July 1, 2021 – In accordance with The Book of Discipline, paragraph 407, The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has approved episcopal supervision recommendations from the WJ College of Bishops for the Desert Southwest Conference in light of Bishop Robert Hoshibata’s pending retirement.
The recommendation was made following consultation with the Jurisdictional and respective Annual Conference Committees on Episcopacy.
After much prayer and discernment, the active bishops of the Western Jurisdiction nominated Bishop Grant Hagiya to fill the vacancy in the Desert Southwest Conference, in addition to serving his role as resident bishop of the California-Pacific Conference.
Bishop Hoshibata’s anticipated retirement is scheduled for October 1, 2021.
