Methodist Leaders from global partners gather

This June, the Methodist Church in Britain (MCB) welcomed representatives from fifteen global Partner Churches to the Pre-Conference Consultation (PCC), held at the Telford International Centre. The three-day gathering, which preceded the 2025 Methodist Conference, offered a vital space for strengthening global partnerships, fostering mutual learning, and preparing delegates for active participation in the Conference.

The consultation opened with a pilgrimage to John Wesley’s New Room in Bristol—the site of the world’s first Methodist chapel. The visit proved deeply moving for many. Bishop Godson Lawson-Kpavuvu of the Eglise Méthodiste du Togo reflected that the experience brought to life the Methodism he had previously only encountered through books. “Today I am feeling the Methodism,” he said. “It has given me the opportunity to reboost my faith and to be ready for the new mission that God has given us.” Revd Marta López Ballalta of the Iglesia Evangélica Española spoke of the Spirit’s movement through time, describing the chain of unity between past, present, and future as a blessing of the Spirit. Many participants echoed the enduring relevance of the Wesley brothers’ legacy and sacrifice.

The heart of the consultation unfolded on Wednesday, as church leaders shared the realities of mission and ministry in their home contexts. Delegates spoke candidly about the challenges they face—climate change, political instability, economic hardship, and the struggle for freedom of expression. Yet, amid adversity, stories of resilience and hope emerged: from climate advocacy in Tonga and interfaith reconciliation in Sri Lanka, to a growing Methodist presence in Portugal enriched by migration. These testimonies revealed a worldwide Methodist community deeply committed to justice, healing, and faithful witness.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in thematic table conversations led by partner representatives. Topics included the theology of mission and human rights, the incorporation of new members and pastors from other denominations, and the question: “How true are we to Wesley’s vision of practical divinity?” The group also reflected on the 2025 Conference justice theme—refugees and asylum seekers.

For Bishop Juan Simpson of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, the consultation was a valuable opportunity to deepen ties, particularly among churches in the global majority world. Revd Dr Laurence Graham of the Methodist Church in Ireland noted the “instant unity” felt in the room, and the joy of discovering shared experiences across continents.

Through worship, fellowship, and dialogue, the Pre-Conference Consultation affirmed the wisdom, care, and prophetic challenge that global relationships bring to the life of the Church. For those present, it was a time of spiritual nourishment and renewed purpose. More broadly, it demonstrated an international Methodist community rooted in its heritage, responsive to the present, and ready to shape the future together.

Partner churches representatives at the 2025 Conference of the Methodist Church in Britain:

Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, The Methodist Church

Iglesia Evangelica Española

Iglesia Evangelica Metodista de Nicaragua

Iglesia Metodista de Chile

Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas

Methodist Church in Ireland

Methodist Church Kenya

Methodist Church Sierra Leone

Methodist Church Sri Lanka

Methodist Church Upper Myanmar

The Methodist Church Togo

The Evangelical Methodist Church of Portugal

United Methodist Church

UMC Central and Southern Europe

UMC Germany