The General Conference
The church denomination you have joined is unique in its connection. Its affiliation is
Methodist made possible by John Wesley and retained by our protesting and founding fathers.
It has twelve Bishops. The General Conference is the major gathering of the denomination
which meets every four years beginning the first Wednesday in May (date subject to change)
and lasting for two weeks at a place designated by a commission which sets the place two
years before the sessions begin. It is the law making body of the church which is empowered
with the responsibility of making and changing or amending the laws that are changeable with
special exceptions alluding to our articles of faith, doctrine and existing standards. The
episcopacy shall not be done away with nor the plan of itinerancy.
Laws granting trials to ministers and appeals shall remain intact. The same applies to
our laity. Our general rules shall not be destroyed. The General Conference elects bishops
and assigns them to their Districts. It tries, expels, impeaches or disrobes Bishops, elects
General officers, guards the destiny of the Connection, hears and receives reports of
departments and regulates the work, discipline and polity of each. There is no appeal from
the General Conference. In the interim of the General Conference, the Bishops govern the
church and interpret its laws and mandate.
