May 04, 2023 | by Bishop Sally Dyck
Dear Friends and Members of California-Nevada Conference,
Greetings from Chicago. I’m writing to you having gathered for the first in-person Council of Bishops since 2019.
During this time, an update in relation to Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the San Francisco Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church was made available. I want to make you aware of this latest development.
The Committee on Investigation of the Western Jurisdiction has completed its work regarding complaints related to Bishop Carcaño. They have identified five charges per Paragraph 2702.1, and have assigned a bill of charges for trial. As the process moves ahead, her suspension from episcopal responsibilities will remain in effect. I encourage you to read the official full statement on our website.
In recent days and weeks, many open letters have been circulated, expressing a diversity of perspectives and feelings about the process. This announcement will also elicit a diversity of perspectives and feelings that can result in further division and hurt. I would encourage all of us to pull together as the body of Christ in the California-Nevada Annual Conference. If you can, talk to each other, pray for each other (especially those whose understanding and perspective is different from yours), and love one another (the commandment that Jesus gave us to love was not just for those who see things our way).
Let me say that it has been my honor to serve as your interim bishop. The Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops has asked me to continue in this role until a final resolution (just resolution or trial) has been reached. This is not a task I take lightly. I promise to continue to prayerfully and faithfully serve the California-Nevada Conference during this time.
As we navigate this difficult season, draw strength in knowing that the United Methodist community is praying for you. Likewise, your continued prayers are appreciated for all involved including the California-Nevada Annual Conference and Western Jurisdiction members, the complainants and Bishop Carcaño. I’ll be in touch as updates are available. For now, please know that I’m praying for and with you.
Let me leave you with Paul’s benediction to the church in Rome:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, NRSVUE)
Sincerely,
Bishop Sally Dyck
Interim Bishop of the California-Nevada Annual Conference