68 out of approximately 400 United Methodist churches in the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church say they are leaving over same sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy. A new bishop is being brought in to try to heal divisions. Bishop Delores “Dee” Williamston told us she is in favor of inclusion at the church’s table.
“A welcome table for all people to sit at the table and expand the table for all of God’s children,” Williamston said
Williamston will be the first African American bishop to lead the Louisiana Conference. She served 22 years in the Kansas Army National Guard. She said the training was tough.
“That is what has prepared me to be agile, quick and nimble and a boots on the ground disciple for the church,” Williamston added.
She was elected last Wednesday in Houston, as delegates from churches in nine states met to choose new leadership as the rift worsens.
“I believe for the church we have a greater power, a higher power, in our lord and savior, to agree to disagree on whatever the issue may be but we can still be better together,” Williamston said.
Her term officially begins January 1, 2023
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