Feb. 3, 2003 News media contact: Linda Bloom· (212) 870-3803· New York {047}

The fourth United Methodist "Global Gathering," scheduled for April 10-13 in Birmingham, Ala., has been postponed by its sponsor, the denomination’s Board of Global Ministries.

In a Jan. 31 statement, Bishop Joel Martinez of San Antonio, the board president, said factors affecting that decision include the difficulties that international participants have had in obtaining visas for entry into the United States.

Domestic and world economic issues also impacted registration, which was much lower than originally expected. The Board of Global Ministries itself has suffered financial reversals during the past few years, resulting in cuts of both staff and programs.

In the statement, Martinez acknowledged the hard work of members of the United Methodist North Alabama Annual (regional) Conference and others in preparing for the event. The agency will reimburse participants who have paid the registration fee.