Press Release – April 29, 2026
\nFor Immediate Release<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, meeting this week in Jacksonville, Florida, has elected Emily Allen, a lay member of the California\u2011Nevada Conference, to serve as Secretary of the General Conference ad interim, effective July 1, 2026.<\/p>\n
Allen will follow current Secretary, Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, who is receiving a new appointment in the Indiana Annual Conference where she is an Elder in Full Connection.<\/p>\n
Allen\u2019s election follows a comprehensive and collaborative discernment process led by the COB Leadership Discernment Committee. As the committee reported, \u201cthe process included input from the Colleges of Bishops and self\u2011nominations\u201d and resulted in \u201ca pool of ten candidates that reflected both breadth and strength across the church.\u201d The pool included clergy and lay leaders from all five jurisdictions with experience in conference administration, legislative process, communications, finance, and general church service.<\/p>\n
A panel representing the Leadership Discernment Committee, the Commission on the General Conference, and the General Council on Finance & Administration reviewed all materials and invited three candidates for final interviews.<\/p>\n
After prayerful discernment, the COB Leadership Discernment Committee presented one candidate to the Council of Bishops for approval. Upon her election, Allen shared, \u201cI feel called to serve the General Church,\u201d noting that she has witnessed the Holy Spirit at work in the life and proceedings of the General Conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cEmily Allen brings faithful, steady, and collaborative leadership this role,\u201d said Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops. \u201cHer deep knowledge and proven commitment to the mission and connection of The United Methodist Church will serve the Church well. We are grateful for her willingness to answer this call and trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide this important work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Allen brings extensive leadership experience to this role. She has served as a local church staff leader; Chair of the Conference Rules Committee; Chair of Agenda and Calendar at multiple General Conferences; head of delegation; jurisdictional leader; and a delegate to the General Conference.<\/p>\n
She will serve as Secretary ad interim\u00a0 until the next session of the General Conference, when the body will elect the Secretary of the General Conference.
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