CST Alum Sandy Olewine Elected Bishop

CST alum Rev. Sandy Olewine speaking after being elected as a bishop by the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. Also pictured, Bishop Mary Ann Swenson (left) and CST President and retired bishop Grant Hagiya (right). (Photo by Patrick Scriven (PNW) for the Western Jurisdiction.)

CST celebrates alum Rev. Sandy Olewine (MDiv, ‘86), who was elected as a bishop by The United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction on July 12.

After being elected at the Western Jurisdiction’s meeting in Spokane, WA, Olewine shared her gratitude and vision for the future.

“We did amazing work at General Conference,” Olewine said referring to the recent repeal of the UMC’s ban on LGBTQ+ clergy members, “but we are not yet an inclusive church.” She noted the need to address issues like widespread hunger, lack of housing, and the rise of Christian nationalism, as well as people’s fundamental need for a sense of belonging. “We have work to do,” Olewine said. “I am honored and humbled, and I promise you that together we’re going to do that work.”

Olewine had previously served as senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Pasadena, as well as in a wide array of other ministry positions – including as associate pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles under the leadership of the late pastor and civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson (read President Hagiya’s statement on his passing by clicking here). She also previously served on the National Conference of Christians and Jews, as theologian in residence at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem, and as the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries liaison to Jerusalem for 10 years, working diligently towards peace and justice in Palestine/Israel.

The CST community congratulates Bishop Olewine and looks forward to her continued ministry to the church and world! 

Hear Bishop Olewine reflect on her time at CST and the importance of continuing our school’s mission by clicking below!
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CST alum Rev. Sandy Olewine (MDiv) is consecrated as bishop during a 2024 Western Jurisdictional Conference service on July 13, 2024. She is surrounded by, among others, CST alums Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth (MDiv), Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank (MDiv), and CST President and retired bishop Grant Hagiya (MA, MDiv, DMin). (Photo by Patrick Scriven (PNW) for the Western Jurisdiction.)