From the Worldwide Faith News archives www.wfn.org


Mission agency postpones Global Gathering


From "NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>
Date Mon, 3 Feb 2003 15:05:35 -0600

Feb. 3, 2003   News media contact: Linda Bloom7(212) 870-38037New York
10-71BI{047}

By United Methodist News Service

The fourth United Methodist "Global Gathering," scheduled for April 10-13 in
Birmingham, Ala., has been postponed by its sponsor, the denomination's Board
of Global Ministries.

In a Jan. 31 statement, Bishop Joel Martinez of San Antonio, the board
president, said factors affecting that decision include the difficulties that
international participants have had in obtaining visas for entry into the
United States.

Domestic and world economic issues also impacted registration, which was much
lower than originally expected. The Board of Global Ministries itself has
suffered financial reversals during the past few years, resulting in cuts of
both staff and programs.

In the statement, Martinez acknowledged the hard work of members of the
United Methodist North Alabama Annual (regional) Conference and others in
preparing for the event. The agency will reimburse participants who have paid
the registration fee.

# # #

*************************************
United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org


Browse month . . . Browse month (sort by Source) . . . Advanced Search & Browse . . . WFN Home