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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: October 15, 2025 The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) of The United Methodist Church hosted Facing the Future 2025: Rejoice, Recenter, Revive, a national gathering for clergy serving in cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments. Over 180 pastors and ministry leaders from across the denomination came together for three days of worship, learning, and connection in Los Angeles, California. This year’s conference centered around the themes of rejoicing in God’s presence and in the joy of ministry, recentering the soul and calling, and reviving with strength and clarity for the journey ahead. Through plenary sessions, worship experiences, and interactive workshops, participants explored practical and spiritual tools for leading with courage, compassion, and cultural humility in today’s ever-changing ministry landscape. “Facing the Future reminds us that diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a gift to celebrate,” said Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, General Secretary of GCORR. “Our CRCC pastors serve in unique ministry settings that require deep cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and nuanced leadership skills. Their strengths and gifts are essential to the current and future vitality of The United Methodist Church. This gathering is a space where clergy can find affirmation, support, and strength in their calling.” Participants shared that the experience was both deeply spiritual and empowering. Rev. Hung Su Lim of the Virginia Annual Conference reflected: “As an ethnic minority pastor, that experience reaffirmed my identity and calling… How often do I get to worship with a Korean song or prayer in my current setting? None. How many Spanish songs or prayers do we lift up? None. Isn’t it beautiful to do so, even if we may not fully understand the words? That, to me, is a glimpse of the Kingdom of God! … We are called to embrace diversity within the unity of Christ, because Christ is one, and we are many parts of one body in Christ.” Workshops during the event provided participants with opportunities for learning and growth in areas such as Leading Courageously Across Cultures, Navigating Communication Styles, Strengthening Intercultural Competency in Congregations, Strategies for Navigating Microaggressions & Systemic Bias in Ministry, and Mental Health: Tools for Engagement and Sustainability. Through powerful testimonies, intercultural worship, and honest dialogue about the joys and challenges of cross-racial and cross-cultural ministry, Facing the Future 2025 reaffirmed GCORR’s ongoing commitment to build a more equitable, inclusive, and beloved community within The United Methodist Church. ### About GCORRThe General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) was established by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church to promote inclusion, racial equity, and intercultural competency within the church and the world. Through initiatives like the CORR Action Fund, GCORR supports projects that foster diversity, inclusiveness, and justice, reflecting the church's commitment to embodying the Kin-dom of God. ResourcesThe following is a selection of resources for clergy and laity in cross-cultural, cross-racial ministry offered by the General Commission on Religion and Race at r2hub.org
This content was originally published by the General Commission on Religion and Race; republished with permission on ResourceUMC.org on October 15, 2025. |