June 6, 2022
Dear members and friends of the Pacifica Synod,
I want to update you on what is happening in the Sierra Pacific Synod. On Friday, May 27, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton requested the resignation of Sierra Pacific Synod Bishop Megan Rohrer (who uses they/them pronouns) after receiving the report of a Listening Team assembled to review Bishop Rohrer’s actions at Misión Latina Luterana in Stockton last December. Bishop Eaton noted that she would not at that time initiate disciplinary action against Bishop Rohrer, but asked that they prayerfully consider resigning their call as bishop. You may find Bishop Eaton’s request here. The following Monday, the report of the Listening Team was released; it can be found here. During the Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly which met last Thursday – Saturday, a resolution calling for the initiation of a process to discipline Bishop Rohrer was considered. The resolution received a majority of votes (56%) but failed to garner the two-thirds margin needed to pass. Bishop Rohrer has not tendered their resignation.
The Conference of Bishops met Sunday evening; Bishop Rohrer chose not to attend. Presiding Bishop Eaton shared with us that she is initiating the discipline process immediately, including suspension of Bishop Rohrer, based on additional information that has come to light. The Conference of Bishops strongly affirmed her decision to do this, and I was strongly supportive of this decision. This process will take time, and Bishop Eaton will provide updates as appropriate. As I know more I will share that with you. Please join me in praying for this church and all affected by these actions. Thank you.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Andrew A. Taylor, Bishop
Pacifica Synod of the ELCA
