The United Methodist Church has entered a historic new chapter with the completion of its regionalization process. This change, decades in the making, restructures the U.S. church into nine regional conferences, giving each authority to adapt policies and practices to their local context. WMJM played a significant role in supporting this transformation, both in advocacy and in fostering relationships across the global church. 

Jan Nelson reflects on a recent webinar that offered new insights into the ongoing crisis in Palestine and Israel. The discussion, led by Phyllis Bennis, provided perspectives often missing from mainstream media.

Kimberly Mark, Co-Chair and Convener of the Cal-Nev Philippine Solidarity Task Force (PSTF), United Methodist Church recently joined a Pastoral and Solidarity Visit to the Philippines. During this trip, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the resilience of people striving for justice and dignity. 

The church’s primary investment agency, Wespath, implements and expands the 2024 resolution of the denomination’s top legislative body. This Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) success follows many years of grassroots advocacy by United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR).

The United Methodist Church (UMC), one of the world’s largest Christian denominations, has become the first church globally to initiate historic action to divest from and exclude bonds of governments maintaining prolonged illegal military occupations, namely Israel, Turkey, and Morocco, thus fulfilling the call of the church’s General Conference in 2024.

The Western Methodist Justice Movement leadership team is excited to announce the selection of Ashley King who will be supporting WMJM’s communications needs.

At the Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation, Jan Nelson had the opportunity to share a meal and meaningful conversations with international leaders from the United Methodist Church. This gathering not only celebrated LGBTQIA+ inclusion but also sparked new friendships and connections across continents.

In light of these clear statements by our denomination, WMJM calls upon the governments of Israel, Iran, Lebanon, and the United States as well as Hamas and Hezbollah to bring an end to aggressive military activity in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, and now in Iran. 
 
Ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel have brought untold suffering and death to thousands upon thousands of God's beloved children. The world is facing a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions as victims of the war come to grips with the destruction of their homes and livelihoods, the leveling of their cities, villages and farms, and the slaughter of their family members and friends. Famine and epidemic disease, which have emerged as tragic consequences both of the conflict itself and of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid, are magnifying the suffering and death even further.

POSTPONED - Building on previous conversations, WMJM is hosting a webinar on Saturday, May 31 at 10 am Pacific Time with leaders from the Nigeria and Liberia Episcopal areas in West Africa to hear from local voices about challenges they are facing today.

In response to recent acts of violence in West Africa, WMJM is making the following statement to share with West Africa leaders and the United Methodist Community: (graphic courtesy of UMNews).

Western Methodist Justice Movement is responding to the many rapid and distressing changes coming from the presidential administration by monitoring and reporting on threats, both nationally and in individual states, to reproductive freedom and gender affirming care.

Western Methodist Justice Movement invites congregations and ministries to participate in acts of kindness and prophetic calls for justice on Witness Wednesday during Holy Week (April 16, 2025).

In response to the pervasive presence of Christian Nationalism in our national life today, Western Methodist Justice Movement is hosting a webinar "Understanding and Responding to Christian Nationalism" on Wednesday, April 2 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm Pacific Time. Read more to register.

Ratification of constitutional amendments in The United Methodist Church continues to experience vicious, well-funded disinformation campaigns across Africa.

A crucial part of the upcoming 2025 annual conference sessions is voting to ratify the four constitutional amendments passed by the 2024 General Conference in Charlotte including world-wide retionalization. All clergy – included retired clergy – are voting members of their annual conference.

Join this important report back on the stories they witnessed in the context of the Gaza cease fire.

With the new Trump Administration looming, and the ongoing assault on Gaza, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smoltrich has announced intentions to officially annex the West Bank.  Palestinians on the ground know the reality of what systemic annexation and colonization means.  Wadi Foquin is a prime example of this settler colonialism. 

It is important to remember that we are not the first followers of Jesus to face a government hostile to their values.

On October 16, 2024, WMJM presented a webinar on the constitutional amendments for The United Methodist Church.

A panel of Agency Representatives, and content specialists discussed where The United Methodist Church goes next on the constitutional amendments passed at the 2020 (a.k.a. 2024) General Conference session.

To help you, your church, and your conference prepare, WMJM is hosting a web event to help people understand the voting process, who can vote on ratification, how the votes are counted, how this conversation is happening around the globe, and how you can have an impact, even if you are not a voting member of your annual conference.