Violence

Violence
The Rev. Bob Anders (at left) leads a time of prayer on April 3, Good Friday at Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church in Cedaredge, Colo. The church displayed on its steps a memorial showing pairs of shoes to represent the 168 children and teachers killed Feb. 28 in the bombing of the girls’ school in Minab, Iran. Photos of the memorial went viral on social media. Amid the tenuous ceasefire, United Methodists continue to speak out against the war and especially threats of genocide. Photo courtesy of Anders, Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church.

United Methodists confront Iran war’s impact

With the ceasefire on shaky ground and no deal in sight, United Methodists are praying for peace as they’ve done since the beginning of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. They also are speaking out against disregard for human life.
Violence
(From left) Bishop Werner Philipp, local preacher István Pásztor from Hungary, Bishop Stefan Zürcher and Bishop Knut Refsdal stand under a Ukrainian flag at Nevytske Castle, north of Uzhhorod, during their visit to Ukraine on March 26-30. The bishops’ trip was intended as a sign of solidarity and a reminder to people in Ukraine that they have not been forgotten. Photo courtesy of EmK-Öffentlichkeitsarbeit Germany, UM News.

United Methodist bishops encounter hope in Ukraine

Three European bishops traveled to western Ukraine to visit United Methodist congregations and meet people who have been living in war for years. The journey was about presence, solidarity and reminding people they have not been forgotten.
Disaster Relief
Richard Mushitu, the Tanganyika Episcopal Area’s Disaster Management coordinator, helps distribute bags of flour during an emergency humanitarian aid distribution organized by The United Methodist Church. The project, funded by the United Methodist Committee on Relief and local resources, provided food and essential non-food items to 700 people affected by devastating floods and forced displacement in the Nyunzu and Kalemie territories of Congo. Photo courtesy of the Disaster Management Office of the Tanganyika Episcopal Region.

Church brings aid, hope to Tanganyika

The United Methodist Church, with support from UMCOR and local resources, has provided food in the Tanganyika region, which has been challenged by devastating floods and the fallout from conflicts in eastern Congo.
Social Concerns
The Rev. Mariah Tollgaard, senior pastor of Hamline Church United Methodist in St. Paul, Minn., testifies March 4 before the U.S. House of Represenatives Oversight Committee. Also testifying were Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison. Screen shot from U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee hearing via YouTube by UM News.

Minnesota pastor testifies to U.S. Congress

The Rev. Mariah Tollgaard, senior pastor of Hamline United Methodist Church, spoke to a U.S. House committee about the impact of the federal crackdown on her parishioners and state. “No nation can build a true future on the terror of its own people,” she said.

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