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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.
Annual Conferences
Dancer Briana Hanson joyfully helps introduce a report from United Women in Faith during the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. After a season of church disaffiliations, United Methodists are moving forward with a new vision, declaring members should “love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously.” The Arkansas and Oklahoma conferences have created ad campaigns to support that work and showcase the denomination’s resiliency and values. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bold new era declared for church
The Arkansas and Oklahoma conferences are planning advertising and social media campaigns this fall to follow up on The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement.

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