In recent years, awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity—the reality that people’s brains develop and function in different ways—has grown significantly. Often associated with conditions like autism and ADHD, neurodivergence reflects a wide spectrum of human experience. Yet the church has not always embraced these differences …
After 10 years, conference continues Act of Repentance efforts toward healing
This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference’s 2016 Act of Repentance, a response to the 2012 General Conference “Act of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples.” That small word, “toward,” acknowledges that the work …
Multicolored Messages of Love and Support
A Reflection on the First Year of the EPA LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Task Force On my way to Annual Conference this year, I stopped at an art supply store. I was running late, but on an impulse, I pulled into the …
Filipino pastors reflect on relationship between faith and compassion
As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, many Filipino Americans are reflecting on how faith, culture, and community continue to sustain joy and hope in difficult times. For us Filipino Christians, hope is deeply rooted in trust …
Black caucus wrestles with immigration injustice
Before Deborah Bass began her chairperson’s address to open the annual meeting of United Methodism’s Black membership caucus last month, she treated her audience to the sound of R&B vocalist Marvin Gaye’s 1971 signature song, “What’s Going On.” She smiled …
Undies for Easter campaign affirms dignity, creates connection
Ahead of Easter each year, Rev. Marilyn Schneider, EPA’s Prison Ministries Coordinator asks Rev. Carmelo Urena, the Head Chaplain of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP), what he needs most. Each year since 2022, except for one year when toiletries …
NEW Matching Challenge! Undies for Easter
People are responding to our Undies for Easter campaign to provide vital undergarments for Philadelphia’s incarcerated individuals. Thank you! We are at approximately 25% of our goal at this time, with 2.5 weeks to go. Step up for our new challenge: a generous …
Called Forward by Black History Month
As we have observed Black History Month, we give thanks for the profound faith, resilience, leadership, and witness of Black communities— within our church and throughout our nation’s history. Black history is not a side note to the story of …
Love That Tells the Truth: Saint Valentine and the Courage of Covenant
Relatives, Before the world wrapped Valentine’s Day in candy and cards, it was a day to remember a human being who walked the path of sacrifice. The truth is layered, as stories often are. There may have been more than …
Public Statement Condemning the Violence, Militarization, and Dehumanization Carried Out by ICE and Border Patrol
GOD said, “What have you done! The voice of your sibling’s blood is calling to me from the ground.” Gen. 4:10 (The Message) January 28, 2026 — As we seek to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ and in the …