UMC leaders decry U.S. abusive “Indian boarding schools” and church involvement, calling for remembrance of victims and survivors. Recent media reports, a public education campaign, and the announcement of an investigation by the U.S. Department of the Interior have cast …
CONAM busily advocates for Native American justice concerns
The Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) remains one of the Eastern PA Conference’s busiest groups, participating in recent activities and planning more to come. Several members hosted a display to advocate for justice concerns at the Lenape Nation’s Pow …
CoNAM returns to Mauch Chunk Pow Wow
On September 11, CoNAM members Sherry Wack and Verna Colliver traveled to Lake Mauch Chunk Park, Jim Thorpe, PA, for the Mauch Chunk Pow Wow. After a hiatus brought on by CoVID, the Lenape Nation, who sponsored the event, was …
CONAM leader to speak on Native American boarding schools legacy
Sandra Cianciulli, who co-chairs the Eastern PA Conference’s Committee on Native American Ministry (CONAM), will speak to students and faculty at West Virginia University August 5-6 about the former industrial boarding schools where many thousands of Native American children and …
Native American caucus calls for Day of Truth and Repentance, Oct. 6
The Native American International Caucus of the United Methodist Church (NAIC) has issued “A Call to Truth Telling and Repentance,” asking UM bishops and conferences to make Oct. 6 “A Day of Truth and Repentance for Our Children.” NAIC (http://www.naicumc.com/ …
Commission on Religion and Race Report: Update – 07/16/2021
Commission on Religion and Race Chairperson: Rev Susan Worrell Rev Alicia Juliá-Stanley Report submitted by: Rev Alicia Juliá-Stanley Email: rev87mom@gmail.com Phone: (717) 306-8092 Date submitted: 07/16/2021 Recent Events & Activities Sponsored- and facilitated the Caste CDT book study- Jan 23-Feb …
Juneteenth and July 4th: A tale of two Independence Days
At a time when America’s freedom is endangered by efforts to restrict or even thwart voting rights for all, it may be timely for us to have two holidays to celebrate our nation’s freedom and independence—both actual and aspirational. July …
Latino Commission nurtures faith formation for all
The Eastern PA Conference Latino Commission emphasizes faith formation and leadership development for all ages—from children who attend Latino Week Camp at Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center, to adult learners, including the 21 who recently became Lay Missioners in …
UM Native American groups urge bishops to address boarding schools’ traumatic legacy
The Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries has called on the UMC’s Council of Bishops “to lead our people in restorative justice (through)…a forum where (Native American) boarding school survivors and their descendants can tell their stories.” CONAM …
Juneteenth now a federal holiday
Church leads Chester celebration
The U.S. Congress this week approved a bill to make June 19 a national holiday to celebrate Juneteenth National Independence Day. Although arguably misnamed, the bill, which celebrates national freedom not independence, was signed into law by President Joe Biden today, June 17.