Episcopal Discernment through a Social Justice Lens

by

From the Western Jurisdiction Justice Movementt

As a "gift" to its jurisdiction, the Western Methodist Justice Movement gathered more than 60 people from across the jurisdiction in a July 31, 2022 webinar to develop questions with a social justice focus for episcopal candidates.

The organization says in its announcement, "These questions can assist annual conference delegations and other groups to keep social justice concerns before episcopal candidates through the discernment process of electing new bishops this November 2022." (Download the questions or see illustration at the end of this article).

"As part of moving towards a new way of doing church in the Western Jurisdiction," the organization said, it also  is working with first-elected delegates to help update jurisdictional rules and practices for the coming bishops' elections. First-elected clergy and lay delegates typically serve as chairs of their delegations and as spokespeople for the delegations during plenary deliberations.

"While it may not sound very glamorous, changing rules and practices is a pragmatic part of putting a new vision into place," the organization said.

This updating project is based on the WJ Structure Task Force Report. It includes:

  • Drafting suggested rules changes based on the WJ Structure Report.
  • Drafting resolutions to establish necessary task forces for additional study in areas suggested by the WJ Structure Report.
  • Looking at other ways to encourage the Western Jurisdiction to continue innovating in response to our changing times.

"An important part of this project may be strengthening the role of the Western Jurisdictional Leadership Team and its ability to provide collaborative, effective overall leadership across the jurisdiction that helps the jurisdiction live into its values," the justice ministry said.

This work will be presented to the Western Jurisdictional Conference for its consideration and action when it meets this November.

This reported was edited from announcements on the Western Jurisdiction Justice Ministry's website.