United Methodists in Kentucky, Tennessee and neighboring states are coming to terms with the devastation of a string of tornadoes Dec. 10-11, while also mobilizing quickly to provide food, emergency shelter and other relief. The storm system that struck on …
Church exits, COVID lead to steep budget cuts
What does a predicted denominational split and an unpredictable pandemic mean for The United Methodist Church’s bottom line? The General Council on Finance and Administration board grappled with that question as members revisited the denomination-wide budget that will go before …
AU theology graduate returns to serve in East Congo
Faithful United Methodists in the East Congo Conference welcomed home the first student from the conference to graduate from Africa University in Zimbabwe. Pastor Raphaël Makanga Mikuwa received a scholarship in 2016 to attend the United Methodist university. Hervé Tshoso …
Inspiration, expertise for Black churches
When the leaders of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century declare that ministry going forward needs to be done from the “right side,” they’re not referring to politics. The full, mildly irreverent title of SBC21’s Dec. 1-2 conference in Houston is “Shift Happens: …
Judicial Council to review church-exit rules
The UMC’s top court will address a new church law that allows congregations to leave with property and the deadline for submitting legislation to the pandemic-postponed General Conference.
Group gets immersion in Native history, concerns
The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference offered visitors from nine states a deep dive into Native American ministries and challenges. Read about immersion experience.
December webinar series on climate justice
Following the recent U.N. Climate Change Conference in Scotland, a UM agency will host a Climate Justice webinar series in December. Read press release.
Commission considers status of postponed General Conference
The Commission on the General Conference is continuing to do logistical planning for the postponed 2020 General Conference, but it continues to monitor various factors…
Bishops take on climate, finances, vaccines
Over a busy three and half hours, United Methodist bishops spent the last day of their fall online meeting making a range of decisions on church life and global challenges. The Council of Bishops on Nov. 5 affirmed a denomination-wide …
Haitian migrants bring vitality to declining church
At the beginning of this century, the Rev. Bill Jenkins did not imagine that he would see a deep transformational process in the congregation that he was starting to serve. Jenkins had been appointed pastor of Christ United Methodist Church …