On July 10, at the first business session of the 2024 South Central Jurisdictional Conference, the Boundaries Committee presented and the delegates unanimously approved unification of the Central, North and Northwest Conferences.
"I am grateful for the work and support of our South Central Jurisdictional Conference, and I am enthusiastic about this new chapter," said Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. following the historic vote. "Our joint efforts will bring countless blessings and strengthen our unity as we spread the teachings of the gospel, multiply Jesus’ followers, champion children and youth, maximize care and healing, pursue and embrace diversity and tell our story of the transforming love and grace of God." Hear from Bishop Saenz below.
Delegates and guests from Central, North and Northwest Texas Conferences ready to move forward as the Horizon Texas Conference!
Episcopal Assignments
In its first business session, the South Central Jurisdictional Conference also affirmed episcopal assignments, as presented by the SCJ Committee on Episcopacy. These assignments are:
Great Plains - David Wilson
Missouri - Bob Farr
Arkansas - Laura Merrill
Oklahoma - Laura Merrill
Oklahoma Indian Missionary - Laura Merrill
Louisiana - Dee Williamston
Horizon Texas (Central/North/Northwest Texas) - Ruben Saenz Jr.
Texas - Cynthia Fierro Harvey
Rio Texas - Cynthia Fierro Harvey
The New Mexico Conference assignment is temporarily open.
"We are leaving the New Mexico Annual Conference open, anticipating that the Council of Bishops will be able to provide a tremendous episcopal leader from another jurisdiction, in order to provide for their episcopal needs," said Rev. Amy Lippoldt, chairperson of the SCJ Committee on Episcopacy. "We are not announcing that person at this time, out of respect for the assignment and election process happening in other jurisdictions. We anticipate being able to make that announcement following the close of all jurisdictional conferences."
On the second day of the conference, the body opened with worship, and Bishop Jimmy Nunn led the body through business. Bishop Nunn and Bishop Schnase were honored for their retirement and dedication to the United Methodist Church. Both will officially retire on September 1. During the afternoon, delegates heard updates from jurisdictional ministries like Lydia Patterson Institute and SMU/Perkins along with LED talks from representatives from different conferences.
