Council of Bishops President Bishop Tracy S. Malone (left) with COB President-Designate Bishop Ruben Saenz, who is the co-convener of the Design Team for the COB 2026 Leadership Gathering.
Update on 2026 COB Leadership Gathering
To The Beloved people of The United Methodist Church
Grace and peace to you in the name of Christ!
We write to you with gratitude and great anticipation to share an important update about the 2026 COB Leadership Gathering. After careful discernment and in response to the evolving needs of our worldwide connection, the Leadership Gathering is rescheduled from April of 2026 to October 20–24, 2026.
As we extend our timeline, we welcome a season of intentional listening, shared learning, and deeper collaboration throughout our denomination. The additional seven months offer us a unique opportunity to hear more voices—from every continent, culture, and generation.
During this time, we will launch church-wide surveys, interactive webinars, and regional gatherings, inviting every member—clergy and lay alike—to help advance our new vision and shape a flourishing United Methodist Church—one that will be a gift and witness for generations to come.
This extended season allows us to engage more fully with pastors, local churches, annual conferences, and the wider church community—discerning together who we are and who we are becoming. It also strengthens our logistical planning, ensuring broad participation, especially in areas facing distinct challenges.
We invite you to take part in these conversations, share your dreams, and pray boldly with us and the Leadership Gathering design team. Together, we are building momentum for the 2026 Leadership Gathering, which promises to be a joyful celebration of our faith, calling, and renewed purpose.
This is a pivotal moment, and we move forward loving boldly, serving joyfully, and leading courageously embracing the future God is unfolding among us.
With gratitude and hope,
Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President, Council of Bishops, The United Methodist Church