A retired United Methodist bishop who has written a popular series of Bible studies will speak this weekend in Lawrence.

The Rev. Richard B. Wilke, former bishop in Arkansas who also served as pastor at several Kansas congregations, will preach on “The Bible, Our Church and Homosexuality” at two services Sunday at First United Methodist Church – at 9 a.m. at the church’s west campus, 867 Highway 40, and at 11 a.m. at its downtown location, 946 Vt.

He also will participate in a discussion on homosexuality in the church at 12:30 p.m., also downtown. A lunch will precede the discussion at noon.

Wilke currently is bishop in residence at Southwestern College in Winfield. He is author of the “Disciple” Bible series, which has been used by more than 30 denominations in nearly 20 countries.

He also is author of “The Tie That Binds,” which is scheduled for release in April 2008. In that book, he argues for the inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and identities in the United Methodist Church.

Wilke and his wife were honored with the naming of the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College, which aims to provide “educational opportunities that nurture and enrich Christian leaders, lay and clergy, for effective living and ministry.”