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
Social Concerns
Bishop C. Dale White speaks at the 1980 United Methodist General Conference in Indianapolis about his 11-day visit to Iran in November aimed at fostering dialogue amid the Iranian hostage crisis. White spoke about his delegation’s meeting with the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. File photo courtesy of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.

Taking action during a previous Iran crisis

A few weeks into the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, Bishop C. Dale White of New Jersey joined a small delegation of religious leaders headed to Iran in hopes of fostering dialogue.
Faith Stories
The Rev. Eun Chul Cho preaches at First Korean United Methodist Church in Wheeling, Illinois, in 2023. File photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim.

Why I chose to remain in The United Methodist Church

Retired Northern Illinois Conference elder reflects on his early experiences in the church and the relationships he built with United Methodist leaders during his years of ministry.
Social Concerns
The Rev. Mark Obrzut. Photo courtesy of Lucy Obrzut.

Rising up and loving boldly

During the Susquehanna Annual Conference, members were challenged to join a revolution of love and transform the world through faithful and courageous discipleship.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved