The United Methodist Council of Bishops has the authority to call jurisdictional conferences this year to elect and assign new episcopal leaders in the U.S. However, that authority does not extend to changing the Sept. 1 date when church law says newly elected U.S. bishops officially take office, the denomination’s top court ruled in Decision 1445.
Bishops to chart future of denomination, welcome new leaders
In the wake of disruptions and postponements due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the more than 100 bishops of The United Methodist Church will meet once again in a virtual gathering April 25 to April 29, 2022, to discuss the future course of the denomination.
Bishops urge prayer for peace and safety in Ukraine
Bishop John Schol called on EPAUMC members Friday to pray, “particularly in your worship services this weekend for the people of Ukraine and for peace in the region.” He reported that the UMC’s Council of Bishops discussed in a called …
US bishops take on expanded assignments
Starting Sept 1, United Methodist bishops across the United States will take on additional work as some of their colleagues retire. With the second pandemic-caused delay of General Conference, the Council of Bishops also has postponed the jurisdictional conferences that elect …
Bishops: No episcopal elections until 2022
The Council of Bishops held fast to its plans to delay electing any new leaders until after the postponed General Conference, despite some delegates’ calls for elections this year. Read More
Bishops to decide ‘Way Forward’ proposal, change leaders
In its historic spring meeting, April 29 to May 4, in Chicago, the UMC’s Council of Bishops is expected to certify five constitutional amendments ratified by annual conferences, elect new council leaders and finalize its recommendations on “A Way Forward” …
Bishops’ task force cites core values for episcopal leadership
The Council of Bishops Task Force on Human Sexuality, Gender and Race has issued a report for members of the Council of Bishops outlining a list of seven core values formulated for council members and the denomination. Task force members …
Eastern PA members called to pray for General Conference 2016
On Jan. 6 the Eastern PA Conference will become one of the first annual conferences in The United Methodist Church to engage in a full day of prayer…