05/18/2022 – On March 9, 2022, the Western Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy and the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops announced that Bishop Minerva Carcaño had been placed on leave from her episcopal responsibilities, while a special committee investigates the complaints related to the suspension.
This action raised concern as a prolonged process can only produce a negative impact, independently of the result of the investigation. Also, MARCHA is not aware of any bishop being suspended without first reviewing the allegations, which also creates concern that a different standard is being utilized in this case. Since the news of the suspension came out, MARCHA has been monitoring and advocating for a fair and transparent process.
On May 12, 2022, Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Inc. (BMCR), send a letter to MARCHA expressing their solidarity with Bishop Minerva Carcaño, MARCHA, and the Latino community. “As partners with you in seeking racial equity and social justice, we commend your desire to ensure that Bishop Carcaño as a woman of color is being treated equitably and compassionately in this process. And that is our sincerest desire as well”, said the letter signed by Rev. Tony Love and Ms. Deborah Bass, chair, and vice-chair of BMCR, accordingly.
A similar expression of solidarity for the advocacy ministry of MARCHA was received from the Native American International Caucus of the United Methodist Church (NAIC), “ We surround MARCHA with our deepest prayers and join you as we affirm our hope in a God who is able to restore, renew and reconcile all relationships through Christ Jesus.”, in a letter signed by Ragghi Rain and the Rev. Charles Brower, chair, and vice-chair of NAIC, accordingly.
In the latest developments, it is MARCHA’s understanding that recently Bishop Carcaño filed an appeal of her suspension and the complaints with the Judicial Council. As a result, the review process is now on hold until the appeal is reviewed by the Judicial Council.
Our hope and prayer in MARCHA are that no further harm is done, and a fair process is ensured for Bishop Minerva Carcaño.
MARCHA will continue to monitor the process and invites the denomination to continue praying for all parties involved. Paz con Justicia.
Contact Person: Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez / MARCHA, President | lyssetteperez@yahoo.com | 973.405.8851
Meanwhile, THE UMC burns while the Western jurisdiction sits on its… well whatever it is the Bishops’ are sitting on… a 60 day suspension period and now almost 180 days for appeals… shouldn’t this should be over… time to decide or wash your hands, Pilates.