North Texas Leaders Launch Effort to Rebuild Trust

A small group of interested leaders of the North Texas Conference gathered on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at the invitation of Jan Davis and Ron Henderson. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways that we can begin to provide leadership in healing our Conference as we move forward together.

We are deeply aware of a variety of emotions in response to the difficult events surrounding jurisdictional conference and the involuntary retirement of Bishop [W. Earl] Bledsoe. We acknowledge our conference is fragile along many dividing lines, but we are also committed to guiding the healing process and strengthening our covenant. We began discussions to assess possible ways to dialogue, rebuild trust and provide healing for our Conference family. This may involve a conference-wide event of worship, healing and small group dialogue. We acknowledge that the road to healing is not a “quick fix.” Healing will be a process that will take time.

Our two past lay leaders, Billy Ratcliff and Richard Hearne joined in expressing deep concern for the unity of the conference. Tim Morrison, John Allen and Owen Ross were also present. We are in conversation with Rusty Hedges, Chair of the Order of Elders, Jeremiah Booker, Chair of BMCR, Keith Boone, Director of the Center of Leadership Development and Scott Smith, Chair of the Conference Episcopacy committee. Many others have expressed their concern and ideas.

We invite any members of the North Texas Conference to send us ideas about how healing and reparation might look. Please contact any of us.