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Bishop Holston

Many of you have been waiting to learn how the Judicial Council would rule on the request by the South Central Jurisdiction for a declaratory decision regarding the consecration last July of Karen Oliveto, an openly gay, married bishop in the Western Jurisdiction.

On Tuesday, April 25, the Judicial Council held a public hearing on the matter and late Friday, April 28, the Judicial Council issued its decisions for this and others it dealt with this week.

Decision 1341 is a lengthy and technical one. There are two key components to the decision. First, the Judicial Council ruled that the consecration of an openly gay bishop is a violation of church law. Second, it affirmed the right of clergy persons to due process and declared Bishop Oliveto remains “in good standing” until a judicial or administrative proceeding is concluded.

United Methodists around the globe are in a season of prayer for God’s guidance as we seek resolution to the deep division in our denomination over human sexuality. This Judicial Council ruling represents an additional matter for our prayers, along with the work of the Commission on a Way Forward and the called 2019 General Conference.

When new members join our churches, we join them in renewing our vows to uphold the ministries of our local congregation and The United Methodist Church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness.

May our lives be a testament to the love of God, the saving power of Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst as we prayerfully seek God’s will and continue to engage our communities for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston

South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church

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