Bishop James Edward Swanson Sr., Resident Bishop of the Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church, was honored on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, with Senate Resolution 22, saluting his extensive string of achievements and for being the first African American to lead the Mississippi United Methodist denomination. His tenure began September 1, 2012, but Bishop Swanson was elected a bishop of the United Methodist Church during the 2004 Southeastern Conference.
Bishop Swanson is currently completing his second quadrennium (2016-2020) as President of the General Commission of United Methodist Men. Bishop Swanson is a member of the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Emory University, Gammon Theological Seminary, Rust College and Millsaps College.
Bishop Swanson is shown standing with wife Delphine Yvonne Ramsey Swanson as Senator Bart Williams, primary author of the resolution, presents it. Also shown from left are: Senators Michael McLendon, Ben Suber, Hillman T. Frazier, Brice Wiggins, John Horhn, Tyler McCaughn, Briggs Hopson, Lydia Chassaniol, Dr. David Parker, and Nicole Boyd.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, members of Bishop Swanson’s entourage in the gallery during the presentation, but were recognized.
