May 04, 2023 | by The Western Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy and the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops
The Committee on Investigation of the Western Jurisdiction has completed its work regarding complaints against Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the San Francisco Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church. As the process moves ahead, her suspension from episcopal responsibilities will remain in effect. Bishop Sally Dyck, who has served as interim bishop during this time, will continue in the role until a resolution has been reached.
“We regret that a just resolution has not been attained,” said Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, President of the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops. “The Committee on Investigation has completed its process, has identified five charges per Paragraph 2702.1 and has assigned bill of charges for trial.”
Each step of the process and communication regarding this matter has adhered to The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. The Book of Discipline requirement (Paragraph 413.3b) that this process be conducted confidentially prevents sharing details of the circumstances giving rise to the complaints or the content of the bill of charges that have been sent forward.
The Western Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy and the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops each acknowledge that the process has taken time, as Bishop Carcaño’s suspension, under Paragraph 413.3a, was originally announced on March 9, 2022. Upon completion of the initial 60 days, the Committee on Episcopacy voted to continue the suspension based on the recommendation of the Committee on Investigation under Paragraph 2704.1c. Later, the respondent requested an appeal for a Judicial Council ruling, which was granted in order to ensure fairness in the process. The work of the Committee on Investigation was paused until the appeal was acted on, which further delayed progress toward the completion of the process.
“We continue to hope and seek for a just resolution while preparing for trial. We ask all to join us in prayers for all the complainants, Bishop Carcaño, the California-Nevada Annual Conference and the Western Jurisdiction,” added Bishop Escobedo-Frank.