Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States have continued to face racism from governmental actions and white supremacy since at least the middle of the 19th century. United Methodists are called in baptism to resist these and all forms of evil, injustice, and oppression.
Rev. Zenro Hirota was a pioneer among Japanese American Methodists, serving for 45 years, often facing great difficulties, alongside his colleagues in the California Conference in a variety of settings (mission, local church, school, publishing, mission society leadership).
William Apess was the first Native American licensed to preach among American Methodists and the leading advocate for Native American rights in the first half of the 19th century.
