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.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Multicultural Ministry
Leaders of the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean say the historic autonomy of churches in the region has helped the council navigate divisions within The United Methodist Church. Pictured from left are Bishops Juan de Dios Peña (president of CIEMAL) and Frank de Nully Brown (vice president) and Horacio Mesones, the council’s executive secretary. Photo illustration by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.

Latin American Methodists stress unity amid church changes

CIEMAL leaders say the historic autonomy of churches in Latin America and the Caribbean has helped the region navigate divisions within The United Methodist Church without deep regional fractures.
Mission and Ministry
Sister Confianza, a member of the Amigas del Señor (Women Friends of the Lord) Monastery in Limón, Honduras, rides her bike through the village alongside a neighbor. Originally from the United States, Sister Confianza founded the monastery with another woman in 2006. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

2025: The year in photos

United Methodists around the world are living into the denomination’s new vision to "love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” UM News, the denomination's official news service, documented a year in the life of United Methodism worldwide.
Mission and Ministry
Bishop Rubén Saenz (center) prays for delegates to the annual meeting of the United Methodist Mission in Honduras during the closing session on March 18 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Saenz is the mission’s newly appointed episcopal leader. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez, UM News.

Honduras mission welcomes new leader, sets goals

Bishop Rubén Saenz sets a vision for the United Methodist mission at its first annual meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved