Personal Endorsements of Todd’s Candidacy and Character

Todd was endorsed as an episcopal candidate by the West Ohio General and Jurisdictional Conference delegations in 2020. The West Ohio Annual Conference affirmed the recommendation of the General and Jurisdictional Conference delegations’ support of Todd as an episcopal candidate in 2022.

This endorsement is from Black Pastors, both active and retired, who served with The Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson in West Ohio Annual Conference. We believe he has the necessary gifts and graces to serve in the office of a Bishop, in particular during this crucial time in life of the church! We therefore support his candidacy and his service as someone who has, can and will continue to make sure all voices are heard. Pastor Todd demonstrates that he is a strategic team builder who will work collaboratively to build a loving an inclusive community in The United Methodist Church.

Rev. Curnell Graham, Columbus, Ohio / Rev. Leo Cunningham, Columbus, Ohio / Rev. Karen Cook, Regional Missional Specialist, West Ohio Conference / Dr. Jocelyn Roper, Retired Superintendent, Miami Valley District / Rev. Don Wilson, Dayton, Ohio / Rev. Alethea Botts, Cincinnati, Ohio / Rev. Jeanine Walker, Cincinnati, Ohio / Rev. Roland Moore, Retired, Toledo Ohio / Rev. Paula Stewart, Cincinnati, Ohio / Rev. Peter Matthews, Dayton, Ohio / Rev. Donnetta Peaks, Director, Office of Ministry, West Ohio Conference / Rev. April Casperson, Director of Enrollment Management, Methodist Theological School in Ohio

As the Convener of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, West Ohio Chapter, it is a personal pleasure, on behalf of the Chapter, to endorse the episcopal candidacy of the Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson. Many have witnessed Todd’s desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ and lead in the Wesleyan tradition of personal piety, social holiness, and vital congregational life as he has served as a pastor and District Superintendent. He is guided by the Holy Spirit that drives an aspiration to see the church experience and share the love and grace of Christ, so that it can fulfill its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The church is vital when it reaches new people for Christ, matures in knowledge and the practices of discipleship, and serves the economically poor, the socially vulnerable, and all others who have been marginalized by the church and the world. Without reservation the MFSA West Ohio Chapter endorses Todd Anderson, a justice-seeking, person of faith whose call to work toward a more justice-filled church, nation and whose episcopal leadership could further this effort.

- Linda Young, Convener, Methodist Federation for Social Action, West Ohio Chapter

Dr. Todd Anderson is a joy-filled follower of Jesus; an all-inclusive, unconditional friend; a hands-on servant, who sees, calls out, and addresses injustice; and an inspiring spiritual leader who listens, meets people where they are, brings them to the redeeming love of Christ, and builds transformational community. We believe this is what it means to bring the Kingdom of God. The timing is right for his leadership style. A challenged church and a nation struggling in its divisions await.

How do we know this? As Associate Minister, Dr. Todd Anderson ushered us into new membership at Trinity United Methodist Church in Columbus more than twenty years ago. Within a couple years, Todd became Senior Pastor at St. Paul’s UMC in Defiance, but he did not leave our friendship behind. Todd and Patti reached out to us over the years and were very supportive of my (Jim’s) political career, which included serving Ohioans as State Auditor, Attorney General, and Chancellor of Higher Education. In those two decades we observed Todd’s growth as an outstanding spiritual leader in three churches. We were not surprised to see this leadership recognized when he was appointed District Superintendent, Ohio River Valley District, West Ohio Conference, and most recently Co-Senior Pastor of the vibrant Hyde Park Community UMC in Cincinnati.

Over these years, we began working with the Ohio Innocence Project and had discussions with Todd and Patti about the worst injustice a justice system can inflict, convicting an innocent person. Early on, this was a controversial subject in a “tough on crime” world, but Todd immediately saw the issue and its especially egregious impact on communities of color. Similarly, when we learned that our daughter is gay, and when she married, and our daughter and daughter-in-law each gave birth to our precious grandsons, Todd and Patti always responded in love.

Todd and I (Nancy) have often shared and discussed research and insights on the church, on its challenges in reversing declining membership and resonating with those who have been turned off or are not easy to reach. Not only does Todd have the faith, humility, and spiritual foundation for leadership, he also has the management experience and the strategic, creative, and visionary focus to build community that encourages positive change at a time when this is perhaps more critical than any in our lifetime.

Dr. Todd Anderson has a robust, warm laugh. He loves people, encourages lasting relationships, is devoted to the Methodist Church, and reflects the caring model of Jesus. We wholeheartedly support his Episcopal election.

- Nancy and Jim Petro, Authors of False Justice: Eight Myths That Convict the Innocent, Former Attorney General of the State of Ohio (Jim)

West Ohio United Women in Faith is proud to endorse the episcopal candidacy of Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson. Our longtime relationship has given us first-hand witness to Todd's dedication to the church and to the work of United Women in Faith. He lives out the core purpose and values of our organization: knowing God, appreciating the importance of community and fellowship, and understanding mission and global ministries. He is an impassioned advocate for those found on the margins and has stood with us in our work with women, children, and youth. Todd's continued leadership with the West Ohio Cooperative School of Christian Mission/Mission u, demonstrates his ability to bring together diverse groups with varied theological backgrounds uniting them around common goals of mission education and ministry. We know him to always bring a personal touch of compassion and joy in all that he does. The West Ohio United Women in Faith know Todd Anderson. We have seen him at work and we firmly believe that he is an episcopal leader “for such a time as this.”

- United Women in Faith, West Ohio Conference

I’ve served with Rev. Todd Anderson for almost a decade. He has exhibited an innate ability to read a situation and develop a strategic path to lead through it. Todd is very focused on a Church that is more reflective of God’s kingdom. He’s a pastor, an includer with a vision for a big tent church where everyone can feel at home. His experience in the local church and his time as Dean of a Cabinet coupled with his extensive cultural competency training have equipped him to be highly adaptive to a variety of contexts. These traits and experiences have prepared Todd to lead the UMC into this next season of uncertainty.

- Brad Aycock, Director of the Office of Fresh Starts & New Beginnings, West Ohio Conference

I endorse Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson for Bishop, a collaborative leader who leans in to listen to others. His ability to build partnerships, locally and missionally in the international Church, is exceptional. His non-anxious presence comes through as he practices cultural competence; Todd always seeks to understand and find common ground. At this important time in The United Methodist Church, Todd brings powerful, necessary gifts to the table.

- Rev. Dr. Cathy Johns, Elder, West Ohio Conference

Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson is a man of compassion, wisdom, and clarity of vision, who understands the complexity of issues facing the United Methodist Church. I have worked with Dr. Anderson in the life of the Annual Conference, a multiplicity of ways, most recently as a pastor in the Ohio River Valley District where Dr. Anderson, as District Superintendent, led the District with excellence. A Strategic thinker and passionate leader, Dr. Anderson loves God and those God loves, expressed through his leadership in the United Methodist Church. I would be proud to call Dr. Anderson my Bishop!

- Rev. Douglas Johns, Elder, West Ohio Conference

The Reconciling Ministry Network of the West Ohio Conference gladly endorses Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson as a candidate for bishop. Rev. Anderson has stated his desire to work toward a more inclusive United Methodist Church. As a local church pastor, district superintendent, and member of the Board of Ordained Ministry, he has also demonstrated support of LGBTQIA+ persons in the full life and ministry of the UMC. As the UMC moves forward toward a more perfect representation of the Kingdom of God, Rev. Anderson understands the realities and complexities episcopal leadership will require.

- Reconciling Ministry Network of the West Ohio Conference

Having worked with Rev. Dr. Todd D. Anderson over many years in three different appointments, I have had the opportunity to witness his many gifts and skills for leadership for leadership in the local church, as a District Superintendent, and throughout the UM connection globally.

Todd brings the gifts of love and positivity to the most difficult and complex issues of leadership, unlocking new possibilities for problem solving and transformation. He cares deeply about people close to home and around the world, especially those who might not traditionally be noticed or included. He offers a Gospel challenge, calling for faith and justice in all that he does, and maintaining strong relationships with those of diverse perspectives. Todd embraces all people with the love of Jesus Christ.

Todd cares deeply about United Methodist polity, practice, mission, and values. He has given himself fully to this work and will do the same if elected to serve as a Bishop.

- Rev. Dr. Suzanne Allen, Co-Senior Pastor, Hyde Park Community UMC

I offer my wholehearted endorsement of Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson for the Episcopacy. I am the founder and developer of Creating a Culture of Renewal (CCR), which specializes in empowering church leaders to be agents of renewal in their congregations and communities. I served as Todd’s CCR mentor coach for three years. Todd has a sharp mind; he quickly grasps the dynamics at play and leads with courage and integrity. His focus on innovation brings creative new ideas to fruition. Even more importantly, he knows how to assemble effective teams that get things done. Todd’s passion for the work of the Gospel never flagged, even under the most challenging circumstances. All of the above are important qualities for the executive tasks of a Bishop, whose primary role will be to craft a vision, build buy-in for the vision, and carry out the vision in a way that brings renewal to an entire region, while ensuring that all voices are heard. 

- Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, Founder and Developer, Creating a Culture of Renewal

The Leadership Team from Wilmington United Methodist Church has voted unanimously to endorse Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson to be elected Bishop in the North Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. During his time as District Superintendent assigned to Ohio River Valley our Leadership Team had wonderful interactions and support for the ministry in the community we serve. We believe in Dr. Anderson and his ability to lead the United Methodist Church as a Bishop in our Jurisdiction.

I have known Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson for around 40 years. Our history goes back to being members of the Kentucky Conference Youth Council. We were very young and voting delegates to The Kentucky Annual Conference. Todd was a little older than I was and much more knowledgeable than I was to the United Methodist Church. I learned much from Todd back then and continue to enjoy our friendship today.

I believe that Todd is truly the right person to be elected to the Episcopacy. Todd is one of the most strategic planners that I know. I have sat with Todd several times looking at new and creative ways to look at ministry in this new time that we find our church in.

As we are entering into a new time of rebirth in the United Methodist Church, we need visionaries that are not stuck in the past. We need vision that looks not just at numbers and dollar signs but at how we can be in ministry in unique and powerful ways in our community to share the love of Jesus Christ. We are in a new season for our church and need new and fresh leadership as we venture into the unknown. I am excited about the possibilities that could happen in the North Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church if Dr. Anderson is elected to the Episcopacy.

- Rev. R. Scott Miller, Lead Pastor, Wilmington United Methodist Church

Additional Endorsements

- Rev. David Meredith, Co-Pastor, Clifton United Methodist Church