Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church
Statement of Support from the Council of Bishops to the Methodist Church of Mexico
February 25, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church stands in prayerful solidarity with the College of Bishops of the Methodist Church of Mexico (IMMAR) following their pastoral declaration of February 23, 2026. We join our Methodist siblings in lamenting the recent acts of violence, intimidation, and disruption that have shaken communities across Mexico and inflicted fear upon families, children, and all who long for safety and dignity.
We affirm the clear and courageous witness of the Mexican bishops: “criminal violence and terror can never build a just society, nor can they heal the wounds of individuals or communities.” Every act that spreads fear or undermines the fabric of God’s beloved human family. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in every form they present themselves, and to do so with steadfast love, wisdom, and hope.
In this season of Lent, when Christians around the world turn their hearts toward repentance, prayer, and the work of peace, we echo the invitation of our Mexican colleagues to lift up all who suffer. We pray for victims of violence, for those living in uncertainty, and for leaders and authorities who bear the responsibility of acting with justice, restraint, and deep respect for the sacred worth of every person. As the bishops of Mexico have reminded us, even actions taken to restore order must honor human dignity and uphold the responsibilities entrusted to those who wield power.
We commend the churches of Mexico for their commitment to unity, truth, and reconciliation. We urge all United Methodists to join them in rejecting fear, resisting misinformation, and embodying the Gospel’s call to be instruments of peace. As Scripture teaches, we are to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), trusting that God’s light shines even in the deepest shadows.
May the Prince of Peace strengthen the weary, comfort the afflicted, and guide all our communities toward a future marked by justice, safety, and neighborly love. We stand with our Methodist siblings in Mexico with hope, prayer, and unwavering commitment to the work of peace.
In Christ’s peace,
Bishop Tracy S. Malone
President, Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
CLICK HERE TO READ THE IGLESIA METODISTA DE MEXICO STATEMENT IN SPANISH
CLICK HERE TO READ THE STATEMENT IN ENGLISH
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church stands in prayerful solidarity with the College of Bishops of the Methodist Church of Mexico (IMMAR) following their pastoral declaration of February 23, 2026. We join our Methodist siblings in lamenting the recent acts of violence, intimidation, and disruption that have shaken communities across Mexico and inflicted fear upon families, children, and all who long for safety and dignity.
We affirm the clear and courageous witness of the Mexican bishops: “criminal violence and terror can never build a just society, nor can they heal the wounds of individuals or communities.” Every act that spreads fear or undermines the fabric of God’s beloved human family. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in every form they present themselves, and to do so with steadfast love, wisdom, and hope.
In this season of Lent, when Christians around the world turn their hearts toward repentance, prayer, and the work of peace, we echo the invitation of our Mexican colleagues to lift up all who suffer. We pray for victims of violence, for those living in uncertainty, and for leaders and authorities who bear the responsibility of acting with justice, restraint, and deep respect for the sacred worth of every person. As the bishops of Mexico have reminded us, even actions taken to restore order must honor human dignity and uphold the responsibilities entrusted to those who wield power.
We commend the churches of Mexico for their commitment to unity, truth, and reconciliation. We urge all United Methodists to join them in rejecting fear, resisting misinformation, and embodying the Gospel’s call to be instruments of peace. As Scripture teaches, we are to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), trusting that God’s light shines even in the deepest shadows.
May the Prince of Peace strengthen the weary, comfort the afflicted, and guide all our communities toward a future marked by justice, safety, and neighborly love. We stand with our Methodist siblings in Mexico with hope, prayer, and unwavering commitment to the work of peace.
In Christ’s peace,
Bishop Tracy S. Malone
President, Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
CLICK HERE TO READ THE IGLESIA METODISTA DE MEXICO STATEMENT IN SPANISH
CLICK HERE TO READ THE STATEMENT IN ENGLISH
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Media Contact:
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications - Council of Bishops
(202) 748-5172 (Office)