Regionalization a key question for African United Methodists
Vagris Umba (from left), Bertin Kyungu, and Adolphe Kitenge, delegates from the North Katanga Conference in Congo, listen to the morning worship at the 2016 United Methodist general conference in Portland, Oregon. (File photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News)
As the United Methodist Church counts down to this year’s general conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, regionalization proposals are topmost on the minds of African leaders and delegates.
The goal of regionalization is to empower United Methodist central conferences in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines—all originally established as mission areas—to adapt their ministries and practices to their unique regional needs.
While most African bishops and leaders have embraced regionalization, both proponents and opponents of the legislation see African votes as key in determining whether regionalization becomes reality.
