United Methodist leaders make statements against racism (updated)

(Updated June 26, 2020 — Newest additions in bold at the top of the list)

Since protests against police brutality and violence triggered by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others, United Methodist bishops and other denominational and ecumenical leaders have been speaking out. Here is a sampling of the statements. Send additional statements for possible inclusion to [email protected].

International Students, Africa University: A Public Statement on Racism and Abusive Police Practices (June 2020)

• The United Methodist Council of Bishops: United Methodist Bishops: Act now to end racism, white supremacy (June 8, 2020)
• The United Methodist Council of Bishops: "COB supports Minnesota area bishop in call for Christians to fight pandemic of racism" (May 30, 2020)

• North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops' Commitment to Anti-Racism (June 12, 2020)
• Bishop David Bard and Cabinet, Michigan Conference: "A call to transformation" (June 8, 2020)
• Bishop Frank J. Beard, Illinois Great Rivers Conference: “It is the job of every Christian to serve as conduits of grace, mercy, and love…” (May 29, 2020)
• Bishop Frank J. Beard: Simple strategic steps for Christians seeking to do something significant (June 2, 2020)
• Bishop Sally Dyck, Northern Illinois Conference: "Racism is incompatible with Christian teaching" (June 8, 2020)
• Bishop Laurie Haller, Iowa Conference: Statement on Protests in Des Moines (May 30, 2020)
• Bishop Haller: A statement on racism from Bishop Haller and the appointive cabinet  (June 4, 2020)
• Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Wisconsin Conference: “When justice is truly blind, people can begin to feel safe.” (May 28, 2020)
• Bishop Tracy S. Malone and Extended Cabinet: East Ohio Conference: An Anti-Racism Commitment (May 28, 2020)
• Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Minnesota Conference: "Giving breath and voice to cries for justice"  (May 31, 2020)
• Bishop Gregory Palmer, West Ohio Conference: “Looking away perpetuates avoidance." (May 2020)
• Bishop Julius C. Trimble, Indiana Conference: "Too many words: A reflection" (June 5, 2020)

• Bishops of the Northeastern Jurisdiction: A pledge of solidarity to repent of racism (June 8, 2020)
• Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, West Virginia Conference: “I groan with the Spirit of God and all of creation at this moment.” (May 31, 2020)
• Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, New York Conference: "More than one pandemic: Reflections on Ahmaud Arbery" (May 23, 2020)
• Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, Baltimore-Washington Conference: Statement at Interfaith Prayer Vigil (June 24, 2020)
• Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, Philadelphia Area: A Pastoral Letter: "The Signs of theTimes" (June 9, 2020)
• Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Western Pennsylvania Conference: “How long, Lord” (June 2020)
• Bishop Jeremiah Park, Susquehanna Conference: "The Death of Mr. George Floyd and the Expressions of Protest" (June 2, 2020)
• Bishop John Schol, Greater New Jersey Conference: A Call to Action (June 1, 20200
• Bishop Mark J. Webb, Upper New York Conference, "The injustice of racism" (June 2, 2020)

• Bishop Robert Farr, Missouri Conference: The need to be antiracist (June 1, 2020)
• Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Louisiana Conference: Thoughts on the sin of racism (May 31, 2020)
• Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey: United Methodists stand against racism (June 9, 2020)
• Bishop Scott Jones, Texas Conference: “The problem is historic, pervasive, systemic racism." (May 2020)
• Bishop Mike Lowery, Central Texas Conference: "On earth as it is in heaven"
• Bishop Michael McKee and extended cabinet, North Texas Conference: "Join us as change agents in the journey toward racial justice" (May 31, 2020)
• Bishop Gary Mueller and Cabinet, Arkansas Conference: Statement (June 7, 2020)
• Bishop James G. Nunn, Oklahoma Area: Racism has no place in the Church of Jesus Christ (May 29, 2020)
• Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., Great Plains Conference: A discipleship response to racism and injustice (June 5, 2020)
• Bishop Robert Schnase, Rio Texas Conference: Statement concerning racism (June 5, 2020)

• Bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction: A pastoral letter to United Methodists of the Southeastern Jurisdiction (June 5, 2020)
• Bishop R. Lawson Bryan, South Georgia Conference: "Bringing down the walls of hostiity" (June 1, 2020)
• Bishop Kenneth Carter, Florida Conference: 'I can't breathe. Come, Holy Spirit: A Spiritual Exercise for Dismantling Racism (May 30, 2020)
• Bishop Leonard Fairley, Kentucky Conference: “We must not dishonor the memories of these souls by practicing the spirit of an eye for eye and a tooth for tooth.” (May 30, 2020)
• Bishop David Graves, Alabama-West Florida Conference: "24 hours, 24 days: Listen!!!" (June 24, 2020)
• Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, North Georgia Conference: A call to repentance and pledge from the bishop and cabinet (June 9, 2020)
• Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, South Carolina Conference: “Unfortunately, the good works of the many are too often overshadowed by the malicious action of the few.” (May 31, 2020)
• Bishop Paul Leeland and cabinet, Western North Carolina Conference: "A summons to witness, protest and promise" (June 4, 2020)
• Bishop Sharma Lewis, Virginia Conference: A call for action against systemic racism (May 29, 2020)
• Bishop William McAlilly, Tennessee and Memphis Conferences: The Pandemic of Racism (May 29, 2020)
• Bishop James E. Swanson Sr., Mississippi Conference: "The church's lack of witness against racism" (June 5, 2020)
• Bishop Mary Virginia "Dindy" Taylor, Holston Conference: Pentecost 2020 (May 31, 2020)
• Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, North Alabama Conference: “We speak both with our actions and words.” (June 1. 2020)
• Bishop Hope Morgan Ward and cabinet, North Carolina Conference: "A summons to witness, protest and promise" (June 3, 2020)