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Thomas J. Bickerton
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton,
one of the youngest bishops in the United Methodist Church, is
spiritual leader of the approximately 900 United Methodist congregations
in Western Pennsylvania. Holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree
in sociology and psychology from West Virginia Wesleyan College,
a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School,
and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological School,
he also serves as an adjunct faculty member at United Theological
School teaching Wesleyan doctrine and United Methodist polity.
Having served many congregations
with distinction in West Virginia, where he grew up, Rev. Dr.
Bickerton was elected bishop in 2004, and was also appointed
president of United Methodist Communications, currently serving
as the denomination's spokesperson for the Nothing but Nets anti-malaria
campaign. In this capacity he has played a significant role
in elevating awareness of the issues surrounding poverty and
its root causes in areas of the globe in which malaria, HIV /
AIDS, and tuberculosis still claim so many lives. Bishop Bickerton's
life and ministry have also been shaped significantly through
involvement in Volunteer in Mission experiences that have given
him opportunity to gain a global perspective. He has joined
work teams to aid flood victims in his home state, as well as
other work efforts in Mexico, Argentina, Russia, and the Gulf
Coast. He has also traveled with groups to Israel, and has traveled
extensively on behalf of The United Methodist Church on the continent
of Africa. |
