Book of Discipline: Episcopal Greetings

To all people and clergy of United Methodism:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
—Romans 15:13

The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church is the product of over two hundred years of the General Conferences of the denominations that now form The United Methodist Church.

The Discipline as the instrument for setting forth the laws, polity, and processes by which United Methodists govern themselves remains constant. Each General Conference amends, perfects, clarifies, and adds its own contribution to the Discipline. We do not consider the Discipline to be sacrosanct or infallible, but we do consider it a document suitable to our heritage and an expression of a future with hope. It is the most current statement of how United Methodists covenant to live our lives together and “preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together” (Ephesians 4:3). It reflects our understanding and core values of the church and articulates the mission of The United Methodist Church: “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” The Discipline defines what is expected of the laity and clergy as together we seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ.

This book of covenant sets forth the theological grounding of The United Methodist Church in biblical faith and claims that we move forward as “loyal heirs of the authentic Christian tradition.” It affirms that The United Methodist Church is an inclusive society without regard to ethnic origin, economic status, gender, age, or abilities of its constituents. It affirms that all baptized and confirmed persons are ministers of Jesus Christ. It affirms the conciliar principle and connectionalism as distinctive marks of our United Methodist ecclesiology. It affirms the global character of the Church’s mission and its interdependence with other Christian bodies both in spirit and cooperation. And it affirms with John Wesley that solitary religion is invalid and that Christ lays claim upon the whole life of those who accept him as Lord and Savior.

We therefore commend this Discipline to all in our constituency and to all persons beyond The United Methodist Church who seek to understand what it means to be a United Methodist. Knowledge and communication are essential for understanding what the Church is and does. We expect the Discipline to be available in local churches, colleges, universities, and seminaries, as well in the homes of ordained and licensed clergy, diaconal ministers, and lay members of The United Methodist Church. We pray that it will enable all persons to celebrate the gift of God’s grace, exalt the calling to faithful discipleship, support and engage the mission, and inspire a deeper and more effective witness for the head of the Church, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Council of Bishops

Tracy S. Malone, President

Ruben Saenz, Jr., President-Designate

L. Jonathan Holston, Secretary


From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2020/2024. Copyright 2024 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.