressed concern that they are not ready to make the critical decision of how many bishops the WJ should prepare to elect in 2022. For these reasons, a second Special Called Western Jurisdiction Conference is proposed for November 13, 2021.
Western Jurisdiction UMC
The Western Jurisdiction’s work groups prepare reports leading into July 17th’s special-called session
As delegates prepare for the Special Session of the Western Jurisdictional Conference, please receive and review reports and recommendations of the five workgroups formed by the jurisdictional Mission Cabinet over these last several months. The groups provide their...
The Bishops approve episcopal supervision of the Desert Southwest Conference
Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops announce plans for coverage of the Desert Southwest Conference pending Bishop Robert Hoshibata’s planned retirement Oct. 1, 2021.
Special Session of the Jurisdictional Conference
The College of Bishops of the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church in accordance with ¶ 521 of the 2016 Book of Discipline, is calling a special session of the jurisdictional conference on July 17, 2021. The meeting will be held virtually from 11:00 AM...
Fair and equal ordination for all: It’s one thing to be ordained, it’s another to be appointed as an LGBTQ+ clergyperson
When it comes to the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the life and ministry of our United Methodist Churches, is ordination fair and equal yet or is it still something to which we aspire? As the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church continues its...
Fair and equal ordination for all: A queer clergyperson’s path to ministry, ordination and hope for full inclusion
As the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church continues its “Where Love Lives” campaign this month, the Greater Northwest Area of The UMC will explore our LGBTQ+ siblings’ call to ministry in a denomination where, by and large, they are still not welcome. This is the unfiltered story of Rev. Katie Ladd, an ordained elder in the Pacific Northwest Conference who identifies herself as queer. Listen to her story of being called to ministry as an outsider, going through her ordination service without her beloved standing beside her, and her hopes for the denomination’s future.
Where Love Lives April Resources
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are all called to love God and each other. As members of the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church, we do that through acts of justice, community outreach, and personal practices of devotion. In April’s video message of...
“Let Your Life Speak” A laity perspective on Fair & Equal Ordination for All
As we continue our “Where Love Lives: Fair and Equal Ordination for All” storytelling project as part of the Western Jurisdiction campaign for a fully inclusive church, we hear from Amory Peck, a lay member of the Pacific Northwest Conference and former Conference Lay...
Where Love Lives: “Fair and Equal Ordination for All – 17 years later, was it worth it?”
As we continue our “Where Love Lives: Fair and Equal Ordination for All” storytelling project as part of the Western Jurisdiction campaign for a fully inclusive church, we hear from Rev. Karen Dammann, who this week 17 years ago was put on trial for “practices...
Fair and equal ordination for all: A gay preacher’s calling
Editor’s note: When it comes to the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the life and ministry of our United Methodist Churches, is ordination fair and equal yet or is it still something to which we aspire? Throughout the month of March, we’ll hear stories from LGBTQ+...