Annual Conference

Pastor Laquaan Malachi of Brunswick United Methodist Church in Crystal speaks to the appointive council of the Minnesota Conference and to fellow members of the Wisdom Council, a panel designed to make sure historically underrepresented people have a say in the Minnesota Conference. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Minnesota ‘Wisdom Council’ lifts all voices

The Minnesota Conference is taking a new approach to ensure that historically underrepresented groups have a say in conference leadership.

Social Concerns

The Rev. Noé Gabriel López, director of social impact and belonging in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey conferences, and his wife, Iliana López Matos, who serves as the Cultural Competency Consultant for the conferences’ Bridges program, take part in “Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice” Feb. 25 in Washington, D.C. The Rev. López chartered buses so church members from the conferences could join in the United Methodist-led event. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Sarah Borgstrom Lee.

With DEI dismantled, ministries still work for diversity

Several United Methodist annual conferences have staff members whose job titles call for them to promote multicultural ministries and racial equity. They’re doing this work at a time when DEI policies have been targeted by the Trump administration.

General Church

West Ohio delegates raise their arms in praise during morning worship at the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. From right are the Revs. April Casperson and Dee Stickley-Miner and Tracy Chambers. On Nov. 5, the Council of Bishops announced annual conference voters ratified four ballots of constitutional amendments passed at General Conference. In addition to regionalization, the ratified amendments deal with inclusion in church membership, racial justice and educational requirements for clergy. Casperson helped lead the task force that championed the passage of the amendment on inclusiveness. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Church strengthens stands on inclusion, racism

In addition to regionalization, United Methodist voters ratified three other amendments to the denomination’s constitution including changes that make clear the church’s belief that God’s love is for all people.

Church Leadership

Participants at the inaugural Southeastern Jurisdiction Asian American Ministers Gathering pose for a photo during the May 13-15 event at the Korean United Methodist Church of Greater Washington in McLean, Va. Themed “Thriving Together,” the gathering drew 111 participants from eight annual conferences, who came together to celebrate their spiritual heritage, foster deeper connections and strengthen ministries. Photo by Rev. Seungsoo “RJ” Jun, pastor of Leesburg United Methodist Church in Leesburg, Virginia.

Asian American clergy affirm their roles at historic gathering

The inaugural Southeastern Jurisdiction Asian American Ministers Gathering drew 111 participants from eight annual conferences and nine ethnic groups.

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