Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
Monday, November 2, 2026
UMC Bishops to Gather Online, Reflect on the Lord’s Prayer and Consider Next Steps After Calgary
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church will gather online Nov. 2-6, 2026, for its Fall Meeting, a week centered on worship, prayer and the work ahead following the Leadership Gathering in Calgary. Sessions are scheduled each day from 9 a.m. to no later than 1 p.m. Eastern.
Throughout the week, bishops from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas will participate in covenant groups, daily worship and plenary sessions. The gathering follows the theme “Hallowed Be Thy Name: Learning to Recognize the Reign of God,” and each day’s worship draws on a phrase of the Lord’s Prayer.
According to the agenda, the Council will hear reports from its Immigration Task Force and its ecumenical officers, receive an update on earth care training, and discuss the church’s response to artificial intelligence. The agenda also includes time to meet by region, and items on the quadrennial budget, the Council’s finances and 2027 budget, and leadership discernment.
“The future isn’t just something that happens to us. It’s something God is bringing,” said President of the Council of Bishops Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. of the Horizon Texas Episcopal Area, in prepared remarks for the President’s Address.
On Monday morning, Nov. 2, Bishop Saenz will deliver the President’s Address, “The Lord’s Prayer,” during opening worship at 10 a.m. Eastern. Later in the day, the bishops will reflect on the Oct. 20-24 Leadership Gathering in Calgary and discuss next steps.
On Tuesday morning, Nov. 3, the Council will hold a Memorial Service at 10 a.m. Eastern. According to the agenda, the service will remember Mrs. Janet Lewis.
A closing charge from Bishop Saenz and a sending forth will conclude the meeting on Friday, Nov. 6.
The Council invites the church to pray for the bishops as they gather.
Public sessions of the meeting are planned for live stream on the Council of Bishops Facebook page: facebook.com/umcbishops. Session availability and times are subject to change.