The United Methodist Church’s supreme court released this week three decisions responding to questions raised during annual conference sessions. One of its decisions responded to a question raised at Eastern PA’s 2021 Annual Conference. The Judicial Council determined that bishops …
Questions, anger follow General Conference delay
United Methodists reacted to General Conference’s third postponement — this time to 2024 — with strong emotions ranging from outrage to relief. Many also expressed weariness with the uncertainty that has faced the denomination since before the pandemic. The hope …
United Methodists respond to invasion of Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brought calls for prayer and statements of deep concern from United Methodists, as well as a first-hand account from a denomination member in harm’s way. “We were awakened from deep morning sleep by the sound of …
United Methodists extend BSA charters through June 2022
United Methodist leaders have reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to extend existing UMC-sponsored Scouting charters through June 30, 2022 to provide for uninterrupted ministry with young people through Scouting…
Hendren aiming for stability at Wespath
Prudent investing is complicated at any time. But as Andrew Hendren works to get his sea legs as the new top executive at Wespath Benefits and Investments, the outlook is downright dizzying…
Church disaffiliations, court cases mount
With a proposed United Methodist separation on hold, a growing number of congregations are moving ahead with their own plans to leave the denomination. Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, one of the largest churches in the Alabama-West Florida Conference, is …
Church helps nurse children back to health in Congo
For more than three years, The United Methodist Church has fed over 1,000 malnourished children in Bukavu, Kisangani, Kindu and Tunda. The effort — part of the Maternal and Child Health Program in East Congo — has been getting financial support from …
Debate about church future heats up
Two years after a diverse group of United Methodists introduced a proposal for separation, a global pandemic continues to keep the denomination uneasily together. However, with General Conference scheduled for later this year, preparations are accelerating for the future United Methodist …
James Salley on growing tomorrow’s African leaders
James Salley, known by some as “Mr. Africa University,” has been with the United Methodist institution in Zimbabwe since it was in the embryonic stage. In its nearly 30-year history, AU has produced leaders in government, religion and business. Its alumni …
Bishops, others denounce WCA’s vaccine plan
Virus, visas pose dual challenges to global General Conference Story updated Jan. 20 to include additional statements from bishops, the Love Your Neighbor Coalition and WCA’s Africa coordinator. United Methodist bishops and other church leaders are raising alarm bells about …