Central Conference and US United Methodists meet to listen

Central Conference and US United Methodists meet to listen

Portland, Oregon - Thirty-seven representatives from the Central Conferences and United States of America met August 24-29 in Portland, Oregon to spend time listening to each other and reflecting on issues of justice affecting their contexts.

The theme of this global gathering was “Listening with Open Hearts: Building Bridges and Deepening Relationships.” The objectives were to (1) provide an opportunity to share issues and concerns related to our various contexts, especially those facing The United Methodist Church outside of the United States, (2) deepen our understanding and relationships with one another, and (3) create an environment of intentional listening.

Lay and Clergy participants came from Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, United States, and Zambia. They represent the diversity of the global United Methodist Church in terms of race, ethnicity, age, ability, gender and sexual orientation.

The text from John 4 was the focus of a multi-day Bible study led by Rev. Dr. Grace Imathiu in which Jesus took the time to listen to a Samaritan woman at the well. The discussion raised issues of equality, poverty, migration, gender and race.

The participants built heartfelt relationships across boundaries of perspectives and contexts.

In a critical time in the history of The United Methodist Church, giving participants the opportunity to share the story behind their stories create a deep understanding.

Those gathered saw the value for the church of this type of listening and committed to continue the conversation.

They call on the church to listen to each other with an open heart, recognize and respect the complexities and the similarities in their varied ministry settings.