Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
November 5, 2025
UMC Bishops finish Canvassing of Amendments; All Four are Ratified
WASHINGTON, D. C. - 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 2020/2024 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.
| Summary of Votes by Annual Conferences | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment | Total "Yes" Votes |
Total "No" Votes |
% of Yes Votes |
| Amendment I | 34,148 | 3,124 | 91.6% |
| Amendment II | 33,895 | 2,920 | 92.0% |
| Amendment III | 33,875 | 2,989 | 91.9% |
| Amendment IV | 33,952 | 2,792 | 92.4% |
The four proposed constitutional amendments are as follows:
1 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 vote for 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.
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Media Contact:
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications - Council of Bishops
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