LETTER OF ASPIRATION

To Whom It May Concern,

The purpose of this letter is to formally announce my Candidacy for Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 2026. Numerous officers of the CME church, state and local elected officials, and community members with whom I have worked with during my pastoral career are in support of my candidacy.

I am a graduate of Southern Methodist University- Perkins School of Theology with a Master’s in Theological Studies, and I am currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree. I am the first female Presiding Elder of the Eighth Episcopal District presiding over the Greenville-Texarkana District in the East Texas Region. My previous pastoral assignments include: St. Luke C.M.E. Church, Miles Memorial C.M.E. Church, and St. Mark C.M.E. Church.

I served as a Delegate for the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, & 2022 General Conferences of the CME Church and was elected to the General Connection Board of the CME Church in 2010. In addition, I have served on the Joint Board of Finance and Ministerial Board of Examination for many years in the East Texas Region. I have preached and facilitated sessions on the Connectional level and was acknowledged as a “Women in Ministry Forerunner”. Earlier in my career, I was honored as “Female Pastor of the Year” by St. Paul C.M.E. Church and recognized for my Dedication and Service to the Community by the Longview Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc.

My sincere desire is to discover fresh, new perspectives to improve the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church without compromising the true essence of what our denomination believes and stands for. I look forward to working with you in the future. Thank you again for your support.

Sincerely,

 

Elder Diana Casteel

8th Episcopal District