GENERAL Council on Appeals

Upholding Order, Integrity, and Faithfulness within the Global Methodist Church

Purpose & Role

The Connectional Council on Appeals (COA) serves as the highest judicial body within the Global Methodist Church.
Its purpose is to ensure that the actions, legislation, and governance of the Church remain consistent with the Book of Doctrines and Discipline (BDD) — the foundational guide for doctrine, polity, and practice in the denomination.


In summary, the Council on Appeals:


  • Determines whether actions or legislation are in conformity with the Book of Doctrines and Discipline.

  • Issues declaratory decisions interpreting the meaning, application, or effect of the BDD.

  • Reviews the legality, meaning, or application of actions and legislation passed by Annual Conferences or other church bodies.

  • Serves as the final appellate body for trials within the denomination.

“The Council on Appeals safeguards the Church’s commitment to truth, justice, and connectional integrity.”
Reference: Paragraph 922, Book of Doctrines and Discipline (BDD)

Who We Are

The Council on Appeals is composed of seven members and seven alternates, elected by the General Conference for a six-year term.


  • First Six-Year Cycle: 4 clergy members and 3 lay members, with 4 clergy alternates and 3 lay alternates.

  • Second Six-Year Cycle: 3 clergy members and 4 lay members, with 3 clergy alternates and 4 lay alternates.
         (This alternating pattern continues every General Conference cycle.)

Members are nominated through the Administrative Nominations Committee, ensuring representation across geographic, ethnic, and gender diversity. 


Elected members begin their service at the close of the General Conference in which they were elected, continuing through the next General Conference.

MEETING & OPERATIONS

The Council meets at the call of its President, who may convene sessions for:

Orientation and training

  • Administrative coordination
  • Review of cases, petitions, or appeals
  • Interpretive decisions regarding the BDD

The COA meets at General Conference and at least once annually, with additional meetings as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.

RESOURCES & FORMS

The Council provides access to all necessary documents for individuals or entities seeking clarification, appeal, or declaratory action under its jurisdiction.

If you are unsure which application to use, please contact the Council before submission at ConnectionalCouncilAppeals@globalmethodist.org

Available Resources

  • Rules of Practice and Procedure
    (Adopted August 25, 2025)
  • Biblical Dispute Resolution Resources
    (coming soon)
  • Docket of Matters to be Addressed by the COA
  • Guidelines & Recommendations on Submissions to the COA
  • Book of Doctrines and Discipline (BDD)

Available Forms

  • Notice of Appeal – Bishop or Clergy
  • Petition for Certiorari – Committee of Appeals
  • Petition for Certiorari to Render Declaratory Decision
  • Request for Declaratory Decision – Action
  • Request for Declaratory Decision – Proposed Legislation
  • Report by Bishop on Question of Law
  • Submission of Brief


TRANSPARENCY & RECORDKEEPING

All official rulings, dockets, and decisions of the Connectional Council on Appeals are archived and made publicly available as part of the Church’s commitment to transparency and accountability.  To request an archived document, please contact the council at the email below.


In the event of a technical issue or corrupted file, duplicate copies are securely maintained by both the President and Secretary of the Council.

CONTACT

Current President, Dr. Zawdie "Doc" Abiade 

ConnectionalCouncilAppeals@globalmethodist.org