Bishop Melvin Talbert, retired from the Western Jurisdiction, said he wasn\u2019t sure he would ever live to see the day when the church would elect an openly gay bishop.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis means our church \u201d\u201d at least part of our church \u201d\u201d has finally come to the realization that there is no longer any place for exclusion. We are all children of God regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or abilities. We would be blessed to invite all God\u2019s people to their rightful place at the table.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
In a statement issued following Oliveto\u2019s election, Bishop Bruce R. Ough, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, said, \u201cThis election raises significant concerns and questions of church polity and unity.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Ough clarified that the Council of Bishops does not have constitutional authority to intervene in the election, but \u201cis monitoring this situation very closely.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
He acknowledged that some in the church will view this election as a violation of church law and a significant step toward a split, while others will consider it a milestone toward being a more inclusive church.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur differences are real and cannot be glossed over, but they are also reconcilable,\u201d\u009d Ough said. \u201cWe are confident God is with us, especially in uncharted times and places.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n