A day-long seminar on responding well to sexual misconduct complaints against clergy drew more than 90 United Methodist bishops, chancellors and other conference officials who asked questions, debated church law and shared best practices with each other.
May 08
United Methodist chaplain talks about being in Boston during the bombings
“While I pray it never happens again, I am thankful to know that there is room for effective ministry and care in the face of tragedy and pain and appreciate the opportunity to serve in this manner, ” writes the Rev. Jen Bowden, who was in Boston April 15 with fellow members of her Coast Guard unit saying farewell to a shipmate.
May 07
Earthquake relief continues in China
The Amity Foundation, a partner of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, is expanding its relief efforts to earthquake survivors in China’s Sichuan Province.
May 06
Bishop McLee Responds to Same-Sex Marriage Story
Many of you may have read the recently published article in The New York Times that centered on same sex marriage and The United Methodist Church. The confidentiality requirements of the complaint process prevent me from discussing the case in detail. However, as is the case on many issues confronting the church today, there are multiple perspectives associated with human sexuality.
May 02
Bishops hold 2nd consecutive closed meeting
The gathering will be more like a retreat to exchange ideas, say bishops. Still, some longtime church observers say the meeting should be open.
May 02
‘By all means, save some!’
Tragedy comes in threes, some say. If that is so, then we’ve had our share on U.S. soil over the past two weeks. What’s left are vexing questions about what we can and will do next to limit future tragedies.
May 01
Reflections on Labor Day
In many countries around the world, May 1 is celebrated as Labor Day or the International Worker’s Day. In the U.S. and in Canada, the celebration is on the first Monday of September, so people can get a longer holiday if they are planning to go on vacation.
May 01
My struggle for the American Dream
On a Tuesday night my parents and I left Grand Rapids, Mich., and joined the march for a comprehensive immigration reform that was held on April 10 in Washington, DC.
Apr 21
In split decision, church’s top court rules on Western Pennsylvania/East Africa dispute
A 10-year financial dispute between the Western Pennsylvania Annual (Regional) Conference and the East Africa Annual Conference that wound up before The United Methodist Church’s top court has ended with a split decision that likely will not please everyone.
Apr 18
East Belfast mission has lessons to share
Signing a peace accord is just the first step in reuniting a country where conflict has divided the population. The Methodists of the East Belfast Mission in Northern Ireland have been living into that reality ever since the 1998 Good Friday agreement declared peace between Catholics and Protestants there.
Apr 15
Praying for those affected by Boston explosions
Boston Area Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar calls for prayer in response to the explosions Monday, April 15, near the Boston Marathon finish line.
Apr 15
United Methodists invest in Sandy recovery
On April 12, UMCOR directors approved $3 million grants to both the New York and Greater New Jersey conferences, to be delivered in six-month installments. The Peninsula-Delaware Conference received $500,000 for its Sandy recovery work in Somerset County, Md.
Apr 09
Methodist, WCC leader Castro dies at 85
The Rev. Emilio Castro is being remembered by United Methodists as a church leader who combined faith with a commitment to justice during turbulent political times in Latin America and helped define the global ecumenical movement as top executive of the World Council of Churches from 1985-92.
Apr 09
Africa U graduate reflects on importance of university
I knew going back to Africa University and Mutare would bring back many memories. But, I had no idea how emotionally moved I would become to see the new and expanded AU, and hundreds of students roaming the campus.
Apr 09
Mideast Christians endangered, priest warns
Religious freedom has become “a luxury” in the Middle East and western Christians need to be concerned about what is happening to Christians living in the region.











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