From Bishop Burgos: Building Beloved Community Together

By UNY Communications | Email

Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists in the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Dear siblings in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in Christ. I give thanks for your faithful witness and the many ways you help nurture communities of hope, healing, and courage.

A Call to Beloved Community

Across the world, people are discovering that the antidote to rising authoritarianism is not political strategy alone, but the courageous practice of beloved community. The Council of Bishops’ resource, Building Beloved Community: The Courage to Love in the Face of Tyranny, offers a Wesleyan and Scriptural invitation to lead with love rather than fear. It points us toward healing and offers practical wisdom for shaping communities rooted in compassion, justice, and courageous welcome.

As summer brings more breathing room, I encourage you to engage this resource and consider how beloved community might shape your discipleship, leadership, teaching, pastoral care, and public witness.

I trust you will discern how best to introduce or engage it in your ministry setting—through study, preaching, leadership conversations, small groups, or community engagement—so our people may continue growing in Christ-centered love.

Renewal Leave

I also want to share that I will be on Renewal Leave from July 20 to August 20, 2026. The Discipline provides bishops up to three months of renewal leave during a quadrennium; I have chosen, with the support of the College of Bishops and the SUS-UNY Episcopacy Committee, to take this time in three summer segments over the next three years. This will be a season for rest, renewal, learning, time with family and friends, and a needed slowing of pace so I may return refreshed for another year of ministry. Episcopal coverage has been secured for time‑sensitive matters. All episcopal inquiries during this time should be directed to bishopsoffice@susumc.org | bishopsoffice@unyumc.org.

I am grateful for each of you and for the ways you help make Christ’s beloved community visible in the world.

Paz,

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez

The United Methodist Church

Serving the Susquehanna & Upper New York Area