Ecumenism

Social Concerns
Retired professor Jin Kwan Kwon (left) and Vanderbilt University professor Joerg Rieger discuss Minjung theology — a liberation theology that emerged in the 1970s in South Korea — during a lecture March 31 at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tenn. The event was hosted by Vanderbilt’s Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice, which was founded by Rieger. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News.

Minjung theology offers lessons for today

Though this form of liberation theology emerged over 50 years ago in South Korea, its emphasis on the struggles of the oppressed and marginalized resonates across national boundaries today.
Mission and Ministry
Sandi Goodman (right) visits with residents of Mufongo village, part of the United Methodist Quéssua Mission in Angola. Goodman was part of a Volunteers in Mission team from the Florida Conference. Volunteers in Mission leaders met Sept. 2-3 outside Chicago to discuss how their disciple-making ministry can last for years to come. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Volunteers in Mission embark on new chapter

As the post-disaffiliation denomination grapples with tight church budgets and the end of federal aid programs, United Methodists plan a long future for short-term missions.
Church Growth
The Rev. Alexander von Wascinski receives a blessing from his congregation at Peace Church United Methodist in Munich, Germany. Photo courtesy of Peace Church United Methodist, via Facebook. Facebook.

Peace Church offers ‘home for everyone’

A congregation in Germany is a thriving, diverse church community that welcomes people of all faith traditions, including many who are new to the country.
Ecumenism
United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann Swenson greets Pope Francis in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2018, during the commemoration of the World Council of Churches’ 70th anniversary. The leader of the Catholic Church spoke about the significance of Catholic involvement in ecumenical work and pledged his commitment to the cause of Christian unity. United Methodists around the world are mourning Pope Francis, who died April 21 at age 88. File photo by Albin Hillert, World Council of Churches.

United Methodists remember Pope Francis

United Methodists were vocal in their praise of Pope Francis, who died Easter Monday at age 88. Church leaders noted that Roman Catholics and Methodists have been in continual dialogue since the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s.

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