First UMC of Germantown (FUMCOG) in Philadelphia will host an important racial dialogue Jan. 16, the day after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The event will feature a United Methodist pastor who led efforts to foster peace in …
Race Matters: Seeking to bridge the divide
White privilege, inter-cultural, micro-aggressions, unconscious bias, cultural competency, racial equity… While “prejudice,” “diversity” and “inclusiveness” may be familiar terms to many, these more in-depth concepts are becoming known by an increasing number of Eastern PA Conference members, as they engage …
Conference launches #BlackChurchesMatter funding appeal
Leaders and friends of African American United Methodist churches in the Eastern PA Conference, including Bishop Peggy Johnson and members of her Cabinet, met at the Conference Office Thursday, Nov. 19, to endorse the recent launch of an online fundraising …
November is Native American Heritage Month
The Dakota tribe teaches, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave behind.” Native American Heritage Month, a national celebration since 1990, honors the contributions and heritage of Native Americans. Also in 1990, the U.S. Congress passed the Native …
A Call to Repentance and Reconciliation
“The Act of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous People” asks us to “recognize the harm inflicted by the Church and celebrate the gifts indigenous people bring to the Church.” We cannot build bridges of reconciliation without “listening and learning …
Churchgoers join push to rename Columbus Day
Should the second Monday in October celebrate Christopher Columbus? A number of United Methodists, including some in Philadelphia, say no. Church members have joined efforts in Oklahoma and other parts of the U.S. to change the day into one that honors …
Discovering the myth and meaning of Columbus Day
Christopher Columbus is widely understood to have discovered the “New World” here in the Americas. But it was certainly not new to the millions who had long lived in this hemisphere. Indeed, their fatal discovery was that their world, as …
Hispanic Heritage Month: A time to celebrate and learn
September 15 to October 15 is recognized as Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month both nationally and in The United Methodist Church. Congregations are encouraged to celebrate the importance of Hispanic/Latino culture, traditions and other contributions to our church and society. Visit the …