Episcopal Announcements

A Christmas Message from Bishop Lowry

Dec. 18, 2018

Bishop Mike Lowry shares the good news of the great joy of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ in his annual Christmas message to the members of the Central Texas Conference. Click on the player below to view this years message, or go to the Conference Vimeo Page to download and share with your friends, family and local church. Click on the title above to go to the video.

Bishop Lowry Calls for Prayer/Solidarity following Deadly Synagogue Shooting

Oct. 29, 2018

Bishop Lowry is calling on the clergy, lay leadership and members of the conference to pray for and proactively contact the synagogues and Jewish communities in their area in an act of harmony and support following last weekend’s deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. “I call upon all churches in the Central Texas Conference to reach out to our Jewish brothers and sisters in love and compassion,” stated Bishop Lowry. “I ask pastors and lay leadership to stand with the leadership of synagogues in their area in a solidarity of shared faith in God Almighty.” Read more here or by clicking the title above.

Judicial Council Offers Ruling on Constitutionality of the Three Plans for A Way Forward

Oct. 26, 2018

The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has released its decisions regarding the constitutionality of the three proposed plans for A Way Forward to be considered at the 2019 Special Called General Conference next February 23-26. The decision raises questions of constitutionality of the One Church and Traditional Plans. The court did not on the Connectional Conference Plan. The Council of Bishops had asked Judicial Council for a declaratory decision on the constitutionality of the plans in the Way Forward Commission report — One Church, Traditional and Connectional Conference plans. Now that the council has offered its decision, the work is now squarely in the hands of the General Conference delegations as they prepare for the three-day General Conference. To learn more, click here or on the title above.

Bishop Lowry calls for prayer and special offerings to support relief efforts in the U.S. and South Asia.

Sept. 17, 2018

While the U.S. media has its weather eyes locked on the Carolinas in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, the Philippines, Hong Kong and South China have been battered by the deadly Super Typhoon Mangkhut. Bishop Lowry is asking for prayer for all those affected by these killer storms and has called on the local churches of the Central Texas Conference to take up a special offering to support relief efforts for those affected by both Hurricane Florence and Super Typhoon Mangkhut. Click here or the title above to read more

Commission on a Way Forward Report Translations Released

July 31, 2018

The Final Report of the Commission on a Way Forward as sent to the Council of Bishops for presentation to the 2019 Special Session of General Conference has been released in English, French, Portuguese and Swahili - the four official languages of General Conference. Click here or the title above to read more and access the translations.

Council of Bishops Amends Call for 2019 Special Session of General Conference

July 9, 2018

The Council of Bishops (COB) has amended its call for the Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to be held Feb. 23-26 in St. Louis, Missouri. The decision to amend its call comes in response to Judicial Council Decision 1360, which was handed down on May 25. Click here or the title above for details. 

Texas Bishops Issue Joint Statement on U.S. Immigration Policy of Separating Families

June 20, 2018

The Bishops of the five Annual Conferences in Texas issued a joint statement today commending President Trump for signing an executive order ending his administration policy of separating families caught entering the country illegally along the U.S.-Mexico border. Each bishop also urged their conferences and faithful Christians everywhere to contact their U.S. representative and senators and continue to press for legislation that will keep children with their parents. Click here or the title above to read more. 

Bishops Urge Judicial Council to Restrict Petition to 2019 General Conference

May 23, 2018

The Council of Bishops is urging the Judicial Council to declare that the business of the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church be “limited to receiving and acting upon a report from the Council of Bishops based on the recommendations of the Commission on a Way Forward” as stated in the April 24, 2017, call. Speaking of behalf of the bishops, Immediate Past President Bishop Bruce R. Ough urged the court to answer the question in negative. Bishop Scott Jones, spoke against the bishops’ case contending that anyone should be allowed to submit a petition to the 2019 Special Session of General Conference. Click here or the title above to read full details.

Bishop Lowry Share his Thoughts on the Failure of Proposed Amendments I & II and the CTC's Commitment to Gender Equality

May 15, 2018

In a short video, Bishop Lowry shares his thoughts and angst over the failed proposed amendments and joins the Council of Bishops and the female bishops of the UMC, who issued a pastoral letter noting their renewed commitment to ensure that all people are treated with respect, compassion and grace, in calling on Christians in the Central Texas Conference and everywhere to recommit to the fullest sense of what it means to ethically live under the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Special offering to be received April 29 for cyclone relief in Tonga.

April 6, 2018 (Updated May 9)

COB Announces Vote Results of Five Constitutional Amendments

Bishops Dismayed Over Failure of Proposal I and II to Receive Required Two-Thirds Majority

May 7, 2018

The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has completed canvassing the votes of annual conferences on the five constitutional amendments that were approved by the 2016 General Conference. While Proposals I and II failed to get the required two-thirds majority vote, Proposals III, IV and V did get at least 66.67 percent of the vote and will become effective immediately. In reaction to the results, the Council of Bishops expressed dismay that proposed amendments I and II had failed. “While we are not completely clear concerning the motivation that caused them to miss the two-thirds required majority by slim margins, we want to be clear that we are unequivocal in our commitment to the equality of women and their full inclusion in our Church,” said the Council statement. 

UMC Bishops Recommend the One Church Plan as A Way Forward

May 4, 2018

United Methodist bishops, meeting in Chicago, engaged in a prayerful process to discern a way forward. At the conclusion of the discernment process and guided by the mission, vision and scope document, the bishops agreed to recommend the One Church Plan. This plan provides conferences, churches, and pastors the flexibility to uniquely reach their missional context while retaining the connectional nature of The United Methodist Church.

UMC Bishops Honor & Remember Rev. Dr. James Cone

May 1, 2018

United Methodist bishops are honoring and remembering the legacy of the Rev. Dr. James Cone. Dr. Cone, who passed away April 28, was most recently the Bill and Judith Moyers Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary.

UMC Bishops Act on Three Major Issues at Spring Meeting in Chicago

April 24, 2018

The Bishops of The United Methodist Church will meet in Chicago from April 29-May 4 to celebrate leadership through the passing of the gavel, certify constitutional amendments and finalize their recommendations to the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference. The April/May meeting of the Council of Bishops will also hear leadership reports regarding immigration, ecumenical relations, racism, disaster relief and other mission and ministry work around the global denomination. To read more about the spring COB meeting, click here or the title above.

Bishops Seek Declaratory Decision from Judicial Council on Special Session

April 10, 2018

Commission on a Way Forward Addresses Values, Concerns and Feedback from COB in Updated Way Forward Sketches

March 1, 2018

The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church came together earlier this week (Feb.25-28) with the primary purpose of receiving the most recent report from the Commission on A Way Forward. After receiving the report, the Council discussed, debated and Holy conferenced about the report in executive session. “The work of the Commission on A Way Forward is deeply appreciated – personally and I believe by all my fellow bishops,” stated Bishop Lowry. “I continue to relish your prayers for the Council of Bishops, the Commission on A Way Forward and the future of the United Methodist Church. As we collectively continue this journey and beyond, may we always walk with Christ.” Click here or the title link above to read a summary of the sketches presented and more from the COB.

UMC Leaders Respond to #MeToo & #ChurchToo Movement

Jan. 24, 2018

Bishop Bruch Ough, president of the UMC Council of Bishops (COB), Bishop Tracy Malone, president of the board for the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of the UMC (COSROW), and Dawn Wiggins Hare, general secretary of COSROW, respond to the #MeToo & #ChurchToo social media movements by reaffirming core UMC beliefs and committing to lead the church in prevention and healing in this area. Please click here or the title above to read the full letter.

The Commission on A Way Forward Prepares Its Updated Report to the Council of Bishops

Jan. 18, 2018

The Commission on a Way Forward is nearing the completion of its task of making recommendations of possible ways forward for The United Methodist Church regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ persons in this global denomination. The 32-member Commission has reworked sketches of possible models of the future of the denomination that will be part of the final report to the Council of Bishops in May. Bishop Mike Lowry commended the work done by the Commission, but was quick to remind that the mission of the church must and will continue no matter what comes from the COWF or the called General Conference in 2019. “The work done by the Commission is very much appreciated, especially when gaged against such a complex, sensitive and important issue. Along with my fellow bishops, I eagerly await their final recommendation. However, let me urgently remind that our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ remains paramount. We simply cannot let this or any other issue distract our focus from supporting, growing and building vital, vibrant faith communities.”  Click on the title above to read more.

The Council of Bishops Condemns President Trump's Remarks Against Immigrants

Jan. 12, 2018

Bishop Lowry's Christmas 2017 Message

Dec. 10, 2017

Bishop Mike Lowry shares a brief message of joy and peace and hope for Christmas. Quoting from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verse 10, Bishop Lowry reminds us that today, just as it was on that glorious day more than 2000 years ago, we are to greet the arrival of the Christ child with great joy, for the savior of all has been born!

Bishop Lowry's Message for Advent 2017

Dec. 7, 2017

Bishop Lowry shares a video message of hope for a broken and battered world - a hope that comes in the form of a baby at Christmas

COB Releases Finding a Way Forward Handbook

Dec. 12, 2017

Resources for Witness, Contextual Leadership and Unity provides resources, other materials from the Commission on a Way Forward

Last month, the Council of Bishops (COB) released a statement regarding an interim report shared by the Commission on a Way Forward (CoWF) during the council’s November meetings. The interim report offered three preliminary sketches of models that could provide a way forward for The United Methodist Church help ease the impasse in the church regarding human sexuality and LGBTQ inclusion. After receiving the sketches of the three possible models, the bishops engaged in prayerful discerning and offered substantial feedback to the Commission, but did not take a vote on any of the sketches presented in the interim report.

Council of Bishops Receives & Reacts to Commission on a Way Forward's Interim Report

Nov. 9, 2017

Placing emphasis on the values of unity, space and contextuality, the Council of Bishops (COB) is exploring sketches of three models as possible directions for a way forward for The United Methodist Church over LGBTQ inclusion. After receiving the interim report of the sketches of the three possible models, the bishops engaged in prayerful discerning and offered substantial feedback to the Commission, but did not take any vote on any of the sketches. The Commission and the COB are not restricted to these sketches and are open to learning, listening and improvement. It is likely that additional models or sketches may emerge as this process continues. Click on title above to read more.

COB Calls on Churches to Observe Global Migration Sunday on The First Sunday of Advent

Oct 12, 2017

Bishop Bruce Ough, President, UMC Council of Bishops, writing on behalf of the Council of Bishops, is calling on United Methodist Churches to observe Global Migration Sunday on the first Sunday of Advent - Dec. 3, 2017. You may read Bishop Ough's letter in its entirety by clicking the title link above. Following Bishop Ough's letter is a link to an animated video called "The Migrant" produced by United Methodist Communications.

Thank You to CTC Churches for Generous Response to Hurricane Relief Special Offering

Oct. 4, 2017

In September, in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, Bishop Lowry called for the churches of the Central Texas Conference to take up a special offering to support UMCOR’s Hurricane Relief efforts. As expected, the response has been excellent and Bishop Lowry would like to simply say thank you – to you, to your leadership and to your congregation. Click here on the title above to view or download the brief video message.

Reflections on the Pending UMC Judicial Council Decision

April 25, 2017

Bishop Mike Lowry and Central Texas Conference Lay Leader Mike Ford write to the clergy and lay leadership of the CTC in hopes of providing them with the necessary information and context regarding the pending Judicial Council ruling on the validity of the election of Bishop Karen Oliveto. As you may recall, Bishop Karen Oliveto was elected and consecrated a United Methodist bishop in July by delegates of the Western Jurisdictional Conference. Bishop Oliveto, an elder in good standing at the time of her election, is a partner in a same-sex marriage. At the time of the election, the South Central Jurisdictional Conference petitioned the Judicial Council for a declaratory decision about the validity of her election.

COB reaches out to Coptic Orthodox Church following Palm Sunday terrorist attacks

April 13, 2017

Texas Bishops Respond to POTUS' Executive Order on Immigration

Feb. 3, 2017

Bishop Lowry Announces New Cabinet and Conference Executive Staff Members

Jan. 8, 2017

After much thought and even more prayer, hours of conversations with conference leadership, thought leaders and candidates and with a steadfast focus on the CTCSC’s mission to energize and equip the local churches of the Central Texas Conference so that they can make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, Bishop Lowry has announced that, effective July 1, Dr. Clifton Howard and Rev. Mike Ramsdell will join the Conference Service Center Executive Leadership Team and Revs. Brad Brittain, Ben Disney and Travis Franklin will be appointed as District Superintendents to the South, East and North Districts respectively.

COB Offers Post-Election Congratulations & Prayers to President-Elect Trump

Nov. 9, 2016

Young Adults can now apply to join Bishop Lowry on a pilgrimage to Scotland. 

Nov. 1, 2016

Following the powerful experience of their 2015 visit to Taize, France, Dr. Larry Duggins and Bishop Lowry have again signed on to lead a small group of young adults on a pilgrimage of introspection and transformation. This time the journey will take them to Iona, Scotland and run from May 25 – June 3, 2017. The ideal applicant is 18-29 years old, considering a call to ordained or lay ministry, attends church in the Central Texas Conference and demonstrates leadership in the church, school and/or community. The cost is $750 and covers airfare, ground transportation, breakfast, dinner and lodging. Those interested can learn more about and apply for trip at missionalwisdom.com/about/pilgrimage. Applications will be received until November 30, and pilgrims will be selected during December. Please visit ctcumc.org/IonaPilgrimage for more.

Bishop Ough Makes First Presidential Address to Council of Bishops

Nov. 4

Council of Bishops to Call for Special General Conference in 2019

Through an affirmative vote at their fall meeting, The United Methodist Council of Bishops expressed their intent to call for a special session of the General Conference in either February or March 2019 and asked the business manager of the General Conference to move forward with exploring venues and a bid search. The Council’s action stops short of making the actual call for a special session, which is expected to come at some point after the Commission on a Way Forward begins its work.

United Methodist Bishops of Texas Respond to Texas' Intention to Withdraw from Federal Refugee Resettlement Program

September 23, 2016

In response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement regarding Texas’ intention to withdraw from the federal refugee resettlement program, the United Methodist bishops of Texas have issued a statement calling on the governor to seek a way to affirm the worth of all humankind. Click here to read the full statement.

A Statement from the South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops

Monday July 18, 2016

Bishop Lowry Calls on CTC to Pause and Pray Following Deadly Shootings of Police in Dallas

2016 Episcopal Address