Hold on to your wallets

If you live in the Western Jurisdiction, you may be asked to pay a $747,000 bill that may come your way if delegates approve a petition from the Financial Administration Legislative Committee.

In the past, all annual conferences paid into the Episcopal Fund that supports bishops and their office expenses. That practice has resulted in the Southeastern Jurisdiction paying $1.4 million more to the Episcopal Fund than it draws out to pay for its bishops. All other jurisdictions pay in less than they take out (Northeastern, $463,000; North Central, 155,000; South Central, 57,000; and Western, 747,000).

The Financial Administration Committee wants to change to a jurisdictional plan wherein each jurisdiction would pay for its own bishops. If you live in the South East, that’s great news, if you live in the West —- Ouch.

The goal, of course, is to provide motivation for each jurisdiction to reduce the number of bishops.
While there is a formula establishing the maximum number of bishops, there is no minimum number.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
General Church
The Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth. Photo by Krystal Baker.

Getting beyond the traditionalism of liberalism

Pastor urges United Methodist leaders to take tradition seriously when they meet for the Leadership Gathering in October.
Social Concerns
Tammy Evans. Photo courtesy of the author.

An upswell of joy

Decades after enduring painful events as a closeted teen, writer Tammy Evans recounts feeling buoyed by her United Methodist pastor celebrating Pride.
Human Rights
The Rev. Christopher P. Momany. Photo by Kristen Schell.

On human dignity: People are ends in themselves

The teaching in Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical has strong similarities with the ideas that drove the abolitionist movement in America.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved