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Bishop Kenneth H. Carter speaks during an oral hearing before the United Methodist Judicial Council meeting in Evanston, Ill. Carter is president of the denomination's Council of Bishops. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Who we are

The Judicial Council is the highest judicial body or "court" of The United Methodist Church. Its nine members are elected by the General Conference.

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United Methodist Judicial Council member the Rev. Luan-Vu Tran (right) asks a question during oral hearings the council conducted during their meeting in Evanston, Ill. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

About the Judicial Council

Deciding questions about the constitutionality of legislation and adherence to disciplinary processes is the work of the United Methodist Judicial Council. Read More

Members of the United Methodist Judicial Council for 2016-2020 met briefly during General Conference 2016. From left are the Rev. Dennis L. Blackwell, Beth Capen, the Rev. J. Kabamba Kiboko, N. Oswald Tweh Sr., Ruben Reyes, the Rev. Øyvind Helliesen, and the Rev. Luan-Vu Tran of Lakewood, Calif. Not pictured are Deanell Reese Tacha and Lídia Romão Gulele. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS.

Judicial Council members

Meet the members of the Judicial Council. Read More

A copy of Bishop Bruce R. Ough's Book of Discipline rests on a table during an oral hearing on May 22 in Evanston, Ill. The United Methodist Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court, heard arguments regarding a request from the Council of Bishops for a ruling on whether United Methodist organizations, clergy or lay members can submit petitions for the special General Conference in 2019. The hearing was part of the court’s May 22-25 special session. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

The Judicial Council's task

The duties of the denomination's top judicial body are described in the Book of Discipline, the church's book of rules and policies. Read More