As we welcome the three new bishops of the Western Jurisdiction, the new College of Bishops offers a short Epiphany message to share in local churches during worship service or online. The video features Bishops Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Conference, Sally Dyck of the California-Nevada Conference, Dottie Escobedo-Frank of the California-Pacific Conference, Carlo Rapanut of the Desert Southwest Conference, and Cedrick Bridgeforth of the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area.
Western Jurisdiction UMC
Invitation to Spiritual Care and Safe Space from the Western Jurisdiction LGBTQIA+ Ministries, United Methodist Church
United Methodists must work to change the climate of hate and fear of LGBTQIA+ folx in concrete ways. To do this, we urge the United Methodists in the West to take steps to confront the homophobic and transphobic attitudes that are pervasive in our churches and in our society.
Episcopal assignments announced, bishops consecrated, inclusive legislation passed
After electing three new bishops, delegates learned assignments to episcopal areas for the remainder of the 2020-2024 quadrennium. Significant pieces of legislation were approved helping the Western Jurisdiction work toward a more inclusive, de-colonized church.
On Day 3 the WJ selects three new bishops
After 19 rounds of votes, just before dinner, the Western Jurisdiction happily celebrated the election of its third new episcopal leader. While the focus of the day was the election, pieces of legislation were introduced, discussions over racism were held and the day ended with retirement celebrations for two of bishops.
WJ 2022 elects Dottie Escobedo-Frank as bishop
The Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank, senior pastor of Paradise Valley United Methodist Church in Paradise Valley, Arizona, has been elected a bishop by The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction on the 19th ballot.
WJ 2022 elects Cedrick Bridgeforth as bishop
The Rev. Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, director of innovation and communication in the California-Pacific Conference, has been elected a bishop by The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction on the 18th ballot.
WJ 2022 elects Carlo A. Rapanut as bishop
The Rev. Carlo A. Rapanut, assistant to the bishop in the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area, has been elected a bishop by The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction. He is the first Filipino American bishop in The United Methodist Church, and the first U.S. bishop who was ordained in a central conference — a United Methodist region outside the U.S.
Statement after executive session
Near the close of the plenary time on Thursday, November 3, the Western Jurisdiction Conference held an executive session. On the following morning (Friday), Rev. Brad Laurvick, Secretary of the Western Jurisdiction, read the following statement about and from the executive session.
Saints honored and no elections on day 2 of WJC2022
The first day of Western Jurisdictional Conference in Salt Lake City began with an episcopal address, introduction of the 33 episcopal candidates, one certifying ballot and two other ballots, speeches, scenarios and more. Read today’s re-cap.
No elections on the first day of energetic WJC 2022
The first day of Western Jurisdictional Conference in Salt Lake City began with an episcopal address, introduction of the 33 episcopal candidates, one certifying ballot and two other ballots, speeches, scenarios and more. Read today’s re-cap.