COUNCIL ON APPEALS
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.
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.
Clergy
Zawdie "Doc" Abiade - President - Great Lakes
Rich Jones - Vice President - West Plains
Rurel Ausely - Alabama Emerald Coast
Steven Bell - Trinity
Karen Riggleman Handy - Northeast
LaITY
Ron Enns - West Plains
Vicky Johnson - Secretary - Trinity
Gideon Salatan - Covenant Philippines
Chris Steiner - Allegheny West
Jim Keller - Trinity
Sid Strebeck - West Plains
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. Posted forms are written in English, but if you need a form in your native language, please contact the Council via the email below.
If you are unsure which application to use, please contact the Council before submission at
ConnectionalCouncilAppeals@globalmethodist.org
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
Reference Documents
- Judicial Practice & Procedure Rules
(Adopted August 25, 2025) - Book of Doctrines and Discipline (BDD)
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.
Current docket of matters being heard and opinions issued by the Council on Appeals will be updated here as new items are added.
Dockets
Check back soon for updates
Opinions
Check back soon for updates
CONTACT
President, Dr. Zawdie "Doc" Abiade