Conference Information

Paul Leeland of Garner, who began his ministry as a pastor of three rural churches in the early 1970's, has been elected

a bishop of The United Methodist Church.The election was announced Thursday morning, July 17, during the meeting

of the denomination’s Southeastern Jurisdiction at Lake Junaluska. Delegates from nine Southern states began

meeting on July 16. The conference concluded with the Consecration of Leeland as Bishop on Saturday morning, July 19.

Bishops are appointed as spiritual and administrative leaders of conferences (geographic areas within one or more states). Appointments are for four years and can be extended for another four years. Leeland cannot be appointed to his home conference for at least four years.

Leeland is assistant to the bishop and director of ministerial relations for the North Carolina Conference, which includes
churches in 56 eastern North Carolina counties. 

Previously, he has served as pastor at St. Andews United Methodist Church in Raleigh, Westminster in Kinston, St. Luke
in Sanford and as Goldsboro District Superintendent.

Over a last 20 years, Leeland is the third bishop elected from the NC Conference. The late Joseph B. Bethea was elected
in 1988 and Hope Morgan Ward in 2004.

An announcement is expected to be made Friday about the assignment of bishops. This will include Leeland’s appointment. Bishop Alfred Wesley Gwinn, Jr. has completed four years in the North Carolina Conference and can be appointed the episcopal leader in the conference for another four years. The Western North Carolina Conference, with its headquarters in Charlotte, will receive a new bishop due to the retirement of the current bishop.