Bishop Julius C. Trimble

General Secretary

Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the general secretary of the General Board of Church and Society. From the authority of the United Methodist Church, he oversees the agency’s vision, mission and mandate for witness and action on issues of human well-being, justice, peace and the integrity of creation. He leads the agency in responding to critical social issues, facilitates the church’s legislative advocacy, and coordinates its priorities for the U.S. Congress.

Working in collaboration with official ecumenical and interfaith partners, Bishop Trimble also guides GBCS in advocating for international priorities with various government and non-governmental entities at the GBCS Church Center for the United Nations in New York City.

Bishop Julius C. Trimble was elected and consecrated a bishop by the North Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church in 2008. Following his episcopacy election, he served eight years as the resident bishop of the Iowa Conference. In 2016, he served eight more years as the resident bishop of the Indiana Episcopal Area/Indiana Annual Conference.

Before being elected to the Episcopacy, Bishop Trimble, was ordained a deacon and elder in the Northern Illinois Conference. He served two churches in his home conference before receiving an appointment in and transferring his membership to the East Ohio Conference. During his ministry in East Ohio, Trimble served churches in the Cleveland area and as the Superintendent of the Cleveland District.

He retired as Bishop on September 1, 2024, and commenced his role of General Secretary for the General Board of Church and Society.

“Committed to strengthening ecumenical and interfaith relationships, I’m passionate about encouraging United Methodists to follow the church’s Social Principles,” Bishop Trimble said. “I strive to nurture the denomination as it moves toward greater justice and fuller inclusion in the church and the world.”

Bishop Trimble, a graduate of Illinois State University, earned his Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, a Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio, and a Doctor of Divinity from United Theological Seminary for work in social justice.

Bishop Trimble enjoys traveling with his family and attending live theatre with his wife, First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble. He is a fan of all sports, but his greatest joy is being called “Papa” by his granddaughter, Corrine.

Email: gso@umcjustice.org
Phone: 202.488.5629