Book of Discipline¶604.1¶604 · Powers and Duties1. The annual conference, for its own government, may adopt rules and regulations not in conflict with the Discipline of The United Methodist Church, provided that in exercise of its powers, each annual conference shall act in all respects…The Book of Discipline 2020/2024, ¶604 · via PlenaryRead ¶604 in full →
What it is
The Standing Rules are the conference's own operating manual. They sit below the
Book of Discipline but above Robert's Rules: where the Discipline is silent, the
Standing Rules decide how we organize leadership, who may bring business, and how
the session runs. The Committee on Standing Rules maintains them and reports during
the first business session each year.
"Setting the bar"
Early on, the conference secretary establishes the bar — who is seated as a voting
member and where. It sounds procedural, but it's the moment the body defines itself
for the session. Watch for it.
How a rule changes
A revision needs a two-thirds vote and takes effect immediately unless the
enabling motion says otherwise (Rule 24). The rules can also be suspended for
a single purpose by a two-thirds vote.
What's up this year
<!-- per-year instance: pulled from the current Pre-Conference Report. See HANDOFF. -->
Source: 2026 Río Texas Pre-Conference Report · p. 41 ↗
Add to the guide
Anyone can contribute. Signed-out notes are reviewed before they appear; sign in to build standing in this conference.