Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth offers a timely message of compassion and action as the federal government shutdown begins to affect families across the Greater Northwest and beyond. Pastoral leaders are encouraged to share this message with their congregations as a call to open hearts and respond to community needs.

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth has issued a pastoral letter to United Methodists in the Greater Northwest. In light of a recent IRS ruling on political endorsements, he reminds us: the Church’s mission is not aligned with parties or candidates, but rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our pulpits are not platforms for partisanship — they are spaces where love, justice, and grace are lived out.

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Geoff Helton, Rev. Cody Natland,  and Rev. Hubert Rigor to a superintendency team overseeing the Inland and Seven Rivers District beginning July 1, 2026. Rev. Daniel Miranda will continue to serve as Inland and Seven Rivers District Superintendent through the next appointment year before ending his tenure in the role.

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Troy Lynn Carr, Rev. Melissa Harkness and Rev. Dr. Rob Walters to a superintendency team overseeing the Sage and Columbia Districts in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, July 1, 2026. Rev. Karen Hernandez will continue to serve as Columbia and Sage District Superintendent through the next appointment year before ending her tenure in the role.

Bishop Bridgeforth offers an early update on significant leadership transitions coming to the Pacific Northwest and Oregon-Idaho conferences. Beginning in January, we will share announcements related to new superintendency appointments and an experimental team-based model designed to bring leadership closer to the local church while easing financial burdens. These changes come as several current superintendents complete their service in the next 18 months. We’re also expanding the cabinet to include leadership in Indigenous Ministries and continuing our commitments to equity and innovation. The bishop remains committed to sharing transparently as we shape a future responsive to the needs of today’s church.

On this morning after a contentious election cycle, GNW Area Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth shares this reminder of the people we are called to be in community.