Statesboros Sharma Lewis makes history

Named first African-American woman in the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church

Joy is evident as the Rev. Sharma Lewis, center, of the North Georgia Conference is elected a United Methodist bishop on the first ballot Wednesday by the denominations Southeastern Jurisdiction. Lewis gives her mother Alethia Lewis as hug after being the first African-American woman to be elected bishop by that jurisdiction. - photo by Ansley Brackin/United Methodist Church

Bishop Sharma Web — Joy is evident as the Rev. Sharma Lewis, center, of the North Georgia Conference is elected a United Methodist bishop on the first ballot Wednesday by the denominations Southeastern Jurisdiction. Lewis gives her mother Alethia Lewis as hug after being the first African-American woman to be elected bishop by that jurisdiction. - photo by Ansley Brackin/United Methodist Church

A former Statesboro resident made history by being elected as the first African-American woman in the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. Rev. Sharma Lewis “served with distinction at the North Georgia Annual Conference and has great character, administrative ability and is a passionate preacher,” said the Rev. Jimmy Cason, pastor of Statesboro First United Methodist Church. “I have known her family for a long time, and she has made history,” he said Friday.

Local

Local