Paul Jeffrey Paul Jeffrey/United Methodist Ne
After the trial
United Methodist Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño speaks to the press in Glenview, Illinois, on September 22, 2023, following a unanimous not guilty verdict rendered by the jury in her trial on violating church laws. She is accompanied by her counsel in the trial: the Rev. Scott Campbell (left) and Judge Jon Gray. (Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.)
To the Editor:
During this time of unsettled spirit in our nation and our world my heart continues to be disturbed that our United Methodist Church refused for Bishop Minerva Carcaño from worship in any UMC while she awaited her trail for which she was found not guilty of charges. As a UMC active clergy of 40 years and now 16 years of retirement it weighs heavy on my heart that Bishop Carcaño was denied entrance to worship in UMC congregations. In this time when immigrants to our country are living in fear of assault, I continue to be troubled by this past action of our beloved UMC.
My suggestion is that the Council of Bishops or other official body offer an apology to Bishop Carcaño for her being denied worship. And that we continue to practice open hearts open minds.
The Rev. Dr. Phyllis Tyler (retired)
California-Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church