Global Church

Mission and Ministry
On the eve of the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., climate activists hold a candlelight Vigil for Creation to mark Earth Day and to call the denomination to greater stewardship of creation. Participants included Mary Frances Gaston (left) Emily McGinn, students at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. The service took place at the First United Methodist Church of Charlotte. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

The year in photos

2024 was a year of great change for The United Methodist Church and the world. General Conference brought big changes for the denomination, while wars and severe weather left millions of people displaced. The contentious U.S. presidential election fueled concerns over immigration, reproductive rights and other issues. But in a world filled with uncertainty, United Methodists continued to live out their faith. UM News documents a year in the life of United Methodism worldwide.
General Conference
The Rev. Andy Call, chair of the General Conference commission, helps lead Holy Communion during opening worship Nov. 19 at the General Conference commission’s meeting in Charlotte, N.C. Sitting beside Call are Monalisa Tui'tahi (left), the commission’s vice chair, and the Rev. Aleze M. Fulbright (right), the new General Conference secretary. During the meeting, the commission began preparations for the next gathering of The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly, scheduled in 2028. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

General Conference leaders start afresh

With mostly new membership, the group that plans The United Methodist Church’s big legislative assembly hopes to turn the page on past mistakes and act with more transparency.
General Conference
Hannah Ka and Chan Gillham interpret the conference into Korean during the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on April 29. Photo by Larry McCormack, UM News.

Translators bridge language gaps at General Conference

Delegates have access to 10 languages as they decide the future of The United Methodist Church.
General Conference
United Women in Faith volunteers from the Western North Carolina Conference help to sort and organize crafts brought by central conference delegates to the postponed 2020 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. The goods are for sale at the Worldwide Craft Market, which is open at the Hilton Garden Inn, a block from the Charlotte Convention Center, daily except Sunday. Photo by Patrick Scriven, Pacific Northwest Conference for the Western Jurisdiction.

Global craft market supports delegates, ministries

All profits from the sale of wares from Africa, the Philippines and Palestine go back into the pockets of the individuals selling their goods to support various ministries.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Loading

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved