The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has completed canvassing the votes of annual conferences on the four constitutional amendments that were approved by the 2024 General Conference.
By The Book of Discipline (BOD) any proposed constitutional amendments require ratification by annual conferences. The results are canvassed, certified and announced by the Council of Bishops.
Here is the summary of Votes by Annual Conferences
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Amendment
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Total “Yes” Votes
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Total “No” Votes
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% of “Yes” Votes
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Amendment 1
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34,148
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3,124
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91.6%
|
|
Amendment 11
|
33,895
|
2,920
|
92.0%
|
|
Amendment 111
|
33,875
|
2,989
|
91.9%
|
|
Amendment 1V
|
33,952
|
2,792
|
92.4%
|
|
|
|
|
|
The four proposed constitutional amendments are as follows:
- Regionalization
A set of amendments to create new regional conferences that will each have equal power to adapt portions of the BOD within their respective regions.
- Inclusiveness of the Church
An amendment to add the words “gender” and “ability” to Paragraph 4, Article 4 of The UMC Constitution to categories that cannot be used to exclude membership in The United Methodist Church.
- Racial Justice
An amendment to strengthen Article V of The UMC Constitution by explicitly recognizing the church’s role in combating racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege, and white supremacy.
- Educational Requirements for Clergy
General Conference voted to amend Section VI, Article IV of The United Methodist Church Constitution, which establishes the educational requirements for clergy members of annual or provisional conferences who are eligible to votefor clergy delegates to the General Conference.
With today's announcement of the annual conferences votes, the four amendments which garnered more than the required two-thirds majority become effective immediately.
"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 strengthens our world-wide connection to serve faithfully and inclusively in every context," said Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops.
A Letter of Accordance from Bishop
Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai
“You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all,” Ephesians 4:4-6 (CEB).
I had the honor of joining my episcopal colleagues last week at the November 2025 Council of Bishops meeting to canvass the votes for the constitutional amendments passed at the 2024 General Conference. After many years as a General Conference delegate, I am accustomed to constitutional amendments failing. Indeed, in 2018, amendments addressing the equality of women did not receive enough support to be ratified. But Wednesday, November 5, told a different story.
Constitutional amendments on regionalization, racial and gender justice, inclusiveness, and educational requirements for voting clergy delegates all passed with 90+ percent majorities. It was historic. And it took a moment to process that we are a different church. We are a church that is becoming one. That does not mean that we are exactly alike or that we agree on every issue. But in Christ we are becoming one in identity and mission.
And friends, this is neither our work nor our great achievement. It is the work of Christ who through the cross broke down the walls that divide us. It also is the work of the Holy Spirit who continues to lead us toward greater unity in Christ.
And the gift of our unity is that we can be a powerful witness in a fractured and divided world.
So please join me in a season of prayer for our United Methodist Church. We have much prayer ahead as we move away from colonial structures and toward greater contextual freedom that regionalization can bring.
We have much prayer ahead as we grow in our commitments to justice and inclusion for all of God’s children. We have much prayer ahead as we grow in our unity as a worldwide church and as we carry out our vision to love boldly, to serve joyfully and to lead courageously as one. *Anyone that is interested in learning more about what the Bishop is saying can find the link in last month’s Home Branch.
To God be the Glory!
Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai
Iowa and IGRC Episcopal Areas
Introducing the 2025 Iowa Conference Advent Devotions: This Moment Matters
As we enter the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, we turn again to God’s promises of peace, healing, joy, and abundant life.
These scriptures call us to prepare for the coming reign of God and to live faithfully in the realities of our world today. In this spirit, key leaders across the Iowa Annual Conference are preparing a series of Advent devotions connected to the denomination’s “This Moment Matters” campaign, sponsored by Global Ministries, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and UMCOR. Read more at www.iaumc.org.
