First female bishop elected to North Ala. Conference of UMC - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

First female bishop elected to North Ala. Conference of UMC

Posted: Updated:
By Janet Hall - bio | email
Debra Wallace Padgett is the new bishop for the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. Source: WBRC video Debra Wallace Padgett is the new bishop for the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. Source: WBRC video
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

A new bishop is on the job at the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. Bishop Debra Wallace Padgett is the first woman elected to the position.

She is still unpacking boxes as she moves from Lexington, Ky., where she led St. Luke United Methodist Church.

The bishop says she doesn't emphasize the fact she's a woman, but instead focuses on renewal of the United Methodist Church.

"I don't focus on the gender piece rather I've come to understand as I get to know people and serve is that the key is relationships and leadership and service together," Wallace-Padgett said.

"My vision is that we will become more and more effective at reaching persons for Jesus Christ and as we do that we will have a positive impact not only on lives of individuals but also the communities in which we are serving," she added.

Padgett will oversee more than 700 churches across Alabama.

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.