The Rev Joaquina Filipe Nhanala was elected on 23 July as the first female United Methodist bishop in Africa. From 1 September, she succeeds Bishop João Somane Machado, retired leader of the Mozambique area.

The United Methodist Church is urging justice for migrants worldwide and reform of U.S. immigration laws.

Delegates to the denomination's top legislative body, meeting April 23-May 2, adopted resolutions covering both global migration and immigration issues in the United States.

Two senior black United Methodist clergy in the USA, also longtime civil-rights advocates, say there are parallels between the struggles of blacks in the 1960s and those of gays and lesbians working for full inclusion in the church today.

The United Methodist Church has been urged to think less about charity and more about social justice by becoming a partner in establishing free health clinics across the United States.

Leading British Methodist Ruby Beech's "day job" is a position that dates back to at least the 15th century, reports Kathleen LaCamera. As an assistant sergeant at arms in the UK Parliament, she helps look after the security and administration of the House of Commons.

Faith leaders across America are urging President George W. Bush to stop United States-sponsored torture by signing the Intelligence Authorization Act, which prohibits the use of torture as an interrogation technique.

Only a small number of the refugees arrested in a controversial police raid on Central Methodist Mission in Johannesburg, South Africa, remain in jail, according to the bishop there. Appeals went to Desmond Tutu for help.

The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society in the US will unveil proposals to divest holdings in Caterpillar Inc tomorrow (Friday). The 7.9 million member United Methodist Church's pension agency reportedly has $5 million in Caterpillar shares out of $15 billion in assets.

The chief of the United Methodist Church's public affairs unit in the US will meet today with Jim Owens, President and CEO of Caterpillar in order to convey his opposition to Caterpillar's equipment sales to Israel.