The Book of Discipline sets forth the plan by which we United Methodists govern ourselves. It reflects our understanding of the Church and of what is expected of its laity and clergy as they seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ.

The Discipline includes our church Constitution, our history, our doctrinal standards, and our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ, as well as practical processes through which our congregations connect and support each other to reach the world.

The Book of Discipline is copyright protected by The United Methodist Publishing House.


United Methodist churches and other official United Methodist bodies may reproduce up to 1,000 words from this publication, provided the following notice appears with the excerpted material: “From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church—2016. Copyright © 2016 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.”


Requests for quotations that exceed 1,000 words should be addressed to the Permissions Office, The United Methodist Publishing House, 201 Eighth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37202.

The United Methodist Publishing House must fund itself, and because of development, editorial and printing costs, all print and electronic editions with multiple functions require sales.

Purchase print copies through Cokesbury Book Stores on online.

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