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Council of Bishops

Ecumenism
The United Methodist Council of Bishops and leaders of The United Church of Canada have approved an interim covenant between their denominations. The agreement includes their intent to bring a full communion proposal for the approval of the United Methodist General Conference and the United Church’s General Council, which are both scheduled to meet in 2028. Logos courtesy of United Methodist Communications and with permission of The United Church of Canada.

United Methodists bolster ties in Canada
The United Methodist Church and United Church of Canada have formed an interim covenant with the goal of full communion. Driving the move is increased migration to Canada.
Church History
A 1961 map shows the location of churches and the borders of episcopal areas within the Central Jurisdiction, which the Methodist Church established to segregate Black members from the wider church. The union that formed The United Methodist Church in 1968 dissolved the Central Jurisdiction. During the Council of Bishops spring meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., bishops explored the legacy of the Central Jurisdiction as denominational leaders consider changes to the geographic jurisdictional system. Image courtesy of Archives and History.

Lessons from past shape jurisdictions’ future
United Methodist bishops learned more about the legacy of the segregated Central Jurisdiction and history of the jurisdictional system, as leaders contemplate possible changes to that system.
Bishops
Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone, who also leads the Indiana Conference, delivers her final presidential address during the bishops’ spring meeting in Jacksonville, Fla. She challenged the bishops to let go of anxiety about the institution and see how God is forming the church for the future. Screen shot courtesy of the Council of Bishops via Facebook by UM News.

Bishops urged to stop looking backward
In a time of great instability and injustice, United Methodist Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone encouraged fellow church leaders to move beyond institutional anxieties and be formed anew as witnesses for Christ.
Human Rights
Immigration Law and Justice Network has released an update on the impact of President Trump’s immigration policies, including an overview of what rights people have in interacting with immigration enforcement. However, the United Methodist ministry acknowledges asserting those rights, including the Fourth Amendment’s protections, now carries a greater risk. Parchment image by Safwan Thottoli, courtesy of Unsplash; map image by OpenClipart-Vectors, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Know your rights when they’re under threat
United Methodist legal experts have released updated guidance for interacting with federal immigration enforcement, but they also note that asserting constitutional rights now carries more risks.

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