United Methodist Council of Bishops to Meet in Panama Nov. 2-6

United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Information
www.umcpresscenter.org

MEDIA ADVISORY
October 29,2010

More than 87 United Methodist bishops from Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S. will gather in Panama City, Panama for the semi-annual Council of Bishops meeting Nov. 2-6, followed by a meeting of the Conference of Methodist Bishops and Presidents on Nov. 7-9 and CIEMAL on Nov. 10.

During the week, council members will attend strategic planning meetings and plenary sessions at the Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center, beginning on Tuesday morning and ending at noon on Saturday. Highlights of the Council of Bishops meeting include the Presidential Address on November 2 by Bishop Larry Goodpaster, the report and recommendations of the Call to Action steering committee, presented in two parts on November 3-4, and updates on the Four Areas of Focus.

The plenary sessions are open to the public and the news media.

The Council of Bishops-made up of 50 active bishops in the United States, 19 bishops in Europe, Asia and Africa, and 88 retired bishops worldwide-provides leadership and helps set the direction of the 11.5 million-member church and its mission throughout the world. The bishops are the top clergy leaders of The United Methodist Church, the second largest Protestant denomination in the U.S.

The Conference of Methodist Bishops and Presidents includes the United Methodist Council of Bishops plus bishops from affiliated, affiliated autonomous Methodist or affiliated united churches. The Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches of Latin America and the Caribbean, CIEMAL, binds together Methodist churches of 19 nations of Latin American and the Caribbean (with two united churches) in mutual support, mission and service.

Media contact:
Diane Degnan
[email protected]
615-742-5406 (w)
615-483-1765 (c)


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
General Church
The Kenya Prison Service band leads procession at the start of the Africa Methodist Council’s heads of Methodist conferences summit on May 14 in Nairobi, Kenya. Wesleyan episcopal leaders had the opportunity to discuss regionalization of The United Methodist Church and its impact on all Methodist denominations as well as migration and other issues affecting the church. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

Methodism emerges stronger in Africa

A United Methodist bishop and other church leaders met to chart a way forward for Methodism in Africa. Regionalization was a big topic of conversation.
Faith Stories
The Rev. Dr. Richard Huskey died one day after being ordained an elder in full connection in The United Methodist Church. He is pictured at left upon his seminary graduation in 1974. At center, Huskey attends a 1977 rally to support an ordinance that banned discrimination in employment and housing in St. Paul, Minn. He had selected the photo to represent his time in ministry. At right is Huskey in 2014. Photos are courtesy of Huskey; the 2014 photo is via the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network.

LGBTQ activist ordained on deathbed

In an emotional finish worthy of Hollywood, the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey was ordained on his deathbed after waiting since the 1970s for The United Methodist Church to allow the ordination of openly gay people.
Immigration
A National Guardsman stands watch at a June 10 prayer vigil organized by the United Methodist-founded Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice in downtown Los Angeles. The participants placed in front of him a poster in Spanish calling for peace, love and equality and asking for support. United Methodists across the Los Angeles area are working to stand up for immigrant rights while trying to de-escalate a tense situation as the Trump administration has deployed National Guard troops and Marines to quell protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Photo courtesy of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice.

Working for immigrant rights and peace in LA

United Methodists in the Los Angeles area are advocating for immigrants while trying to de-escalate a tense situation after President Trump’s deployment of troops to quell anti-ICE protests.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved