The Great Plains Conference has provided a summary of the proposed constitutional amendments, including Regionalization. It is available for churches to download and print for their congregations.Clergy and lay members to annual conference will vote on four proposed amendments to The United Methodist Church constitution. Ballot 1 refers to Regionalization.
Regionalization updates the system of governance for The United Methodist Church by recognizing the diversity of cultures in our worldwide denomination, by better reflecting the growth of the church outside the United States, and by providing equity for followers of Jesus around the world. Multiple petitions associated with Regionalization passed the General Conference, some of which require amendments to the United Methodist Constitution. The basic doctrines of the church, the Council of Bishops, Judicial Council, General Agencies and General Conference all would be maintained.
The Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters is a permanent committee of General Conference that deals with matters in Central Conferences — regions in Africa, the Philippines and Europe. Most committee members are from those areas, though some come from the United States, including Rev. Amy Lippoldt, pastor at Wichita First United Methodist Church.
The Connectional Table, a leadership body that acts as a denomination-wide church council, initially prepared legislation to create a U.S. Regional Conference. That effort was then expanded by a grassroots group of Central Conference leaders who drafted what is known as the Christmas Covenant.
The standing committee built on that work to create the eight petitions that make up Worldwide Regionalization.
Six of our Great Plains delegates to General Conference explain what regionalization is, the benefits to United Methodists both inside and outside the United States, nuances of the legislation, how the plan came to be, and their outlook for the future if Regionalization passes with a two-thirds majority after an aggregate vote across all annual conferences around the world.
The changes that will be voted on as Regionalization are all tied to what was titled “Calendar Item 22,” which passed the General Conference 586-164 on April 25, 2024. That item was based on a 29-0 recommendation from the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters. Here is a summary of changes passed at General Conference requiring ratification:
Join with other United Methodists for a collaborative webinar featuring UMCOM, the Connectional Table, the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters, members of the Christmas Covenant writing team and The Council of Bishops. This session will examine the significance of worldwide regionalization in The United Methodist Church, its implications for the U.S. church and the consequences of inaction. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the ratification process, engage with key leaders, and explore how regionalization fosters adaptability, equity and mission effectiveness. Equip yourself with the knowledge and resources to navigate these changes, ask critical questions and advocate for the church’s future at the local level.
Moving Toward a More Equitable Era
Some Basics
Ask the UMC Series
Coming Soon
The United Methodist Church currently has central conferences on the African continent, in Europe and in the Philippines. More information about each of them can be found in these maps.
Download a printable version of the maps: