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Dear Friends,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

   This past year, United Methodists around the world have prayerfully participated in voting on four constitutional amendments approved by the 2024 General Conference. I am writing to share that these amendments — including the one on Regionalization — have now been overwhelmingly ratified by the required three-fourth of the aggregate votes from all annual  conferences combined who have voted thus far. Some conferences have not voted yet.  Those votes will be included in the final totals when received but are not expected to affect the two-thirds needed for ratification. This decision represents an important moment in our life together as a global church.    

   The Regionalization amendment recognizes that the Body of Christ is beautifully diverse, and that our shared mission benefits   from each region of the world having the flexibility to shape its ministry and fit its unique context. In practical terms, this means that the next several years will be a season of preparation and discernment, as the Church carefully develops the 

structures and systems that will bring regionalization to life. The formal implement-tation process will take place during the 2028–2032 quadrennium. It will take time, prayer, and collaboration to fully carry out this work faithfully. During that process, our connection remains strong. We are still one Church, bound together by our shared mission, our Wesleyan theology, and our covenant to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Other amendments that were ratified include affirming inclusiveness, racial justice, and consistency in clergy voting. These also reflect the heart of our faith: that all people are of sacred worth, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and called to live in holy love with one another (John 13:34). John Wesley often spoke of the “catholic spirit,” a generous heart that allows us to differ in opinion while uniting in love. These changes invite us to embody that spirit anew: to honor our connection across cultures and continents, to 

listen deeply to one another, and to extend Christ’s grace to those within and beyond our beloved United Methodist Church. I encourage each of us to hold these words from Ephesians 4:2-3 close to heart: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

   In the months ahead, the General Church, Council of Bishops, Jurisdictional and Annual Conferences, and local churches will continue discerning together how these constitutional changes will be lived out.

   Together, may we continue to experience God’s renewal, grow in grace, and transform Appalachia through God’s love, as one people, rooted in Christ and reaching out to the world.

As always, it is a joy to serve as your bishop.
Blessings