As we approach Annual Conference, I am aware that this is an election year. We will be voting for lay and clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences. As the Bishop of the Central Texas Conference, I want to commend to all a prayerful process seeking the will of the Holy Spirit.
With other bishops in the South Central Jurisdiction . . .
- We hope and pray to maintain unity and missional focus in our conferences during the election process.
- We believe that
- the process for elections should be fair, thoughtful, prayerful, civil, and should focus on the mission of the whole church and not a single issue.
- thinking alike is not mandatory, but living as one in the body of Christ is essential.
- the process should demonstrate respect for all persons and proceed with dignity. (“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor….If it is possible, so far as it depend on you, live peaceably with all….” From Romans 12.)