Latin America/Caribbean

Immigration
Members of MARCHA discuss priorities during their online annual meeting, held July 31-Aug. 1. The caucus replaced its in-person meeting with a virtual gathering due to concerns that members of the Hispanic-Latino community could be detained while traveling under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Advocacy for immigrant communities will remain a priority for the group, members said. Photo composition by the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez, UM News.

Hispanic-Latino caucus reviews mission, structure

MARCHA sets priorities at annual meeting, including reviewing bylaws, strengthening ties with Latin America, advocating for immigrant communities and developing the Elías Galván Endowment Fund.
Church Growth
Bishop Juan de Dios Peña, episcopal leader of the Evangelical Methodist Church of El Salvador, serves Holy Communion during a worship service at the World Methodist Council meeting held Aug. 12-16 in San Salvador, El Salvador. Photo courtesy of the Evangelical Methodist Church of El Salvador.

Meeting puts focus on Salvadoran Methodism

World Methodist Council gathering strengthens ties between the Evangelical Methodist Church of El Salvador and the worldwide Methodist community while increasing the church’s visibility.
Mission and Ministry
Bishop Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo recognizes the legacy of women in ministry during the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico’s 11th Connectional Conference, held  June 25-28 in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico. Despite the challenges facing Puerto Rico, Gabriel Montalvo said the denomination continues to experience growth. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.

Puerto Rico Methodists reaffirm mission

During its 11th Connectional Conference, members of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico committed to strengthening ministries amid U.S. challenges.
Multicultural Ministry
Leaders of the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean say the historic autonomy of churches in the region has helped the council navigate divisions within The United Methodist Church. Pictured from left are Bishops Juan de Dios Peña (president of CIEMAL) and Frank de Nully Brown (vice president) and Horacio Mesones, the council’s executive secretary. Photo illustration by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.

Latin American Methodists stress unity amid church changes

CIEMAL leaders say the historic autonomy of churches in Latin America and the Caribbean has helped the region navigate divisions within The United Methodist Church without deep regional fractures.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Loading

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved