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 …
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 …
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 …
The East District United Women of Faith Celebrated with CoNAM presentation of ‘The Loss of Turtle Island’
The Women of Faith (UWF) in the East District of EPA Conference gathered for their 20th Annual Celebration on October 11, 2025, at Lansdale First UMC, Lansdale PA, to fellowship, worship, conduct business and to learn about Native American history. …
The Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) mourns the loss of two members and pays tribute to their memory.
As CoNAM mourns the loss of William Seybold and Robert Coombe, members of the Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) and others reflect on their lives of active service and their impact on CoNAM. Mr. William Henry Seybold, Jr. – …
We Walk by Faith: Mobilizing a Movement
On February 27 and May 1, faith leaders from across EPA & GNJ gathered to break bread together, lament, and strategize on how to work collaboratively for justice. The leaders of Mother African Zoar UMC graciously offered hospitality, opening their …
United Methodists help Native American Groups Honor a Hero
CARLISLE, Pa. – An 11-year tradition that celebrated the painful but proud Native American heritage of the U.S. Army Barracks in Carlisle, Pa., ended in April due to President Donald Trump’s executive order forbidding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs …
Students from West Virginia University experience ‘The Loss of Turtle Island’
The Committee on Native American Ministries for The United Methodists of Eastern PA (CoNAM) presented “The Loss of Turtle Island” in collaboration with Circle Legacy Center (CLC) for their 2nd Friday Program on March 14, 2025, in Lancaster, PA. They …