Congo Central Conference

Nurse on duty Bienfait Kabeya Ntumba (right) recounts how he was beaten during an attack on the United Methodist Irambo Health Center on the night of March 18 in Bukavu, Congo. Dr. Jimmy Kasongo (center), medical director of the health center, listens during a staff meeting. It is the second time in a month that armed gunmen invaded the hospital. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

United Methodist hospital staff attacked in Congo

Armed men invaded two church health centers in eastern Congo, leading to violence and looting.

The United Methodist Church is getting a new map in Africa. When the Africa Central Conference meets March 13-17 in Johannesburg, the central conference will split to form the Southern Africa and East Africa central conferences. Central conferences are responsible for electing bishops and making adaptations to the Book of Discipline for their missional context. Graphic by Ben Ward, UM News.

Church gears up for new bishops, new map

Four United Methodist central conferences are scheduled in the coming months. By the time they conclude, United Methodists expect to have eight additional new bishops and one more central conference.

Violence

United Methodists Joséphine Kingombe and Masudi Kansilembo read messages sent to their phones by pastors in Bukavu, Congo. Church leaders are sending support to help the faithful during growing insecurity in the region. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

United Methodists stay connected amid Congo conflict

With churches shuttered due to insecurity in the region, United Methodist leaders are using social networks to continue evangelism and deliver messages of hope.

Social Concerns

Young people hold a banner during a rally for peace in Kindu, Congo, in early February. Behind them, United Methodist clergy and other young people march to demand peace in eastern Congo, where fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese army has escalated in recent months. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Churches multiply peace initiatives in eastern Congo

United Methodists join with other religious groups to seek lasting solutions to insecurity in the region, while young people rally for peace.

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