Support UM News at General Conference: Your gift ensures that you and other visitors receive the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and diverse perspectives from General Conference.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46,1

What a shock! What devastation! The Boston Marathon started as a celebration of life and ended as a time of mourning. We hardly find words to describe our anguish about the terror attack. United Methodists from all over the world mourn with those who are mourning.

We pray for the wounded, the afraid and those who lost loved ones. We once more have to recognize that the world is not a safe place. There are people who do harm. We cry out for justice. Peace has to be restored in the beautiful city of Boston and all over the world. I am thankful for the ministry of United Methodists in the Boston area and all over the United States, offering prayers and comfort to those who are in need.

We pray for God's presence with the victims, their families, and those who seek to heal the wounded and bring order to chaos; and we are called to pray for the perpetrators. Even though we are aghast because of this brutal act of violence, as followers of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ, we do not satisfy our desire for revenge.

May God comfort and guide all who are troubled; and may United Methodists in Boston, in the U.S., and all over the world unite with all Christians and all people of faith to serve as peace builders. The risen Christ, in whom God reconciled the world to himself, is hope and peace for a broken world.


Bishop Rosemarie Wenner


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Violence
An American flag waves at half-staff in 2018 after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Flags are standing at half-staff again after the Sept. 10 assassination of an activist on a university campus. United Methodist bishops are urging members to act as peacemakers to help put an end to the violence. Photo by Bryan Roschetzky, iStock.

After assassination, bishops urge peacemaking

United Methodist bishops see a growing threat of political violence. They are calling churchgoers to pray and act for peace following a school shooting and the killing of activist Charlie Kirk.
Bishops
All 14 active bishops in Africa and three retired bishops pose for a photo at the Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting, held Sept. 1-4 in Luanda, Angola. During the gathering, the bishops celebrated The United Methodist Church’s growth on the continent and affirmed their commitment to church unity. Photo by Geraldo Martins, West Angola Conference.

African bishops celebrate growth, affirm unity

The 17 bishops at the 2025 Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting pledged their support for regionalization as “a faithful and strategic path forward.”
Church Leadership
Steven Odhiambo of the Kenya-Ethiopia Conference is consecrated as a home missioner by retired United Methodist Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala during the Africa Region Deaconess/Home Missioner consecration service on July 9 at the Lutheran Uhuru Hostel and Conference Centre in Moshi, Tanzania. The ceremony marked the first time a United Methodist deaconess/home missioner consecration was held on African soil. Photo courtesy of Laurel Akin.

Diaconal vision for Africa becomes reality

For the first time, a United Methodist deaconess/home missioner consecration is held on African soil, as 15 candidates are consecrated for service.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved