Troubles half a world away are complicating United Methodist plans for the Leadership Gathering in Canada.
An Ebola outbreak in Congo has threatened access to visas, and the war-caused closure of the Strait of Hormuz has spiked fuel costs — making the gathering substantially more expensive.
Nevertheless, the Council of Bishops and other organizers are pressing forward with preparations for the unprecedented United Methodist event — set for Oct. 20-24 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Canada. They also are releasing a new survey intended to get more input for the event from youth and young adults — church members under age 35.
“This gathering is about the future of The United Methodist Church,” Stephanie Henry and Council of Bishops President Rubén Saenz Jr., said in a joint email response to UM News.
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