The United Methodist Church’s experience with the disaffiliations of a number of its congregations has received widespread coverage in church media and in some secular media outlets. Because the polity of the UMC differs from that of many other denominations,…
United Methodists denounce Trump’s Easter threats
United Methodists this week joined a growing chorus of faith and civic leaders denouncing President Donald Trump’s threats against Iran posted on social media. On Easter Sunday, Trump posted on his social media platform: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day,…
Why a theology focused only on the future is bad for the present
One of the key differences I’ve noticed between the United Methodist Church and the religion in which I was raised is the focus on now versus later — “later” being heaven, the afterlife, eternity. The theology of the UMC (or…
United Methodist Church to close cherished mission site
The United Methodist Committee on Relief announced it will close a regional depot where thousands of disaster relief kits have been assembled and shipped for nearly 30 years. Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La., will be closed in January 2027…
Methodists jump to action with food ministries
Even as the Trump administration announced it would restore federal food benefits at half their usual levels, United Methodists across the United States rallied to feed hungry people while the U.S. government shutdown continues. Two federal judges ordered the restoration…
UMC’s racial monitoring agency awards undisclosed grants to immigration ministries
The United Methodist Church’s racial monitoring agency is awarding grants to what it calls “bold ministries” aiding immigrants. But it’s not telling who’s getting the money to protect the safety of the ministries and their locations. The UMC’s Washington, D.C.-based…
What comes next for the United Methodist Church?
Not even the sainted hymnist of Methodism, Charles Wesley, could sing better of the United Methodist Church’s future than King George III in the musical Hamilton: What comes next? Regrouping after decades-long conflicts over human sexuality, declining membership, decreased revenues…
And also with the UMC: Where doctrine ends and culture begins
Not surprisingly, some actions taken by The United Methodist Church’s General Conference last week are being characterized as unbiblical by those who believe they alone hold the only correct interpretation of the Bible. We’ve heard this argument before, and it…
Love Your Neighbor Coalition to bring hospitality, human rights focus to UMC’s General Conference
While many parts of The United Methodist Church see the coming General Conference focused on “3 Rs” — regionalization, Revised Social Principles and removal of LGBTQ bans — the Love Your Neighbor Coalition is bringing attention to two “Hs” —…
Top issues for United Methodists’ Global Assembly taking shape
Delegates to United Methodists’ first worldwide legislative assembly in five years will consider three major issues known as “the three Rs” — regionalization, Revised Social Principles and removal of “harmful language” against homosexuality. This General Conference — technically considered the…
‘Blue Christmas’ services aim to bring comfort, hope
It’s hard for to say the words “Blue Christmas” without hearing the late Elvis Presley’s rich baritone voice. Elvis isn’t credited with starting the liturgical trend with his 1957 hit song, but “Blue Christmas” services have increased significantly among United…
United Methodists score 180,000 pounds of food for hungry people in Super Bowl challenge
Touchdown! Like a full-field kick-off return, United Methodists scored 180,000 pounds of food for hungry people in five states during a Super Bowl food drive challenge. United Methodists in four annual conferences — Great Plains (Kansas and Nebraska), Missouri, Eastern…