The Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) wants to reach, teach, encourage and resource all congregations to learn about and participate in this largely overlooked area of ministry so important to The United Methodist Church. The CoNAM …
Church leaders seek ways to respond to end of DACA
President Donald Trump’s decision to end DACA, the federal program that shields from deportation nearly a million young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents, will affect just a few members of Casa del Pueblo, a Latino/a ministry …
Efforts begin to return Carlisle children’s remains
ALL CARLISLE GATHERING PHOTOS TAKEN BY CHARLES FOX / PHILLY.COM PHOTOGRAPHER At the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., hidden behind the tall chain-link fences draped with black cloth and the signs that read, “Cemetery closed, please respect Native American …
Elim: A new Latino faith community birthed in Coatesville
As it celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, Olivet UMC in Coatesville is once again a cradle welcoming a new birth. A small group gathered there on Monday, May 1, to celebrate the advent of what they hope will be …
CONAM to hear about resistance to gas pipeline in Lancaster
Several online advocacy publications have been reporting on public resistance to plans for installing the Atlantic Sunrise Natural Gas Pipeline in Lancaster County. Our conference’s Committee on Native American Ministry (CONAM) will welcome two courageous leaders of that resistance to …
Latino group’s Holy Convocation to focus on immigration
The Eastern PA Conference Latino Commission will hold its annual Holy Convocation (Santo Convocacion) on Saturday, April 15, from 7 AM to 3 PM, at Buen Samaritano UMC (at West Chester UMC) in West Chester, Pa. With the theme “Cristo el Immigrante” (“Christ the Immigrant”), …
More Rivers to Cross: Black caucus celebrates 50-year legacy
(Adapted from UMNS version) CINCINNATI—More than 400 members of The United Methodist Church’s African-American membership caucus celebrated the 50th anniversary of its earliest beginnings, even as many speakers addressed work that still needs to be done in fighting racism and inequity …
Bishop, UMs lead prayer vigil for detained ‘Berks Madres’
Bishop Peggy Johnson shared a message of hope and solidarity for Latina immigrant detainees at the Berks County Residential Center Sunday, March 12, surrounded by about 90 people who gathered to worship and witness for justice and mercy. The hour-long, …
Advocacy groups urge justice, mercy for immigrants at risk
A Call to Justice and Mercy in Response to Anti-Immigrant Federal Policies Nine social justice advocacy groups in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference together have issued a formal statement expressing urgent concern over recent law enforcement actions that threaten the peace …
Bishop to lead prayer vigil for detained ‘Berks Madres’ March 12
Bishop Peggy Johnson will speak at a prayer vigil outside the Berks County Residential Center (1040 Berks Road, Leesport PA) on Sunday, March 12, at 3:30 PM, and some members of the Eastern PA Conference are expected to join her …