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Church Leadership
Dr. Katelin Hansen. Photo by Maxine Moore, courtesy of the author.

Deaconesses are still here – let’s invest in them too!
A distinctly separate order from deacons, deaconesses and home missioners serve in a wide variety of full-time lay ministries for the church.
General Conference
Micheal Pope (right) speaks during the Laity Address during the United Methodist General Conference April 25 in Charlotte, N.C., along with (from left) LaToya Redd Thompson, John Hall, Jennifer Swann and Mele Maka. The speakers urged United Methodists to work together and keep the faith despite the setback of church disaffiliations. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

A journalist and a cartoon fish can point the way
With the future of The United Methodist Church at stake, believers need to trust in God, be faithful witnesses and work together, said speakers during the Laity Address at General Conference.
Central Conferences
Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella of the Manila Area speaks during the Philippines Central Conference’s Board of Laity forum Sept. 2 at Knox United Methodist Church in Manila. Estrella, who spoke on behalf of the incumbent bishops, expressed their commitment to preserving the unity of the church. Photo by the Rev. Edgardo L. Quinsayas.

Filipino lay leaders call for autonomy
The Board of the Laity in the Philippines held a forum to seek clarity on compounding church issues and called for autonomy, but the three newly elected bishops in the country emphasized their commitment to preserving the unity of the church.
Local Church
Lay leader Ed Zinkiewicz leads the congregation of West Nashville (Tenn.) United Methodist Church in prayer. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Who may hold office in a local church?
Those who may hold office in a local church depends on the office in question.

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