Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
Bishop Saenz becomes new COB President as Bishops Conclude 2026 Spring Meeting
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church concluded its 2026 Spring Meeting on Friday, May 1, following a week marked by daily worship, fellowship, leadership transitions, and substantive conversations on the church’s mission in a complex world.
Approximately 90 active and retired bishops from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas gathered for the meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, reflecting the worldwide nature of the denomination and the shared commitment to lead with faith, courage, and unity.
Each day began with worship, grounding the Council’s work in prayer, Scripture, and the renewing presence of the Holy Spirit. These services offered moments of reflection, lament, celebration, and hope as bishops prepared for discernment and decision‑making.
A central moment of the gathering was the Passing of the Gavel Ceremony on Thursday evening, April 30, during which Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. was installed as President of the Council of Bishops, succeeding Bishop Tracy S. Malone, who completed her term on May 1 and now serves as Immediate Past President.
At the start of the week, Bishop Malone delivered her final presidential address, offering a pastoral and prophetic reflection on the Council’s journey through seasons of transition, renewal, and global mission.
“Serving as President of the Council has been one of the greatest honors of my ministry,” Bishop Malone said. “As we step into this next chapter, I trust the Spirit’s leading and the collective wisdom of this Council to guide the church with hope, humility, and unwavering faith.”
As he received the gavel, Bishop Saenz expressed gratitude for Bishop Malone’s leadership and affirmed the Council’s ongoing mission.
“I am humbled to serve as President and deeply grateful for Bishop Malone’s faithful, visionary leadership,” Bishop Saenz said. “Together, we will continue to lead a church that is alive in Christ, anchored in grace, and committed to justice, mercy, and joyful service.”
In addition to the presidential transition, the Council installed Bishop Mande Muyombo as President‑Designate and Bishop Lannette Plambeck as Secretary of the Council of Bishops, continuing the leadership team that will guide the Council’s work in the coming years.
The bishops also elected Emily Allen as Secretary Ad Interim of the General Conference, following the transition of the Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright back to annual conference ministry. Allen, a layperson from the California‑Nevada Conference, will serve until the next session of the 2028 General Conference elects the next secretary.
The Council also received a moving and deeply personal presentation from Bishop David Wilson, who grounded his remarks in the story of his own people, the Choctaw and Cherokee, and the enduring wisdom carried through generations. He reflected on the historical experiences of Indigenous communities—stories marked by resilience, displacement, survival, and spiritual strength—and invited the bishops to consider how these narratives illuminate the church’s present call to justice, healing, and reconciliation.
Drawing from the lived memory of his ancestors, Bishop Wilson spoke about the importance of honoring identity, protecting community, and leading with humility shaped by history. He emphasized that the church’s witness must be attentive to the voices of those who have endured exclusion and marginalization, and he encouraged the bishops to cultivate leadership that listens deeply, acts courageously, and embodies compassion in every context.
The Council engaged in extended conversations on ecumenical work, anti-racism, justice, and the church’s public witness, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling racism in all its forms. Bishops reflected on the lived experiences of communities harmed by racial injustice and renewed their dedication to equipping congregations and leaders for transformative ministry.
The Council received a substantive presentation from the Connectional Table, led by Bishop Mande Muyombo, Chair, and Judi Kenaston, Chief Connectional Ministries Officer. The presentation focused on the ongoing work of reframing The United Methodist Church beyond U.S. centrality, inviting the bishops to envision a more worldwide attuned structure that reflects the full breadth of the denomination’s mission and membership.
The Connectional Table also highlighted the work of the Bishop Advisory Group and facilitated a panel discussion exploring how the church can more faithfully embody inclusion across diverse contexts.
Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, offered a “Historical Analysis of the Jurisdictional Systems,” providing essential historical grounding for current conversations about belonging, equity, and the future of regionalization.
Two major panels—one composed of academicians and one of bishops—shaped the Council’s engagement with the worldwide moment on the subject of “Christian Faith and Democracy.” Panelists explored the responsibilities of Christian leaders in democratic societies, the challenges of polarization, and the importance of truth‑telling, civic engagement, and moral courage. Bishops discussed how the church can model civil discourse and advocate for the common good without aligning with partisan agendas.
The meeting concluded Friday with a sending‑forth service, charging the bishops to return to their episcopal areas not merely to manage the church’s life, but to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously, joining Christ in healing a hurting world with God’s reconciling love.
Click on the links below to view video highlights from last week’s 2026 Spring meeting of the Council of Bishops:
- May 1 - Closing Service
- April 30 - Passing of the Gavel program
- April 29 - Connectional Table Report
- April 29 - Emily Allen Elected Secretary Ad Interim of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church
- April 28 - Presidential Address: Bishop Tracy S. Malone
- April 27 - Endowment Fund for Theological Education and on Congregational Vitality
- April 27 - Anti Racism Report
- April 26 - COB Memorial Service/live stream
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Media Contact:
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications
Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
(202) 748-5172