Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
April 23, 2025
COB to meet in person, welcome new bishops, discuss church’s new future
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church will convene in person from April 27 to May 2, 2025, in Chicago. This gathering brings together about 100 active and retired bishops from across the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
The Council will welcome eight new bishops, who were recently elected. These new bishops will join their colleagues in their vital role of leading the church in fulfilling our mission of making “disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” The United Methodist Church is expected to elect several other bishops during the Congo Central Conference, scheduled for July this year.
There will be a memorial service on Sunday, April 27, to honor bishops and spouses who have died since the Council last met in-person.
Every day will start with corporate worship. These worship services will be livestreamed. The bishops will also meet in Covenant Groups for prayer, reflection and mutual support. The bishops will engage in training and shared learning regarding the processes for handling official complaints and managing healthy boundaries.
The bishops will also engage in discussions and receive various reports and updates including:
- Mission and new vision for the Church
- Work of Anti-Racism in the Church and culture
- Role of Church in addressing injustice and violence.
During the meeting, the COB will announce the dates and share updates regarding the 2026 Leadership Gathering.
COB President Bishop Tracy S. Malone, who will deliver the presidential address, invites the Church to pray for the bishops as they gather. "We ask the Church to join us in prayer and intercede on our behalf throughout the week that we might sense God's guidance in our discernment and each decision we make."
The COB meeting will be livestreamed daily via COB Facebook, allowing United Methodists worldwide to follow the discussions and decisions.
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Media contact:
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications
Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
(202) 748-5172
