“The church has the unmitigated gall to be discussing laws around the issue of human sexuality but has not sufficiently addressed the long-standing problem of racism in the denomination.” — The Rev. Rudy Rasmus, pastor of St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Black caucus: Racism still challenges church
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (UM News) — Holding its first virtual meeting due to the coronavirus pandemic, members of Black Methodists for Church Renewal discussed the “other” pandemic: racism. John W. Coleman reports.
Read story
Baltimore-Washington Conference
A story of immigration, child separation and faith
FULTON, Md. — The United Methodist connection has followed Maria, a migrant from Central America, on every step of her journey the past 17 months. From the pastor in Texas who gave her money and food on her first night in the U.S. to the congregation that has prayed for and supported her as she worked to be reunited with her 4-year-old daughter, United Methodists have helped Maria by living out their call to welcome the stranger. Melissa Lauber reports.
Read story
North Texas Conference
Women clergy share experiences
DALLAS — Six North Texas Conference clergywomen shared about their experiences in ministry in interviews for Women’s History Month. Subjects include their call stories, role models and the challenges they have faced. They also offer advice for women considering ministry.
Read interviews
United Methodist Communications
Can we question our faith without losing it?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Deconstruction and doubts are natural to having faith. In the latest episode of the Compass Podcast, author AJ Swoboda reminds us that we are not alone in our deconstruction and that reconstruction can be a beautiful, hopeful process.
Listen to podcast
PRESS RELEASES
Finance and Administration
Finance agency sees ruling as affirmation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court, in a March 25 decision affirmed action the General Council on Finance and Administration has taken regarding apportionment formulas with the postponement of the 2020 General Conference. The ruling “makes it clear that GCFA must apply the same allocations and formulas until the General Conference approves or adopts a new budget,” the agency said.
Read press release
UM News: New budget must wait for General Conference
RESOURCES
Council of Bishops
Dismantling Racism: ‘Being like a servant’
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Bishop Rodolfo Juan of the Davao Episcopal Area continues the Council of Bishops' series of Lenten devotions with a message based on Philippians 2:5-11, exploring what it means to be a follower of Jesus and to work against racism. The series is themed to the churchwide Dismantling Racism initiative. Each Wednesday during Lent and every day during Holy Week, people can view a recorded devotion led by a bishop and leaders from their episcopal areas.
Watch devotionals
West Ohio Conference
Leadership clinic to feature Carey Nieuwhof
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — Author Carey Nieuwhof will appear with Bishop Gregory Palmer April 15 at the bishop’s leadership clinic. Nieuwhof, founding pastor of Connexus Church in Canada, will speak on “Burning Out and Coming Back” during the April 15 webcast, which runs from 10 a.m. to noon Eastern U.S. time. Cost ranges from $20 to $40.
To register
RECENT HEADLINES
Church leaders decry attacks against Asians
Meharry provides vaccines and peace of mind
EVENTS
Tuesday, April 20-Wednesday, April 21
Communications conference: "Leveraging Communication for Greater Connection"
NEWS AND FEATURES
Black caucus: Racism still challenges church
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (UM News) — Holding its first virtual meeting due to the coronavirus pandemic, members of Black Methodists for Church Renewal discussed the “other” pandemic: racism. John W. Coleman reports.
Read story
Baltimore-Washington Conference
A story of immigration, child separation and faith
FULTON, Md. — The United Methodist connection has followed Maria, a migrant from Central America, on every step of her journey the past 17 months. From the pastor in Texas who gave her money and food on her first night in the U.S. to the congregation that has prayed for and supported her as she worked to be reunited with her 4-year-old daughter, United Methodists have helped Maria by living out their call to welcome the stranger. Melissa Lauber reports.
Read story
North Texas Conference
Women clergy share experiences
DALLAS — Six North Texas Conference clergywomen shared about their experiences in ministry in interviews for Women’s History Month. Subjects include their call stories, role models and the challenges they have faced. They also offer advice for women considering ministry.
Read interviews
United Methodist Communications
Can we question our faith without losing it?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Deconstruction and doubts are natural to having faith. In the latest episode of the Compass Podcast, author AJ Swoboda reminds us that we are not alone in our deconstruction and that reconstruction can be a beautiful, hopeful process.
Listen to podcast
PRESS RELEASES
Finance and Administration
Finance agency sees ruling as affirmation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court, in a March 25 decision affirmed action the General Council on Finance and Administration has taken regarding apportionment formulas with the postponement of the 2020 General Conference. The ruling “makes it clear that GCFA must apply the same allocations and formulas until the General Conference approves or adopts a new budget,” the agency said.
Read press release
UM News: New budget must wait for General Conference
RESOURCES
Council of Bishops
Dismantling Racism: ‘Being like a servant’
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Bishop Rodolfo Juan of the Davao Episcopal Area continues the Council of Bishops' series of Lenten devotions with a message based on Philippians 2:5-11, exploring what it means to be a follower of Jesus and to work against racism. The series is themed to the churchwide Dismantling Racism initiative. Each Wednesday during Lent and every day during Holy Week, people can view a recorded devotion led by a bishop and leaders from their episcopal areas.
Watch devotionals
West Ohio Conference
Leadership clinic to feature Carey Nieuwhof
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — Author Carey Nieuwhof will appear with Bishop Gregory Palmer April 15 at the bishop’s leadership clinic. Nieuwhof, founding pastor of Connexus Church in Canada, will speak on “Burning Out and Coming Back” during the April 15 webcast, which runs from 10 a.m. to noon Eastern U.S. time. Cost ranges from $20 to $40.
To register
RECENT HEADLINES
Church leaders decry attacks against Asians
Meharry provides vaccines and peace of mind
EVENTS
Tuesday, April 20-Wednesday, April 21
Communications conference: "Leveraging Communication for Greater Connection"
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