Bishop James B. Walker

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

CME Strategic Plan

CME Strategic Plan Analysis

Third District

First District

Second District

Sixth District

Fifth District

Fourth District

Seventh District

Eighth District

Ninth District

Tenth District

Eleventh District

Biographical Snapshot

Bishop James B. Walker is the 56th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, elected during the historic 37th General Conference in Mobile, Alabama. A native of Boley, Oklahoma, he is recognized for his extensive background in urban development and legislative advocacy. He currently serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District.

Current Roles & Leadership

Presiding Prelate: Seventh Episcopal District, CME Church.
Episcopacy: Elected as the first of five bishops in a historic 2010 class that included the first female and first indigenous African bishops.

Ecclesiastical Career

Pastoral Leadership: Served for 27 years as the pastor of Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Hartford, Connecticut. Under his leadership, the church constructed a new worship center and acquired a major office complex.
Regional Oversight: Served as the interim Presiding Elder of the New York-New England District.
Early Ministry: Previously pastored Trinity CME Church (Toccoa, GA) and Sykes Memorial CME Church (Oklahoma City, OK).

Education & Academic Background

Undergraduate Degree: Graduate of Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma.
Master of Divinity: Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Academic Service: Former Interim Dean and Adjunct Faculty at Hartford Seminary.

Historical Service & Contributions

Community Development: Founder and first Executive Director of the North Star Center for Human Development, Inc., which secured federal funding for a 40-unit senior housing community.
Social Advocacy: Co-chaired the Interfaith Fellowship for Universal Health Care, playing a key role in passing Connecticut’s landmark Sustinet legislation in 2009.
Civic Engagement: Served as a Commissioner on the City of Hartford Planning and Zoning Board and founded the Queen Esther Ministry for faith-based adoption and foster care.
Ecumenical Leadership: Former President of the Greater Hartford Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.

Personal Life

Bishop Walker is married to Delois Woody-Walker. They have two daughters and one grandson. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.