South Central Jurisdiction

UMNS Photo by Heather Hahn

BULLETIN: Judicial Council Reinstates Bishop Bledsoe

In unprecedented decisions, the United Methodist Judicial Council has reinstated Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe to active status after he was involuntarily retired in July by vote of the South Central Jurisdiction. more »

Nov 11, 2012 by Cynthia B. Astle in Issues

UMNS Photo by Holly McCray, Oklahoma Conference

Bledsoe Appeals His Removal as Bishop

Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe has challenged the constitutionality of the Book of Discipline rule used to force his retirement by the South Central Jurisdiction. The Judicial Council will review his appeal. more »

Jul 27, 2012 by Heather Hahn in Issues

UMNS Photo by Mike DuBose

Bledsoe to Appeal Involuntary Retirement

Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe announced July 25 that he would appeal to the Judicial Council, the United Methodist Church's "supreme Court," the decision of the South Central Jurisdiction to retire him involuntarily. more »

Jul 25, 2012

Bledsoe Faulted for Trust Issues in Personnel Decision

"Questions of integrity and trustworthiness" are the paramount reasons that the South Central Jurisdiction Episcopacy Committee has voted to retire Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe involuntarily. more »

Jul 19, 2012 by Cynthia B. Astle in Issues

UMNS Photo by Heather Hahn

May We Never See Another Day Like It

The Rev. Rebekah Miles ponders the Discipline, accountability, race and repentance in the process that has brought the involuntary retirement of Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe. more »

Jul 20, 2012 by Rebekah Miles in Rebekah Miles (4 Comments)

A Historical Perspective on a Little-Noticed Action

The South Central Jurisdiction's little-noticed vote to allow its Mission Council to decide issues of property disposal is a sad conclusion to the efforts of those who opposed bringing the Bush Presidential Institute to SMU. more »

Jul 19, 2012 by Cynthia B. Astle in Views from a Ridge (2 Comments)

Photo by Holly McCray.

Fellowship, Mission and Fun

Despite unprecedented and difficult personnel decisions, work was not all somber for the 2012 session of the United Methodist South Central Jurisdiction. Between electing three new bishops and transacting other church business, delegates and observers enjoyed fun and fellowship. more »