United Women in Faith Assembly 2026
May 15–17, 2026
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

United Women in Faith (UWiF), the women’s organization of the United Methodist Church, held Assembly 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, from May 15 to 17, 2026. The Assembly is a once-every-four-years gathering. This time, about 3,000 people, mostly from the United States, attended the Assembly. From Wesley Zaidan, Representative Director Rev. Hikari Kokai Chang and one staff member attended.

Established in 1869, UWiF has a long history of sending women missionaries around the world and has made significant contributions to improving education and the well-being of women and children. That spirit continues today. UWiF’s mission is to support women, children, and youth. UWiF acts for social justice and community transformation, addressing climate justice, racial justice, and many other issues for a long time.

During the event, participants joined in worship, lectures and workshops. Through these experiences, they learned about global social issues and were encouraged to put Christ’s love into action.

The theme of this year’s Assembly was “Dream it! Believe it! Do it!” Speakers emphasized the importance of envisioning the hope God offers (“Dream”), believing that hope can become a reality (“Believe”), and taking action in response to God’s call (“Do”) in a world increasingly marked by division and conflict. One message was repeated throughout the Assembly: “When women unite to carry out God’s mission, they are unstoppable!”

The whole program included morning and evening worship services, lectures, and various workshops led by more than 60 women leaders. Participants learned about ministries addressing support for migrants, environmental stewardship, racial justice, and grassroots community engagement. The sessions also inspired participants to consider how they could live out God’s mission in their own communities.

The keynote speakers were Stacey Abrams, a voting rights advocate, author, and political leader, and her mother, the Rev. Carolyn Abrams, a retired pastor. Stacey Abrams spoke about faith as a gift given not to harm others but to protect and support them. She also encouraged participants to act with courage in defending civil and human rights.

The worship services featured a variety of music, dance, and artistic expression. As participants worshiped and prayed together, they renewed their sense of God’s call.

On the final day, the message focused on living as “the light of the world.” It affirmed that each person’s faithful acts, however small, bring hope to society and that God’s abundant life is spreading among us.

Wesley Zaidan inherits the legacy of its historic relationship with the United Methodist Church, particularly with United Women in Faith. Participating in the Assembly provided an opportunity to reaffirm this legacy and renew our commitment to serving society through faith.

Wesley Zaidan will continue to nurture leaders who work for social justice together with our partners in Japan and around the world. We also hope that each person will use their God-given gifts and put Christ’s love into action.