Annual Conferences

Pastor Laquaan Malachi of Brunswick United Methodist Church in Crystal speaks to the appointive council of the Minnesota Conference and to fellow members of the Wisdom Council, a panel designed to make sure historically underrepresented people have a say in the Minnesota Conference. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Minnesota ‘Wisdom Council’ lifts all voices

The Minnesota Conference is taking a new approach to ensure that historically underrepresented groups have a say in conference leadership.

Social Concerns

The Rev. Noé Gabriel López, director of social impact and belonging in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey conferences, and his wife, Iliana López Matos, who serves as the Cultural Competency Consultant for the conferences’ Bridges program, take part in “Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice” Feb. 25 in Washington, D.C. The Rev. López chartered buses so church members from the conferences could join in the United Methodist-led event. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Sarah Borgstrom Lee.

With DEI dismantled, ministries still work for diversity

Several United Methodist annual conferences have staff members whose job titles call for them to promote multicultural ministries and racial equity. They’re doing this work at a time when DEI policies have been targeted by the Trump administration.

Global Health

Bishop Nelson Kalombo Ngoy of the Tanganyika Episcopal Area (center, in blue suit) and the Rev. Alpher K. Sylvester of the New York Conference (right, in light jacket) stand amid a group of clergy and community members with hands raised in prayer during an outreach visit in Kalemie, Congo. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

New bishop brings big dreams to Tanganyika

Bishop Nelson Kalombo Ngoy shares his vision for addressing the critical lack of medical care in the newly created episcopal area.

General Church

West Ohio delegates raise their arms in praise during morning worship at the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. From right are the Revs. April Casperson and Dee Stickley-Miner and Tracy Chambers. On Nov. 5, the Council of Bishops announced annual conference voters ratified four ballots of constitutional amendments passed at General Conference. In addition to regionalization, the ratified amendments deal with inclusion in church membership, racial justice and educational requirements for clergy. Casperson helped lead the task force that championed the passage of the amendment on inclusiveness. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Church strengthens stands on inclusion, racism

In addition to regionalization, United Methodist voters ratified three other amendments to the denomination’s constitution including changes that make clear the church’s belief that God’s love is for all people.

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