Bishop John L. Hopkins

At the close of their fall meeting, the United Methodist Council of Bishops approved the extension of retired Bishop John L. Hopkins as Northern Illinois Conference Interim Bishop past the initial end date of  December 31, 2021. 

The North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops called to extend Bishop Hopkins' assignment in the Northern Illinois Conference until either new episcopal elections are held within the jurisdiction, or another plan for episcopal coverage is brought to the Council of Bishops.

In 2020, the NCJ College of Bishops made a plan to cover for retiring bishops and Bishop Hopkins agreed to serve in the interim through 2021. With the North Central Jurisdiction Conference postponement until 2022, the College of Bishops said they needed to extend the interim assignments, including Michigan Conference Bishop David Bard also covering the Minnesota Conference and Iowa Conference Bishop Laurie Haller also covering the Dakotas Conference. 

While not necessarily in his plans, Hopkins said he joyfully accepts another year of interim assignment with the Northern Illinois Conference.

"I thought my interim ministry would be concluding soon. I thought the pandemic would be over by the end of summer. Last October, I thought we could have an in-person annual conference," Bishop Hopkins said. "Although my expectations have not turned out, I have been surprised by the blessing of serving in Northern Illinois. I continue to meet people with a love of Jesus and his Church. I am surrounded by people who want the Kingdom of God to be on earth as in heaven. I am inspired by your faith, hope, and love."

Bishop Hopkins thanks all the churches, clergy, and laity in the Northern Illinois Conference for welcoming him and his wife this past year.

"Northern Illinois already feels like home to Elaine and me," said Bishop Hopkins. "Staying in a place you love with people you love is a blessing. God is good."