Call to Prayer: Fair Trial for Bishop Minerva Carcaño

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: por un juicio justo para la Obispa Carcaño

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

 

A statement to the COB

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

Response to Anti-Immigrant Legislation in TX & FL

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 10th, 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 1st, 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:

Sign the Letter

CALL FOR A FAIR, EQUITABLE & TRANSPARENT TRIAL

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

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

 

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

MARCHA 2023 – San Antonio, TX

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 10th

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 11th

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 12th

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!

 

MARCHA Responds to the Judicial Council Memorandum Number 1450

MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latinx American) is outraged, and frankly speechless, at the injustices in the complaint process related to Bishop Minerva Carcaño, revealed in the dissenting opinions related to Memorandum Number 1450 published on 10/26/2022, by the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church.

The dissenting opinions confirm and validate what MARCHA has been denouncing since the very beginning of the process.

“Fair process is a bedrock principle of the Church that must be present at every stage of a complaint proceeding. In this case, fair process has been violated. The bishop’s rights have been violated. Therefore, we disagree with the majority opinion and believe that the bishop is entitled to immediate reinstatement to her episcopal assignment.”

Dissent Opinion posted by Kabamba Kiboko, Dennis Blackwell, Beth Capen & Lidia N. Gulele

As the dissenting opinions in the Judicial Council’s decision clearly outline, the Western Jurisdiction has not provided the mechanism for a fair process to review the complaints against Bishop Carcaño and did not establish an administrative review committee according to paragraph 539 in the Book of Discipline.

Therefore, MARCHA demands the immediate reinstatement of Bishop Carcano to all her episcopal responsibilities. Furthermore, because the Western Jurisdiction has failed to provide Bishop Carcaño with a fair process, we call on the Council of Bishops to remove the complaint from the Western Jurisdiction’s College to the Council of Bishops, as per paragraph 413.d.iv in the Book of Discipline, to ensure that a fair and equitable process is followed.

MARCHA affirms the right of all parties involved in a complaint process to an equitable process.

MARCHA will continue to closely monitor the process and invites the denomination to continue praying for all parties involved and for a path towards healing and reconciliation to emerge.

MARCHA stands ready to be a part of the healing and reconciliation process.

Paz con Justicia.

Contact Person Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez / MARCHA, President | lyssetteperez@yahoo.com


 

 

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA En respuesta al Memorándum del Consejo Judicial Número 1450

MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latinx American) está indignada, y francamente boquiabierta, ante las injusticias en el proceso de denuncia relacionado con la obispa Minerva Carcaño, reveladas en las opiniones disidentes relacionadas con el Memorándum Número 1450 publicado el 26/10/2022, por el Consejo Judicial de la Iglesia Metodista Unida.

Las opiniones disidentes confirman y validan lo que MARCHA viene denunciando desde el inicio mismo del proceso.

 “El proceso justo es un principio fundamental de la Iglesia que debe estar presente en cada etapa del procedimiento de una denuncia. En este caso, se ha violado el proceso justo. Los derechos del obispo han sido violados. Por lo tanto, no estamos de acuerdo con la opinión de la mayoría y creemos que la obispo tiene derecho a la reincorporación inmediata a su asignación episcopal”.

Opinión disidente publicada por Kabamba Kiboko, Dennis Blackwell, Beth Capen y Lidia N. Gulele

Como se indica claramente en las opiniones disidentes de la decisión del Consejo Judicial, la Jurisdicción Occidental no ha proporcionado el mecanismo para un proceso justo para revisar las denuncias contra la obispo Carcaño y no ha establecido un comité de revisión administrativa de acuerdo con el párrafo 539 del Libro de Disciplina.

Por ello, MARCHA exige la inmediata reincorporación de la obispo Carcaño a todas sus responsabilidades episcopales. Además, debido a que la Jurisdicción Occidental no ha brindado a la Obispo Carcaño un proceso justo, hacemos un llamado al Consejo de Obispos para que retire la queja del Colegio de la Jurisdicción Occidental al Consejo de Obispos, según el párrafo 413.d.iv en el Libro de Disciplina, para garantizar que se siga un proceso justo y equitativo.

MARCHA afirma el derecho de todas las partes involucradas en un proceso de denuncia a un proceso equitativo.

MARCHA continuará monitoreando de cerca el proceso e invita a la denominación a continuar orando por todas las partes involucradas y para que surja un camino hacia la sanación y la reconciliación.

MARCHA está lista para ser parte del proceso de sanación y reconciliación.

Paz con Justicia.

Persona de Contacto Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez / MARCHA, Presidenta | lyssetteperez@yahoo.com

MARCHA and JFON Respond to the Busing of Asylum Seekers

Vea abajo para versión en español

National Justice For Our Neighbors, a network of 19 immigration legal service providers, and Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans (MARCHA), the official Hispanic/ Latinx Caucus in the United Methodist Church, condemn, in the strongest terms, Governors Abbot’s (TX),  DeSantis (FL), and Ducey’s (AZ) inhumane migrant relocation programs.

Governor Abbot, DeSantis, and Ducey have bused—or flown—thousands of asylum seekers to Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Martha’s Vineyard, and even Vice President Kamala Harris’s official residence. They have done so in bad faith and without coordination with non-profits and local government.

Their intent is transparent: to divide, sow mistrust, and create chaos until we turn away migrants at the border seeking refuge.

Rather than meeting international obligations to welcome and protect asylum seekers, these three governors are using asylum seekers as political pawns to fabricate a crisis leading up to the midterm elections. They have intentionally misled asylum seekers with false promises, sabotaging their cases by leaving them stranded far from their scheduled court hearings, and then purposefully overwhelming community shelters and local resources.

As a network of legal service providers and people of faith, we know that this political stunt is cruel and immoral.

We jointly call for:

  1. an immediate end to this dehumanizing political charade of busing migrants around the nation
  2. all elected leaders and political candidates to refrain from using migrants and asylum seekers as political props
  3. national and local news networks to provide accurate and unbiased information as they cover this humanitarian crisis
  4. faith communities and other community groups where migrants are being bused to organize and offer radical hospitality to ensure the safety and well-being of those displaced through this vindictive practice
  5. the Biden Administration “to restore and strengthen our asylum system,” as has been promised multiple times since his campaign.

Asylum is not about politics. It is a human and legal right. The asylum process must begin with allowing asylum seekers to seek refuge at our borders, and it must be followed by compassion at every step of the process. It is our moral duty.

Our partners and JFON sites respond:

The current treatment of immigrants arriving at the border seeking asylum by the governors of Texas, Florida, and Arizona is inhumane and unacceptable. We must not allow hateful tactics, like the busing of migrants by these governors, to take over our nation. We applaud all the welcoming cities, like our own city of Chicago, that have stepped up to show that we can do better.

—Claudia Marchan, Executive Director, Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors

Coordinating transportation for recently arriving asylum seekers to their families and sponsors is an essential part of the humanitarian response of offering welcome to those seeking safety. But in our state, Governor Abbott is using human lives for political theater, attempting to create chaos. Asylum seekers deserve to be welcomed with dignity, not treated as political pawns.

—Kristen Bowdre, Executive Director, El Paso Justice for Our Neighbors

The haphazard and callous busing of migrants from Texas to New York is without rhyme or reason. One of our immigrant friends bused to New York—and currently staying at our church—was scheduled to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement in San Francisco. Three of our immigrant friends were also bused to New York, even though they had family and job prospects in other states. These are human beings, who are deserving of so much better.

—Lea Mathews, St Paul & St. Andre United Methodist Church

 We must stop the harmful use of asylum seekers and their quest for safety as political propaganda. Our migrant communities and asylum seekers have legal rights to seek safety at our borders with genuine representation and a clear understanding of their legal options. We must continue our relentless advocacy to end this harmful movement.

—Roxana Aguilar, Executive Director, Arizona Justice for Our Neighbors

We call on houses of worship, people of faith, and local communities to do what they can to provide holistic assistance, resources, and community for our migrant sisters and brothers. Over the coming weeks and months, we encourage members of the faith to contact their representatives in Congress and the Biden Administration to urge them to restore and strengthen our asylum system as was promised. We need permanent solutions, and one way to do that is through legislation.

—Rev. Kendal McBroom, Director of Civil and Human Rights, General Board of Church and Society

 


ESPAÑOL

Justicia para Nuestros Vecinos (JFON por sus siglas en inglés), una red de 19 proveedores de servicios legales de inmigración, y los Metodistas Asociadas/os en Representación de la Causa de los Hispanoamericanos (MARCHA), el Caucus oficial Hispano/Latinx en la Iglesia Metodista Unida, condenan, en los términos más enérgicos, a los gobernadores Abbot ( TX), DeSantis (FL) y los inhumanos programas de reubicación de migrantes de Ducey (AZ).

El gobernador Abbot, DeSantis y Ducey han transportado en autobús o en avión a miles de solicitantes de asilo a Washington, D.C., Nueva York, Chicago, Martha’s Vineyard e incluso a la residencia oficial de la vicepresidenta Kamala Harris. Lo han hecho de mala fe y sin coordinación con organizaciones sin fines de lucro y el gobierno local.

Su intención es transparente: dividir, sembrar desconfianza y crear caos hasta que rechacemos a los migrantes en la frontera que buscan refugio.

En lugar de cumplir con las obligaciones internacionales de dar la bienvenida y proteger a los solicitantes de asilo, estos tres gobernadores están utilizando a los solicitantes de asilo como peones políticos para fabricar una crisis que conduzca a las elecciones de mitad de mandato. Han engañado intencionalmente a los solicitantes de asilo con falsas promesas, saboteando sus casos dejándolos varados lejos de sus audiencias judiciales programadas y luego saturando deliberadamente los refugios comunitarios y los recursos locales.

Como red de proveedores de servicios legales y personas de fe, sabemos que este truco político es cruel e inmoral.

Hacemos un llamado conjunto para:

  1. el fin inmediato de esta farsa política deshumanizante de transportar inmigrantes en autobús por todo el país
  2. todos los líderes electos y candidatos políticos se abstengan de utilizar a los migrantes y solicitantes de asilo como apoyo político
  3. redes de noticias nacionales y locales para proporcionar información precisa e imparcial mientras cubren esta crisis humanitaria
  4. comunidades de fe y otros grupos comunitarios donde los migrantes están siendo transportados en autobús para organizarse y ofrecer hospitalidad radical para garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de los desplazados a través de esta práctica vengativa
  5. la Administración Biden “para restaurar y fortalecer nuestro sistema de asilo”, como se ha prometido varias veces desde su campaña.

El asilo no se trata de política. Es un derecho humano y jurídico. El proceso de asilo debe comenzar con permitir que los solicitantes de asilo busquen refugio en nuestras fronteras, y debe seguir la compasión en cada paso del proceso. Es nuestro deber moral.

Nuestros aliados y otras satélites de JFON responden:

El tratamiento actual de los inmigrantes que llegan a la frontera en busca de asilo por parte de los gobernadores de Texas, Florida y Arizona es inhumano e inaceptable. No debemos permitir que tácticas de odio, como el transporte en autobús de migrantes por parte de estos gobernadores, se apoderen de nuestra nación. Aplaudimos a todas las ciudades acogedoras, como nuestra propia ciudad de Chicago, que han dado un paso al frente para demostrar que podemos hacerlo mejor.

—Claudia Marchan, Directora Ejecutiva, Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors

Coordinar el transporte de los solicitantes de asilo recién llegados a sus familias y patrocinadores es una parte esencial de la respuesta humanitaria de ofrecer la bienvenida a quienes buscan seguridad. Pero en nuestro estado, el gobernador Abbott está utilizando vidas humanas para el teatro político, intentando crear caos. Los solicitantes de asilo merecen ser recibidos con dignidad, no tratados como peones políticos.

—Kristen Bowdre, Directora Ejecutiva, El Paso Justicia para Nuestros Vecinos

El transporte desordenado e insensible de los inmigrantes de Texas a Nueva York no tiene ton ni son. Uno de nuestros amigos inmigrantes que viajó en autobús a Nueva York, y actualmente se hospeda en nuestra iglesia, estaba programado para presentarse ante el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas en San Francisco. Tres de nuestros amigos inmigrantes también viajaron en autobús a Nueva York, a pesar de que tenían familia y perspectivas laborales en otros estados. Estos son seres humanos, que merecen mucho mejor.

—Lea Mathews, Iglesia Metodista Unida St Paul & St. Andre

Debemos detener el uso nocivo de los solicitantes de asilo y su búsqueda de seguridad como propaganda política. Nuestras comunidades de migrantes y solicitantes de asilo tienen derechos legales para buscar seguridad en nuestras fronteras con una representación genuina y una comprensión clara de sus opciones legales. Debemos continuar con nuestra defensa incesante para poner fin a este movimiento dañino.

—Roxana Aguilar, Directora Ejecutiva, Justicia de Arizona para Nuestros Vecinos

Hacemos un llamado a los lugares de culto, las personas de fe y las comunidades locales para que hagan lo que puedan para brindar asistencia integral, recursos y comunidad para nuestros hermanos y hermanas migrantes. Durante las próximas semanas y meses, alentamos a los miembros de la fe a que se comuniquen con sus representantes en el Congreso y la Administración Biden para instarlos a restaurar y fortalecer nuestro sistema de asilo como se prometió. Necesitamos soluciones permanentes, y una forma de hacerlo es a través de la legislación.

-Rvdo. Kendal McBroom, Director de Derechos Civiles y Humanos, Junta General de Iglesia y Socieda

Justicia para Nuestros Vecinos (JFON por sus siglas en inglés), una red de 19 proveedores de servicios legales de inmigración, y los Metodistas Asociadas/os en Representación de la Causa de los Hispanoamericanos (MARCHA), el Caucus oficial Hispano/Latinx en la Iglesia Metodista Unida, condenan, en los términos más enérgicos, a los gobernadores Abbot ( TX), DeSantis (FL) y los inhumanos programas de reubicación de migrantes de Ducey (AZ).

El gobernador Abbot, DeSantis y Ducey han transportado en autobús o en avión a miles de solicitantes de asilo a Washington, D.C., Nueva York, Chicago, Martha’s Vineyard e incluso a la residencia oficial de la vicepresidenta Kamala Harris. Lo han hecho de mala fe y sin coordinación con organizaciones sin fines de lucro y el gobierno local.

Su intención es transparente: dividir, sembrar desconfianza y crear caos hasta que rechacemos a los migrantes en la frontera que buscan refugio.

En lugar de cumplir con las obligaciones internacionales de dar la bienvenida y proteger a los solicitantes de asilo, estos tres gobernadores están utilizando a los solicitantes de asilo como peones políticos para fabricar una crisis que conduzca a las elecciones de mitad de mandato. Han engañado intencionalmente a los solicitantes de asilo con falsas promesas, saboteando sus casos dejándolos varados lejos de sus audiencias judiciales programadas y luego saturando deliberadamente los refugios comunitarios y los recursos locales.

Como red de proveedores de servicios legales y personas de fe, sabemos que este truco político es cruel e inmoral.

Hacemos un llamado conjunto para:

  1. el fin inmediato de esta farsa política deshumanizante de transportar inmigrantes en autobús por todo el país
  2. todos los líderes electos y candidatos políticos se abstengan de utilizar a los migrantes y solicitantes de asilo como apoyo político
  3. redes de noticias nacionales y locales para proporcionar información precisa e imparcial mientras cubren esta crisis humanitaria
  4. comunidades de fe y otros grupos comunitarios donde los migrantes están siendo transportados en autobús para organizarse y ofrecer hospitalidad radical para garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de los desplazados a través de esta práctica vengativa
  5. la Administración Biden “para restaurar y fortalecer nuestro sistema de asilo”, como se ha prometido varias veces desde su campaña.

El asilo no se trata de política. Es un derecho humano y jurídico. El proceso de asilo debe comenzar con permitir que los solicitantes de asilo busquen refugio en nuestras fronteras, y debe seguir la compasión en cada paso del proceso. Es nuestro deber moral.

Nuestros aliados y otras satélites de JFON responden:

El tratamiento actual de los inmigrantes que llegan a la frontera en busca de asilo por parte de los gobernadores de Texas, Florida y Arizona es inhumano e inaceptable. No debemos permitir que tácticas de odio, como el transporte en autobús de migrantes por parte de estos gobernadores, se apoderen de nuestra nación. Aplaudimos a todas las ciudades acogedoras, como nuestra propia ciudad de Chicago, que han dado un paso al frente para demostrar que podemos hacerlo mejor.

—Claudia Marchan, Directora Ejecutiva, Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors

Coordinar el transporte de los solicitantes de asilo recién llegados a sus familias y patrocinadores es una parte esencial de la respuesta humanitaria de ofrecer la bienvenida a quienes buscan seguridad. Pero en nuestro estado, el gobernador Abbott está utilizando vidas humanas para el teatro político, intentando crear caos. Los solicitantes de asilo merecen ser recibidos con dignidad, no tratados como peones políticos.

—Kristen Bowdre, Directora Ejecutiva, El Paso Justicia para Nuestros Vecinos

El transporte desordenado e insensible de los inmigrantes de Texas a Nueva York no tiene ton ni son. Uno de nuestros amigos inmigrantes que viajó en autobús a Nueva York, y actualmente se hospeda en nuestra iglesia, estaba programado para presentarse ante el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas en San Francisco. Tres de nuestros amigos inmigrantes también viajaron en autobús a Nueva York, a pesar de que tenían familia y perspectivas laborales en otros estados. Estos son seres humanos, que merecen mucho mejor.

—Lea Mathews, Iglesia Metodista Unida St Paul & St. Andre

Debemos detener el uso nocivo de los solicitantes de asilo y su búsqueda de seguridad como propaganda política. Nuestras comunidades de migrantes y solicitantes de asilo tienen derechos legales para buscar seguridad en nuestras fronteras con una representación genuina y una comprensión clara de sus opciones legales. Debemos continuar con nuestra defensa incesante para poner fin a este movimiento dañino.

—Roxana Aguilar, Directora Ejecutiva, Justicia de Arizona para Nuestros Vecinos

Hacemos un llamado a los lugares de culto, las personas de fe y las comunidades locales para que hagan lo que puedan para brindar asistencia integral, recursos y comunidad para nuestros hermanos y hermanas migrantes. Durante las próximas semanas y meses, alentamos a los miembros de la fe a que se comuniquen con sus representantes en el Congreso y la Administración Biden para instarlos a restaurar y fortalecer nuestro sistema de asilo como se prometió. Necesitamos soluciones permanentes, y una forma de hacerlo es a través de la legislación.

-Rvdo. Kendal McBroom, Director de Derechos Civiles y Humanos, Junta General de Iglesia y Sociedad

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

Dear Bishops, we greet you in the name of Christ and on behalf of MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latinx Americans). We write to you with a troubled heart and concern about the long and over-extended suspension of Bishop Minerva Carcaño and its effects on the Hispanic/Latinx ministry and the witness of our entire Church.

MARCHA continues to be deeply grieved that one of the most influential voices in our community and the entire United Methodist connection is and continues to be silenced. Bishop Carcaño’s courageous advocacy on behalf of immigrants and her deep commitment to fighting injustices in our society has won the admiration and respect of many people in our Church, leaders in other denominations, and civic groups. MARCHA is especially concerned that in the last meeting of the Council of Bishops, the Immigration Task Force, which was effectively led by Bishop Carcaño in the past, did not offer a report. At this moment, when the refugee and immigration crisis continues to increase due to war and other conflicts, her leadership is sorely missed.

We question the fact that the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy placed Bishop Carcaño in suspension, even before the process of investigation began to ascertain the veracity of the allegations. We know that many bishops are subject to complaints. Yet, no other Jurisdictional College in the history of the United Methodist Church has placed a bishop in suspension before the proper committee had investigated the complaint.  This suspension has now been extended, without regard to the adverse effects. The rumors that are circulating in our Church regarding this matter create feelings of resentment and distrust in the judicial processes of our Church among the Hispanic/Latinx United Methodists and others. At this moment in our Church, trust is crucial.

MARCHA believes it is necessary to question the United Methodist Church, a predominantly white institution, when it has different standards for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders, as opposed to white leaders, particularly in complaint processes. The uncertainty of the Council of Bishops’ stated commitment to dismantling racism is disheartening when it is not experienced in our Hispanic/Latinx community. The Western Jurisdiction College’s decision to depart from precedent with regard to the practice of due process raises a critical question in our minds: Why is a Hispanic/Latina woman Bishop being treated differently?

Therefore, given the length of the suspension imposed, the possible lack of impartiality, the unprecedented beginning of the complaint process, and the proliferation of rumors circulation in the Western Jurisdiction, MARCHA respectfully requests that the Council of Bishops will remove the complaints against Bishop Carcaño from the College and assume responsibility for processing them.

“The Council of Bishops may, at any time in the process, after a complaint is filed, including after a just resolution, remove the complaint from the College of Bishops to the Council of Bishops with a two-thirds vote by the Council.” (Par. 413.d.iv, 2016 Book of Discipline).

The Council of Bishops has the power to intervene and take a restorative role in addressing the harm done to the entire connection. We pray the Council of Bishops will witness its commitment to providing an equitable and fair process.

MARCHA calls our Church to continue surrounding in prayer all parties involved. MARCHA intends to continue closely monitoring the progress of this process as we walk alongside justice.

Rev. Lyssette Perez, President

Rev. Nora Colmenares, Vice President

Rev. Héctor A. Burgos, Communications
Rev. Raquel Feagins, Secretary
Rev. Joel Hortiales, Strategy
Pastor Imelda Román de Gómez, Administration
Dr. Ilia Vázquez-Gascot, Education

Raúl Alegría – Treasurer

Andrés de Arco – Young Adult

 

Sign the Letter and Petition to the Council of Bishops

Also signed by,

Estefany Sanabria, Northern Illinois Conference

Doug Ruffle, Greater New Jersey Annual Conference

Jeannette Zajac Greater NJ

Rev Dr Enna Antunez Iowa Annual Conference

Gricelda G Careaga. Río Texas Conference

Sandra Sypherd Great Plains Conference

Rev. Lyssette Perez, MARCHA, GNJ Annual Conference

Raul Alegría – Tennessee- Western Kentucky

Michael G Rivas, Florida conference

Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo, Northern Illinois Conference

Rev. José Esteban Rivera-Bocanegra Greater NewJersey Annual Conference

Pastor Luis Daniel Román-Hernández / Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico

Nilka Marrero Garcia Puerto Rico Conference

Diana Jani Darak-Druck New York Annual Conference

MARY SILVA- RIO TEXAS CONFERENCE

Maritza Gonzalez, Greater New Jersey

Mcwilliam Colon Greater New Jersey Annual conference

Imelda Roman Wisconsin Conference

Lori Valentine de Segovia, Virginia Annual Conference

Lilian Cotto EPAC

Jazelis Adorno, GNJUMC

Rev. Liliana Padilla Rio Texas Conference

Paloma Rodriguez-Rivera, Puerto Rico Conference

Michael Bergman, Mountain Sky Conference

Rev. David K. Farley, California Pacific Conference

David Jaimes, CALPAC

Rev. Miguel Nieves/ Northern Illinois Conference

Luis Daniel Roman-Hernandez / Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico

Rev. Dr. Sammy Arroyo

Dr. Daniel F. Flores, Rio Texas

Rev. Aida Luz Beltrán-Gaetán

Rev. Alejandro Alfaro-Santiz Iowa Annual Conference

George Lockwood Pacific Northwood

James Duane Perdue, Iowa Onference

Iris Chavez Rio Texas Annual Conference

Philip Wingeier-Rayo, Baltimore-Washington

Ediberto López-Rodríguez NYAC

Ramon Bello.Great Plains.

Fernando J Vazquez

Rev. Diac. Ivelisse Feliciano Arocho – Puerto Rico

Edith Zewadski-Bricker – Florida Conference

Sonya Luna, Michigan Conference

Juan Quintanilla NGC

Alma L Matos, GNJ

Tennessee Wester Kentucky

Rev. Dr Ivelisse Quiñones SG

Eileen Rivera Greater New Jersey Conference

Valerie L Mendoza

Abigael C Perales (Rio Texas Conference)

Alma Pérez- TWK

Adriana Leija – RIO TEXAS

Jose Luis Palos Rio Texas Conference

Sabrina Martinez

Myrna E. Pérez López IM Puerto Rico

Rev. Dr. Jose A Carrión Aquino. FLUMC

Manuel chavez jr Rio Grande

Rev. Carmen M. Gaud Desert Southwest

Rev. Dr. Diana L. Hynson, Baltimore–Washington Annual Conference

Eliezer Valentín-Castañón, Baltimore Washington Conference

Normary Rodriguez, GNJUMC

Yesenia Palomino /Greater New Jersey

Juan Carlos Ruiz / Greater New Jersey

Rev. Dr. Guillermo Chavez RioTexas Conference

Rev. Cricket Denton GNJ

Rev dr Miguel Balderas. Baltimore Washington conference

Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, Baltimore-Washington Conference

Carole Davenport, Northern Illinois Conference

Eunice Garcia Rio Texas Conference

Rafael Moreno Rivas, Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico

Julia Puac-Romero, North Texas

Ramon Ramirez-Rio Texas Conference

Julia Puac-Romero, North Texas

Rev. Matthew Mariani, Northern Illinois Annual Conference

Rev. Sara Giron-Ortiz, New York Annual

Rev. Dr. Juan. G. Feliciano-Valera, Puerto Rico

Nilda Ferrari/ VA AC

Juan Trillo-North Texas Conference

Rev. Charles Kyle

Eusebio Juni Camacho NIC

Rev. Isidro Piña Rio Texas Conference

Héctor Soto Vélez Puerto Rico

Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer Northern Illinois Conference

Miriam Peralta, Michigan

Rev. Myriam Cortes- Tennessee Western Kentucky

Rev. Dr. Leo Yates Baltimore-Washington Conference

Miros Villarreal. Rio Texas Conference

Rev. Teresa Pena Rio Texas Conference

Rvdo. Julio Vargas, PR Annual Conference and UMC endorsed to the Army Chaplaincy

Efrain Cotto, Jr., Eastern Penn. Conference

Rev. Dr. Richard Romero, Greater New Jersey

Rvda.Diaconisa Maria Teresa Santiago IMPR

Migdiel E. Perez, Tennessee/ Western Kentucky

Ian Straker New York Annual Conference

Josefina Pérez / CalPac Conference

Kim Cape Cal-Nevada

Bilha Ramírez Alegría/TN/Western KY

Joan Clark, Oregon-Idaho annual conference

J. Ann Craig, New York

Kelly C. Martini, Eastern Pa.

Dr. Neva Fuentes, Rio Texas Conference

Rev. Thelma Herrera Flores-Rio Texas

Rev. Yeika A. Huertas Román IM de Puerto Rico sirviendo en Greater New Jersey Conference

Rev Sonia E Brum, SC

Daisy Tavarez NYAC

Marisa Villarreal,New York Conference

Rev. Isabel Gomez ret. Rio Texas conference

Susan L ODell, PhD Oregon-Idaho Conference

Ann Needham Bower, Oklahoma

Cesar García Rodríguez, Michigan

Rev. Karina Feliz, NYAC

Leta Evelyn Gullatt. Rio Texas

Eric A. Hernandez Lopez, Puerto Rico

Luis F Reyes,  Northern Illinois

Ellen Kirby, Western North Carolina Conference

Karen Eaker  North Texas Conference

Eddie Gouge, Baltimore-Washington Conference

Shirley Durr, Minnesota Annual Conference

Rev. Dr. Felicisimo Cao California-Nevada Conference

Rev. Sherrie Lowly, Northern Illinois

Kylie Nelson, Oregon-Idaho Conference

Hannah Phillips Mollenkamp, North Texas Conference

Joyce Sohl Arkansas

Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Louisiana

Rev. Pam Cahoon, Fl Conference

Rev. Brian Lee Daugherty- West Virginia Annual Conference

Obed J. Pérez- Greater New Jersey

Stephen Bryant. Rio Texas Conference

Bishop Emeritus Rev. Dr. Ramon Hernandez

Rev Dr. Ramón Hernandez-Lopez, Bishop Emeritus. Iglesia Metodista de PR

Rev. Scott Marsh,  Michigan Annual Conference

Esmeralda Mendoza south rio texas

Sam Mendoza, south rio texas

Pastor Daniel Levine NYAC

Eradio Valverde, Rio Texas

Rev. Dr. David T. Grout, Kentucky Annual Conf

Rev. Francisco Arroyo Northern Illinois Annual Conference

Rev. Ivelisse Garay Bishop-GNJUMC

Rev Jorge Rodriguez Vasquez President MARCHA WEST

Mark R. Sills, WNCC

Felix Tshibang

Betty J. Letzig, Western North Carolina

Kim A DonnellySummers Desert Southwest

Rev. Martha E. Swords-Horrell. Upper New York Conference

Peter K Lau, California-Nevada Conference

Diana Carcaño- Rio Texas Conference

Arabella Chavez, Rio Texas

Western North Carolina

Andrea Paret, Great Plains Conference

Rev. John D. Current, California- Nevada Annual Conference

  1. Betsy Careaga, Río Texas conference

Bryan Wilson, Northern Illinois Annual Conference

Eunice Vega-Perez GNJ

Rev. Dr. Drew A. Dyson, Greater NJ

Scott Gallagher WPA

Rev. Tom Lank, Greater New Jersey

Rev. Virginia Samuel Cetuk

Rev. Rosario L. Quinones, GNJ

Pastora Elizabeth  González GNJ

María Milagros Rivera-  BW Conference

Rev. Rolando Santiago- Fuentes – GNJAC

Juarez Gonçalves New England Conference

Dori Fotsch, Cal Pac

Rev Manuel Sardinas, GNJ

Lourdes L. Matos,  Greater NJ Annual Conference

Rosa Yáñez-Islas

Allie Lakey, Desert Southwest

Gredda Marrero, Florida Conference

  1. Theresa McConnell, Louisiana

Rev. Joseph McCarthy, GNJAC

Rachel McConnell-Switzer, Louisiana Annual Conference

Rev. Linda Butler, Iowa Annual Conference

Deen Thompson  TNWKY Conference

Deaconess Allison Francesco, Susquehanna Annual Conference

Rev. Dr. Bradford Motta. Greater New Jersey.

Sehee Han, California Pacific Conference

Laurie Kaufman de la Garza.  Michigan Conference

Rev. Shawn Lelion Greater NJ

Edward G Martin, Greater New Jersey

Cyndi Stouffer – Greater NJ

Charles T. McNeil, Greater NJ

Rev. George Morris, Greater New Jersey, Retired

Rev. Heather Valosin, GNJ

Paul Smith, New York Annual Conference

Rev. Victoria Wood Parrish – New England Annual Conference

Rev Ed Carll.  GNJ

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey D. Sterling, Western PA Conference

Rev. Perrin Crouch, Missouri Annual Conference

Rev. Kate Mackereth Fulton, Baltimore-Washington Conference

Patricia Bellingrath Holston Conference

Doug Cunningham, New York Annual Conference

Theresa McConnell

Nancy Reding CA/NV Conference

Diane Dyson greater NJ Conference

Rev. M Jade Kaiser (Barclay) – Northern Illinois Conference

Javier F Careaga-Rio Texas Conference

Joseph Tognetti Rio Texas

Rev. Dawn Maffetone, Greater New jersey Annual Conference

Rev. Nydia Irizarry- Jara / Rio Texas Conference

Rev Pat Watkins Virginia AC

Rev. Christina C. Zito     Greater New Jersey AC

Rev. Gary Frieze, Greater NJ

Debra A. De Vos, Greater New Jersey

Rev. Marissa van der Valk Greater New Jersey Annual Conference

Sharon Gallagher Wpa

Rev Diane Pacione GNJ

Rev. Jennifer Lovallo, GNJ

Rev Amanda Hemenetz, Greater New Jersey

Rev. Jessica Brendler Naulty, GNJ

Jim Bielefeldt  Greater NJ Conference

Isaac Simmons: Illinois Great Rivers Conference

When Apologies Fail Us – A Call to Repentance (Reflections on recent events at the Arkansas Annual Conference Session)

Reflections on recent events at the Arkansas Annual Conference Session

“Tension” is not an adjective fit enough to describe the days we are living.  We are walking on eggshells within the United Methodist Church and in our communities and neighborhoods. Coupled with the word “tension,” we can add such words as frustration, anxiety, and division, which only worsens matters.  We feel hopeless as we watch the events that unfolded in Buffalo, Uvalde, Philadelphia, Tulsa, and so many others of our communities devastated and victimized again and again through the violence of guns. We only hear “thoughts and prayers” from our elected officials without any action.

[Read more…]

BMCR supports MARCHA’s Advocacy for Bishop Minerva Carcaño and NAIC expresses its solidarity with MARCHA

 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.

[Read more…]

MARCHA RESQUESTS GCORR AND GCSRW TO MONITOR THE PROCESS OF THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST BISHOP MINERVA CARCAÑO

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.

MARCHA REQUEST THE WESTERN JURISDICTION COLLEGE OF BISHOPS OF THE UMC TO LIFT THE SUSPENSION OF BISHOP MINERVA CARCAÑO

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.

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