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Disaffiliation

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.
Judicial Council
Members of the 2024-2028 Judicial Council are (front row, from left) the Rev. Jonathan Ulanday; the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, president; the Rev. Angela Brown, secretary; and Molly Hlekani Mwayera; (back row, from left) Bill Waddell; Andrew Vorbrich; the Rev. Øyvind Helliesen; the Rev. Luan-Vu Tran; and Harriett Olson. The Judicial Council publicly released a decision on June 3 related to the Mississippi Conference’s process for allowing congregations to leave with property. Photo by Linda Bloom, UM News.

Ruling: Stop alternative church-exit plans
The United Methodist Church’s top court strikes down the Mississippi Conference’s process to let churches leave with property after the denomination’s disaffiliation policy expired.
Local Church
Members of Los Feliz United Methodist Church in Los Angeles pose for a photo in celebration of 21 new members joining the church on April 21, 2024. The church, led by the Rev. Brian Suk-Boo Lee (seated fourth from right), is experiencing a rebirth with some formerly inactive members returning with their families, revitalizing Sunday school and creating an intergenerational worship environment. File photo courtesy of Los Feliz United Methodist Church.

Los Angeles church sees renewal under new pastor
The Rev. Brian Suk-Boo Lee credits the congregation for rallying and committing to the church’s future, after a period of struggle that included an attempt at disaffiliation.
General Church
United Methodists cheer at a service recognizing newly elected Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel at the Christian Association of Nigeria Secretariat in Jalingo, Taraba State, after his election at the West Africa Central Conference in Ghana Dec. 5-8. Emmanuel has been holding listening sessions across Nigeria’s regional conferences to seek unity and hear concerns from members. Photo by Ibrahim Babangida, UM News.

United Methodists in Nigeria move forward
The United Methodist Church has taken steps toward uniting members, while awaiting recourse from the courts regarding properties and other legal matters.

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