A Pastoral Letter from the Assembly of Bishops

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5.13-16)

To Our Global Methodist Family: 

Our hearts are heavy as we witness the immense pain and suffering affecting so many across the world today.  Our sorrow is not driven by political alignment, but by the compassionate heart of Jesus Christ at the state of our world. The reality of sin and broken relationships across the globe make it appear as if darkness and the powers and principalities of evil are winning the day.  Yet we proclaim Jesus, the light of the world who penetrates the darkness, conquers sin and promises to transform lives, families, communities and nations. 

As the Assembly of Bishops, we unequivocally condemn all acts that exploit, dehumanize, terrorize, or destroy innocent human life. We lament the suffering of immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons, as well as the victims of terrorism, war, and political violence. Our prayers and voices are with civilians enduring instability, displacement, hunger and even death around the globe. 

We grieve with communities experiencing civil unrest, polarization and political violence. 

Our hearts are heavy for those being persecuted for their faith, particularly in Nigeria, India, Pakistan and throughout North Africa. We mourn the political polarization, unrest and violence stretching across the globe from Uganda to the United States and all points between. 

At their core, these realities are the manifestations of a spiritual disease that can only be healed through an encounter with the transforming grace of God through Jesus Christ. 

We support the rights of all people to peaceably seek redress from their leaders regarding unjust policies and practices without fear of reprisal. We must speak and act against evil. Yet we boldly proclaim that apart from the transforming work of Jesus in our lives and the lives of those around us, change will be elusive.  May we always see Jesus as the hope and solution to a broken and desperate world and carry the Gospel and Kingdom values into every call for change.

In a world marked by brokenness and fear, partisan conflict or ideology is not the solution.  We urge every Global Methodist to boldly live our mission and purpose as the Church of Jesus Christ. God invites us to partner with Him in offering hope, healing, peace and a different way through the one called Jesus. 

How can we as global Christians respond faithfully in ways that bring healing rather than further disruption? We offer these thoughts as you consider how you might respond faithfully where you are: 

1.        Pray. Prayer is always the right first response and the best ongoing posture for those who profess faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for the many areas of the world that God may work in hearts, including yours, to bring about His peace and desire.  Pray for the salvation of others.  Remember, the Apostle Paul reminds us that first and foremost, much of what we are experiencing is rooted in spiritual conflict when he writes: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6.12-13)

2.        Talk with your church’s leadership team and pastor.  Determine how you might work/pray together to change the emotional and spiritual atmosphere. Be reminded that in the GMC, the local church is the basic unit. We believe the greatest opportunity for influence and change happens when the local church involves itself in its community by taking the good news of Jesus into every corner.  Where Jesus reigns, justice will be known. 

3.        Think Biblically and prophetically, not just politically. We hope Global Methodists will be as fully engaged and prophetic as they sense the Holy Spirit’s leading — feeling free to network and advocate, speak out publicly, raise awareness, draw issues to the attention of government representatives and other community leaders to lobby for their active support, and to be peace makers of God.  Global Methodists anywhere in the world should be able to live flourishing lives without fear of war and violence as they work for freedom and holiness. Our example for social holiness is John Wesley, and Global Methodists aim to fully embody his example.

4.        Treat others as you would want to be treated. As you communicate opinions with others, consider that our primary responsibility as followers of Jesus is to help one another know Christ and grow up into all aspects of Him. 

5.        Find out who your Annual Conference’s mission partner is and learn how you can support them. Advocate for change, especially where there is religious persecution. 

6.        When posting online, consider the implications of your words. Ask: 

•       Have I prayed as I have formed my thoughts?

•       Have I resisted the temptation to react rather than respond? 

•       Who would be harmed if I speak? 

•       Who would be harmed if I don’t speak?

•       How does what I say bring honor to the name of Jesus Christ and invite others to trust Him?

Finally, a word about the role of bishops in the Global Methodist Church. While other denominational bodies expect their leaders to speak for the whole on public issues, this is not so in the GMC. Our culture is different. For us, the work begins with the local church. As much as we might prefer, the GMC has not intended nor empowered its bishops to be outspoken denominational pundits but to serve local congregations by guarding the faith, doctrine, and discipline of the GMC. We are committed to lead in that way.  Every Global Methodist and Global Methodist local congregation is charged by the Lord to be the light of the world. Faithfulness to that mission is the responsibility of all of us working together to welcome and advance God’s Kingdom across the globe. 

We on the Assembly of Bishops join all Global Methodists everywhere in grieving for the anxieties and uncertainties that plague our world right now. We do so recognizing that the world needs Jesus more than ever.  We are convinced that in all the places where there is unrest there is also Jesus, who is always at work to restore this world to himself.

May God be with you as you seek to serve Christ where you are and work for the offering of the good news of Jesus to people who God desperately loves.

With earnest intercession, 

Kimba Evariste

Jeff Greenway

Leah Hidde-Gregory 

Scott Jones

Eduard Khegay

Kenneth Levingston

Carolyn Moore 

John Pena-Auta

Mark Webb