Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2026
UMC Bishops to Engage Mission and Ministry Priorities, Prepare for Leadership Transition
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church will gather April 26–May 1, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel in Jacksonville, Fla., for its Spring Meeting, a week centered on worship, strategic visioning, transition, and connectional collaboration across the worldwide church.
Throughout the week, about 90 bishops from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas will participate in covenant groups, worship, ecumenical and interreligious conversations, leadership team meetings, and receive updates on the work of the church across the connection. The gathering will continue the Council’s theme of being “One—With Christ, With Each Other, In Ministry: Loving Boldly, Serving Joyfully, and Leading Courageously.”
The Council will receive an update on the Collaborative Work on Episcopacy; hear a collective report from General Secretaries of UMC agencies; and engage in discussions on Justice and Reconciliation, Faith and Order, and Immigration. A moderated conversation on “The Christian Faith and Democracy” will also be featured during the week.
“As we gather in Jacksonville, we do so with deep gratitude as we remember and honor bishops and spouses whose lives and witness have blessed the church, and with renewed commitment to the mission and work Christ has entrusted to us,” said President of the Council of Bishops Bishop Tracy S. Malone of the Indian Area.
“The Council continues to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity as we serve a church alive in the Spirit and anchored in hope. It has been a profound privilege to serve as President, and I trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we move faithfully and boldly into this next season of leadership,” she said.
The meeting formally opens Sunday, April 26, with a Memorial Service at 3:30 p.m. honoring bishops and spouses who have died since the Council last met in person. According to the agenda, the service will remember Mrs. Mary Lou Grove, Rev. Dr. Blaine B. Rader, Bishop Hans Växby, Bishop Violet L. Fisher, Bishop Jose Gamboa, Jr., Rev. Eugenio Tomas Mbulo, and Mrs. Diane D. Sprague. The service will be livestreamed.
On Monday morning, April 27, Bishop Malone will deliver the President’s Address, framing the Council’s work for the week and reflecting on the denomination’s ongoing journey of faithful leadership.
A significant item of business will take place on Wednesday, April 29, when the Council will conduct the election of the Secretary Ad Interim of the General Conference, following the decision by current Secretary, Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, to return to ministry in the Indiana Annual Conference.
The week’s work culminates Thursday evening, April 30, with the Passing of the Gavel Program and Dinner. During this ceremony, President-Designate Bishop Ruben Saenz of Horizon Texas Area will assume the role of President of the Council of Bishops, succeeding Bishop Malone, who will stay on as an officer and on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President.
Two other officers will be installed: Bishop Mande Muyombo of the North Katanga Area in the Mid Africa Central Conference as president-designate and Bishop Lanette L. Plambeck of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area as Secretary for the Council.
A closing worship service and sending forth, led jointly by Bishop Malone and Bishop Saenz, will conclude the meeting on Friday, May 1.
Most of the plenary sessions will be livestreamed on the COB Facebook page.
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Media Contact:
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications
Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
(202) 748-5172