Europe

The Rev. Mark Lewis, a retired United Methodist pastor who grew up in the U.S. but spent the bulk of his ministry in Denmark, shares with United Methodist leaders the impact of U.S. threats to seize Greenland on transatlantic relations. Lewis, an expert on Wesleyan mission, also is scheduled to be a panelist on the “Serve Joyfully” webinar scheduled for 9 a.m. U.S. Central time Feb. 21. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

US threats to Greenland challenge church

A United Methodist pastor from the U.S. who serves in Denmark shared the ongoing impact of U.S. aggression on international relations. He also shared what it means for the church.

General Church

Bishop Harald Rückert recites 1 John 4:20-21 during opening worship for a Feb. 6-9 meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, that brought together members of the Committee on Faith and Order, the Connectional Table, the Study of Ministry Commission and the Standing Committee on Regional Conference Matters Outside the USA (previously the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters). Rückert, who has retired after leading The United Methodist Church in Germany, chairs the standing committee that is leading the work to develop a globally relevant Book of Discipline. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

Making regionalization a reality for the church

United Methodist leaders have embarked on a significant reimagining of the Book of Discipline. They also heard an update on the formation of a U.S. regional conference.

Bishops

The Rev. Knut Refsdal receives the episcopal pin from Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank after being elected a United Methodist bishop on April 4 at the Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Refsdal, a pastor in Norway, was elected on the 26th ballot. Photo by Karl Anders Ellingsen, UM News.

Knut Refsdal elected as bishop

The Rev. Knut Refsdal, a pastor in Norway, was elected a United Methodist bishop on the 26th ballot.

Bishops

Bishop Hans Växby, who served as a beloved leader in the Nordic and Baltic countries for 12 years before leading Eurasia for another seven, passed away on March 30 at age 80. Photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops.

Bishop Växby, post-Cold War leader, dies at 80

United Methodists remember Bishop Hans Växby as a servant leader who helped rebuild the church in Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

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