
The Holy Spirit moved as 1,100 people stood side by side, forming a circle around the perimeter of the conference space, transforming the university fieldhouse into holy ground. The gathering featured powerful preaching, stirring music, and sacred moments of remembrance, confession, repentance, forgiveness, healing, hope, and a shared vision for the future.
Preachers for the event included Bishop Hee-Soo Jung; retired Bishops Linda Lee and Bruce Ough; the Rev. Dee Stickley-Miner, executive director of mission engagement with Global Ministries; and the Rev. Linda Middelberg, assistant to Bishop Jung — all of whom have direct ties to West Ohio.
Bishop Jung led a Litany of Confession, acknowledging harm the Church has caused to Indigenous peoples, women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and those on the margins.
“Today, let the West Ohio Annual Conference reclaim the way of Jesus – loving all, rejecting none,” he said.
“Let us claim the fresh spirit that moved Paul to declare that there are no divisions, that all are one in Christ Jesus. Today, let us see one another’s hearts, hear one another’s stories, embrace one another’s differences, and rise up together as beloved community. Today, let us resolve to make amends in our policies, our rules, our behaviors, and our lives that reflect this commitment.”
Want to read more about the conference? Here is a link to the summary of the 2025 West Ohio Annual Conference.
Summary