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Structure

Delegates consider legislation during the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. In 2020, the faces at General Conference may change, but the numbers will likely be the same. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Our Structure

The United Methodist Church does not have a central headquarters or a single executive leader. Duties are divided among bodies that include the General Conference, the Council of Bishops and the Judicial Council. 

These entities are required by our Constitution to be part of our structure. Each plays a significant role in the life of the church.

General Conference delegates in session.
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Who We Are

What is... the General Conference?

What is the general Conference and what does it do? Watch this quick overview of the General Conference and find out how it serves the United Methodist Church.

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Pictured: 2016-2020 Judicial Council. (Not pictured: Beth Capen)
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Who We Are

What is the Judicial Council?

Get to know the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church and find out a little about what they do.

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General Conference

  • Historic record contains the minutes of an early conference of Methodist preachers. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications. #UMCGC

    Who We Are

    Why United Methodist General Conference? History and highlights
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  • United Methodists celebrate our unity in the midst of our disagreements. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, United Methodist Communications.

    Who We Are

    What happened and what didn't at General Conference 2019
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  • Bishops confer over the issue of whether the legislative committee can refer items to the denomination's Judicial Council for review during the 2019 United Methodist General Conference in St. Louis. Clockwise from lower left are Bishops Thomas Bickerton, John Schol, David Bard, Julius C. Trimble and Cynthia Fierro Harvey. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

    Who We Are

    Follow General Conference News
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  • A view of the Minneapolis skyline and the Stone Arch Bridge. (Canva Pro Stock Media/Getty Images Pro)

    Who We Are

    Commission sets dates for postponed General Conference; will explore new uses of technology
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Council of Bishops

Judicial Council

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