Dear Clergy and Laity of the New Mexico Annual Conference,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On August 11, 2023, I suspended Rev. Dr. Randall Partin from all clergy responsibilities, with the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry. This followed the receipt of a formal complaint claiming misconduct as defined in Paragraph 2702.1 of the 2016 Book of Discipline.
During this period of suspension, the person bringing the complaint and Randall have been engaged in the disciplinary process for reaching Just Resolution as outlined in Paragraph 362. I asked Bishop Max Whitfield to preside over the Just Resolution and he has held several meetings with the complainant and the respondent, both of whom have had clergypersons to support them during the process.
Today, the Just Resolution process is completed, and both the complainant and the respondent have signed their agreement. As part of the Just Resolution, the complainant and respondent agreed to share the following statement: “Dr. Randall Partin acknowledges that as part of the process of coming to terms with his sexuality he engaged in acts of marital infidelity, immorality, and sexual misconduct. He takes full responsibility for these actions and acknowledges that the complaint against him was justified. He voluntarily surrenders his clergy membership in the New Mexico Conference of The UMC and The United Methodist Church, effective November 7, 2023. As part of this Just Resolution, we acknowledge the continued brokenness of our denomination in terms of human sexuality.”
I appreciate the thoughtful, cooperative, and prayerful manner with which all parties participated in their deliberations and discernment. I respect the Just Resolution that has been agreed upon.
I solicit your continued prayers for everyone involved.
Robert Schnase, Bishop
New Mexico Annual Conference of
The United Methodist Church