United Methodists Approve Regional Autonomy Amendment

Delegates at the General Conference endorse a plan granting regions the power to adapt church policies, potentially easing LGBTQ+ debates.

United Methodist delegates vote overwhelmingly for a constitutional amendment to create regional conferences, allowing localized decision-making.
The amendment aims to give U.S. regions the same autonomy already enjoyed by international counterparts, addressing divisive issues like LGBTQ+ rights.
Approval by two-thirds of local annual conferences is needed for the amendment to take effect, with the next steps scheduled for the coming year.
The move follows significant disaffiliation in the U.S., where conservative congregations left over LGBTQ+ policy enforcement failures.
Advocates see the change as a step towards decolonizing the church, while critics argue it could perpetuate colonial-era divisions.