UMC Merges North and South Georgia Conferences into Single Entity

The United Methodist Church (UMC) has taken a significant step toward restructuring its regional leadership following a period of upheaval. In June 2026, the UMC Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference voted unanimously to merge the North Georgia Conference and the South Georgia Conference into a single entity, known as The Georgia Conference. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the denomination’s ongoing efforts to adapt to challenges posed by the pandemic and internal divisions.

The merged conference, set to officially launch on January 1, 2027, will encompass over 215,000 members and 549 affiliated congregations. The North Georgia Conference, which had nearly 197,000 members and 962 clergy, will form the larger portion of the new entity. Bishop Robin Dease, who has led both conferences since September 2024, expressed optimism about the merger, emphasizing its potential to strengthen ministries and broaden outreach.

The unification of the two conferences was previously approved by both regional bodies with 96% of the vote in favor. Dease, in a statement at the time, described the merger as an opportunity to “transform this state and connect with people all across our connection, sharing the good news of what God is doing here in the state of Georgia.” The approval by the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference on Tuesday solidified the decision, with Dease offering a prayer of thanksgiving for the delegates who voted in favor.

The merger will reduce the number of UMC conferences in the United States from 51 to 50, reflecting the denomination’s continued efforts to streamline operations and respond to shifting congregational needs. The decision comes amid broader changes within the UMC, including the departure of thousands of congregations over the past five years due to disagreements over the church’s stance on same-sex unions and the ordination of clergy in romantic same-sex relationships.

For decades, the UMC had prohibited both practices, with attempts to amend the Book of Discipline to remove these bans consistently failing at the General Conference. While some members and leaders advocated for change, others remained committed to upholding traditional teachings. This divergence led to a significant exodus of congregations, particularly among progressive members who felt the church was not evolving in line with their values.

The merger of the two Georgia conferences represents a strategic move to consolidate resources and enhance ministerial effectiveness. As the new conference prepares to launch, it will face the challenge of uniting diverse congregations under a common vision while navigating the broader complexities of the UMC’s evolving landscape. The decision underscores the denomination’s ongoing efforts to balance tradition with the need for adaptation in a rapidly changing world.

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