06/19/2026
Dear Holston Conference Family,
Today, we join communities across our nation in observing Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the announcement of freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.
Juneteenth is both a celebration and a remembrance. It is a celebration of freedom, resilience, faith, and hope. It is also a reminder of the painful history of slavery and racism that has shaped our nation and continues to impact our communities today.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to remember our history honestly while embracing God’s vision for a more just and compassionate world. Scripture reminds us that every person is created in the image of God and that in Christ, we are called to be one body, united in love and mutual respect.
Throughout the history of the Church, people of faith have played important roles in both confronting injustice and advancing freedom. We give thanks for those whose courage, perseverance, and witness helped bring about change, often at great personal cost. We also recognize that the work of reconciliation, understanding, and justice remains an ongoing calling for all who seek to follow Christ.
On this Juneteenth, I invite us to pause and give thanks for the gift of freedom. Let us celebrate the rich contributions of Black Americans whose faith, leadership, and service have strengthened both our nation and the Church. Let us also recommit ourselves to listening, learning, and growing together as disciples of Jesus Christ.
As the Holston Conference seeks to love boldly together, may this day inspire us to build communities marked by grace, understanding, and genuine belonging. May we continue the work of becoming a people who reflect God’s love more fully, honor the dignity of every person, and bear faithful witness to the hope of Christ in our world.
May God grant us wisdom, courage, and grace as we journey together.
As always, it is a joy to serve as your bishop.
Blessings,
Debra Wallace-Padgett
Resident Bishop
Holston and West Virginia Conferences
