Opening Worship

The 15th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) was held in Auckland, New Zealand, from August 25 to 29, 2026. Approximately 1,000 women from around 70 countries gathered for the Assembly. Wesley Zaidan was represented by its Representative Director and two staff members. Two representatives from the National Federation of Women’s Societies of the United Church of Christ in Japan—one pastor and one lay member—also attended, bringing the total number of participants from Japan to five.

Participants from Japan

WFMUCW is an international network of women from Methodist and Uniting Churches around the world. Its World Assembly is held every five years. As the previous Assembly was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was the first in-person World Assembly in ten years, since the gathering held in the United States in 2016.

The theme of this year’s Assembly was “Arise and Shine for the Glory of God is Upon You,” based on Isaiah 60:1.

During the World Assembly, officers who will serve the Federation for the next five years, including the World President, were elected. Reports were also presented by the regions that make up WFMUCW, sharing their activities and ministries over the past five years. These reports provided an opportunity to learn about the work being carried out by women in different parts of the world and to gain a deeper understanding of the journeys of churches and women in diverse contexts.

With the East Asia Area President and church women from Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia

Throughout the Assembly, participants took part in a wide variety of programs in addition to plenary sessions and worship services. Workshops included dance in worship, leadership, spiritual care, and lei-making that connected Christian education with the cultures of the Pacific Islands. Participants were able to choose programs according to their interests, learn through hands-on experiences, and spend time connecting with women from different countries and regions.

One of the most memorable aspects of the Assembly was the way the cultures of New Zealand and the wider Pacific region were richly represented throughout the gathering. Many Māori and Pacific Islander women participated, expressing their cultures vibrantly through songs, dances, and other forms of cultural expression.

A traditional Māori welcome ceremony

The colorful clothing worn by women from around the world was also striking. The gathering was filled with vibrant traditional and culturally distinctive attire representing many countries and regions, creating a lively atmosphere and offering a vivid sense of the diversity of cultures gathered together in one place.

Above all, what stood out most strongly throughout the Assembly was praise. Praise was offered not only during worship services but throughout many moments of the gathering. At times, participants moved and danced to the music as the entire assembly joined together in praise. Although we came from different languages and cultures, singing together and praising God united us as one community. It was a powerful reminder of the Methodist tradition of faith, in which hymns, singing, and praise have long held an important place.

Held in person for the first time in ten years, the five-day World Assembly reminded us of the joy and importance of gathering together in one place—worshiping, praising God, learning together, and meeting one another face to face.

Through our participation in the Assembly, we had the opportunity to learn about the ministries of women in Methodist and Uniting Churches around the world and to encounter diverse expressions of culture and faith. It was also a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships that have been built over the years and to form new connections. We hope to cherish the encounters and relationships we were blessed with through this Assembly and carry them forward in the future work of Wesley Zaidan.