Bishop Estrella Opens New Doors as First Female Bishop to Serve in Philippines

In November 2022, Dale Jones, Wespath’s managing director of Church Relations, and Bill Kavanaugh, Wespath’s chief operating officer, traveled to Cabanatuan City in the Philippines Central Conference to witness a groundbreaking moment in UMC history: the election of the first female bishop to serve in the Philippines—Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella.

Bishop Estrella zealously devoted her whole life to The United Methodist Church and accomplished a great deal throughout her ministry, earning her the distinction of “first” in many roles prior to her election, including:

• First and only woman district superintendent of the Philippines Annual Conference, during which she served more than 10 years.
• First-ever woman administrative pastor of the Central United Methodist Church in Manila.
• First clergyperson to be elected treasurer of the Philippines Central Conference.

In April, Wespath was excited to welcome all three recently elected bishops from the Philippines Central Conference to the agency’s campus (just outside Chicago, Illinois). Bishop Estrella graciously dedicated time to speaking with Michelle Robinson, Church Relations Specialist, about how she navigates the trials and tribulations and thrilling new opportunities that come with being a female trailblazer for the Church.

Q: How has the transition to the first female bishop in the Philippines Central Conference been for you and have you encountered any challenges?

A: Before being elected bishop, I was first appointed as a pastor in the rural area. They have a strong resistance to women pastors—they argue it’s written in the Bible and are accustomed to pastors being male. It was even more difficult when I was appointed as first clergywoman district superintendent of Philippines Annual Conference. I was also very young then, and with just 11 years in ministry.

As a clergywoman you have to prove yourself and earn people’s respect. So, for me, I just do my ministry with the grace and wisdom that comes from God. Now when I discuss issues with pastors who are my senior and male, they cooperate.

At first, I had no intention of pursuing episcopacy—it’s a big responsibility and there is great resistance in electing a female bishop [in the Philippines], from both men and women, but the endorsement of my female supporters pushed me to go through with it. There is still opposition, but people have become more accepting.

Q: Given the challenges you continue to face, what drives you to do your work and motivates you to be patient?

A: I hold onto the idea that the Lord called me to this ministry, and so I give it everything I have. If I ever doubt my position as bishop, I tell myself that I didn’t seek it, but rather it was meant to be, by God, and that gives me the strength to continue.

After my first [pastoral] appointment in a rural area, I went back to my home church because I didn’t think becoming a pastor was for me. But after three years, I returned because the Lord called me again, and when the Lord calls, you answer. I knew there was no other path for me.

Q: As the first female bishop, do you feel like your election will open doors for women to follow in your footsteps and pursue higher positions inside or outside of the Church?

A: Yes, I do. The women’s group is fighting for a place in the episcopal table and my election, no matter how difficult, opened the gate for other women clergy. The reason I was initially hesitant to enter my candidacy was because I saw other clergywomen who are more qualified than I am. But I know their time will come and I hope it is soon.

Q: Switching gears a bit, what do Wespath and the Central Conference Pensions (CCP) program mean to you?

A: I have always been very grateful for Wespath and the CCP program, but it wasn’t until I was elected treasurer that I realized the extent of their impact and came to truly appreciate what you do for us. I value all the support Wespath provides—not just the financial support, but the moral and spiritual support as well.

I have a big vision for the central conference budget and that is why we are aggressively investing, because we know [we can] trust Wespath. Protecting and growing funds for our clergy should be one of the pillars of the central conference.

Q: How does the pension received from Wespath impact the retired clergy, surviving spouses and dependent children in the area?

A: Pensioners often express their gratitude for Wespath’s unwavering support. There are clergy who are facing many challenges, such as health issues, who benefit a great deal from these funds. If it wasn’t for Wespath, many of them would not be receiving pensions at all.

Q: One final question. What makes you hopeful for the future of the Church?

A: I always say that the Church was founded by Jesus Christ and the gates of Hell cannot prevail against it. We are facing a lot of challenges, but I know that God is greater than these challenges and with God at our side, we shall overcome and the possibilities are endless.

I’m very hopeful no matter what happens in the 2024 General Conference, and I pray we will still be together working for the mission of Christ.

Once again, we would like to thank Bishop Estrella for sharing the story of her ministerial journey with us, as well as her passion and optimism for the future of the Church. A video of the interview is available below.