Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
COB commits to work with Cote d’Ivoire Conference as it prepares to leave UMC
Statement from Council of Bishops on Cote d’Ivoire’s decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the Cote d'Ivoire Conference voted to separate from The United Methodist Church.
Conversations are underway with the leadership to begin the process in our Book of Discipline that outlines the steps in becoming an Autonomous Methodist Church.
The United Methodist Church is a world-wide denomination that shares the same Constitution, Doctrinal Standards, Theological Task, Social Principles and embraces the cultural, contextual and theological differences across the connection.
The General Conference decisions that removed the restrictive language in the Book of Discipline related to LGBTQIA persons do not force pastors or churches to act contrary to their conscience and can make decisions in their missional contexts.
The General Conference has given authority to central conferences in the Book of Discipline 543 “to set the standards and policy for rites and ceremonies for the solemnization of marriage” and “to set the standards for ordination and the license for pastoral ministry." A central conference may delegate this authority to an annual conference.
While we grieve Cote d'Ivoire Conference’s decision to separate from The United Methodist Church, we commit to work with them through the process of becoming an Autonomous Methodist Church. While we are not all of one mind in all things, the strength of our connection is love, respect, compassion and a shared commitment to faith in Jesus Christ.
Bishop Tracy S. Malone
President - Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
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