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Council of Bishops

Comprising active and retired bishops from across the globe, the Council of Bishops provides spiritual guidance, administrative oversight, and prophetic witness for The United Methodist Church. Each bishop is elected by their jurisdictional or central conference and assigned to an episcopal area, where they ordain clergy and appoint pastors to local churches.

United Methodist bishops gathered together

From the Council

Stay informed with the latest news, ecumenical work, and ministry initiatives from the Council of Bishops.

News

News

The latest updates, statements, and announcements from the Council of Bishops.
Ecumenical

Ecumenical

Building bridges with other Christian traditions and faith communities worldwide.
Ministries

Ministries

Programs and initiatives led by the Council to equip congregations and clergy.

United Methodist Bishops

Meet the bishops who provide spiritual and administrative leadership across the global United Methodist connection.

How Bishops Serve

Bishops carry a range of responsibilities that span pastoral care, administrative leadership, and global engagement.

Spiritual Leadership

Bishops provide pastoral and administrative leadership to annual conferences, setting the spiritual direction for clergy and laity across their episcopal areas.

Ordination & Appointment

Bishops ordain clergy, appoint pastors to local churches, and ensure that each congregation has the leadership it needs to fulfill its mission.

Ecumenical Engagement

Bishops represent the UMC in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, building relationships with other Christian traditions and faith communities worldwide.

Denominational Governance

Bishops chair general church boards and agencies, serve on denominational committees, and help coordinate the connectional work of the church.

Teaching & Equipping

The Council's mission is teaching, equipping, and encouraging clergy and laity in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Events & Resources

Find upcoming gatherings and access reports, statements, and materials from the Council.

Events

Events

Upcoming meetings, services, and gatherings hosted by the Council of Bishops.
Resources

Resources

Statements, reports, and materials from the Council for clergy and laity.

Questions About the Council of Bishops

Understanding episcopal leadership in The United Methodist Church.

Connected Through Leadership

Bishops serve as the spiritual and administrative bridge between local congregations and the global United Methodist connection.

Our StructureGeneral Conference