By Amy Ezell
“I rejoice this day at the news that the Holy Spirit has moved, and United Methodists have voted! In our worldwide connectional relationships, we have agreed to move away from an old story and into the horizon of a new day. I pray that the Reign of God will be reflected in the way we order and structure ourselves for our common mission as a church,” shared Bishop Laura Merrill.
—————————————————————————————————————-
The Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
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 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* | |||
| 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% |
*There remain a few Central Conferences that have yet to complete a vote. The individual Annual Conference totals will be shared after that process is complete.
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 conference’s 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 strengthen our worldwide connection to serve faithfully and inclusively in every context,” said Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops.
Today, some Arkansas Annual Conference delegation members share their thoughts on the announcement:
“Regionalization will decenter the United States at General Conference, giving all regions the authority to adapt the Book of Discipline for their missional needs and different legal contexts, and it will spell out more specifically what can and cannot be adapted. I believe it will make us a better worldwide church, with all regions having the same authority under the Book of Discipline.” – Karon Mann, Delegation Chair (laity)
“As the United Methodist Church continues to transition since the postponed 2024 general conference, regionalization is an essential part of that work. As we all continue to do ministry differently, it is imperative that we remain contextually aware in our work. Regionalization enables the United Methodist Church to be more contextually relevant. We would be able to be in ministry to serve the current context. Throughout all levels of the United Methodist Church, we are seeing the need to transition to our ever-changing world.” – Rev. Mark Norman, Delegation Chair (clergy)
“I feel that Regionalization can allow the United Methodist Church to reflect the Kin-dom of God. When we take the time to discover the beauty of God’s creation, we see God reflected in humanity. Inclusion is an act of renewal and reconciliation with others in God’s Kin-dom.” – Rev. Natasha Murray, delegation member
“Some of the terms in this amendment (#3 on racial justice) have caused controversy among us. We saw this at Annual Conference. Personally, I see wisdom in the passing of this amendment. As I look in the proverbial mirror, I must recognize that I have known privileges that others have not known. I have benefited from this sin within our culture, just because of my skin color and gender, and others have been so hurt by it. I have not experienced the judgments, the assumptions, and the fears that friends have had to face on a daily basis. The terms in this amendment acknowledge our history. If we are going to be instruments of healing, acknowledging our history is an important first step.” –Rev. Michael Roberts, delegation member