Dear Bishops, we greet you in the name of Christ and on behalf of MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latinx Americans). We write to you with a troubled heart and concern about the long and over-extended suspension of Bishop Minerva Carcaño and its effects on the Hispanic/Latinx ministry and the witness of our entire Church.

MARCHA continues to be deeply grieved that one of the most influential voices in our community and the entire United Methodist connection is and continues to be silenced. Bishop Carcaño's courageous advocacy on behalf of immigrants and her deep commitment to fighting injustices in our society has won the admiration and respect of many people in our Church, leaders in other denominations, and civic groups. MARCHA is especially concerned that in the last meeting of the Council of Bishops, the Immigration Task Force, which was effectively led by Bishop Carcaño in the past, did not offer a report. At this moment, when the refugee and immigration crisis continues to increase due to war and other conflicts, her leadership is sorely missed. 

We question the fact that the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy placed Bishop Carcaño in suspension, even before the process of investigation began to ascertain the veracity of the allegations. We know that many bishops are subject to complaints. Yet, no other Jurisdictional College in the history of the United Methodist Church has placed a bishop in suspension before the proper committee had investigated the complaint.  This suspension has now been extended, without regard to the adverse effects. The rumors that are circulating in our Church regarding this matter create feelings of resentment and distrust in the judicial processes of our Church among the Hispanic/Latinx United Methodists and others. At this moment in our Church, trust is crucial.

MARCHA believes it is necessary to question the United Methodist Church, a predominantly white institution, when it has different standards for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders, as opposed to white leaders, particularly in complaint processes. The uncertainty of the Council of Bishops' stated commitment to dismantling racism is disheartening when it is not experienced in our Hispanic/Latinx community. The Western Jurisdiction College's decision to depart from precedent with regard to the practice of due process raises a critical question in our minds: Why is a Hispanic/Latina woman Bishop being treated differently?

Therefore, given the length of the suspension imposed, the possible lack of impartiality, the unprecedented beginning of the complaint process, and the proliferation of rumors circulation in the Western Jurisdiction, MARCHA respectfully requests that the Council of Bishops will remove the complaints against Bishop Carcaño from the College and assume responsibility for processing them.

"The Council of Bishops may, at any time in the process, after a complaint is filed, including after a just resolution, remove the complaint from the College of Bishops to the Council of Bishops with a two-thirds vote by the Council." (Par. 413.d.iv, 2016 Book of Discipline).

The Council of Bishops has the power to intervene and take a restorative role in addressing the harm done to the entire connection. We pray the Council of Bishops will witness its commitment to providing an equitable and fair process.

MARCHA calls our Church to continue surrounding in prayer all parties involved. MARCHA intends to continue closely monitoring the progress of this process as we walk alongside justice.

Rev. Lyssette Perez, President of MARCHA

MARCHA Executive Committee:

Raúl Alegría
Rev. Héctor A. Burgos
Rev. Nora Colmenares
Andrés de Arco
Rev. Raquel Feagins
Rev. Joel Hortiales
Pastor Imelda Román de Gómez
Dr. Ilia Vázquez-Gascot