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Central Conferences
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.
Editor's Picks
Church Leadership

From prisoner to pastor
The Rev. Michael Adam Beck knows all about being lonely, and he thinks he can help a lot of other people like him get to a better place.
Evangelism

Missionary strives to grow church in Madagascar
The Rev. Éric Kalumba is on a mission to spread the Gospel and establish new United Methodist churches across the island.
General Church

Program strengthens cross-racial ministry
The Madang program focuses on helping the many Korean American United Methodist pastors who are serving in non-Korean congregations.
Commentaries
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In the Wesleys’ footsteps: Reflecting on justice, faith
A refreshed Wesleyan vision is emerging
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Mission can revitalize United Methodism
Churches build bridges to counter hate
World news becomes family news
Resistance is not enough