Bishop Héctor calls UNY to “rise up” with hope and courage

By UNY Communications/ Email

At the 2026 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez delivered an Episcopal Address that balanced celebration, honesty, and hope, calling United Methodists across the conference to embrace a future marked by resilience, collaboration, and spiritual renewal. 

Opening his address with gratitude, Bishop Burgos highlighted the faithfulness of clergy and laity throughout Upper New York, praising congregations for continuing to make “the love of Jesus Christ visible” in their communities. He celebrated milestones across the denomination, including 70 years of women’s ordination and 30 years of the Order of Deacons in The United Methodist Church, while also recognizing the growing leadership of laity during a season of clergy shortages and changing ministry demands. 

The bishop also lifted up several signs of vitality and innovation across the conference. Among the celebrations were the launch and support of 15 New Faith Communities, the chartering of the first Nepali United Methodist congregation in the United States, increased collaboration between the Upper New York and Susquehanna cabinets, strong support for missions and shared giving, and the growth of nearly 200 congregations in worship attendance, baptisms, and professions of faith over the past four years. 

“These aren’t one-off moments,” Bishop Burgos said. “They show a church growing more creative in its witness, more courageous in its leadership, and deeply committed to its mission.” 

The address then turned toward the realities facing the conference. Referencing the Visioning Task Force presentation shared the previous day, Bishop Burgos acknowledged the challenges of declining membership, fewer clergy and financial resources, and the increasing number of smaller congregations and multi-charge settings. Still, he emphasized that smaller does not mean weaker. 

“Healthy, impactful ministry is possible in every size church,” he said, reminding members that Upper New York has long been shaped by a strong small-church tradition. 

Throughout the address, the bishop repeatedly returned to the theme of “real hope,” describing it not as denial or wishful thinking, but as a hope rooted in truth and resurrection faith. 

“Real hope looks the truth in the eye and says: God’s love has the power to redeem, to transform, and breathe new life into any situation,” he said. 

Bishop Burgos also challenged the conference to confront four underlying causes contributing to decline: loss of spiritual vitality, paralyzing nostalgia, insularism, and a lack of missional humility. He urged churches to move beyond routine faith practices, resist longing for a return to the past, turn outward toward their communities, and embrace the courage to adapt for the sake of the gospel. 

“Faithfulness often requires letting go,” he said, encouraging congregations to release old patterns and preferences in order to make room for the new things God is bringing to life. 

Even amid difficult realities, the bishop’s message remained grounded in optimism and shared purpose. He pointed to examples of churches partnering together, laity stepping into leadership, and clergy advocating boldly for justice, mercy, and love as signs of the Spirit already at work across the conference. 

Near the conclusion of his address, Bishop Burgos reaffirmed his belief that there is still room for everyone within The United Methodist Church and encouraged members to continue moving forward together despite differences. 

“Rise Up. Love boldly. Serve joyfully. Lead courageously. Collaborate deeply. And trust that God is not finished with us yet,” he said. 

Closing his address, the bishop reaffirmed his belief in the future of the United Methodist movement and in the people of Upper New York. 

“The same Spirit who sustained our ancestors is breathing new life into us now,” he said. “And the same God who has brought us this far will carry us into the next faithful chapter of our shared mission.” 

Click here to read a transcript of the sermon and view discussion questions for Congregational Leadership Teams. Click here to watch a video recording of the Episcopal Address.