Methodism in Central America: Challenges, Faith and Hope

GUATEMALA CITY (UMNS) – Gang violence and corruption plague the countries of Honduras and Guatemala. The United Methodist Church in Honduras and the autonomous Methodist Church in Guatemala are addressing poverty and violence through faith and fortitude. In the summer of 2017, a visit by United Methodist leadership signaled a growing commitment to these churches.

Read all stories from United Methodist News Service's trip to Central America in our Special Report: Honduras and Guatemala 2017.


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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.

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