Bishops Hagiya and Oliveto offer reflections on the episcopacy
Timeline & Resources
For those considering the role of bishop in the Western Jurisdiction of the UMC, the following timeline has been released by the Western Jurisdiction leadership in cooperation with the Committee on Episcopacy.
May 2, 2022: An initial letter inviting persons to discern potential episcopal candidates was sent to 1st Elected delegates and posted on the Western Jurisdiction website, along with a form to be submitted to indicate interest or nominate others.
June, 2022: Annual Conferences are asked to lift up potential episcopal candidates for the discernment process; names are submitted to the WJ Episcopacy Committee.
July 12, 2022, 7:00-8:30 pm (Pacific): A Zoom call will be held to offer an introduction to discernment and to provide information about “Clearness Committee” processes which might be helpful to individuals considering the role of bishop. A recording of the webinar can be found below along with a list of questions shared in the meeting.
August 15, 2022: Western Jurisdiction Call for Discernment form titled, 2022 Episcopal Candidate Profile, is live. Click here to access the page or visit https://westernjurisdictionumc.org/episcopal-candidate-profile/.
September 1, 2022: Persons interested in being considered for election submit the form “Western Jurisdiction Call for Discernment” from the WJ website, and submit biographical information/candidate statement to the Committee on Episcopacy by this date. Candidate information will be posted on the WJ website at https://westernjurisdictionumc.org/episcopal-candidates/ and sent to the heads of delegations by September 6, 2022.
September 13, 2022, 7:00-8:30 pm (Pacific): A Zoom orientation to the election process will be held for all interested parties. Click here to watch the orientation.
September – October: Delegations and caucuses may choose to meet with potential candidates for the purpose of getting acquainted and continuing the process of discernment.
November 2-5, 2022: Western Jurisdiction Conference session is held; elections are completed and new bishops are consecrated. Find the ballot results at https://westernjurisdictionumc.org/episcopal-elections/.
Questions about the discernment process can be sent to Rev. Mary Huycke, WJ Episcopacy Committee Chair.
Editor’s Note: The United Methodist Church’s top court has set January 1, 2023, as the date when U.S. bishops facing mandatory retirement must step down and their newly elected successors take office. More at https://www.umnews.org/en/news/church-court-modifies-ruling-on-bishop-elections
