by Rev. Allison Mark, first-elect clergy delegate for Cal-Pac

You know that moment in a long-distance relationship where you realize that texting each other in the middle of the night isn’t sustainable? That’s kind of where we are as The United Methodist Church. We’ve been trying to make one-size-fits-all decisions for a worldwide church with vastly different cultural, legal, and missional realities—and we’re exhausted.

Enter: Worldwide Regionalization.

This isn’t a divorce. It’s not even a trial separation. It’s more like moving into separate rooms in the same house because someone snores and the other likes to sleep with the window open. Regionalization allows us to stay together—but healthier, more contextual, and more respectful of our differences.

What the Amendment Does

The first ballot we’ll vote on at Annual Conference is for the constitutional amendment that allows for Worldwide Regionalization, establishing nine regional conferences within the UMC—one in the U.S. and eight across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.

Each region will have the authority to adapt portions of the Book of Discipline to better reflect its cultural context. All regions—including the U.S.—would become equal, each with legislative power over their own regional affairs, while continuing to share global doctrine, connectional commitments, and general church agencies.

This amendment passed overwhelmingly at General Conference 2020/2024 because it reflects deep listening and collaborative visioning from delegates around the world. But to take effect, it now needs to be ratified by a two-thirds global majority of Annual Conference votes.This is where you come in.

Why This Matters

Let’s face it: the current system gives disproportionate power to U.S.-centric structures, even as the center of Methodism’s growth is global. In practice, this imbalance has led to frustration, disempowerment, and breakdowns in mission collaboration. Regionalization would shift us from a model of colonial uniformity to one of contextual equity.

Here’s what that could look like if ratified and enacted by 2028:

• In the U.S.: Conferences might create more nimble responses to regional social issues like gun violence, immigration, reproductive justice, or indigenous sovereignty, crafting resolutions and discipline language suited to the American legal system and culture.
• In the Philippines or Africa: Churches could tailor ordination standards, language around human sexuality, or educational ministry requirements that fit their cultural realities without being forced to adopt policies designed for U.S. contexts.
• Worldwide: No region becomes the default norm. Instead of “the U.S. Book of Discipline” and others needing “adaptations,” every region becomes a full partner, with mutual respect built into our structure.

Concerns and Clarifications

Some worry that this is the beginning of a denominational split or that it will water down our connectional identity. On the contrary, regionalization is how we stay United Methodists—by creating the structural space to honor our diversity without coercion or paternalism.

It’s also not a theological free-for-all. Our core doctrines remain untouched. What changes is how we live out those doctrines in practical, cultural, and legislative contexts.

Voting Details

Remember: we don’t get to edit the language of the amendment. We vote “yes” or “no” on what has already passed General Conference. And we don’t vote in a vacuum—our votes join those from Annual Conferences around the world in a global count. Only if two-thirds of all votes cast agree, will this amendment be ratified.

Final Thought: Growing Up Gracefully

The early church adapted its practices to reach Gentiles as well as Jews. Paul argued fiercely for contextualization (see Acts 15). In that spirit, Regionalization isn’t radical—it’s biblical. It’s Wesleyan. And it’s long overdue.

Because maturity in faith isn’t about control—it’s about mutuality. And mutuality starts with listening, respecting, and giving each region the room it needs to grow in grace.