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Women

Violence
Hundreds of members of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women march in Gaborone, Botswana, wearing black in solidarity with victims and survivors of gender-based violence. The issue dominated conversations at the group’s Southern and East Africa seminar held April 3-6 in the country’s capital. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

African women speak against gender violence

Over 600 Methodist women from Southern and East Africa marched in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence and those suffering in silence.
Church History
“Called by Name,” at left, is by contemporary American artist Laura James. At right is “Mary Magdalene Proclaims Resurrection!” also by James. A commission to paint images of Mary Magdalene from Scripture led James to rethink her assumptions about the witness to Christ’s resurrection. United Methodists say Mary Magdalene’s role as apostle offers lessons for today when women’s roles remains highly contested. Images courtesy of Laura James. Used with permission.

The quite contrary story of Mary Magdalene

She’s long had the reputation as the Gospels’ bad girl, but the biblical account of Mary Magdalene is very different. United Methodists think her role as apostle offers lessons for today.
Global Health
Christine Ntamubano expresses gratitude to The United Methodist Church in Burundi for providing clean drinking water closer to her home. Around 5,000 people in the region now have access to drinking water, thanks to a borehole installed by the church. Photo by Jérôme Ndayisenga, UM News.

Borehole offers hope to Burundi town

A drinking system, installed by United Methodists, provides access to water and contributes to the economic and social development of Ruburizi.
General Agencies
Members of the United Women in Faith Program Advisory Group celebrate the announcement of Assembly 2026, scheduled for May 15-17, 2026, in Indianapolis. Board and program advisory group members met in person March 6-9 at Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn., the organization’s first in-person meeting since early 2020. Pictured in the foreground are board member Marilyn Sanchez Reid of the Western Jurisdiction and Vice President Heidi Careaga of the North Central Jurisdiction. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Women’s group plans assembly, calls for justice

United Women in Faith kicked off plans for Assembly 2026 in Indianapolis and heard the call to act now for racial justice.

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