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<\/source><\/picture>An outspoken theologically progressive bishop of the United Methodist Church has been found not guilty of multiple accusations, which had led to her suspension early last year.<\/p>\n
Bishop Minerva G. Carca\u00f1o of the UMC California-Nevada Conference was found not guilty by a jury of 13 clergy on the charges of disobedience to the discipline of the denomination, undermining the ministry of another pastor, harassment and fiscal misconduct.<\/p>\n
Deliberation in the case lasted more than five hours, reported UM News<\/a>, with retired Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn, the presiding officer in the case, announcing the decision last Friday. \u00a0<\/p>\n Carca\u00f1o said in a statement<\/a> released after the proceedings ended that she was \u201cgrateful for the jury for the time and faithfulness they have displayed in their task.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow I am eager to return to the work of ministry in the California-Nevada Conference and The United Methodist Church and the process of healing for all and the ministry of the church,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n The UMC Western Jurisdiction released an announcement<\/a> last Friday noting that, now that she has been found not guilty, Carca\u00f1o\u2019s suspension has been ended and she will retire to her duties.<\/p>\n Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut, secretary for the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops who was present for the trial, was quoted in the announcement as saying that the UMC was entering a time of healing.<\/p>\n \u201cNow the healing begins, and I recognize that it\u2019s not going to be an easy path, but we must try. I commit myself to this hard work of healing and restoration,\u201d stated Rapanut. \u201cMay this serve as an opportunity to provide a witness to the world as we live out our Christian values of grace, forgiveness, justice and love.\u201d<\/p>\n In March 2022, it was announced that Carca\u00f1o was placed on leave from her episcopal duties due to two complaints, with some taking issue with the process.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, the group Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic\/Latino Americans, which is the UMC’s Hispanic caucus, denounced the length of Carca\u00f1o’s suspension and argued that she should be reinstated.<\/p>\n “By prohibiting Bishop Minerva Carca\u00f1o from attending meetings and being in contact with persons affiliated with the organization at any level, is in our view, punitive and judgmental. This action has hurt and continues to hurt our ethnic ministries and missions,” said MARCHA in a\u00a0statement.<\/a><\/p>\n “The issue is that the prolonged suspension has damaged the reputation of Bishop Minerva Carca\u00f1o and has discredited her faithful years of services and contributions to the California-Nevada Annual Conference.”<\/p>\n In May, the Western Jurisdiction announced that a committee found reasonable grounds to bring the charges against the bishop to a trial.\u00a0Specifically, the committee identified five charges per\u00a0Paragraph 2702.1<\/a>\u00a0of the Book of Discipline.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Jurisdiction\u2019s Committee on Episcopacy had voted to continue Carca\u00f1o\u2019s suspension based on the recommendation of the regional body\u2019s Committee on Investigation.<\/p>\n Carca\u00f1o is known for her advocacy for progressive causes, including immigration reform, gun control, and having the UMC change its official stance against the blessing of same-sex unions.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2014, for example, when UMC Pastor Frank Schaefer of Pennsylvania had his clergy credentials reinstated after being defrocked for officiating his son\u2019s same-sex wedding, Carca\u00f1o gave him a position leading a student ministry in California.<\/p>\n “Rev. Schaefer will be responsible for leading the administrative work of this congregation and reaching out to the large college community that lives, studies, and works at the doorsteps of this church,” stated Carca\u00f1o\u00a0back in 2014.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n “Schaefer has much to teach us about what it means to love the children God gives us who happen to be gay. I pray that we will make space for him and his family in our lives and in our hearts as he comes to labor among us,” she added.\u00a0<\/p>\n