Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2026
Emily Allen Elected Secretary Ad Interim of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – 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‑Nevada Conference, to serve as Secretary of the General Conference ad interim, effective July 1, 2026.
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.
Allen’s election follows a comprehensive and collaborative discernment process led by the COB Leadership Discernment Committee. As the committee reported, “the process included input from the Colleges of Bishops and self‑nominations” and resulted in “a pool of ten candidates that reflected both breadth and strength across the church.” The pool included clergy and lay leaders from all five jurisdictions with experience in conference administration, legislative process, communications, finance, and general church service.
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.
After prayerful discernment, the COB Leadership Discernment Committee presented one candidate to the Council of Bishops for approval. Upon her election, Allen shared, “I feel called to serve the General Church,” noting that she has witnessed the Holy Spirit at work in the life and proceedings of the General Conference.
“Emily Allen brings faithful, steady, and collaborative leadership this role,” said Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops. “Her 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.”
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.
She will serve as Secretary ad interim until the next session of the General Conference, when the body will elect the Secretary of the General Conference.
###
Media Contact:
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications - Council of Bishops
Click to email
(202) 748-5172 (Office)