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
Local Church
Hannah Buchanan. Photo courtesy of the author.

United Methodist pastor: I believe Jesus weeps with us

Hannah Buchanan, a pastor at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, writes about grief and serving in a community that has been “shaken to its core” by deadly flooding.
Faith Stories
Ophelia Hu Kinney. Photo courtesy of the author.

Affirmation at last: Remembering the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey

The physician and justice advocate mobilized the pain of exclusion to blaze a trail for LGBTQ United Methodists.
General Church
Ben Smith. Photo courtesy of the author.

We need a new table where all are welcome

Young adult leader says United Methodist systems function to protect power, are resistant to change and preserve a table that was not built with everyone in mind.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved