We see a worldwide United Methodist Church driven to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. To live more fully into this vision, we are working toward deeper connections throughout the church, greater local authority, and more equitable sharing of power and representation around the world.
Report on the Participation in the European Methodist Council Meeting Barcelona, Spain, September 11–15, 2010
By Forbes Matonga, Joon-Sik Park
Representing the Study Committee on the Worldwide Nature of the United Methodist Church (SCWNUMC), Forbes Matonga and Joon-Sik Park attended the European Methodist Council Meeting in Barcelona, Spain, September 11–15.
As we move closer to our final report to the 2012 General Conference, The Study Committee on the Worldwide Nature of The United Methodist Church believes there is a “strong desire” for the church to continue its worldwide ministry.
At the same time, our 32-member committee sees a strong desire among United Methodists outside the United States "for greater equality, greater sharing of power, and the freedom to adapt the Book of Discipline to local contexts."
African United Methodists desire a greater voice, more sharing of power and the ability to adapt some church rules to local contexts.
And a study committee exploring the global nature of the denomination is listening.
Members of a United Methodist committee studying the worldwide nature of the denomination is fanning out across Africa in August to gather Africans’ perspectives on the church’s future.
June 23, 2010 by MethodistThinker