news article
Walk in the footsteps of the Wesleys: A spiritual pilgrimage
January 20, 2026 / By SUS/UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
There are journeys that change us - journeys that are more than travel, more than sightseeing, more than a vacation. They are pilgrimages: journeys of devotion, reflection, and encounter with the living God. This fall, the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church invite you to embark on such a journey on the 2026 Wesley Heritage Pilgrimage, September 30-October 8, led by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez.
Pilgrimage calls us to embrace life fully. Unlike tourists, who may seek comfort or escape, pilgrims enter into each moment with intention, aware that God may speak in both the expected and the unforeseen. Every cobblestone street, cathedral, or modest home has a story to tell - and God’s Spirit can transform us through them.
On this journey, participants will walk where John and Charles Welsey walked, pray where they prayed, and see the landscapes that shaped their ministry. From the charred ruins and magnificent spires of Coventry Cathedral to the quiet streets of Epworth, the Wesleys’ childhood home, to the historic halls of Christ Church College at Oxford, where the Holy Club took shape, the trip is designed to immerse pilgrims in the spiritual and cultural roots of Methodism. In Bristol, one can stand in the “New Room,” the oldest Methodist building in the world, and imagine the fervent class meetings that ignited a movement. In London, pilgrims will witness the city where British Methodism became a dynamic force, touching lives and shaping communities.
This pilgrimage is also a journey of connection - connection with God, with history, and with fellow pilgrims. Small group experiences, shared meals, and quiet moments in sacred spaces create opportunities for reflection, conversation, and deepening spiritual friendships. As one past participant shared, it is often “the unexpected conversations over a meal, the singing at Evensong, or simply standing in a holy place” that leave the deepest impression.
The tour invites participants to explore the Wesleyan Quadrilateral in action: Scripture, Reason, Tradition, and Experience. Here, faith is not abstract; it is lived, encountered, and reflected upon in community. The pilgrimage rekindles spiritual passion, strengthens missional leadership, and provides insights for ministry in the 21st century. Clergy may also receive three continuing education units (CEUs), with scholarships available for first-time clergy travelers and their spouses. Clergy are encouraged to contact their Board of Ordained Ministry for funding information to support this pilgrimage.
A pilgrimage is an act of trust and openness. It is a chance to step out of daily routines and into a rhythm of attentiveness to God’s Spirit, allowing every encounter - planned and unexpected - to carry meaning. In the words of Phil Cousineau, “A journey without challenge has no meaning, and one without purpose has no soul.” On this tour, every site, every story, and every moment carries the potential to transform heart, mind, and ministry.
The 2026 Wesley Heritage Pilgrimage is more than travel. It is a sacred journey through the landscapes, history, and spirituality of John and Charles Wesley - a journey that can renew your faith, inspire your ministry, and deepen your understanding of God’s work in the world.
To learn more about this pilgrimage and explore registration, visit the event pages on Susquehanna and Upper New York’swebsites.