Central Conferences

The Union Theological Seminary choir, under the direction of Deborrah Reyes, helps lead closing worship for The United Methodist Church’s Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters meeting in Manila, Philippines, in 2019. Bishops are planning a one-time special offering next year to support the endowment fund for theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. File photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

Big push planned to fund pastoral education

United Methodist bishops are planning a one-time special offering next year to better support pastors’ theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.

Mission and Ministry

Bishop David Bard, who leads the Michigan and Illinois Great Rivers conferences, talks to Volunteers in Mission leaders about the theology behind regionalization, a package of amendments to the denomination’s constitution up for possible ratification this year. Joining Bard in discussing regionalization were Mountain Sky Conference Bishop Kristin Stoneking (left) and Bishop Robin Dease, who leads the North Georgia and South Georgia conferences. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

What regionalization means for mission

Three United Methodist bishops discussed what regionalization would mean for the denomination’s global mission work if ratified.

Church Growth

Bishop Knut Refsdal, who leads the Nordic-Baltic-Ukraine Area, baptizes Aksel, as the baby’s parents, Håkon and Astri Helen Madland, look on. The newly elected bishop chose Flekkefjord, Norway, as his first visit in a strong sign of solidarity with the United Methodists there. Photo by Karl Anders Ellingsen, UM News.

After division, church sees new life and local honor

After General Conference, a United Methodist church in Norway saw much of its congregation leave. Now, the church is rebounding and receiving recognition for its inclusive stance.

Social Concerns

Honoring our differences while celebrating unity

As The United Methodist Church seeks to embody unity, it must also reckon with the distinct realities and contexts that shape its people.

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