Social Concerns

Violence
At least 100 people, including eight United Methodists, have been killed in fighting in Goma, Congo, between the Congolese armed forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The security situation has continued to deteriorate since the M23’s major offensive on Jan. 23. Image courtesy of Google Maps.

United Methodists killed in Congo conflict

At least 100 people, including eight United Methodists, were killed in fighting in Goma between the Congolese armed forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
Disaster Relief
Women receive food during a distribution operation in Beni, Congo. With a United Methodist Committee on Relief grant, more than 125 tons of food rations, hygiene products and other supplies were distributed to families who fled their homes due to unrest in the country. Photo courtesy of the East Congo Episcopal Area disaster management office.

Church responds to humanitarian crisis in Congo

With financial support from UMCOR, more than 12,000 people displaced by conflict received food and other needed supplies.
Church Leadership
The Rev. Neelley Hicks. Photo courtesy of the author.

Churches build bridges to counter hate

United Methodist clergywomen share how they are promoting understanding across differences in their communities.
Social Concerns
United Methodists in North Carolina and beyond say it’s important for Christians with opposing political views to seek common ground. That’s the idea behind the Western North Carolina Conference’s Purple Church Initiative, which aims to foster dialogue between conservative and progressive church members. Church image by Stephen Kyle Adair; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Looking for middle ground in a divisive era

As President Trump returns to office, some United Methodists are preparing to respond to new policies on immigration, while others are hoping common ground is still possible among politically diverse members.

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