Bishop Saenz Elected as New Council of Bishops President

Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. who serves as resident bishop of the Horizon Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church was today elected as the next president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church during the bishops’ online meeting. He previously served as president-designate for the Council.

Bishop Mande Muyombo, the resident bishop of the North Katanga Area in the Mid Africa Central Conference, was elected as president-designate.

Bishop Lanette L. Plambeck who serves the Dakotas-Minnesota Area was elected as secretary for the Council.

The current officers are Bishop Tracy S. Malone, president; Bishop Saenz, president-designate; and Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, secretary.

The new officers will take office at the end of the Spring 2026 COB meeting and will serve for two years.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by my election as the next President of the Council of Bishops. With God’s help, I will walk with the church, faithfully stewarding, upholding, and extending our sacred mission throughout the world. Together, we will strive to pass on a vibrant faith rooted in Christ’s love and our Wesleyan heritage that invites and welcomes all people to find belonging and their role in God's mighty work. United in Christ and grounded in love, we will continue building a church that future generations will receive and embrace with gratitude and blessing," Bishop Saenz said after his election. 

Excerpt published with permission from United Methodist Communications.