General Conference Issue: new bishop nominee

This year’s General Conference in Miami, FL will be historic and symbolic for many reasons, not least of all because Rev. Eduardo Llanes has been nominated as the first bishop of the Southeast Conference. Established in 1990 with 27 congregations, the Southeast Conference today is one of the North American BIC church’s most dynamic growth areas. As moderator Warren Hoffman notes, “The appointment of a resident bishop at this point seems to be a natural progression for leadership in the SE Conference.”

Originally from Cuba, Eduardo has served with the Brethren in Christ since 1985 as a pastor and most recently, an associate bishop to Craig Sider, who currently serves as bishop of both the Southeast and Atlantic Conferences. A brief biography describing Eduardo’s journey in ministry can be found in this issue of Momentum.

As bishop, Eduardo will be responsible to the moderator and mutually accountable to Leadership Council, which includes the other bishops. He will complete Craig Sider’s unexpired term, 2006 - 2008. John Byers will continue to serve as an associate bishop, giving oversight to the English-speaking congregations of the conference, and performing various administrative roles for the conference.

The Board of Directors in the Southeast Conference nominated Eduardo in 2005 and at their meeting in February, the General Conference Board confirmed his nomination as bishop. At the annual meeting of the Southeast Conference on April 28-29, delegates voted to confirm Llanes' election. Beginning August 1, Llanes will oversee congregations across the Southeast with the help of associate bishop John Byers. He will be installed during the Saturday evening worship service at General Conference.

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