Judicial Council Docket

Judicial Council
The Book of Discipline contains the church law and procedures of The United Methodist Church. The Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court that responds to questions about church law, has launched a new e-filing system intended to make its work more accessible. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Church court moves to broaden accessibility

The United Methodist Church’s Judicial Council is launching a new e-filing system with the goal of making its work more efficient, transparent and readily available to church leaders around the globe.
Judicial Council
The Judicial Council has set its shortest fall docket in years. The United Methodist Church’s top court continues to face questions about the application of the denomination’s disaffiliation policy. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Short docket brings more church-exit questions

The United Methodist Church’s Judicial Council has set its shortest fall docket in years, but it continues to face questions related to church exits and the COVID-delayed General Conference.
Judicial Council
The Book of Discipline contains the rules that guide The United Methodist Church. The Judicial Council — the denomination’s top court — faces multiple questions related to how to interpret Disciplinary provisions about General Conference. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Church court deals with General Conference delay

Three United Methodist annual conferences, including one in Africa, have asked the denomination’s highest court to rule on the ramifications of General Conference’s third postponement since the onset of COVID. The Judicial Council also faces more questions about church disaffiliations.
Judicial Council
Members of the 2016-2020 Judicial Council. (From left) Front row: Deanell Reece Tacha, N. Oswald Tweh Sr., the Rev. Luan-Vu Tran. Back row: Lydia Romão Gulele, the late Ruben T. Reyes, the Rev. Øyvind Helliesen, the Rev. Dennis Blackwell, and the Rev. J. Kabamba Kiboko. (Not pictured, Beth Capen) The Judicial Council released three decisions June 6. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Church court releases 3 decisions

The United Methodist Church’s top court released the final rulings of its fall docket, including a decision raising constitutional issues with a longtime provision of church law. Looking ahead, the Judicial Council faces more questions related to disaffiliations.

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