Leeland is NC Conference Delegation nominee for bishop

Dr. Paul Leeland has received the unanimous endorsement of the NC Conference General and Jurisdictional Delegation as the delegation's nominee to be a bishop in The United Methodist Church. 

The vote was taken at the group's first meeting after officers were elected following the conclusion of the North Carolina Annual Conference on Ju ne 16.

Leeland, assistant to the bishop and director of ministerial relations, was elected chair of the delegation about 5:30 pm on June 16.  Emily Innes, conference lay leader, was elected vice-chair and Carl Frazier, pastor of Saint Luke UMC in Sanford was elected secretary. The delegation decided to meet on June 27 to consider other matters.  Leeland was elected an Episcopal nominee at that meeting.

Elections of bishops are held, depending on vacancies, at Jurisdictional Conferences.  The Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference meets July 16-19 , 2008 at Lake Junaluska.  At present, one bishop will be elected due to a retirement.

The delegation will begin to form a committee to assist in the election of Dr. Leeland who will be presented to the Annual Conference in 2008 for its endorsement.