Judicial Council Docket

Judicial Council
The Judicial Council has set its shortest fall docket in years. The United Methodist Church’s top court continues to face questions about the application of the denomination’s disaffiliation policy. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Short docket brings more church-exit questions

The United Methodist Church’s Judicial Council has set its shortest fall docket in years, but it continues to face questions related to church exits and the COVID-delayed General Conference.
Judicial Council
The Book of Discipline contains the rules that guide The United Methodist Church. The Judicial Council — the denomination’s top court — faces multiple questions related to how to interpret Disciplinary provisions about General Conference. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Church court deals with General Conference delay

Three United Methodist annual conferences, including one in Africa, have asked the denomination’s highest court to rule on the ramifications of General Conference’s third postponement since the onset of COVID. The Judicial Council also faces more questions about church disaffiliations.
Judicial Council
Members of the 2016-2020 Judicial Council. (From left) Front row: Deanell Reece Tacha, N. Oswald Tweh Sr., the Rev. Luan-Vu Tran. Back row: Lydia Romão Gulele, the late Ruben T. Reyes, the Rev. Øyvind Helliesen, the Rev. Dennis Blackwell, and the Rev. J. Kabamba Kiboko. (Not pictured, Beth Capen) The Judicial Council released three decisions June 6. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Church court releases 3 decisions

The United Methodist Church’s top court released the final rulings of its fall docket, including a decision raising constitutional issues with a longtime provision of church law. Looking ahead, the Judicial Council faces more questions related to disaffiliations.
Judicial Council
Attendees of the 2017 Kentucky Annual Conference in Bowling Green, Ky., raise their arms in prayer during a "Worshipful Work, Plenary." On May 10, The Judicial Council released a ruling that says U.S. annual conferences cannot disaffiliate from the denomination under current church law. File photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

Church court: Conferences can’t exit unilaterally

The United Methodist Church’s top court ruled that current church law does not allow annual conferences in the U.S. to withdraw from the denomination.

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