“Blessed are the Peacemakers? Struggling for Peace in Uncertain Times” – This is the topic of the European Methodist Lecture Program 2026 beginning on October 13, 2026.

The 6th series of the European Methodist Lecture Programme (EMLP) will explore the role of the church and the responsibility of each Christian in democracy and peace building. In these uncertain times where war, violence, intense nationalism, and authoritarianism are tearing at the social fabric, the need for intentional democracy and peacebuilding is urgently required. These lectures offer an opportunity for us to reflect theologically, practically and from a Methodist perspective upon how we can be a people of peace in a divided world. These lectures will explore a variety of themes including reconciliation, democracy, and the need for intercultural communities who embody an alternative narrative within a xenophobic landscape. Join us in the struggle to build hope and long-term frameworks for peace in these violent times.

The European Methodist Lecture Program is an online lecture series of the Methodist-related Schools in Europe (MTSE). This year’s program is organized and managed by Wesley House Cambridge (Jane Leach and Daniel Pratt-Morris-Chapman) and Reutlingen School of Theology (Ulrike Schuler and Stephan von Twardowski).

The lecture involves speakers from various continents, Methodist traditions, theological expertise, and ecumenical contexts will give their insights and present their perspectives and research on peacebuilding and democracy from a Methodist theological perspective. The lectures are followed by discussions in groups and in plenary sessions. The EMLP brings together students, theologians, clergy, and lay persons from all over Europe and beyond – from different backgrounds and cultures. It offers an international and intercultural learning space.

Linked below is an invitation and the program with speakers, topics, dates, and the registration information.

https://www.th-reutlingen.de/files/inhalt/Aktuelles/Artikel/26-09-08-Online-Vorlesungen-Wintersemester/2026-European-Methodist-Lecture-Program.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawUzYZdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4BkVCwf-uKVrkpx493fyxwrl4F_qHUWFhJ-YyCGMfV_JCJd6rUpEr2KUqscQ_aem_7wL5SUrtHntWDoGcIWvp6w

The Third and Final Thematic Session of the Council Meeting was on The Kingdom of God is Joy.

This Session was led by Keynote Speaker (Rev. Dr.) Amelia Koh-Butler, Council for World Mission who spoke on Joy, Spirituality, and Well-being.

Junyoung Kim from the Korean Methodist Church guided the panel.

The Panel response included Rev. Dr. Heather Morris, General Secretary and SOC for The Methodist Church in Ireland who shared on Enlarging the Circle – Unity and a Non-Judgmental Approach. The second response came from Sarah Friswell, Former President of the Epworth Old Rectory, who spoke on Pilgrimage. Tércio Junker, who led Worship for the Council Meeting concluded the session by speaking on The Joy of Worship

The Second Thematic Session was held on the topic: The Kingdom of God is Peace.

World Methodist Council Peace Award Laureate and Keynote Speaker Dr. Humberto Martin Shikiya spoke on Peace Building. He set the tone for the discussion that was followed by the panel.

The panel consisted of Cristian Schlick, GBGM Liaison for Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean Mission Engagement that spoke on Human Rights as the Basis of Peace. Ms. Jeimy Peña, Youth and Young Adult of the Evangelical Methodist Church in El Salvador and Rev. Dr. Samuel Murillo, WMC Youth and Young Adult President and Ordained Presbyter in the Methodist Church in Mexico, spoke on Freedom of Movement and Peace, discussing the Peace Pilgrimage held by the WMC Youth and Young Adult Committee. Another panelist, Rev. Luis Miguel Caviedes, Pastor in the Colombian Methodist Church spoke on Peace-building in Colombia.

Rev. Katie Paul, Pastor of Community Life, UMC, interviewed the panel and facilitated a rich engagement.

During the Council Meeting we shared three thematic sessions on The Kingdom of God is Justice, Peace and Joy.

The first session was The Kingdom of God is Justice with Keynote speaker Philip Peacock, General Secretary of World Communion of Reformed Churches with the topic of Ecumenical Cooperation for Climate & Economic Justice.

The panel consisted responses on Justice for the poor of the Earth from Myra. Suyapa Perez, Climate Change Impact from Sosiana Tangi, Justice for Women from Katrina King and the panel was interviewed by Stefanie Gabuyo.

A time of worship and fellowship brought the Council together through music and rich cultural experiences. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Worship and Liturgy Coordinator, Rev. Dr. Tercio Junker, who coordinated and led, together with the Salvadoran worship team, the worship life of the WMC meeting.

The World Methodist Council met August 13-17 for its Council Meeting in San Salvador, El Salvador. The Council had rich engagement and a meaningful time together. The Peace Award was presented to its 2026 Peace Award Laureate Dr. Humberto Martin Shikiya for his acts of courage in his consistency for peace. We look forward to our next meeting together.

Join the global Methodist community in El Salvador from August 13–17, 2026, as WesleyMen celebrates its 25th anniversary during the World Methodist Council Meeting. Under the theme “Offer Them Christ in Your Loaves and Fishes,” this milestone event features a special worship gathering and a hands-on hunger-relief service initiative in Ahuachapán. Discover how you can participate, support their $25,000 global ministry fundraising goal, and help impact lives through faith-driven action.