CALL TO PRAYER

MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino American) calls on the entire United Methodist Church to pray that the trial against Bishop Minerva Carcaño will be a fair trial

Bishop Carcaño, the only bishop in the history of the United Methodist Church in the USA, who has been suspended and subjected to a church trial – and just happens to be a Hispanic/Latina woman. The trial will be held at the Westpath Building in Chicago, IL, beginning on September 19, 2023, ironically right at the beginning of the Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month.

On March 9, 2022, Bishop Minerva Carcaño was suspended from all her episcopal responsibilities, by the College of Bishops and the Committee on Episcopacy of the Western Jurisdiction, even before the Committee on Investigation was organized to evaluate the charges presented against her. Since then, MARCHA has challenged the process that the Western Jurisdiction has pursued, including the prolonged and unprecedented suspension of Bishop Carcaño.

MARCHA reaffirms and emphasizes Bishop Minerva Carcaño’s prophetic leadership through her unwavering commitment to social justice within the United Methodist Church and in our global contextssociety. MARCHA recognizes that her prophetic voice in favor of marginalized communities, immigrants, and refugees has and continues to positively impact our Hispanic/Latino communities. The absence of her voice at this critical juncture in the life of our broken denomination severely has severely affected and harmed the present and future of the Hispanic/Latino church. For this reason we call the whole church to pray for this trial and for Bishop Minerva Carcaño, and her family, and all who are involved in this trial.

JOIN THE VIRTUAL PRAYER CHAIN

We ask each of you to be part of the prayer vigil by going to the virtual calendar to include your name in the time of your preference.

We call the people to pray for the following topics:

• For a fair trial.
• For Bishop Minerva Carcaño and her family.
• For Bishop Alfred Gwinn, jury, complainants, attorneys, observers, and others involved in the trial.
• For God to bring healing and reconciliation to the entire church

Sign-up into our virtual prayer calendar:

When: September 19-23, 2023.

Link: https://signup.24-7prayer.com/signup/783517

Instructions for scheduling virtual prayer time:

Follow the example of the following images:

1. You have the option to remain anonymous
2. Registration can be in Spanish or English
3. You can pray for one hour by reserving the time exclusively
4. You can share the same prayer time with other people, to do this; preferably do not check the first 2 options
5. Note that the Format is 24 hours, Central time.

Press here to schedule a slot for our virtual prayer

LLAMADO A LA ORACIÓN

MARCHA (Metodistas Asociados Representando la Causa Hispana/Latina Americana) hace un llamado a toda la Iglesia Metodista Unida a orar para que el juicio contra la Obispa Minerva Carcaño sea un juicio justo, siendo la Obispa Carcaño, la única obispa en la historia de la Iglesia Metodista Unida en EE.UU., que ha sido suspendida y sometida a un juicio religioso – y resulta ser, que es una obispa mujer hispana/latina. El juicio se llevará a cabo en el edificio de Westpath en Chicago, IL, iniciando el 19 de septiembre de 2023, irónicamente al comienzo de la celebración del mes de la herencia hispana/latina.

El 9 de marzo de 2022, la Obispa Minerva Carcaño fue suspendida de todas sus responsabilidades episcopales, por el Colegio de Obispos y el Comité de Episcopado de la Jurisdicción del Oeste, incluso antes de que se organizara el Comité de Investigación para evaluar los cargos presentados en su contra. Desde entonces, MARCHA ha desafiado los procesos que ha seguido la Jurisdicción del Oeste, incluyendo la suspensión prolongada y sin precedente de la Obispa Carcaño.

MARCHA reafirma y enfatiza el liderazgo profético de la Obispa Minerva Carcaño a través de su compromiso inquebrantable con la justicia social dentro de la Iglesia Metodista Unida y en nuestra sociedad global. MARCHA reconoce que su voz profética a favor de las comunidades marginadas, inmigrantes y refugiados ha tenido y continúa impactando positivamente a nuestras comunidades hispanas/latinas. La ausencia de su voz en este momento crítico en la vida de nuestra denominación ha afectado y dañado gravemente el presente y el futuro de la iglesia hispana/latina. Por esta razón llamamos a toda la iglesia a orar por este juicio y por la Obispa Minerva Carcaño y su familia.

ÚNASE A LA CADENA DE ORACIÓN VIRTUAL

Solicitamos a cada uno de ustedes que sean parte de la vigilia de oración yendo al calendario virtual para incluir su nombre en la hora de su preferencia.

Llamamos al pueblo a orar por los siguientes temas:

• Por un juicio justo.
• Por la Obispa Minerva Carcaño y su familia.
• Por el Obispo Alfred Gwinn, jurado, acusantes, abogados, observadores, y otras personas involucradas en el juicio.
• Por que Dios se manifieste trayendo sanidad y reconciliación a toda la iglesia

Anote su nombre en nuestro calendario virtual de oración:

Cuando: 19-23 de Septiembre de 2023.

Link: https://signup.24-7prayer.com/signup/783517

Instrucciones para agendar tiempo de oración virtual.

siga el ejemplo de las siguientes imágenes:

1. Usted tiene la opción de permanecer anónimo
2. El registro puede ser en Español ó en Inglés
3. Puede orar por una hora reservando la hora de forma exclusiva
4. Puede compartir la misma hora de oración con otras personas, para hacer esto;
   de preferencia no marque las 2 primeras opciones
5. Note que el Formato es de 24 hrs, hora Central.

Oprime aquí para agendar tu momento de oración

May 24, 2023

Dear Council of Bishops,

May the peace of the Risen Christ be with you and your ministry always! On April 28th, 2023, MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latinx Americans), requested the Council of Bishops to take over the entire complaint process against Bishop Minerva Carcaño according to paragraph 413 of the Book of Discipline; after Judicial Council ruling in Decision 1484 to ensure a fair, equitable and transparent process for all parties involved.

However, the Council of Bishops has remained silent and has not acted on this matter. Why is the Council of Bishops ignoring the case? (Matthew 27:24)

The Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy imposed an unprecedented, questionable, and prolonged suspension on Bishop Minerva Carcaño, undermining her effective prophetic ministry nationally, and preventing her from fulfilling her episcopal responsibilities while the complaint process unfolds. The suspension and the length of the process has created distrust in the complaint process system of our Church, an increase of misinformation regarding the case, and a hostile environment among us.

The suspension of Bishop Carcaño has also caused chaos and more division in our already broken denomination and created tension between laity and clergy, not only at the California-Nevada Annual Conference, but across the Western Jurisdiction and the global Church. In addition to this, MARCHA and other racial ethnic advocacy ministries, as well as the work of GCORR (General Commission on Religion and Race) and GCSRW (General Commission on the Status and Role of Women), has been challenged by leaders of the Western Jurisdiction, at this critical time that our church struggles to stay united and dismantle racism.

On May 4th, 2023, the Western Jurisdiction announced that the case against Bishop Minerva Carcaño is going to a church trial.

THEREFORE, to guarantee a fair, equitable, and transparent church trial for all parties and to avoid any resemblance of a conflict of interest, MARCHA respectfully requests that:

• The Council of Bishops take over the church trial process against Bishop Minerva Carcaño;
• The church trial for Bishop Carcaño be open to the public and be held in any of the following jurisdictions: North Central, North Eastern, South Central, or South Eastern;
• The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) and the General Commission on the Role and Status of Women (GCRSW) monitor the church trial process;
• And that our Church continues to be engaged in a time of prayer for all parties involved.

Peace with Justice,

Rev. Lyssette Perez
President of MARCHA

ILJ Network and MARCHA Respond to Anti-Immigrant Legislation in Texas & Florida

By Co-Executive Director Alba Jaramillo | Immigration Law & Justice Network
By Rev. Lyssette Pérez | President of MARCHA (Methodist Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latinx-Americans)

Immigration Law & Justice Network, a national network of 19 immigration legal service providers, and MARCHA  (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latinx Americans, the official Hispanic/Latinx caucus of the United Methodist Church and the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, condemn recent anti-immigration legislation in Texas and Florida.

On Thursday May 10^th, the House of Representatives in Texas passed HB7, which allows for the creation of a “Border Force,” an extension of the Texas Rangers that would be dedicated to arresting undocumented migrants. HB7 would make it a misdemeanor to cross into Texas without lawful immigration status and would result in 1-2 years of jail time for a second attempt. The proposal could also result in life sentences for migrants who have previously been convicted of a felony. In essence, this bill proposes the creation of a state border patrol agency while creating a codified system of racism.

On July 1^st, Florida will begin to enforce SB1718. Under this law, employers will be penalized for hiring undocumented immigrants. Out-of-state driver licenses will no longer be valid, unless additional proof of authorized immigration status is presented. Hospitals that receive Medicaid will be required to collect patient’s immigration status. People who transport undocumented immigrant across the state lines will be charged with third-degree felony. Lastly, $12 million of the general revenue fund will be spent on busing migrants arbitrarily out of state.

ILJ Network and MARCHA denounce the extreme anti-immigrant bills endorsed by elected officials in Texas and Florida. The bills perpetrate hatred and xenophobia while failing to provide solutions for undocumented immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers that need the protection of our nation’s laws.

As a network of legal service providers and people of faith, we know that these bills are cruel, immoral, and unnecessary. Therefore, WE JOINTLY CALL FOR:

1. Faith communities in states with anti-immigrant policies, such as Florida and Texas, to protest and press elected officials to reverse and refrain from endorsing policies that separate and criminalize immigrant families.
2. Hold elected officials accountable for perpetrating hate through racist legislation.
3. Faith leaders in houses of worship and faith-based organizations to educate their constituents about harmful immigration policies that are not in line with our spiritual obligations to love our neighbors and provide aid.
4. Coordinate efforts to display radical hospitality to immigrants.

Our biggest sin is silence, which makes us complicit of this evil. We must join forces to achieve justice for our immigrant community.

Please sign in support of our statement:

A CALL FOR A FAIR, EQUITABLE AND TRANSPARENT CHURCH TRIAL

May 17, 2023

Whereas, MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latinx American) represents a critical voice for the Hispanic/Latinx community within The United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico. For the last 50 years, MARCHA has advocated for equity, peace, and justice, inside and outside the Church, and the full inclusion of our diversity at all denomination levels.

Whereas, the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy imposed an unprecedented, questionable, and prolonged suspension on Bishop Minerva Carcaño, preventing her from fulfilling her episcopal responsibilities while the complaint process unfolds.

Whereas, the suspension of Bishop Carcaño has caused chaos and more division in our already broken denomination and created tension between laity and clergy, not only at the California-Nevada Annual Conference but across the Western Jurisdiction and the global Church.

Whereas, MARCHA has requested the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy, for over a year, to ensure that all proceedings regarding the case of Bishop Carcaño follow a fair, equitable, and transparent process for all parties involved.

Whereas, MARCHA has called the Council of Bishops on two occasions to take over the entire complaint process against Bishop Carcaño according to paragraph 413 of the Book of Disciple in line with the Judicial Council ruling in Decision 1484 to ensure a fair, equitable, and transparent process. However, the Council of Bishops has remained silent and inactive on this matter.

Whereas, the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), the General Commission on the Role and Status of Women (GCRSW), the Western Jurisdiction Inter-Ethnic Caucus, the Chinese Caucus, and other advocacy groups have joined MARCHA’s efforts in raising our serious concerns about this unprecedented case and now join us in raising our voices for a fair, equitable and transparent process in the case against Bishop Minerva Carcaño.

Whereas, the prolonged suspension of Bishop Minerva Carcaño and the length of the process has created distrust in the complaint process system of our Church, an increase of misinformation regarding the case, and a hostile environment among us.

And whereas, the Western Jurisdiction announced on May 4th, 2023, that the case against Bishop Minerva Carcaño is going to a church trial.

THEREFORE, to guarantee a fair, equitable, and transparent church trial for all parties and to avoid any resemblance of a conflict of interest, MARCHA respectfully requests that:

• The Council of Bishops to take over the church trial process against Bishop Minerva Carcaño;

• The church trial for Bishop Carcaño be open to the public and be held in any of the following jurisdictions: North Central, North Eastern, South Central, or South Eastern;
• The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) and the General Commission on the Role and Status of Women (GCRSW) monitor the church trial process;
• And that our Church continues to be engaged in a time of prayer for all parties involved.

A PUBLIC CALL TO LIFT THE PROLONGED SUSPENSION
OF BISHOP MINERVA G. CARCAÑO

March 16, 2023
We, leaders and members of ethnic caucuses of California-Nevada Annual Conference as well
as national ethnic caucuses of The United Methodist Church, are putting out this public call
because our letter of request (Exhibit 1) to the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and
Western Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy to lift the unprecedented, prolonged suspension
of our Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño was met with silence. We are now left with one option, and
that is to go public.

It is in order to present to you a chronology of the events which leads to this public call.

1. On March 9, 2022, the Western Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy and the Western
Jurisdiction College of Bishops announced that Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the San
Francisco Episcopal Area has been placed on leave from episcopal responsibilities after
they received two complaints against her (Exhibit 2). But the announcement did not
describe the nature of the complaints; instead, the name of the bishop was made known to
the public, while the names of the complainants were kept confidential. The announcement
stated that under the church law a bishop may be suspended for a period not to exceed 60
days. But the announcement did not cite which section of the church law. Apparently, the
church law mentioned in the announcement must be Paragraph 413.3a in the 2016 Book of
Discipline (Exhibit 3). The announcement said that the bishop “shall receive full pay and
benefits during that time while the allegations are under review” and “the aim of which is to
work toward a just resolution.”

However, we noted that the action for change of status of Bishop Minerva Carcaño was taken
prior to the establishment of the Administrative Review Committee which was required to review
the disciplinary procedures. Paragraph 539 in the 2016 Book of Discipline (Exhibit 4) clearly
states that the only purpose of the Administrative Review Committee “shall be to ensure that the
disciplinary procedures for any involuntary action recommended by the jurisdictional committee
on episcopacy are properly followed. The entire administrative process leading to the action for
change of status of the bishop shall be reviewed by the administrative review committee, and it
shall report its findings to the jurisdictional committee on episcopacy and the jurisdictional
conference prior to any action by those bodies.” Therefore, changing the status of the bishop,
from active to suspension, before the establishment of the Administrative Review Committee is
clearly a violation of the fair process.

2. On March 17, 2022, the Methodist Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino
Americans (hereafter “MARCHA”) wrote and posted an open letter (Exhibit 5) to the
Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops, “MARCHA is puzzled by the decision of the
Western Jurisdiction’s College of Bishop to suspend Bishop Carcaño while a special
committee investigates the complaints related to the suspension. This action raises concern
as a prolonged process can only produce a negative impact, independently of the result of
the investigation.”

3. On March 25, 2022, the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops wrote a letter to MARCHA
(Exhibit 6), saying that the process was being followed as outlined in Paragraph 413.3a in
the 2016 Book of Discipline (BOD). The letter also stated, “It was for protection from harm
for all parties that suspension was put in place. The BOD allows for up to 60 days, but
should a just resolution be achieved prior to May 7, the suspension would be lifted.”

4. On April 6, 2022, MARCHA requested the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops to lift the
suspension of Bishop Minerva Carcaño. It says, “MARCHA respectfully requested the
Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops to lift the suspension of Bishop Carcaño
immediately, while the complaint process continued to find a resolution.” (Exhibit 7)

5. May 7, 2022 was the 60th day of the suspension of Bishop Carcaño. The suspension was
not lifted.

6. In May 2022, an appeal was sent to the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church,
the Church’s highest court. Paragraph 523 in the 2016 Book of Discipline clearly states,
“Any bishop shall have the right of appeal to the Judicial Council.” (Exhibit 8). This appeal
was brought to the Judicial Council after the suspension extended beyond the Book of
Discipline’s maximum period of 60 days.

7. On September 5, 2022, the Chinese Caucus of California-Nevada Annual Conference
realized that their bishop was placed on leave for a long time. They were also told that they
cannot talk, visit, or contact her. Thus, they issued a press release to their Bishop Minerva
Carcaño (Exhibit 9), hoping that their Bishop would receive it somehow. The press release
was emailed to many bishops of our denomination as well as many clergy and lay members
of the Annual Conference. Their open letter expressed their admiration of Bishop Carcaño’s
episcopal leadership and guidance as well as her care for ethnic clergy, churches and
ministries. Their open letter concluded with these words, “Bishop, we miss you, we love
you, we pray for you.”

8. On October 25, 2022, Memorandum Number 1450 (Exhibit 10) with reference to the appeal
of Bishop Carcaño was published by the Judicial Council, which comprises 9 Members. The
majority, 5 of 9 Members, ruled, “Therefore, the Judicial Council declines jurisdiction in this
case.”

a. However, the minority, 4 of 9 Members, disagreed with the majority. In their dissenting
opinion, citing various Paragraphs of the 2016 Book of Discipline, including Paragraph
539, the minority stated, “The Bishop’s rights have been violated” and “fair process has
been violated.” The minority concluded, “Therefore, we disagree with the majority
opinion and believe that the Bishop is entitled to immediate reinstatement to her
episcopal assignment.”

b. The minority also noted, “The Bishop that brought this appeal has been subjected to a
suspension that was extended beyond the Discipline’s maximum period of sixty days.”

c. Footnote 1 of the majority’s decision stated, “As of the date of the oral hearing in this
matter, the Western Jurisdiction has not established the Administrative Review
Committee (ARC) despite the fact that ¶ 539 of the Discipline requires it do so. While the
pending matter has not and may not reach the ARC, we observe that fair process will
require that the ARC be established with members appointed to the same as required by
the Discipline.”

9. On October 31, 2022, the 238th day of the suspension of Bishop Carcaño, the Western
Jurisdiction College of Bishops published “Information regarding the complaint process”
(Exhibit 11). There is new information, and we have some questions.

a. For the first time we were informed that the complaints brought against Bishop Minerva
Carcaño were about “violating the sacred trust of ordained ministry.” The phrase,
“ordained ministry,” gives an impression that clergy might be involved in filing the
complaints. Why were the names of the complainant kept secret up to now? A new
benefit, “housing,” which was not listed in the announcement of the suspension of
Bishop Carcaño published on March 9, 2022, was added here.

b. The Information says, “However, a new suspension was put in place at the request of
the Counsel of the Church (¶2704.1c).” No rationale was given to this new suspension.
Paragraph 2704.1c (Exhibit 12) states, “If five or more members of the committee on
investigation so recommend, the jurisdictional committee on the episcopacy may
suspend the respondent pending the conclusion of the trial process.”

c. Paragraph 2704.1c does not clearly specify a time limit of suspension, while Paragraph
413.3a & 413.3b did limit it to a total of 300 days. Under this Paragraph, the respondent
could be suspended as long as the investigation and trial process take.

d. The word “may” in legal terms is an expression of possibility. It normally implies some
degree of discretion. Given the Judicial Council’s ruling of 5-4 vote, did the Western
Jurisdiction College of Bishops take the minority opinion and the footnote of the
majority’s decision, the violation of Paragraph 539, into serious consideration? What
degree of discretion was used in their deliberation to place a new suspension on Bishop
Carcaño, since she has been suspended for 238 days already?

e. This double suspension, the first and the second, will produce a negative impact on
Bishop Minerva Carcaño herself. MARCHA has already voiced out this concern in their
open letter dated March 17, 2022, “a prolonged process can only produce a negative
impact, independently of the result of the investigation.”

f. The discretionary language in Paragraph 2704.1c allows the Western Jurisdiction
College of Bishops and the Committee on Episcopacy to suspend the Bishop as long as
the investigation and trial process take. It means that they could suspend Bishop
Carcaño indefinitely!

10. On December 22, 2022, the California-Nevada Conference Committee on Episcopacy
issued a summary of the process involving Bishop Carcaño’s case (Exhibit 13). It basically
reiterated the information provided by the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops on
October 31, 2022. However, there was one new piece of information.

a. It says, “An individual under suspension should not address work related issues, attend
meetings, or be in contact with persons affiliated with the organization at any level.”

b. The new information above, now prohibits Bishop Carcaño from being “in contact with
persons affiliated with the organization at any level.” This confirmed what the Chinese
Caucus of California-Nevada Annual Conference had heard, that is, they cannot talk,
visit, or contact their bishop.

c. The Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy have said
repeatedly that suspension is neither punitive nor a judgment of guilt. How is the action
taken against the bishop as enumerated above, not constitute punitive? We wonder if
the application of punitive in this matter could be viewed or seen by other persons in the
same way?

d. Furthermore, Bishop Carcaño is prohibited to “attend meetings.” Bishop Carcaño is not
only a key leader of the denomination, serving on many general boards and agencies,
but also a strong advocate for refugees, immigrant rights and human rights (Exhibit 14).
She “has testified before the U.S. House of Representative Judiciary Subcommittee on
immigration and Border Security.” Additionally, “A water station in the Sonoran Desert
bearing Bishop Carcaño’s name was placed there by the Humane Borders organization
in recognition of her efforts to save the lives of immigrants crossing this treacherous land
seeking life and hope.”

The reputation of Bishop Minerva Carcaño in the community at large is well attested! Given the
legacy of Bishop Minerva Carcaño, the prohibition against her as mentioned earlier, is most
devastating and hurtful.

11. On December 28, 2022, nine clergy and lay members of the Filipino American United
Methodist in the California-Nevada Annual Conference wrote an open letter to support
Bishop Minerva Carcaño as well as to urge the Western Jurisdiction Committee on
Episcopacy to find a just resolution and end the suspension (Exhibit 15).

12. On January 19, 2023, Rev. Jorge Domingues, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries
of California-Nevada Annual Conference, invited Rev. Peter Lau, Rev. Tikiko Lesuma, Rev.
Tevita Koroi and Dr. Mary Cheng to a zoom conversation about ethnic ministries (Exhibit
16). The letter which the leaders of ethnic caucuses drafted and wanted to mail to the
President of the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and the Chair of the Western
Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy was brought up in the conversation. There was an
argument over the content of the letter. Rev. Domingues and Rev. Lesuma wanted Rev.
Lau to remove or change the statements that the prolonged suspension of Bishop Carcaño
had a negative impact on ethnic ministries and missions in the California-Nevada Annual
Conference. Dr. Cheng supported them. But, Rev. Lau refused to do so. The argument
escalated, when Rev. Lau felt that he was being accused and framed, he left the zoom
meeting instantly.

13. On January 26, 2023, fourteen clergy and one lay member of various ethnic caucuses in
California-Nevada Annual Conference and national ethnic caucuses mailed a letter of
request (dated January 20, 2023) to the President of the Western Jurisdiction College of
Bishops and the Chair of the Western Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy (see Exhibit 1).
The letter concluded with these words, “Therefore, we humbly beseech you to immediately
terminate the prolonged suspension of Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño and immediately restore
her to her episcopal office and responsibilities.” As mentioned above, our letter was met
with silence.

14. On February 15, 2023, the Chair of Tongan Mission of California-Nevada Conference sent a
letter of endorsement to the President of the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and
the Chair of the Western Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy to request to immediately
terminate the prolonged suspension of Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño (Exhibit 17). His letter
was also met with silence.

15. March 15, 2023 was the 373rd day of the suspension of Bishop Minerva Carcaño.
From the above chronology of the events, these are our candid observations:

1. The Western Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy and College of Bishops have not
addressed the issue of violation of fair process prescribed in Paragraph 539 in the 2016 Book of
Discipline: changing status of Bishop Minerva Carcaño [that is, suspension] without first
establishing the Administrative Review Committee to review the disciplinary procedures.

2. By prohibiting Bishop Minerva Carcaño from attending meetings and being in contact with
persons affiliated with the organization at any level, is in our view, punitive and judgmental. This
action has hurt and continues to hurt our ethnic ministries and missions in the California-Nevada
Conference as well as nationwide.

3, Placing suspension one after another on Bishop Minerva Carcaño, the Western Jurisdiction
Committee on Episcopacy and College of Bishops show no intention to restore her to her
episcopal office. This, in our view, is considered an indefinite suspension.

4. Providing Bishop Minerva Carcaño, full pay salary, benefits, and housing during the time of
suspension is not the issue. The issue is that the prolonged suspension has damaged the
reputation of Bishop Minerva Carcaño and has discredited her faithful years of services and
contributions to the California-Nevada Annual Conference.

5. The Judicial Council, the United Methodist Church’s highest court, declined jurisdiction in
Bishop Minerva Carcaño’s case. Therefore, the door of appeal to challenge her suspension is
closed. We are now left with one option, call on the members of our conference and the United
Methodist Church to join us to appeal for the lifting of Bishop Minerva Carcaño’s suspension.
We are fully aware that there might be some reactions because of our position in bringing
Bishop Minerva Carcano’s case to the public square. But our Church advocates social justice
and fair process.

Respectfully,

Open Letter to the Council of Bishops
Of the United Methodist Church

April 28, 2023

Dear Council of Bishops,

We greet you in the name of our Resurrected Lord, Jesus the Christ!
We write to you today to express our continued pain and deep disappointment for the extended and unprecedented suspension of Bishop Minerva Carcaño. On two occasions, MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latinx Americans) has requested the Council of Bishops to take over the entire complaint process against Bishop Carcaño according to paragraph 413; however, the Council of Bishops has not acted on this matter.

Now that the Judicial Council has ruled that the Council of Bishops can proceed with paragraph 413, we respectfully demand that the Council proceed with creating a panel that ensures a fair, equitable, and transparent process. We also request that Bishop Carcaño’s suspension be lifted so she can assume her episcopal responsibilities immediately, while the process continues.

The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), the General Commission on the Role and Status of Women (GCRSW), the Western Jurisdiction Inter-Ethnic Caucus, the Chinese Caucus and other advocacy groups have joined our efforts in raising our serious concerns about this unprecedented action, and now join us in raising our voices for a fair, transparent, and equitable process for Bishop Minerva Carcaño.
MARCHA continues to feel the collateral impact of Bishop Carcaño’s imposed silence, particularly when immigrants and other intentionally oppressed communities are directly impacted in states like Florida and Texas.

Therefore, we implore you to act now.

We continue to pray for the entire Council of Bishops in this pivotal time of our beloved church as we recommit ourselves to ending the sin of racism and engaging in the deep work of decentering whiteness.

¡En la lucha hay vida!

Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez, President
MARCHA

We are looking forward to gathering in person after 4 years of being physically separated by COVID19 – more than ever, the voices of Hispanic/Latinxs are needed as our denomination prepares for a historic General Conference in 2024, and together we build the next expressions of the United Methodist movement.

Digital Program      Register Here!

Agenda – MARCHA 2023

Thursday, August 10^th

7:00 a.m.                     Breakfast on your own

8:00 a.m.                     Executive Council Meeting

9:00 a.m.                     MARCHA Registration Opens

8:00 a.m.                     MARCHA WEST Meeting

11:00 a.m.                   South Central Jurisdiction Meeting

11:00 a.m.                   Displays set up

12:00 p.m.                   Lunch on your own

1:00 p.m.                     MARCHA Registration continues

2:00 p.m.                     Opening Plenary

3:30 p.m.                     Plenary Session II

5:00 p.m.                     Dinner on your own

7:30 p.m.                     Opening Worship

9:00 p.m.                     Reception and Fellowship

Friday, August 11^th

7:00 a.m.                     Breakfast on your own

8:00 a.m.                     Registration

8:45 a.m.                     Opening Prayer

9:00 a.m.                     2024 General Conference Legislation to be considered by MARCHA

11:00 a.m.                   Q&A

12:00 p.m.                   Break and Visit Display Tables

12:00 p.m.                   Lunch break on your own

1:30 p.m.                     Workshop Session 1

2:45 p.m.                     Workshop Session 2

3:45 p.m.                     Coffee Break

4:00 p.m.                     Meeting by Jurisdiction & Methodist Church of Puerto Rico

5:30 p.m.                     Break

7:00 p.m.                     Banquet

Saturday, August 12^th

7:00 a.m.                     Breakfast on your own

8:30 a.m.                     Business, Budget & Elections

11:30 a.m.                   Closing Service

12:00 p.m.                   Lunch on your own

END

12:00 p.m.                   Resources for a Church in Transition: Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñóz & Manuel

Padilla

WHEN

August 10-12, 2023

WHERE

La Trinidad United Methodist Church

 300 San Fernando St, San Antonio, TX 78207

Online Participation Available – registration required

HOTEL INFORMATION

Fairfield San Antonio Downtown Market Square

620 S. Santa Rosa Ave.

San Antonio, TX 78204

Register Here!

 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.

April 24, 2022 – MARCHA (Methodist Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino Americans) officially requested the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) and the General Commission on Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) of the United Methodist Church (UMC) to review and monitor the process of the complaints against Bishop Minerva Carcaño dated on March 9, 2022 by the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and the Committee on Episcopacy.

Since the announcement of Bishop Carcaño’s suspension, MARCHA has raised questions regarding the process by sending two open letters to the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy. MARCHA is concerned that the complaint process being followed in Bishop’s Carcaño case has disparities in comparison with others. To our knowledge, this is the first time in our denomination’s history that a bishop has been placed in suspension before the review of complaints.

On April 6, 2022, MARCHA requested the Western Jurisdiction to lift Bishop Carcaño’s suspension. The variables of institutional racism, sexism, retaliation, and others may be hindering the fair and just process for Bishop Carcaño, therefore MARCHA requested GCORR and GCSRW to intervene, review and monitor the ongoing process to ensure it is fair and just.

MARCHA intends to continue closely monitoring the whole progress as we walk alongside justice.

Contact person:

Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez

President of MARCHA

lyssetteperez@yahoo.com

(973) 405-8851 (Cell/Text)

Marcha (Metodistas Asociados Representando la Causa de los estadounidenses hispanos / latinos) solicitó oficialmente a la Comisión General sobre Religión y Raza (GCORR) y la Comisión General de Estatus y Rol de Mujeres (GCSRW) de la Iglesia Metodista Unida (UMC) revisar y monitorear el proceso de las quejas contra la obispo Minerva Carcaño fechado el 9 de marzo de 2022 por el Colegio de Jurisdicción Occidental de Obispos y la Comisión de Episcopado.

Desde el anuncio de la suspensión de la obispo Carcaño, Marcha ha planteado preguntas sobre el proceso enviando dos cartas abiertas al Colegio de Jurisdicción Occidental de Obispos y Comisión de Episcopacía. A Marcha le preocupa que el proceso de queja que se sigue en el caso de la Obispo Carcaño tiene disparidades en comparación con los demás. Para nuestro conocimiento, esta es la primera vez en la historia de nuestra denominación que un obispo se ha puesto en suspensión antes de la revisión de las quejas.

El 6 de abril de 2022, Marcha solicitó a la jurisdicción occidental que levante la suspensión de la obispo Carcaño. Las variables del racismo institucional, el sexismo, las represalias y otros pueden estar obstaculizando el proceso para la obispo Carcaño, por lo tanto, Marcha solicitó que GCORR y GCSRW intervengan, revisen y monitoreen el proceso para garantizar que sea justo.

MARCHA tiene la intención de continuar monitoreando de cerca este proceso mientras caminamos junto a la justicia.

On March 9, 2022, the Western Jurisdiction announced the suspension of Bishop Minerva Carcaño. MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino Americans) raised questions regarding the process and decision of the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and the Committee on Episcopacy to suspend Bishop Carcaño while a response team was formed to review the complaints.

On March 25, 2022, MARCHA received a communication from the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy, which raised more questions than answers. Their response, quoting par. 413 of the Book of Discipline, gives the impression that it is a standard practice to suspend bishops from all episcopal responsibilities at the beginning of a complaint process.

MARCHA is puzzled by the discrepancy in how the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops decided on Bishop Carcaño’s suspension compared to how all other complaints have been processed in the Western Jurisdiction and in the UMC. Complains are confidential, but suspensions are not. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time in the United Methodist Church (UMC) that a bishop has been placed in suspension before the review of complaints, and it just happens to be a Hispanic/Latina clergy woman.

MARCHA is outraged about the unprecedented suspension of Bishop Carcaño while the complaints are reviewed, and its implications for the church, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. This untimely decision has silenced a key voice in a critical time in the life of the UMC including, but not limited to, the Council of Bishops which is guiding the future of our denomination, the General Council of Finance and Administration which is making decisions that impact racial-ethnic ministries, and the Western Jurisdiction which is currently undergoing a critical discernment and visioning process. The silencing of the voice of Bishop Carcaño, who understands the struggle of marginalized communities, has silenced our cry not only in the church, but also in the public square.

MARCHA denounces and lament the harm already done by this process to Bishop Minerva Carcaño, the Hispanic/Latino community in the UMC, and our denomination, as it perpetuates stereotypes, prejudices, and biases toward ethnic persons in leadership in the church. This process thus far has caused undue pain, righteous anger, indignación, and exacerbated anxiety amongst many. This could’ve all been prevented.

MARCHA respectfully request the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops to lift the suspension of Bishop Carcaño immediately, while the complaint process continues to find a resolution.

As we approach Holy Week, we are reminded of the process that Jesus endured to be sentenced to death. Our hope and prayer 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

El 9 de marzo de 2022, la Jurisdicción Occidental anunció la suspensión de la obispo Minerva Carcaño. MARCHA (Metodistas Unidos Representando la Causa de los Hispanos/Latinos Americanos) planteó preguntas sobre el proceso y la decisión del Colegio de Obispos de la Jurisdicción Occidental y el Comité Episcopal de suspender al obispo Carcaño mientras se formaba un equipo de respuesta para revisar las quejas.

El 25 de marzo de 2022, MARCHA recibió una comunicación del Colegio de Obispos y Comité de Episcopado de la Jurisdicción Occidental, que generó más preguntas que respuestas. Su respuesta, citando el par. 413 del Libro de Disciplina, da la impresión de que es una práctica habitual suspender a los obispos de todas las responsabilidades episcopales al comienzo de un proceso de denuncia.

MARCHA está desconcertada por la discrepancia en cómo el Colegio de Obispos de la Jurisdicción Occidental decidió la suspensión de la obispo Carcaño en comparación con cómo se han procesado todas las demás quejas en la Jurisdicción Occidental y en la UMC. Las quejas son confidenciales, pero las suspensiones no lo son. Hasta donde sabemos, esta es la primera vez en la Iglesia Metodista Unida (UMC, por sus siglas en inglés) que un obispo ha sido suspendido antes de la revisión de quejas, y resulta que se trata de una clériga hispana/latina.

MARCHA está indignada por la suspensión sin precedentes de la obispo Carcaño mientras se revisan las denuncias, y sus implicaciones para la iglesia, especialmente para los más vulnerables y marginados. Esta decisión inoportuna ha silenciado una voz clave en un momento crítico en la vida de la IMU, incluido, entre otros, el Consejo de Obispos que está guiando el futuro de nuestra denominación, el Consejo General de Finanzas y Administración que está tomando decisiones que impactar los ministerios raciales y étnicos, y la Jurisdicción Occidental, que actualmente está pasando por un proceso crítico de discernimiento y visión. El silenciamiento de la voz de la obispo Carcaño, que comprende la lucha de las comunidades marginadas, ha silenciado nuestro clamor no solo en la iglesia, sino también en la plaza pública.

MARCHA denuncia y lamenta el daño que ya ha causado este proceso a la obispa Minerva Carcaño, la comunidad hispana/latina de la UMC y nuestra denominación, ya que perpetúa estereotipos, prejuicios y sesgos hacia las personas étnicas en el liderazgo de la iglesia. Este proceso hasta ahora ha causado dolor indebido, ira justificada, indignidad y ansiedad exacerbada entre muchos. Todo esto podría haberse evitado.

MARCHA solicita respetuosamente al Colegio de Obispos de Jurisdicción Occidental que levante la suspensión del obispo Carcaño de inmediato, mientras continúa el proceso de denuncia para encontrar una solución.

Al acercarnos a la Semana Santa, recordamos el proceso que soportó Jesús para ser sentenciado a muerte. Nuestra esperanza y oración es que no se haga más daño y se asegure un proceso justo para la obispa Minerva Carcaño. MARCHA continuará monitoreando el proceso e invita a la denominación a continuar orando por todas las partes involucradas. Paz con Justicia.