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Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez inspires hope and vision at 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference
May 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On day two of the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez delivered a passionate and visionary Episcopal Address, inspiring clergy and laity alike to deepen relationships, embrace change, and boldly live into God’s call. Speaking to a room filled with United Methodists from across the region, Bishop Burgos Núñez expressed gratitude, celebrated progress, and outlined a forward-looking vision grounded in faith, generosity, and connection.
Opening with gratitude and high energy, Bishop Burgos Núñez thanked attendees for their dedication and reminded them of the transformative impact they are having—"one person at a time." He invited smiles, "Hallelujahs,” and joy to set a tone of unity and hope.
Reflecting on the past two years, Bishop Burgos Núñez reaffirmed three core principles that shape the conference’s journey:
- Celebrate what’s going well.
- Recognizing the places that business as usual is no longer an option.
- Embrace necessary change to remain faithful to Christ’s mission.
“These principles will remain at the heart of our work, with room to adapt as we face new challenges, because we know that real, deep, lasting change takes time, resilience, and persistence,” emphasized Bishop Burgos Núñez. These guiding values now shape the newly unified episcopal area, uniting the Upper New York and Susquehanna Conferences under Bishop Burgos Núñez’s leadership. While each conference retains autonomy, the collaboration opens powerful new doors for shared ministry and resource stewardship.
Bishop Burgos Núñez then recognized the faithful service of outgoing superintendents, the Rev. Mike Weeden and the Rev. Suzanne Block, and welcomed new superintendents, the Rev. Richelle Goff and the Rev. Yohan Chun. He emphasized the significance of the cabinet’s unity and called for continued prayer and support for these leaders navigating complex times in ministry. “Your superintendents are serving in one of the most challenging times in ministry in our recent history, and they’re doing it faithfully, with grace and adaptability.”
Central to Bishop Burgos Núñez’s vision is relationship-building—between clergy, laity, and God. “We are called to live in relationships because God is love, and love is always relational. I encourage us to build relationships with other churches and organizations, especially fellow United Methodist congregations. Ministry in isolation simply isn’t sustainable,” he exclaimed.
Online prayer gatherings, in-person visits, and clergy communities like the Orders of Elders and Deacons are helping to foster spiritual growth and mutual support. Programs like the Lilly grant funded “Preachers: Work, Play, and Rest” initiative are promoting clergy wellness, with dozens of pastors already participating and more cohorts forming.
A standout highlight of the address was the remarkable generosity of Upper New York congregations. In 2024, 255 churches gave a combined $1.2 million to United Methodist Advance Specials—the highest in the Northeastern Jurisdiction and fourth highest denomination-wide. This funding supported vital global initiatives, including disaster relief, refugee support, and church planting on multiple continents.
Additionally, Bishop Burgos Núñez celebrated a 25% improvement in shared giving across the conference, committing to continued education on the theology of connectional giving.
Bishop Burgos Núñez applauded the conference's bold decision to use reserve funds to address costs related to the Child Victims Act, emphasizing how courageous faith in God’s provision turned concern into testimony. “This outcome serves as a powerful reminder that when we place our trust in God and act with courage and care, even the most daunting challenges can be transformed into moments of grace,” he proclaimed. A moment of silence to honor survivors of abuse and lifting prayers for healing and restoration followed.
Bishop Burgos Núñez moved on to address efforts to revitalize and reimagine ministry that are underway across the region. New initiatives include:
- A collaborative ministry discernment process that brings neighboring churches together for mutual support and innovation.
- 21 new faith communities nurtured, half serving ethnic populations, reflecting a vibrant and diverse ministry landscape.
- Urban ministry revitalization, with assessments underway in Buffalo, Binghamton, and Syracuse, partnering with renowned leader in urban ministries, Rev. Olu Brown.
Addressing changes from the 2024 General Conference, Bishop Burgos Núñez emphasized a commitment to love, inclusion, and compassion for LGBTQ individuals, acknowledging theological diversity while urging the Church to remain rooted in grace and care for the vulnerable. “We recognize and honor the diversity of thought on convo around and LGBTQ people, with and stand firm in our mission to ensure that every person feels seen, valued, and included,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Bishop Burgos Núñez then announced a formal visioning process to revisit and renew the conference’s missional commitments. He also introduced a new denominational vision from the Council of Bishops and Connectional Table. A video explained the four-year discernment journey that shaped the vision, its significance for the denomination, and how it will guide United Methodists in continuing to live out their mission. Click here to watch the full video.
Concluding the Episcopal Address, Bishop Burgos Núñez expressed his excitement for the future of The United Methodist Church. “I’m all in, and I can’t wait to step into this vision with all of you.”
Click here to watch a video of the 2025 Episcopal Address.