United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.

United Methodist bishops first and foremost provide spiritual leadership. Bishops share in teaching, equipping, and encouraging mission and service. They serve as shepherds of the Church, providing a prophetic witness for justice and unity.

All bishops are members of the Council of Bishops, which collectively is charged with the general oversight and promotion of the temporal and spiritual interests of the entire Church. Bishops, who are specifically assigned to preside over the work of a regional area, are responsible for setting all clergy appointments in the conferences they serve and presiding over the Annual Conference sessions.

In the United Methodist tradition, bishops are not “ordained” as bishops, but are clergy elected and consecrated to the office of bishop.