World Methodist Council Gathers Wesleyan Churches in El Salvador

Rev. Daniel Hawkins and Rev. Dr. April Bristow attend the World Methodist Council in El Salvador.

When Methodist and Wesleyan leaders from around the world gathered in El Salvador, August 13-17, they came together around a shared question of faith and witness: What does it mean for the church to embody God's justice, peace and joy in the world?

The World Methodist Council (WMC) brings together leaders from Methodist, United and Wesleyan churches around the world. The council includes 85 member churches, including The United Methodist Church, and works to promote unity among its member churches, represent Methodists in global ecumenical gatherings and address issues facing Wesleyan Christians around the world.

Centered on this year's theme, "The Kingdom of God is Justice, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17), the council's members explored the intersection of justice, peace and joy and considered how the Holy Spirit empowers the church to live into that calling. The setting in El Salvador added another dimension to the gathering. Participants encountered the country's history and the witness of Óscar Romero, the priest, bishop, martyr, and saint remembered for his commitment to justice and peace.

Among those shaped by that witness was Rev. Daniel Hawkins, senior pastor of Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church, who represented the Horizon Texas Conference. "I'm thankful that we are gathered in a place where the history and heart of the place and its people make such a great teacher," Hawkins wrote. "From the profound witness to justice and peace given by the legacy of Óscar Romero…to the joy of marching bands playing praise music, El Salvador has been a gift."

The gathering also marked the 40th anniversary of the World Methodist Social Affirmation, first adopted in Nairobi in 1986. Participants renewed a Wesleyan commitment to social holiness and to pursuing justice, peace and human dignity.

The WMC's focus on justice, peace and joy reflects a longstanding Wesleyan conviction that faith is lived not only within the church but in relationship with the wider world. The council's pastoral letter addressed concerns including economic inequality, ecological degradation, migration and displacement, discrimination, peacebuilding, gender justice, disability justice and the well-being and participation of young people. The letter points to John Wesley's vision that "the world is our parish," calling Methodists and Wesleyans to participate in God's work of healing and transformation across cultures and communities.

Rev. Daniel Hawkins, senior pastor at Trietsch Memorial UMC, contributed to this story.