NEWS

Throughout the Western world, churches are losing their position in society. Membership is declining, income is shrinking, attendance at worship services is falling, fewer people identify with the church’s teachings, congregations are less vibrant, and recruitment to ministry has become increasingly difficult. How can we respond?

During the World Methodist Council, Bishop Knut Refsdal visited the home of Oscar Romero, the church where he was shot, and the cathedral where he served. Romero was a Catholic archbishop in El Salvador who lived from 1917 to 1980. As Archbishop of San Salvador, he became known for speaking on behalf of the poor and oppressed. On March 24, 1980, Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass. He has become a symbol of courage, justice, and the struggle for human rights. In 2018 he was canonized by Pope Francis in the Roman Catholic Church.