Support UM News at General Conference: Your gift ensures that you and other visitors receive the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and diverse perspectives from General Conference.

Council of Bishops

Bishops
Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone, who also leads the Indiana Conference, officiates at Holy Communion at closing worship for the Council of Bishops meeting, April 27-May 2 in Chicago. During the meeting, the bishops unveiled a new vision statement that they plan to help the denomination live out. Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops.

Bishops work to put new vision into action

United Methodist bishops spent much of their spring meeting exploring how they can help fellow churchgoers love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously.
Judicial Council
Council of President Tracy S. Malone (center), who also leads the Indiana Conference, addresses her fellow bishops and those watching on livestream on May 2, final day of the Council of Bishops 2025 spring meeting in Chicago. The bishops released a statement late that day trying to ease concerns about a Judicial Council ruling on same-sex weddings. Sitting beside Malone, from left, are Horizon Texas Conference Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., president-designate, and Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, secretary. Holston leads the Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama conferences. Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops.

Bishops respond to same-sex wedding ruling

United Methodist bishops seek to ease concerns after the denomination’s top court ruled that trustees cannot bar a pastor from officiating at same-sex weddings within church walls.
General Church
In her presidential address, Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone outlines the challenges facing United Methodists — including the need to rebuild after church disaffiliations and take on the rise of cruelty and erosion of human rights. Malone, who also leads the Indiana Conference, was speaking to bishops meeting in Chicago this week. Photo by Paul Gómez, United Methodist Communications.

Bishops urged to confront rising cruelty

As The United Methodist Church rebuilds, Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone challenged her fellow bishops to address inhumanity and act with the compassion of Christ.
Bishops
United Methodist bishops from the Philippines, Africa and the U.S. pray during morning worship Nov. 6. The Council of Bishops joined together in worship each day of its Nov. 3-8 meeting at Epworth by the Sea Conference Center on St. Simons Island, Ga. The bishops also took on a number of challenges facing The United Methodist Church. Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops.

Bishops zero in on challenges ahead

As The United Methodist Church starts a new season, bishops discussed financial concerns and ministry needs ahead — including faith formation and care for immigrants.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Loading

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved