Effort to restructure United Methodist Discipline advances with focus on global adaptability

United Methodist leaders from four continents are advancing a long-term initiative to restructure the denomination’s central policy document, the Book of Discipline. The goal is to clarify which parts of the document are essential for all United Methodists and which can be adapted to local contexts.

For years, the focus of this effort has been on identifying adaptable sections within the central conferences—eight regions in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. These regions have historically had the authority to modify the Discipline’s administrative sections based on missional needs and legal differences. Now, the proposal to regionalize the denomination introduces a new dynamic. If approved, the central conferences and the U.S. church would each become regional conferences with equal authority to adapt the Discipline.

To ratify the regionalization plan, at least two-thirds of voters at this year’s annual conferences must support it. Bishops anticipate announcing the voting results in early November. Regardless of the outcome, the work on creating a more globally relevant policy book, referred to as the General Book of Discipline, will continue.

Bishop Harald Rückert of Germany emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, “It helps us to better understand the worldwide nature of the church.” He noted that even if the structural changes fail, the thinking within the denomination has already evolved toward a more unified global perspective.

Rückert, chair of the 2025-28 Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters, highlighted the committee’s recent meeting in Atlanta, where they focused on reinvigorating their work on the Discipline overhaul. The committee, along with the Connectional Table and the Christmas Covenant, developed the regionalization proposal.

Rev. Nelly W. Wright, a new standing committee member from Liberia, expressed gratitude for participating in the discussions, underscoring the collaborative nature of the effort. The committee aims for the 2028 General Conference to approve their recommendations for the General Book of Discipline. Even without regionalization, adaptable sections will still apply in the United States.

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