wfn.org | Episcopal candidate withdraws name

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS" by SUSAN PEEK on Aug. 11, 1991 at 13:58 Eastern,
about FULL TEXT RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (3038 notes).

Note 3037 by UMNS on June 27, 1996 at 15:56 Eastern (2393 characters).

SEARCH: candidate, candidacy, withdrew, Native American

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CONTACT: Linda Green                        323(10-33-34-71){3037}
         Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470             June 27, 1996

Episcopal candidate steps down to increase 
chances of electing a Native American bishop

by Ginny Underwood*

     An Asian-American pastor, endorsed by both the National
Chinese Caucus and the National Federation of Asian American
United Methodists as a candidate for the denomination's
episcopacy, HAS stepped aside so that a Native American might have
a better chance of being elected bishop.
     The Rev. Keat B. Yeoh, withdrew his name during the Pacific
Northwest Annual Conference, June 19-23. 
     Yeoh, pastor of Sand Point United Methodist Church, Seattle,
Wash., said his decision was prompted by Native Americans
expressing their caucus's concern  "for being the only ethnic
group not represented in the Council of Bishops."
      He announced his decision after his earlier episcopal
endorsement was affirmed by delegates from the Pacific Northwest
Annual Conference to the Western Jurisdictional Conference. 
      "Because of my commitment to inclusivity" and the Native
American Caucus' concern, "I would like to respectfully announce
the withdrawal of my candidacy," he said.  
     A total of 17 new bishops will be elected during five
simultaneous U. S. jurisdictional conferences in July.  
     Shirley Montoya, chair of the Native American International
Caucus, commends Yeoh's actions and encourages other jurisdictions
to support Native American candidates. 
      "It takes someone who truly believes in an inclusive church
to give up the honor and the chance at become a bishop," Montoya
said. 
     She requested support for the Rev. Marvin B. Abrams from the
Western Jurisdiction and the Rev. Thomas White Wolf Fassett from
the Northeast Jurisdiction, the two Native Americans who have
received episcopal endorsements.
                               # # #
     * Underwood is the director of the Native American
Communications office in Nashville,Tenn.

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