East Congo: The long journey to peace

The United Methodist Church is flourishing in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The denomination’s newest episcopal area was established in 2012, with offices in Kindu.

But much of the area is impassable because no roads exist in the region ransacked by years of civil wars. Violent outbreaks are still occurring in some parts of the country.

This series of stories and photos shines a spotlight on the many ministries and people of The United Methodist Church in a place rarely visited by members of the global church.

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Social Concerns

United Methodist youth leaders hold up a joint statement they prepared at the end of a training workshop in Uvira, Congo. The participants committed to promoting and restoring peace in their communities. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

Church trains young people to promote peace

Supported by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the training aims to transform young people in eastern Congo into agents of peace in a region destabilized by war.

Church Leadership

Bishop Antoine Kalema Tambwe (center) and his wife, Ngole Kitete Charlotte, greet guests in front of Bethel Cascade United Methodist Church in Bangui, Central African Republic. At left is newly ordained pastor the Rev. Christ Noël Yakizi, who serves the remote village of Cantonnier on the Cameroonian border. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Central African United Methodists celebrate 33 new pastors

The United Methodist Church’s ordinations in the country mark a spiritual renaissance for communities long deprived of clergy.

Mission and Ministry

Sister Confianza, a member of the Amigas del Señor (Women Friends of the Lord) Monastery in Limón, Honduras, rides her bike through the village alongside a neighbor. Originally from the United States, Sister Confianza founded the monastery with another woman in 2006. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

2025: The year in photos

United Methodists around the world are living into the denomination’s new vision to "love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” UM News, the denomination's official news service, documented a year in the life of United Methodism worldwide.

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