The Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
December 6, 2024
COB names design team for 2026 leadership gathering
Washington, D.C. - Bishop Tracy S. Malone, president of The Council of Bishops(COB) of The United Methodist Church has named the Design Team to plan the COB Leadership Gathering that will take place in April or May of 2026.
The team includes COB President-Designate Bishop Ruben Saenz (Co-Convener), Stephanie Henry (Co-Convener), Bishop Sandy Olewine, Bishop Hector Burgos-Nunez, Rev. Anne Detjen, Bishop Connie Shelton, Bishop Cynthia Harvey, Ms. Micheal Pope, Bishop Israel Painit, Bishop Christian Alsted, Rev. Dr. James Howell, Bishop Daniel Wandabula, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth, Bishop Dan Schwerin, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Dr. Ashley Boggan, Ms. Alice Williams, Rev. Dr. DeAndre Johnson, Rev. Paul Perez, COB Executive Secretary Bishop Gregory Palmer (COB staff) and COB President Bishop Tracy S. Malone (Ex-officio).
The team will design an experience that will bring together episcopal leaders, clergy, and laity from across the world-wide connection to engage in collaborative conversations that inspire vision, hope, and imagination for the future of The United Methodist Church.
This event will provide leaders with the opportunity to have strategic conversations to help maintain the momentum regarding the implementation of the various components of the regionalization and to initiate preparations for the 2028 General Conference. The attendees will do so by identifying adaptations that may need to be considered to reimagine a Church that is more agile and efficient, diverse and inclusive, contextually relevant and deeply committed to our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
This gathering will focus on generative, strategic, and innovative conversations, intentionally moving away from legislative processes. Participants in the Leadership Gathering will include:
- All active bishops and officers;
- Three leaders from each episcopal area, selected by the resident bishop in consultation with lay and clergy leadership;
- All general secretaries of boards and agencies;
- 50 additional thought leaders invited by the Council of Bishops, including emerging young leaders, theologians, innovative leaders, missional champions, and retired bishops with specialized expertise.
The goal is for the participants to reflect the rich theological, racial and cultural diversity we have within the Church. The Design Team will work on a fundraising plan for how to cover the expenses of the gathering.
Bishop Malone noted: “I am thankful for the commitment of these leaders who have agreed to work on behalf of the Council of Bishops to design this leadership event at this critical time in the life of the church. I am confident that this gathering will serve as an instrument in helping the Church move forward with hope and embrace the next vital expression of our denomination.”
Further details regarding the location and exact dates will be shared in the coming months.
The Council of Bishops invites your prayers and support as the team begins its work to create a gathering that leads the Church forward.
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