Church

Human Sexuality
The Rev. Rushing Kimball stands next to a sign for Broadway United Methodist Church in Orlando, Fla. The congregation and Kimball personally have experienced protests and threats from people who oppose the church’s LGBTQ-affirming stance. Photo courtesy of Kimball, Broadway United Methodist Church.

Orlando churches face anti-LGBTQ protests

United Methodist churches in central Florida have been among the congregations targeted in recent months by anti-LGBTQ protesters threatening to disrupt worship.
Church Growth
Jason Shelton, a sociologist who teaches at the University of Texas, Arlington, is the author of “The Contemporary Black Church: The New Dynamics of African American Religion.” He is also a member of The Village United Methodist Church in DeSoto, Texas, which has used innovative ways to grow the congregation. Photo by Justin Clemons, University of Texas, Arlington.

Research reveals new trends among Black Protestants

Jason E. Shelton, a sociologist and United Methodist in Texas, writes in his latest book that many Black churches would be more likely to thrive if they find the courage to modernize.
Local Church
The banner in front of Woori Naperville United Methodist Church (formerly Naperville Korean United Methodist Church) in Naperville, Ill., reads, “Grace of God does everything.” On Oct. 4, the Northern Illinois Conference announced that it had signed a settlement with a breakaway faction of Naperville Korean United Methodist Church over the rightful ownership of the church building and other assets. Photo by the Rev. Nadan Jo, Woori Naperville United Methodist Church.

Dispute over church property resolved

United Methodists in the Northern Illinois Conference are celebrating a settlement reached between the conference and a breakaway faction of the former Naperville Korean United Methodist Church.
Social Concerns
Haleign Baker said she lost nearly everything, including her daughter, because of pill and alcohol addiction. Living at the Dove Recovery House for Women in Indianapolis has given her hope for the future. Photo by Joey Butler, UM News.

Ministry helps women in recovery blossom into ‘doves’

Haleign Baker lost nearly everything, including her daughter, because of pill and alcohol addiction. The Dove Recovery House, where about 50 women reside and learn better ways to live, has given her hope for the future.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Loading

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved