[News from New York Annual Conference of UMC | posted on 11.5.2025]
Constitutional Amendments Ratified by The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
November 5, 2025
Today, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church completed canvassing votes from Annual Conferences on the four constitutional amendments passed at the postponed 2020 General Conference.
The Book of Discipline requires that any proposed constitutional amendments must be ratified by Annual Conferences through a two-thirds vote. The Council of Bishops then canvasses, certifies, and announces the results. All four amendments have now been approved and are effective immediately.
“Today we received overwhelming confirmation that a new United Methodist Church is on the horizon, one that acknowledges the deeply divisive practices of our denomination that [are] based on colonialism and need to be put aside so that a church of equity honoring the gifts and graces of a global church can be put in place,” our Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton said, adding, “I celebrate this decision and look forward to the wonderful ways that regionalization will bless our mission and ministry moving forward.”
The Four Ratified Constitutional Amendments:
1) Regionalization
Creates new regional conferences with equal power to adapt portions of The Book of Discipline within their respective regions.
2) Inclusiveness of the Church
Adds “gender” and “ability” to Paragraph 4, Article 4 of the UMC Constitution as categories that cannot be used to exclude membership in The United Methodist Church.
3) Racial Justice
Strengthens Article V of the UMC Constitution by explicitly recognizing the church’s role in combating racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege, and white supremacy.
4) Educational Requirements for Clergy
Amends Section VI, Article IV regarding educational requirements for clergy members of annual or provisional conferences who are eligible to vote for clergy delegates to General Conference.?
According to Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops, “the ratification and certification of these constitutional amendments mark a defining moment in the continuing renewal and unity of The United Methodist Church. These amendments reflect the church’s rich diversity and deep commitment to live more fully into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and strengthen our worldwide connection to serve faithfully and inclusively in every context.”
The Vote:
Note: Some Annual Conferences have not yet voted. Those votes will be included in final totals when received but are not expected to affect the two-thirds majority needed for ratification.
For more information:
UMC Bishops Finish Canvassing of Amendments; All Four are Ratified? (COB Press Release)
United Methodist Church Structure Ratified (UM News)
Church Strengthens Stand on Inclusion, Racism (UM News)
How is the United Methodist Constitution Amended (UM Communications)
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