Germany Episcopal Area

Participants pray during a service for peace and reunification between South and North Korea at St. Stephan Church in Karlsruhe, Germany, as part of the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

World Council of Churches works for just peace

On the final day of the 11th General Assembly, delegates adopted numerous documents, including statements on peace.

Faith leaders from around the world join together during the closing prayer service for the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. From right are: The Rev. Heike Springhart of the Evangelical Church in Germany, Bishop Abraham Mar Paulos of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, Metropolitan Zacariah Mar Nicholovos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, United Methodist Bishops Sally Dyck and Mary Ann Swenson from the U.S., and the Rev. Hyuk Cho of the United Church of Canada. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

WCC General Assembly closes with call to ‘act for justice’

At the 11th General Assembly of the World Council of Churches, around 3,000 participants from 120 countries met to discuss the future direction of ecumenism.

Human Sexuality

The Executive Committee of the United Methodist Church in Germany agreed to become more open and inclusive on matters relating to human sexuality during a video meeting Nov. 20-21. The decision seeks to preserve unity through a perspective of respectful coexistence as a way forward. Photo by Klaus Ulrich Ruof, United Methodist Communications Germany.

Norway, Germany move to more inclusivity

Top committee of German church agrees to be more open on human sexuality matters, while Norway Conference plans to issue a public apology to LGBTQ people.

Local Church

Eurasia Area Bishop Eduard Khegay posts live greetings on his Facebook page to viewers in Russia and around the globe during the “stay home, stay safe” phase of the CORVID-19 social distancing. Photo courtesy of Bishop Eduard Khegay’s Facebook.

In Europe, closing church can mean opening to others

The coronavirus crisis brings far-flung United Methodists in Eurasia together for worship; stimulates community contact in Norway; allows for new ways to carry on old traditions in Germany and propels a home-bound mask-making venture in Slovakia.

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