Heather Hahn

Key points: United Methodists joined with other members of the World Methodist Council at a meeting in El Salvador. During the meeting they explored the work of justice and peace around the globe. They also took lessons from the martyred Archbishop Óscar Romero. In a country named for The Savior, members of the Methodist family from around the globe met to discuss how they could work together living out Christ’s call.

Key points: Retired Bishop Albert Frederick “Fritz” Mutti led United Methodists in Kansas from 1992 until his retirement in 2004. Alongside his late wife, Etta Mae, he also helped with the establishment of the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. The two also were tireless advocates for LGBTQ inclusion in the life of The United Methodist Church. That advocacy came out of seeing two sons die of AIDS in the early 1990s, and it continued until the end of their lives.

Key points: United Methodists are joining a Christian movement around the globe that aims to put more focus on God, the Creator. Observances include a new ecumenical Feast of Creation in Christ on Sept. 6, with new lectionary readings focused on Scripture passages that highlight God’s creative work. The new worship focus, shared by Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and fellow Protestants, comes as Christians of various traditions have committed to an Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action.