Photo: Derek Leek, NCCUMC
Dean Jonathan Strom has announced that retired United Methodist Bishop Hope Morgan Ward will serve as Candler’s next bishop-in-residence, beginning January 5. Ward succeeds Bishop Larry Goodpaster, who served as Candler’s bishop-in-residence from 2016 to 2024.
“Over the years, our bishops-in-residence have been vital members of the Candler community, and we look forward to Bishop Ward’s work with our students in this role,” says Strom. “As one of the leading voices in the UMC, she has been an advocate for theological education and envisioning how we can creatively address the needs of the church in the future. Her wealth of experience and spiritual wisdom make her an ideal mentor for our students.”
Bishop Hope Morgan Ward
The bishop-in-residence provides a United Methodist episcopal presence at Candler, which is one of 13 official seminaries of The United Methodist Church, and serves as a bridge between the school and the wider United Methodist Connection.
“Bishop Ward brings vast experience within local churches, exceptional episcopal leadership, and a deep commitment to ecumenical engagement and interfaith dialogue,” says Assistant Dean of Methodist Studies Brett Opalinski. “Candler students—and, in turn, the congregations and ministries they will one day lead—stand to benefit so much from her presence among us.”
In this role, Ward will work collaboratively with Strom, Opalinski, and Candler’s Methodist Studies program. She will focus primarily on student mentorship, meeting with Candler students to offer guidance, support, and direction, something Ward is particularly passionate about.
“I delight in engaging with students as we learn, grow, and discern next steps in our spiritual lives and ministry,” Ward says. “Candler is a strong, vital community for deep reflection and leadership formation. I am humbled and honored as I anticipate serving as a learning leader and a mentoring presence in this community.”
First elected to the episcopacy in 2004 by the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church, Ward served as resident bishop of the Mississippi Conference from 2004 to 2012, and as resident bishop of the North Carolina Conference from 2012 until her retirement in 2021. She has also served as president of both The United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries and JustPeace, The UMC’s Center for Mediation and Conflict Transformation. Prior to her election as bishop, Ward served as a pastor, district superintendent, and director of connectional ministries in the North Carolina Conference.
In September of 2024, Ward was elected one of two Ecumenical Officers of The United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops, guiding the council and denomination in ecumenical and interfaith engagement, understanding, and mutuality. Ward notes that it is especially timely for her to be engaged in this ecumenical work as she takes on the role of bishop-in-residence at Candler.
“My current responsibility as Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer for the Council of Bishops gives us an interesting opportunity for engagement in the church and the world,” she says. “My prayer is for bold and creative leadership in the joys and challenges of this moment, our time to serve and lead.”
Ward earned her MDiv from Duke Divinity School and holds honorary doctorate degrees from Millsaps College, Rust College, and Hood Theological Seminary. She served as a trustee of Emory University from 2005 to 2010.
The Candler community looks forward to welcoming Bishop Ward in January.