As the first Black woman elected and consecreated as a United Methodist bishop, Bishop Leontine Kelly’s legacy is a powerful testament to faith, justice, and breaking barriers. Learn how her leadership continues to inspire us in the fight for racial equality today.
As we finish our Black History Month series, we turn our focus to Bishop Leontine Kelly, a pioneering figure whose leadership in the United Methodist Church broke racial and gender barriers and advanced the cause of civil rights. As the first African American woman to be elected a bishop in the United Methodist Church, her legacy is a powerful testament to the intersection of faith, justice, and the struggle for equality.
Elected in 1984, Bishop Kelly’s election was not just a personal achievement but a victory for the entire church. Her elevation to the episcopacy marked a significant step forward for the United Methodist Church in breaking down the longstanding racial and gender barriers that had historically excluded Black people and women from top leadership positions. As a leader in the church, she was not only known for her pastoral care and commitment to spiritual growth but also for her deep dedication to social justice and the civil rights movement.
Bishop Kelly’s ministry was rooted in her belief that the church should be a powerful force for justice in society. She saw the role of the church as not just spiritual but also prophetic, challenging the social structures that perpetuated racism, inequality, and oppression. Her leadership mirrored the broader civil rights struggle of the time, where Black Methodists were organizing, marching, and advocating for change in a nation deeply divided by race. She understood that the church had a responsibility to be a witness for justice and that the fight for racial equality was integral to living out the gospel, which she continued to her death, as the work of racial justice is still ongoing.
In 1968, the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church led to the dissolution of the Central Jurisdiction, which was the racially segregated structure established in 1939 where all black Methodists in America were in one conference, regardless of geography. This historic moment rightfully allowed Black Methodists to fully participate in the life and leadership of the denomination, including opportunities for positions like bishop. While this moment of unity was not without its challenges, it paved the way for leaders like Bishop Kelly to rise and guide the church toward greater inclusion and justice.
Bishop Kelly’s impact extended beyond the church. She was a visible and powerful advocate for racial equality, speaking out against segregation and injustice, and providing a model of leadership that encouraged others to stand up for what was right. Her example continues to inspire future generations of leaders in the church who are committed to both spiritual and social transformation. She died in 2012.
As we reflect on the life and ministry of Bishop Leontine Kelly, we are reminded that the church must remain a place of both spiritual renewal and prophetic action. Her legacy challenges us to continue the work of racial justice within our own communities, and to ensure that the church remains a voice for the voiceless in the ongoing and heightened struggle for civil rights.