Gothenburg, Sweden – On August 14, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett was elected as the new president of the World Methodist Council (WMC). Bishop Wallace-Padgett is the resident bishop of the Holston and North Alabama Conferences and, beginning September 1, the Holston and West Virginia Conferences. This significant achievement not only highlights Bishop Wallace-Padgett’s dedication to her faith and leadership within The United Methodist Church, but it also underscores the importance of the World Methodist Council in bringing together Methodist, Wesleyan, and related Uniting and United denominations from around the globe.
What is the World Methodist Council?
The World Methodist Council is an international organization that connects and represents over 80 Methodist, Wesleyan, and related Uniting and United Churches worldwide. Founded in 1881, the council aims to foster unity, share resources, and promote the Wesleyan message of God’s grace and love for all people. The council serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support among its member churches, which together represent over 80 million individuals.
The World Methodist Council is structured around a series of standing committees and regional affiliates that work together to address issues of common concern, such as evangelism, social justice, education, and leadership development. The council also organizes a World Methodist Conference every five years, bringing together delegates from member churches to worship, learn, and strengthen their ties as a worldwide faith community.
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett’s Election and Vision
Bishop Wallace-Padgett was elected as the new president of the World Methodist Council for a five-year term. Upon her election, she expressed her gratitude and shared her vision for the council’s work:
“I am honored to serve as President of the World Methodist Council for the next 5 years. One reason is because the Council brings together over 80 communions within the Methodist, Wesleyan, and related Uniting and United Churches tradition during this time of increasing division in our world and the body of Christ. Focusing on our commonalities as opposed to differences is worthy work that surely pleases God. The world is a better place as we live into the World Methodist Council vision of spreading the Gospel and making disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Bishop Wallace-Padgett’s emphasis on unity and finding common ground among Methodist, Wesleyan, and related Uniting and United denominations and communions is particularly relevant in today’s world, where divisions and polarization often overshadow the shared values and beliefs that bind us together. By focusing on the commonalities that unite these churches around the world, she believes the World Methodist Council can serve as a beacon of hope and a force for positive change.
Under Bishop Wallace-Padgett’s leadership, the World Methodist Council is poised to continue its vital work of fostering collaboration, supporting member churches, and promoting the Wesleyan message of God’s love and grace. As a worldwide faith community, Methodists, Wesleyans, and related Uniting and United Churches have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the power of unity in diversity and to work together toward a more just, compassionate, and peaceful world. As a person that sees herself as a bridge builder, Bishop Wallace-Padgett will certainly utilize her leadership skills and experience to help all the churches within the World Methodist Council to strengthen one of the core commonalities within the Methodist and Wesleyan heritage: connectionalism.
Join us in congratulating Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett on her election as president of the World Methodist Council and let us express our support for her vision of focusing on commonalities and bridging divides. May her leadership and the work of the council inspire us all to build a world where love, understanding, and cooperation triumph over division and strife.