Associates in Advocacy (AIA) is an organization committed to helping the Church fulfill its own intentions to be just.
Rooted in a long tradition of advocacy, fair process, and accountability within the Church, AIA provides information, education, training, and assistance to individuals navigating the administrative and judicial processes of church life.
Today, AIA serves as a bridge organization supporting both The United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church, as well as others within the Wesleyan tradition. Although these denominations have different structures, disciplinary provisions, and procedures, AIA remains committed to the same fundamental principles of fairness, reconciliation, restoration, and justice.
AIA serves advocates, church officers, and individuals involved in administrative and judicial processes. Through education, guidance, and advocacy, we seek to help the Church honor its commitments to fairness and accountability.
Our Mission
To help the Church fulfill its own intentions to be just.
Specifically, AIA will do the following:
- Provide assistance and information to help those who are advocates, caregivers, and otherwise request aid;
- Encourage and provide legislative and judicial assistance to those seeking to change or clarify church law;
- Provide information to seekers, to church officers, to lawyers, and to anyone else wanting to know church law;
- Provide training for anyone facing or being part of any hearing body;
- Provide and conduct other religious and educational activities related to personnel advocacy;
- And serve members of the churches of the Wesleyan tradition including the United Methodist Church and Global Methodist Church.
As advocates, we will seek reconciliation and restoration where possible and justice always.
Mission statement adopted May 2026.
How AIA Serves the Church
Associates in Advocacy fulfills its mission through three interconnected commitments: education and information, advocacy and fair process, and reconciliation and restoration. These commitments guide our work with individuals and church bodies throughout the Wesleyan tradition. Whether someone is seeking to understand church law, preparing for an administrative or judicial proceeding, or working toward a just resolution of a difficult situation, AIA seeks to provide knowledgeable assistance grounded in fairness, accountability, and Christian concern.
Education and Information
AIA believes that a clear understanding of church law and established procedures is essential to justice within the Church. We provide educational resources and information to clergy, laity, advocates, church officers, attorneys, and others seeking guidance. This includes interpreting disciplinary provisions, explaining administrative and judicial processes, and helping individuals understand their rights and responsibilities. Through educational materials, training opportunities, and access to church-law resources, AIA seeks to equip people to participate knowledgeably and responsibly in the life and governance of the Church.
Advocacy and Fair Process
AIA is committed to helping individuals and church bodies navigate administrative and judicial proceedings with fairness, integrity, and respect for the rights of all involved. We provide assistance to advocates, complainants, respondents, and others participating in church processes. This includes helping individuals understand applicable disciplinary provisions, procedural requirements, and the responsibilities of those involved in hearings and reviews. AIA also encourages the careful application of church law, recognizing that fair process is not merely a procedural requirement but an essential expression of justice, accountability, and Christian community.
Reconciliation and Restoration
AIA recognizes that the ultimate goal of Christian advocacy is not simply the resolution of disputes but the restoration of justice, relationships, and the integrity of the Church. Whenever possible, we encourage reconciliation through honest communication, accountability, and a willingness to seek common ground. We also recognize that reconciliation cannot come at the expense of justice or the rights of those involved. Restoration requires truth, fairness, and a genuine commitment to healing. AIA therefore seeks reconciliation and restoration wherever possible, while maintaining its unwavering commitment to justice always.
Resources for the Wesleyan Church.
Associates in Advocacy serves members of both The United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church. Because each denomination maintains its own disciplinary provisions, administrative structures, and judicial processes, AIA provides separate resource centers to help individuals find information relevant to their church. Select the appropriate denomination below to explore available guides, procedures, decisions, and advocacy resources.