It may now seem surprising to many United Methodists, and even more Baptists, that for most of our histories in the United States, all Methodists and Baptists were regularly designated as evangelical denominations. The most important reason is that both...
In a nation built on the power of ink, intellect and ideals, a silent war has erupted — not in the streets, not in the skies, but on the hallowed academic grounds of America’s most prestigious institution: Harvard University. The…
For the time being, the Trump administration has been blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court from using a centuries-old law to deport a group of Venezuelans accused of being gang members. “The government is directed not to remove any member…
Easter erupted amid grief, pain and despair. The death of Jesus appeared to be the death of the campaign for the kingdom of God: the hoped-for realm of peace and justice. A people’s movement slaughtered with its leader. The votes…
The top 10% wealthiest share of the global population reportedly holds 50% of total wealth, and the recent actions of the Trump administration could make that disparity increase. As reported by Statista data journalist Katharina Buchholz, the United States currently…
By the sweat of your face you’ll eat your bread, up to the point of turning back toward the dirt. From the dirt you were conceived (taken, received), indeed to the dirt you will depart. Genesis 3:19, based on the…
The noose sways, awaits its fresh kill. The neck destined for its grip is soon to hang from it, but an aura of calmness, even dignity, surrounds its owner, as she prepares to meet her fate. It is July 19,…
This is the last in a five-part series on the newly adopted Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. “Politics” often gets a bad rap in American churches, not least because it’s confused with “partisanship.” For United Methodists, politics…
This Friday is Jumaa’ al Hazeeneh (Arabic for Good Friday), and to Palestinian Christians this phrase is pregnant with connotative nuances that commemorate the Passion of Christ. Sorrowful, grief-stricken, distressing, troubling, excruciatingly painful, agonizing, harrowing, laborious are just a few of…
Each year, Christians around the world walk through the sacred rhythms of Holy Week, revisiting the final days of Jesus’ earthly journey before the Cross and the resurrection. Why is observing Holy Week important to our preparation for Easter? The…
My heart, like many of yours, is heavy, weighed down by the unrelenting attacks on the foundations of a pluralistic democracy and American values coming out of the Donald Trump administration. The weight has felt even heavier during this time…
After years of opposition from rural Republicans and urban Democrats, the Texas Legislature passed a school voucher bill April 17. Texas now joins at least 15 other states with some form of taxpayer-funded vouchers for private education that critics say…
As we move through the sacred calendar of spring — when Jews celebrate Passover and Christians observe Easter — we are reminded of profound spiritual truths: Liberation from bondage, triumph over death, the sacredness of life. These holy days invite…
