With 11 United Methodist bishops retiring or stepping into new roles ahead of next year’s elections, all five U.S. jurisdictions will see changes in episcopal supervision in the interim.
United Methodists need the stability of established doctrine and the means to uphold it. Emulating the Catholic Church’s magisterium could serve that purpose.
Many General Conference delegates praised the bishops for retracting an earlier recommendation of four-year hold on United Methodist elections. But some still have misgivings about a delay until 2022.
Under a proposed separation plan, some European churchgoers expect to remain with The United Methodist Church while others join a new traditionalist denomination.
