Philippines Central Conference

Typhoon Odette caused massive damage to Surigao City in the northern part of Mindanao in the Philippines in December 2021. With many homes destroyed, people continue sheltering in local churches, day care centers, municipal buildings, schools and sports facilities. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard via Wikipedia.

Filipino churches step up after super typhoon

Church leaders and groups are reaching out to survivors after a deadly December storm killed more than 400, destroyed homes and damaged crops in the Philippines.

General Church

Filipino Bishops Rodolfo A. Juan, Ciriaco Q. Francisco and Pedro M. Torio Jr. lead prayer during the 2019 Special Session of the United Methodist General Conference in St. Louis on Feb. 23. A year after extending its bishops’ terms, the Philippines Central Conference Coordinating Council is pushing for a special session to elect new bishops — with or without the General Conference in 2022. File photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

Filipino leaders push to elect new bishops

After extending their bishops’ terms a second time, United Methodist leaders are urging a special election to elect new bishops.

Global Health

The Rev. Marvin Sulayao De Leon of Manena United Methodist Church in Bulacan, Philippines, receives a COVID-19 vaccine at San Miguel Bulacan Vaccination Center. United Methodists in the Philippines have worked with the government to fast-track vaccinations for church leaders, who are not categorized as front line workers, so that their ministry with the community can continue safely. Photo courtesy of Glessie Yambot De Leon.

Filipino churchgoers minister amid COVID-19

United Methodist churches have responded with prayer vigils, outreach to those affected, fast-tracked vaccinations for church workers and ongoing information sharing.

Global Health

Health workers vaccinate Francia Nolasco, 78, against COVID-19 at her home in Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society in the Philippines is calling on the government to provide coherent direction in addressing the pandemic crisis. Photo by Eloisa Lopez, Reuters.

Church leaders urge stronger pandemic response

Encouraging compassion, Philippines church and society board calls on government to enforce quarantine rules, offer mass COVID-19 testing and provide coherent direction.

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