Article originally published on the North Texas Conference website.
Dear Clergy and Laity of the North Texas Annual Conference,
When I visited each of our districts this spring, many of you asked whether Jurisdictional Conferences could take place this year and, more directly, whether I would be able to retire. Last week, the Judicial Council announced in Decision 1445 that jurisdictions can elect and assign bishops in 2022.
The Book of Discipline’s ¶408.1 requires that a bishop who is 68 or older on July 1 in the year a Jurisdictional Conference is held must retire at that Jurisdictional Conference. So, for me and the North Texas Conference, last week’s Judicial Council decision means that I will retire at this year’s Jurisdictional Conference.
I am hopeful that the dates for our South Central Jurisdictional Conference, which could take place as early as this summer, will be confirmed in the coming weeks, providing clarity on when I will enter retired status and when the next episcopal leader for the North Texas Conference will be assigned. In the meantime, I know we will continue to be the church in North Texas, making and equipping disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our communities and the world.
Thank you for your continued faithfulness and service. God bless you!
Peace,
Michael McKee
Article originally published on the North Texas Conference website.