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.
Judicial Council to review church-exit rules
The UMC’s top court will address a new church law that allows congregations to leave with property and the deadline for submitting legislation to the pandemic-postponed General Conference.