Three Bishops of Central and Southern Europe

On Saturday, June 20, 2015, members of Switzerland-France-North Africa Annual Conferences and visitors experienced a touching moment.

Bishop Dr. Franz W. Schäfer (94) celebrated 70 years of service in the United Methodist Church (1945-2015). In 1966 he was elected bishop of the United Methodist Church, and during the following 23 years he provided leadership to the churches of the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe. Today he is the longest-serving bishop of the UMC worldwide.

Bishop Heinrich Bolleter (74) celebrated 50 years of service in the United Methodist Church (1965-2015). Elected as successor of Bishop Schäfer, he served as bishop of the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe from 1989 to 2006.

Bishop Dr. Patrick Ph. Streiff (59) was elected bishop 10 years ago (2005) and assumed responsibility for the further development of the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe in 2006.

Three men – immediately consecutive bishops of the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe of The United Methodist Church from 1966 to 2015 – 85 years of episcopacy altogether! Members and friends in the 16 countries of the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe rejoice over the anniversaries and give thanks to God for the committed service, the inspiring leadership, the sustainable hope, and the faithful perseverance of these three exceptional leaders and servants.

Source: Urs Schweizer, Assistant to Bishop Patrick Streiff, Zurich
Date: June 22, 2015