Witnesses testify in bishop’s trial

The church trial of United Methodist Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño continued with witnesses testifying on how they think she violated church law.

Carcaño — who has led the California-Nevada Conference since 2016 — faces four charges of violating church law, stemming from three complaints. She stands accused of disobedience to the order and discipline of The United Methodist Church, the undermining of another pastor’s ministry, harassment and fiscal malfeasance. The bishop has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

On the afternoon of Sept. 19 and into Sept. 20, the jury of fellow United Methodist clergy heard witnesses for the counsel for the church — essentially the prosecution. The trial is taking place at the offices of Wespath Benefits and Investments in Glenview, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.

Jurors heard testimony about three different disputes that gave rise to the complaints and the subsequent charges.

“It is up to you to determine from the evidence presented whether the church has proven the charges against the respondent by clear and convincing evidence,” retired Bishop Alfred Gwinn, the presiding officer, told the jury at the start of the trial.

“The respondent, Bishop Carcaño, is presumed to be innocent until the conclusion of the trial process, when you will render a verdict on the bill of charges and specifications.”

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