For Immediate Release
February 22, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, president of the Council of
Bishops of The United Methodist Church has called on fellow United Methodists
to use the Lenten season to pray that God will create within us a clean heart
and a renewed spirit.
“There is no doubt that as we absorb the realities of splintering,
disaffiliation, and post-Covid, it is time for us as United Methodists to make
the pivot away from what was into new and concerted efforts to reclaim, revive and renew The United Methodist
Church throughout the world,” Bishop Bickerton said in the Lent message
released today on Ash Wednesday.
Bishop Bickerton called on United Methodists to breathe out anger and
disappointment, and breathe in once again our calling and identity as United Methodists.
“Let’s Reclaim that we are a people called
to love all; a people called to serve all; and a people called to openly
worship our loving God with joy and anticipation. (John 13:35)”
He called on the church to Revive our
belief in the love of God, our creator; the grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord and
Savior; and the communion we have with the Holy Spirit, our ever-present guide
and inspiration. (2 Corinthians 13:13) “Let’s revive our belief in the
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and
the life everlasting. Let’s revive our belief in one another and the
power of God to use even us to transform a broken world.”
Writing on behalf of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Bickerton urged United Methodists to Renew our mission to make
disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. “Let’s
renew our commitment to reach out to all who need the saving grace and love of
Jesus Christ with joy and enthusiasm. (Matthew 28:19-20)”
Click here to read the full statement
by Bishop Bickerton.
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