At a small United Methodist church in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, “mama pastor” Nellya Shakirova helps Indian and Pakistani students come together despite political differences back home.
United Methodist churches in Kyrgyzstan are doing dynamic ministry in an often challenging environment. Outdoor and other social activities help build relationships, especially among young people. Photographer Mike DuBose provides a window into local church life.
Amid challenges from an evolving denomination, multiple natural disasters, the war in Ukraine and a continuing struggle to address migration, United Methodists continued to live out their faith and serve their communities in 2022. UM News photographers were there.
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Ask The UMC responds to a variety of questions we have received about the process of voting when a called church conference gathers to consider disaffiliation.
Commentaries
When the poor share what they have
The many meanings of connectionalism
Youth group outreach changed Mr. X’s views of church
Disaffiliation supporters use political playbook
Lifting up three key Black history figures
Using our brains: A proposal for General Conference
Disobedience didn’t start with sexuality debate
Political categories don’t capture work ahead