Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
August 8, 2025
2026 COB Leadership Gathering will be held at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
WASHINGTON, D. C. – The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is thrilled to announce the location of the 2026 COB Leadership Gathering. This inspiring gathering will take place at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from October 20–24, 2026.
As the Council of Bishops builds upon the Church’s new bold vision, Bishop Tracy S. Malone, president of the Council of Bishops, offered this reflection:
“This gathering is about faithful leadership for such a time as this. We are being called to reimagine the Church—not to preserve what is familiar but to fulfill God’s calling and vision for our future. We will lean into the Spirit’s leading with boldness and humility, centering Christ in all we do, so that the witness of The United Methodist Church might be renewed, relevant, and rooted in justice, love, and hope.”
This pivotal event invites bishops, church leaders, lay and clergy members from around the globe to come together—not simply to discuss today’s challenges, but to dream, discern, and co-create the church of tomorrow.
Bishop Ruben Saenz, co-chair of the COB design team and president-designate of the Council of Bishops, expressed the dynamic hope guiding this gathering:
“In Calgary, we will dare to envision the church that the next generation will receive and embrace. This is our moment to listen deeply, innovate boldly, and rekindle the hope and imagination that propel us forward as one community of faith—so together, we can offer a vibrant future to all those who come after us.”
The 2026 Leadership Gathering is expected to overflow with fresh energy—thought-provoking keynotes, creative workshops, worship that awakens new possibilities, and opportunities to form life-changing connections. Bishops and leaders will rally around breakthrough ideas, share wisdom, and craft bold responses to the challenges ahead.
Building on the momentum of the 2020/24 General Conference, this gathering calls the church to awaken hope, amplify vision, and set the stage for a renewed movement of faith.
Stephanie Henry, co-chair of the COB Design Team, noted that the Gathering will be different from General Conferences:
“Do away with legislation and Roberts Rules and sit with one another in relationship and conversation. I appreciate the focus on young people and laity - two of the three leaders from each Episcopal Area will be laity. I look forward to the thoughts, hopes, and dreams that will be revealed from those committed to The United Methodist Church."
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About the Council of Bishops
The Council of Bishops is the executive branch of The United Methodist Church, consisting of all active and retired bishops. The council provides spiritual leadership and guidance to the denomination, and its members are responsible for overseeing the church's ministry and mission.
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications
Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
(202) 748-5172
