UMC Bishops finish Canvassing of Amendments; All Four are Ratified

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 who have already voted. Some conferences have not voted yet. Those votes will be included in the final totals when received but are not expected to affect the two thirds needed for ratification.

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%

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.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

I see I can stand no longer than I stand in Christ. 

If he left me a moment to myself, 

I should fall a prey to every temptation. 

But I see such fulness in God, and such beauty in Christ, 

as makes me long for more such acquaintance with him.

- Sarah Mallit,

Early Methodist Preacher

Sarah Mallit was authorized by Wesley to preach in 1787 at Conference. “We give the right hand of fellowship to Sarah Mallet and have no objection to her being a preacher in our connexion, so long as she preaches the Methodist doctrines, and attends to our discipline.” She preached until her death in 1843 at age 82 (Her name is spelled various ways).

Scripture lessons for November 9

As we gather for worship next Sunday, we will turn to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 and Haggai 1:15b – 2:9 for our scripture lessons.

Congratulations and Thanks!

Kellen K. was featured on the cover of the "Albert Lea magazine" this month. For 23 years, he has worked at the Hy-Vee Food Store in Albert Lea, where staff and patrons regard him as "an absolute GIFT!"

The church family appreciates that Kellen volunteered to ring the memorial bell during the worship service -- each time we named a saint who has gone on before us.

All Saints Sunday

We remember the saints among us

Kellen rang the bell as the names of the saints were shared

Happy 58th anniversary!

JOYS

+The church family is thankful for the gift of Bob S. "treating" us with candy in cups to sweeten the morning together!

+Pastor Charles gives thanks to God for the church leadership who got their church conference reports in early. He is looking forward to the church conference gathering at the Centenary United Methodist Church in North Mankato on November 30th .

+ Bob S. thanks God that his daughter’s recent medical procedure has given her some relief! The beautiful prayer shawl that Shelley G. made has provided great comfort to Sandra. She is beginning to do more of her own self-care now.

+Mike and Cheryl R. give thanks to God that they got to meet their great grandchild Genevieve at two weeks of age.

+The church family gives thanks to God for Cheryl R.’s healing process and that she is gradually feeling better.

+The church family thanks God for all who work in the healing arts, who care for us and work to make our lives better.

+Kraig S. gives thanks to God for being married to Korla for 58 years. Their anniversary is this coming week.

+Roy B. gives thanks to God for Nancy’s continued healing. She looks forward to being able to return to worship with us.

+Mike R. is thankful to God that his team, the Dodgers, won the Major League Baseball’s World Series.

+Belinda A. thanks God for this loving church family who sent her cards and made phone calls to her, celebrating her 70th birthday last week. 

+Glora S. gives thanks to God that Judy Carroll is doing better. She received a card from her. She sends her love to the church family. And she thanks the church family for blessing the lovely prayer shawl that Shelley G. made for her.

+Gloria S. said she visited with Karnella S. who was in good spirits and sends her love to the church family.

+Korla S. thanks God for the rain we needed and for today’s sunshine.

+Belinda A. thanks God for the gift of meeting the Kaasa Family in person this morning (after communicating with them virtually before today).

+Dawn K. thanks God for her 97-year-old aunt, Esther, who was able to attend her great grandson’s wedding; and she was able to dance at his wedding!

+ The church family is thankful to God for the gift of an extra hour of sleep this morning.

+Sid T. joked that he was concerned that the cup of candy that Bob S. gave him only had one piece of candy in it (now). 

+Pastor Charles thanks God for laughter in God’s house! (After all, laughter is considered to be “carbonated holiness!”)

+The congregation is thankful for Shelley G.’ service as Scripture reader this morning.

+And, as always, the congregation is thankful for the music ministry of our beloved organist, Renae H.!

CONCERNS

+Shelley G. asks the church family to join her in praying for her son Paul, a self-employed contractor who is dealing with arthritis and torn meniscuses in both knees. He is scheduled for laparoscopic surgery this week. 

+Belinda A. invites the congregation to pray to God for all who are struggling with food insecurity. She encouraged folks to check on their neighbors and friends to see if they need help.

+The congregation continues to pray for Nancy B.’s recovery from surgery. 

+The church family continues to pray for Karnella S. as she continues her physical therapy at The Woodlands – St. John’s Lutheran Community, room 307, 1861 Eagle View Circle in Albert Lea. Pastor Charles invites the congregation to visit and/or send notes of encouragement to her.

+The congregation continues to pray for Bob S.' daughter Sandra who is recovering from a broken back -- praying that her procedure scheduled for October 31st will be successful.

+The congregation is praying for all who are dealing with medical challenges. 

Remember to "fall back" tonight!!

 

Prayer for All Saints Day

       

We give you thanks, O God, for all the saints who ever worshiped You

Whether in brush arbors or cathedrals,

Weathered wooden churches or crumbling cement meeting houses

Where Your name was lifted and adored.

We give You thanks, O God, for hands lifted in praise:

Manicured hands and hands stained with grease or soil,

Strong hands and those gnarled with age

Holy hands

Used as wave offerings across the land.

We thank You, God, for hardworking saints.

Whether hard-hatted or steel-booted,

Head ragged or aproned,

Blue-collared or three-piece-suited

They left their mark on the earth for You, for us, for our children to come.

         Thank you, God, for the tremendous sacrifices made by those 

who have gone before us.

Bless the memories of Your saints, God.

May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of 

faith, dedication, worship, and love.

Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church