news article
End of disaffiliation process in Upper New York Conference
February 3, 2026 / By Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On November 18, 2025, the New York State courts approved the final disaffiliation request in Upper New York (UNY), marking the completion of an unprecedented chapter in our conference's history. Between October 2022 and December 31, 2023—when the limited right to disaffiliate under ¶2553 of the Book of Discipline expired—118 churches in Upper New York voted to disaffiliate, though the court approval process extended into 2025.
This has been a challenging season for our conference family,” said Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez. “Yet through it all, we have remained steadfast in our mission and in our commitment to one another as the body of Christ. As we move ahead, we are intentionally adapting to our new missional realities while prioritizing the strengthening of our local congregations, equipping clergy and laity for impactful ministry, and investing in the holistic well‑being of our pastoral leaders. We also remain committed to planting new faith communities and fresh expressions throughout the region so that, together, we may continue to be agents of Christ’s love, mercy, compassion, and justice in the places we serve,” added Bishop Héctor.
Peter Abdella, conference chancellor, reflected on the legal complexities involved. "Each disaffiliation required careful attention to property law, pension obligations, and contractual matters. The process, while difficult, was handled with integrity and respect for all parties."
The 118 disaffiliations represented approximately 15% of UNY's churches, placing our conference in the bottom third nationally in terms of percentage loss. Churches that disaffiliated paid their share of unfunded pension liabilities, current and overdue shared ministry payments, and additional financial obligations as required by the Book of Discipline and conference policy.
Moving Forward Together
United Methodists of Upper New York remain a strong network of over 100,000 members in more than 675 congregations committed to living the gospel of Jesus Christ and being God's love with all our neighbors in all places.
As United Methodists in Upper New York—rooted in Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in Scripture—we embrace a doctrine and set of Social Principles that call us to proclaim and live the gospel of Jesus Christ and to embody God's justice, mercy, and grace every day. Diversity is a cherished gift from God, and even amid our differences, we are UNITED by Christ's love and a shared mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.