By Shellatay D. - Executive Editor

The 19th World Methodist Conference is meeting July 20 - 24, 2006 in Seoul, South Korea The theme for the Conference is "God In Christ Reconciling." Taken from Corinthians 5:16-20, the theme is particularly relevant for the world today. For the people of God, reconciliation is more than a ministry or theological issue. It is a life and death issue confronting all people as it affects our final destiny. Each day's business will therefore be governed by one of the following sub themes: Reconciliation Among Nations, Reconciliation in Society, Reconciliation in the Church, and Reconciliation for the Individual.

The World Methodist family is 76 million believers in 138 countries, from about 64 Methodist/Wesleyan groups. Methodism has been growing at a rate of about 1 million per year for the last 15 years. The primary growth is in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The World Methodist Conference is convened every five years. The last gathering was held in Brighton, England, in July 2001. More than 5,000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the Kum Nan Methodist Church for the quinquennial gathering this year. Any Methodist from Malaysia who wishes to attend may do so, at their own expense. Registration details are available at their website: www.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2006Conference.html

The Methodist Church in Malaysia is entitled to send 50 delegates. However due to financial constraints, only the following 26 official delegates are being sent on a cost sharing basis (1/3 - GC, 1/3 - AC, 1/3 - Individual): General Conference - Bishop Hwa Yung, John Ting; CAC - Rev Boh Che Suan, Rev Ooi Liang Hung, Richard Wong, Teh Sui Choo; SCAC - Rev Su Chi Ann, Rev Henry Chieng, Ting Kong Siin, Wong Hie Ching; SIAC - Rev James Puang, Rev Bonnie Sedau, Evelyn Sebom, Peter Gani: TAC - Rev Tevaraji, Rev Vinsant Rayar, Teven Sekhar, Kamala Devada-son; TRAC - Rev Ong Hwai Teik, Rev Yew Nieng Song, Samuel Ong, Irene Khoo; SPAC - Rev Ling Heu Uh, Rev Chua Ming Hua, Stephen Lau, Ling Yong Hong.

Delegates to the Conference have the opportunity to meet and hear inspiring speakers, engage in dialogue with persons from around the world, pray for the Methodist/Wesleyan family, become aware of the joys and challenges facing the church and its mission. The Council meets every five years prior to the Conference to plan its programs, elect leadership, organize its work, and review progress made in the areas:

• International and Ecumenical Relations
• Social and International affairs
• Education and theological education
• World evangelism
• Ministerial exchange program
• Family life ministries
• Youth leadership
• Worship and liturgy 

Delegates to the Conference will be privileged to hear prominent Methodist Speakers such as shown in this page.