Know Before You Vote
Who gets to vote on Constitutional Amendments?
Paragraph 35 in the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline outlines who may vote on ratification of constitutional amendments:
Lay Member of Annual Conference (¶ 602.4)
Lay Diaconal Minister (¶ 602.2)
Lay Deaconess (¶ 602.2)
Lay Missioner/Minister as at-large (¶ 602.6)
Elder (¶ 602.1a, ¶ 333.1)
Full Clergy Elder on Leave of Absence (¶ 353.7)
Full Clergy Deacon (¶ 329.2, ¶ 602.1a)
Full Clergy Deacon on Leave of Absence (¶ 353.7)
In Missouri, these individuals will have red or yellow nametags. You can view the complete voting chart at this link.
Below you will find our full set of resources for all four ballots. If you have not yet registered for Annual Conference, we encourage you to do so at this link.
Ballot One – Worldwide Regionalization
Ballot No. 1 proposes changes to several portions of the United Methodist Constitution. In total, this package is known as worldwide regionalization. Worldwide Regionalization updates the governance structure for The United Methodist Church. The multiple petitions in this package create nine Regional Conferences, one of which is the United States, and gives each regional body permission to adapt a specific administrative section of a reorganized Book of Discipline.
The basic doctrines of the Church, the Council of Bishops, the Judicial Council, the General Agencies, and the General Conference would not change if this amendment is ratified.
Three Things to Know
The Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters has been working diligently since 2012 to develop a proposed structure for The United Methodist Church, worldwide, that builds connectional unity across the whole denomination while making room for customization in local contexts.
This measure does not deal with sexuality, same-sex marriage or ordination of clergy. LGBTQ+ inclusion was addressed by the 2024 General Conference, which approved the full inclusion of people regardless of their sexuality at all levels of the Church, including ordination. Because those decisions did not affect the Constitution of The United Methodist Church, they do not require a vote by annual conferences.
This ability of central conferences to make “changes and adaptations” in the Discipline has been part of the Constitution of The United Methodist Church since its founding in 1968. Regionalization would effectively extend this permission to the United States.
Remember when we talked about a way forward after General Conference 2016? This is it. We invite you to dig into this information and make an informed vote. One of the easiest ways to do this is by watching our Understanding Regionalization course available on Absorb. It’s short and can be completed during your lunch break!
Learn more. Find additional resources for understanding this ballot measure by visiting our online voting hub.
Ballot Two – Inclusiveness of the Church
Ballot No. 2 adds “gender” and “ability” to paragraph four, article four of the United Methodist Constitution. This section is titled “Inclusiveness of the Church” and outlines the list of categories of people who cannot be denied participation or membership in the UMC.
Three Things to Know
Membership in a United Methodist Church is the first step for further involvement in leadership beyond the local church, so the impact is bigger than who is or isn’t listed on church membership rolls.
This measure does not deal with sexuality, same-sex marriage or ordination of clergy. It only addresses membership at the local church level.
This legislation has been studied and advocated for at General Conference for more than 30 years. It came before annual conferences worldwide in 2017 and did not receive the necessary two-thirds vote needed for ratification.
Learn more. Find additional resources for understanding this ballot measure by visiting our online voting hub.
Ballot Three - Racial Justice
Ballot No. 3 proposes revision to paragraph five, article five of the United Methodist Constitution. This section is titled “Racial Justice” and was last amended in 2000. The revised language includes more direct and explicit language acknowledging racism and its destructive impact, emphasizes unity and healing, and provides commitment and accountability for the Church’s anti-racist efforts.
Three Things to Know
Paragraph five, article five already exists in the UMC Constitution. The changes strengthen the language and make it more specific.
The General Commission on Race and Religion put forth this legislation at General Conference. The proposed changes address the past of the UMC and have potential to shape the Church’s future.
While the Social Principles already rebuke racism in all forms, the changes to paragraph five, article five solidify the UMC’s commitment to acknowledging harm and to continuing anti-racist efforts.
Learn more. Find additional resources for understanding this ballot measure by visiting our online voting hub.
Ballot Four - Educational Requirements for Clergy Voting
Ballot No. 4 proposes changes to paragraph 35, article four of the UMC Constitution. Included in the section related to Annual Conferences, this paragraph addresses a licensed local pastor's eligibility to vote for General Conference clergy delegates. The new language clarifies the meaning of an M. Div. degree for licensed local pastors and specifies that the degree must come from a University Senate-approved theological school.
Three Things to Know
This amendment ensures that those voting for clergy delegates have met the denominational standards for theological education. It does not expand or restrict voting access for licensed local pastors.
In the new 2024 Book of Discipline, this paragraph is listed as paragraph 36, instead of paragraph 35. Other changes approved at General Conference affected the numbering in this new edition. This does not affect the substance of the amendment.
The University Senate sets the standards for United Methodist-related education. Members of the Senate are elected by the General Conference. There are currently 55 seminaries approved by the University Senate, 15 UMC and 40 non-UMC.
Learn more. Find additional resources for understanding this ballot measure by visiting our online voting hub.
Questions?
Fill out the form at the button below with your Constitutional Amendment questions. Someone from our staff or from the General Conference delegation will respond!Question Form
