The United Methodist studies professor at the Pacific School of Religion has been elected a bishop by The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction. She is the denomination’s third openly gay and married bishop.
Minerva G. Carcaño faces four charges under church law. The opening arguments looked at the nature of the complaints filed against the bishop by members of the California-Nevada Conference.
Pre-conference meetings helped the candidates for bishop in the North Central Jurisdictional Conference make the election process a positive experience, even for the seven candidates who weren’t selected.
Faced with denominational uncertainties, jurisdictional leaders are recommending United Methodists elect fewer U.S. bishops than there will be vacancies. But after a special session of the Northeastern Jurisdiction, all five U.S. jurisdictions expect to hold episcopal elections in November.