By Dr. G. Dianne Lewis & Curtis A. Andries
The World Methodist Council met August 13–17, 2026, in San Salvador, El Salvador, under the theme: “The Kingdom of God is Justice, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17
The World Methodist Council brings together more than 80 Methodist, Wesleyan, and related Uniting and United Churches, representing more than 80 million members in 138 countries. The gathering demonstrated what it truly means for Methodists to be a “connection of connections.”
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) was represented by a delegation of sixteen people, led by its Ecumenical Officer, Bishop David R. Daniels. Included in this connection were persons from around the connection and Chaplains Dr. G. Dianne Lewis and Curtis Andries.
A Time of Connection and Encounter
While the Council addressed important administrative matters, one of the greatest blessings of an ecumenical gathering like this is the opportunity to meet, listen to, and learn from one another.
People from Wesleyan traditions around the world came together with different cultures, experiences, identities, and perspectives. Yet we were united by our shared Wesleyan heritage and our commitment to the mission of Christ.
These encounters remind us that our faith is lived out in real communities, cultures, and circumstances. We gain a deeper understanding of the Wesleyan tradition when we see how others live, express, and practice their faith in different parts of the world.
Our diversity does not have to divide us. It can deepen our understanding of what it means to be Wesleyan together.
Welcoming New Churches
One of the great joys of the gathering was welcoming two new member churches into the World Methodist Council:
- The Methodist Church in El Salvador
- The Zion Church of Brazil
This was especially meaningful because the Methodist Church in El Salvador served as the host for the gathering.
The Council also presented the World Methodist Council Peace Award to Dr. Humberto Martín Shikiya of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Argentina. Dr. Shikiya has served since 2023 as the World Council of Churches’ Special Envoy for the peace process in Colombia.
Another special celebration was the 25th anniversary of the World Fellowship of Methodist and Uniting Church Men, also known as Wesley Men, the global connection for men’s ministry throughout our Wesleyan family.
Walking With the Church
Because the meeting took place in El Salvador, many of our conversations and experiences centered on the life, ministry, and martyrdom of St. Óscar Arnulfo Romero, the former Archbishop of San Salvador.
Delegates participated in a pilgrimage to the Capilla de la Divina Providencia, where St. Romero was martyred on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass. During the pilgrimage, we learned about Archbishop Romero’s episcopal motto: Sentir con la iglesia – often translated as “to feel with the Church.” This phrase captures something powerful about ecumenical relationships. To feel with the Church means entering into the joys, sorrows, hopes, and struggles of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Our pilgrimage was therefore more than a visit to a historic location. It challenged us to feel with the Church – to listen, to learn, and to recognize our connection to one another. It also calls us to pay attention to those who are poor, marginalized, and experiencing injustice. Our Christian unity must be more than something we talk about or describe theologically.
Christian unity is something we are called to live. We live it through companionship, solidarity, service, and a willingness to stand with those who are hurting and facing oppression.
The Gift of Connection
The 2026 World Methodist Council meeting in El Salvador reminded us of the vitality and importance of the Methodist connection. Methodism has always understood the Christian life as something we live together. Our connection brings people and churches together across nations, cultures, and circumstances.
We share our:
- Joys
- Resources
- Struggles
- Burdens
- Hopes
- Faith
We are not called to become identical. Unity does not require uniformity. We can maintain our unique identities while still being connected through our shared Wesleyan calling.
The World Methodist Council reminds us that we do not have to pursue the mission of Christ alone. We are part of a global family called to love God, serve our neighbors, and participate in God’s work of reconciliation in the world.
Looking to the Future
The World Methodist Council continues this work through regular gatherings focused on worship, fellowship, connection, and the business of the Council.
The Steering Committee is scheduled to meet in Samoa in 2027, followed by a potential Council meeting in 2028, with the location yet to be determined. In 2029, the Council is expected to convene alongside the World Methodist Conference in the Philippines.
As we look toward these future gatherings, may we remember that our connection is more than an organizational structure.
It is a theological gift.
When we gather across nations, cultures, and contexts, we have the opportunity to learn from one another, bear one another’s burdens, and share in one another’s witness. We are reminded that the mission of Christ is bigger than any one church, nation, culture, or denomination.
Connected by Faith. United in Mission. Stronger Together.
The World Methodist Council reminds us that we are better connected than we are separated.
Our differences can teach us.
Our experiences can strengthen us.
Our shared faith can unite us.
Our connection can help us serve the world more faithfully.
May we continue to feel with the Church, walk with one another, serve our neighbors, and join together in the missio Dei – the mission of God.
The work of God’s Kingdom is always greater than any one of us. We are connected. We are called. We are stronger together. God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, humankind Our Family.
Humbly Submitted,
Dr. G. Dianne Lewis & Curtis A. Andries
