Robert Schnase, Bishop of the New Mexico and Rio Texas Annual Conferences has decided to request retirement at the South Central Jurisdictional Conference next week. He shared, “The 2024 General Conference made important and responsible decisions, including the adoption of a lower budget and a corresponding reduction in the number of US bishops. As a result, the South Central Jurisdiction will assign six bishops rather than the seven that had been expected. It has taken some time to work out the implications for our Jurisdiction and I have only come to this decision this past week—after our annual conference session. This is the solution that best serves the whole.”

The South Central Jurisdiction Conference is scheduled for July 10-12th in Rogers, Arkansas. At this meeting, the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee will announce episcopal assignments. The NM Conference Jurisdictional Conference Delegates will be in attendance to represent the NM Conference. Others will be in attendance to witness the occasion and to report on what transpires.

We are grateful for the short but fruitful time we had under the leadership of Bishop Schnase. We pray for him and Esther – that their next ministry is as full of grace as this one has been.

To read Bishop’s retirement letter and FAQ’s, click here