Western Jurisdiction News

The Rev. Mary Huycke, first elected clergy delegate from the PNW and chair of the WJ Episcopacy Committee, responds to the ruling released by the Judicial Council today. Huycke writes that it was "our church law that was on trial here." The ruling confirms for her that the Book of Discipline lacks the ability to adapt "during a time of transition."

"It is time for us to start talking about what we agree on and what we can do well together instead of arguing about what divides us." In an opinion piece, the Rev. Austin Adkinson expresses his desire for a continuing unity but, unapologetically, is not willing to accept unity that comes "at the expense of our LGBTQI siblings in faith."

Next week the United Methodist Judicial Council will be meeting to consider a petition from the South Central Jurisdiction which questions the election, consecration and assignment of Bishop Karen Oliveto. Here's a look at the coverage of Oliveto's first nine months as a #UMC bishop.

A recap of a busy week filled with news about the Judicial Council as they consider a challenge to the election of The United Methodist Church's first out lesbian bishop, updates from the Commission on a Way Forward, and Council of Bishops on General Conference 2019.

Bishop Elaine Stanovsky shares her prepared remarks for the press conference which followed Judicial Council oral arguments on April 25, 2017 in Newark, NJ. She restates the argument that jurisdictional autonomy in electing bishops is "at the heart of our unity-in-diversity" and confirms that obedient love, not defiance, guides the WJ's decision making.

In a much-awaited moment, the Western Jurisdiction today told The United Methodist Judicial Council that last July’s election of Mountain Sky Area Bishop Karen Oliveto complied with church law.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Council of Bishops President Bishop Bruce Ough has called on all United Methodists to pray unceasingly, intentionally and earnestly for the...

Next week, the questions raised over Bishop Karen Oliveto's election last July will come before the #UMC Judicial Council. Bishop Elaine Stanovsky writes to keep members of the Greater NW Area informed about this important matter involving the Western Jurisdiction.

In a newly released video, three delegates to the 2016 Western Jurisdictional Conference tell why they voted for Bishop Karen Oliveto, the first openly lesbian bishop in The United Methodist Church. On April 25, 2017, the nine-member United Methodist Judicial Council will hear arguments in the challenge to Bishop Oliveto’s election.

Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings in Christ: Later this month, the United Methodist Judicial Council will gather to consider a question related to last July’s...