CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
During the 2025 Annual Conference Session, gathered members will vote on constitutional amendments, including the worldwide regionalization package.
Virtual Info Session Recording
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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!
The Four Constitutional Amendments
#1 - Worldwide Regionalization
Worldwide Regionalization updates the governance structure for The United Methodist Church. The multiple petitions in this package position the UMC for the future by recognizing the diverse cultures in our global denomination, better reflecting the growth of the church outside the United States and providing equity for followers of Jesus around the world.
#3 - Racial Justice
Ballot No. 3 proposes updating to paragraph five, article five of the United Methodist Constitution. This section is titled “Racial Justice” and was last amended in 2000. The language in this section serves as framework and charge for the UMC’s commitment to addressing and eliminating racism in all its forms.
#2 - 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.
#4 - 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 licensed local pastor eligibility to vote for General Conference clergy delegates.
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 passes.
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.
Related Resources
Understanding Regionalization Online Course - A brief, 20-minute course on worldwide regionalization. Take it on your lunch break!
UMC Polity Course - An online course that dives deep into the current structure and governance of The United Methodist Church.
Regionalization Resources from Resource UMC - The hub for all the denomination's resources on the regionalization amendment package.
UMC Regionalization Handout - The denomination's handout on understanding regionalization.
Ask the UMC: The UMC Now - A quick overview of how the UMC is currently structured with special attention to the abilities of the Central Conferences.
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.
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.
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.
Related Resources
Paragraph 4, Article IV Ratification Resources - The hub for all the denomination's resources on the amendment to article four.
Protecting Membership for All - An article by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
Talking points and ways to advocate from UMC Disability Ministries
Ballot No. 3 proposes updating to paragraph five, article five of the United Methodist Constitution. This section is titled “Racial Justice” and was last amended in 2000. The language in this section serves as framework and charge for the UMC’s commitment to addressing and eliminating racism in all its forms.
The new language, shared below, 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.
Related Resources
Article Five Resources - The hub for all the denomination's resources on the amendment to article five.
Informational Video from General Secretary Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo - The General Secretary on the General Commission for Religion and Race gives the context for this amendment.
GCORR Hub on Article Five - Related resources and talking points from the General Commission on Religion and Race.
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. Currently, to be eligible to vote for clergy delegates to General Conference, a licensed local pastor must have an M.Div. degree or have completed Course of Study in addition to having served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment immediately before the election.
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. There are 55 approved seminaries (15 UMC and 40 non-UMC).
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.
Related Resources
UMC University Senate - Information about what the University Senate is and what the body does.
Education Requirements for Clergy Members - The hub for all the denomination's resources on the amendment to paragraph 35.
Talking Points from GBHEM - Information from the General Board of Higher Education Ministry, who proposed the changes.
Have a Question?
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!