Bishops: No episcopal elections until 2022: The United Methodist bishops held fast to their plans to delay episcopal elections until after the postponed General Conference, despite calls from some delegates to do otherwise. However, the bishops also rescinded their recommendation that no U.S. bishops be elected until 2024, opening the door for new leaders to be elected in November 2022. Heather Hahn reports. Read story

UMC Bishops end 5-day meeting; clarify key decisions:  Bishop Laurie Haller shares this summary and press release of the recent Council of Bishops five-day meeting. "The Council of Bishops met virtually for five days this week to pray, worship, listen to one another, and discern God’s continued call to vital ministry and mission in The United Methodist Church. I encourage you to read the attached press release. I had the privilege of preaching to my episcopal colleagues on Wednesday morning, using the text from Colossians 1:24-2:7. In the midst of these difficult times, God is working in a mighty way through the worldwide United Methodist Church to transform lives so that we may be mature in Christ, encouraged and united in love, and abounding in thanksgiving. We are truly making a difference in the Dakotas and across the globe."  Read press release

UM News: Bishops, delegates called to mission focus: Faced with a potential denominational split put on hold by pandemic, many United Methodists feel stuck.That has not stopped heated disputes over church life among United Methodists, especially on social media channels. In her second public address as Council of Bishops president, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey encouraged church leaders to use this time of waiting to focus on the church’s outward mission — not on its internal turmoil. “We must stop stirring the pots and creating our own chaos,” said Harvey, who also leads the Louisiana Conference. “We have the power within us, by the Holy Spirit, to speak truth, to act on the injustices in our world. We must speak the truth with love, and in love.” Heather Hahn reports. Read story

United Methodist Communications’ Annual Report Showcases Power of Communication: United Methodist Communications released its 2020 annual report which highlights the agency’s efforts to resource church leaders as they grappled with the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice. “2020 marked our 80th anniversary – and it was a year when communication took center stage as the world adapted to connecting in new ways,” said chief executive Dan Krause. “Now, more than ever, we need the power of communication. The report uses an engaging video format to recap our journey to resource church leaders during an unprecedented year.”  Access report