The most recent plenary meeting of the World Methodist Council in El Salvador marked a milestone for Methodism in the Central American country.
The gathering strengthened ties between the young Evangelical Methodist Church of El Salvador and the worldwide Methodist community while increasing the church’s visibility in Salvadoran society, according to Bishop Juan de Dios Peña.
Peña is the president of the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches of Latin America and the Caribbean. He is also the highest-ranking leader of the Evangelical Methodist Church of El Salvador.
“For us, it was an excellent opportunity. The role of civil society organizations and, especially, churches has been limited by some of the political and legal changes the country has experienced. That is why it was important to show that the Evangelical Methodist Church of El Salvador is not isolated, but is part of a strong and solid worldwide Methodist communion and connection,” Peña said to UM News about the gathering.
The World Methodist Council has traditionally met in countries with established Methodist communities and the infrastructure to host gatherings of this size.
This was the first time the gathering was held in Central America. El Salvador’s host church, established in 1994, is one of the youngest Methodist churches on the continent.
Gathering Draws More Than 200 Participants
The gathering exceeded expectations, drawing more than 200 participants from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Europe and Latin America, including a large delegation from The United Methodist Church. Peña highlighted the work with Salvadoran authorities that helped facilitate the arrival of the international delegations.
Justice, peace, migration, climate change and interfaith dialogue were among the gathering’s central themes. The bishop said youth participation remained relatively small and that a continuing challenge is to connect the worldwide gathering with opportunities for youth formation.
For Peña, the meeting had a significant impact on the Evangelical Methodist Church of El Salvador, increasing its visibility and strengthening its recognition as a social actor.
“What we achieved was to be more present on the radar of Salvadoran social and political life and to show that the Methodist church has an important presence and voice in the country. That is one of the added values left to us by holding the World Methodist Council assembly in El Salvador,” he said.
The gathering also had a strong impact on local congregations. Many pastors had never traveled outside the country or met people from other parts of the world.
The church amid El Salvador’s challenges
After the meeting, the church continued confronting poverty, limited employment opportunities and a growing economic gap in its communities.
Peña also pointed to the political and social challenges facing El Salvador, including the state of exception — in place since 2022 — that limits constitutional protections as part of the country’s crackdown on gang-related violence.
Peña emphasized that the church is rooted in its communities and cannot withdraw from their realities.
Reflecting on the significance of hosting the World Methodist Council, Peña expressed gratitude for what the gathering contributed to the church and its ministry.
How Can You Help?
Your support of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment allows our ecumenical partners around the world to speak out against atrocities such as war and poverty for those who don’t have a voice. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
excerpt from a story by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, coordinator of Hispanic-Latin Relations for United Methodist Communications.
This story shows the impact of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to foster unity and shared witness among Christians worldwide. Through this fund, the Church participates in ecumenical partnerships, interfaith dialogues, and collaborative ministries that extend the reach of the Gospel. Together, we model Christ’s prayer that all may be one.
When your church supports the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, you help The United Methodist Church build bridges of faith and partnership across the global Church.
