Brothers and Sisters,
The United Methodist Judicial Council ruled on Friday, April 28 that the consecration of a gay bishop violates church law. The ruling also stated that Bishop Karen Oliveto “remains in good standing,” until an administrative or judicial process is completed. I, along with the rest of the Council of Bishops, remain confident and hopeful of the work put forward and yet to be continued by the Commission on a Way Forward as I believe the Holy Spirit is at work in these times.
I encourage each member of our Conference to continue to join with me in prayer each morning at 7:30 a.m. for our United Methodist Church, the Commission on a Way Forward, the Council of Bishops, and the remainder of the judicial process from now until we meet together at Annual Conference.
Through all of this, I am continually reminded of the African proverb: “If you want to walk fast, walk alone, if you want to walk far, then walk together.” Together, we are able to do infinitely more than we could ever do alone. Our most recent celebration of 25 years of the ministry of Africa University is an amazing example of the life-transforming work that happens when we are connected in mission, ministry, and spirit.
Let us walk together for the next 37 days in prayer and dialogue with each other so that together we can accomplish all that God has called us to.
Be encouraged,
Bishop Julius C. Trimble