wfn.org | Talbert takes interim position with commission

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Oct. 1, 2003  News media contact: Linda Bloom7(212)870-38037New York
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NOTE: A photograph of Bishop Melvin Talbert is available.

NEW YORK (UMNS) - Bishop Melvin Talbert will be the interim leader of the
United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns.

Beginning in January, he will temporarily succeed the Rev. Bruce Robbins, who
reached the denomination's 12-year term limit for general secretaries but
received a one-year extension for 2003. In March, Robbins will become senior
minister of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis.

Talbert, who lives in the Nashville, Tenn., area, told United Methodist News
Service he will continue in his part-time role as ecumenical officer for the
denomination's Council of Bishops while performing his new duties for the
commission. He said he would not relocate to New York, where the commission's
office is based, but will travel there for at least several days each month
during his six-month contract. 

"I've been a general secretary before, so I know how agencies work," the
bishop said, noting that he served as the first leader of the then-new Board
of Discipleship from 1973 to 1980. He also is a former president of the
National Council of Churches.

The commission has negotiated with Robbins to work on its behalf when the
2004 General Conference, the denomination's top legislative body, meets next
April in Pittsburgh. He will be paid for his expenses but won't receive a
salary, Talbert said.

The commission's search committee is distributing information to possible
applicants for the general secretary position, according to the bishop. It
hopes to nominate a candidate for approval by the denomination's General
Council on Ministries in April.

 
 

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United Methodist News Service
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