Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications. Members of the 2016-2020 Judicial Council. (From left) Front: Ruben T. Reyes, N. Oswald Tweh Sr., the Rev. Luan-Vu Tran. Back row: Deanell Reece Tacha, Lídia Romão Gulele, the Rev.Øyvind Helliesen, the Rev. Dennis Blackwell, and the Rev. J. Kabamba Kiboko. (Not pictured, Beth Capen)

The Council of Bishops is inviting the people of The United Methodist Church to be in prayer for the Judicial Council, which is in session this week in Evanston through April 26. The Judicial Council will be discussing the constitutionality of matters related to the Special Session of the General Conference held in February.

“In our residential areas, in the midst of voices we have heard around these decisions and for the sake of the whole church, we lift these elected members of the Judicial Council in prayer, as the events of this week help us to take the next step as people who seek to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6. 8),” Bishop Ken Carter, President of the Council of Bishops said in a letter released today.

Click here to read the full text of Bishop Carter’s letter.

No oral hearings are scheduled, and the court’s rulings will be posted on its website at some point after the session concludes. Look for updates on the NIC's social media and website as well.