Bishops

Faith Stories
Bishop Violet L. Fisher, the first Black woman elected bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, died Nov. 17 at the age of 86. Photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops.

Bishop Violet L. Fisher remembered as trailblazer

The United Methodist, who made history as the first Black woman elected bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, also earned admiration across the church for her powerful preaching and tender pastoral care.
Social Concerns
Schoolgirls journey home on a homemade raft they guide down a flooded street in Calumpit, Philippines, after Typhoon Carina in July 2024. As climate change continues to impact livelihoods, economies and habitats around the world, the Council of Bishops is reiterating its commitment to creation care. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bishops prioritize creation care

In a response to the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement, the United Methodist Council of Bishops affirmed their commitment to creation justice and encouraged church members to participate in this urgent work.
General Church
During its fall meeting Nov. 3-7, the Council of Bishops announced the ratification of four amendments to the denomination’s constitution — which each passed with more than 91% of the vote. Chief among the changes approved was regionalization, a restructuring of the denomination that de-centers the U.S. Image courtesy of the Council of Bishops.

Regionalization starts taking effect

The United Methodist body that submitted the restructuring to General Conference met to take a victory lap and begin putting the newly ratified plan into practice.
General Church
Horizon Texas Conference Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. gives an update on plans for the Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering, scheduled Oct. 20-24, 2026, in Calgary, Canada. Saenz is co-chair of the gathering’s Design Team. During the online fall meeting, his fellow bishops also elected Saenz as the incoming Council of Bishops president. Screenshot photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops Facebook page.

Bishops plan gathering to follow Spirit’s lead

United Methodist bishops heard an update on planning for next year’s Leadership Gathering that aims to help church leaders discern God’s guidance as the denomination starts anew.

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