Updated December 19, 2025
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“North and South Georgia Annual Conferences to Hold General Conference Delegation Elections in 2026” via North Georgia UM Conference. “If unification is approved, the North and South Georgia delegations elected in June will eventually join to form the Georgia Delegation (as the Memphis and Tennessee Conference delegations did for the 2020/2024 General and Jurisdictional Conferences).” (Added 12-19-2025)
“Important News from Memphis Theological Seminary” via MTS. A seminary approved by the UMC university senate is set to close. This Cumberland Presbyterian School was an option for United Methodists in the Mid-South.(Added 12-19-2025)
“What 12 Denominations Tell Us About American Christianity” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. “But three more denominations are down by about half: the Presbyterian Church USA, the United Methodist Church, and the United Church of Christ. The PCUSA has lost 1.5 million folks, the UMC is down 4.3 million, and the UCC is down about 600,000.” (Added 12-19-2025)
“With the Anglican Communion on verge of schism, United Methodists commit to unity” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “How two Protestant denominations seem to be taking different approaches to address or resolve big disagreements.” (Added 12-19-2025)
“US Church Closures Hit Record, but Faith Thrives in This Rural NC Town: ‘I Met Jesus in Prison’” by Brody Carter via CBN News. “Rainer, an early leader in church revitalization, created The Hope Initiative, a model used across denominations to restore struggling congregations. He sees two critical warning signs that led to this year’s tidal wave of closures.” (Added 12-16-2025)
“Anglican Archbishop Steve Wood Case to Proceed to Trial” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “Wood faces a formal complaint submitted by ACNA clergy and laity alleging bullying of staff, misuse of funds, and two separate allegations of inappropriate advances brought by a former children’s ministry director and an anonymous complainant.” (Added 12-16-2025)
“An Appreciation to Steve Beard” by James Heidinger via Juicy Ecumenism. A tribute to editor Steve Beard as Good News Magazine comes to an end. (Added 12-16-2025)
“Regionalization, a historic turning point for the United Methodist Church in Africa” by Chadrack Tambwe Londe via United Methodist Communications. “For Africa, regionalization means recognition of its ecclesial maturity, its capacity to make its own decisions and its essential contribution to the global mission of The UMC. It allows African churches to develop authentic, contextualized ministries that respond to the spiritual, social and economic needs of their communities while remaining faithful to the Wesleyan tradition.” (Added 12-16-2025)
“United Methodist Insight Goes on Sabbatical” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. The funding and energy for UM Insight has dried up and will cease operation after 14 years. (Added 12-15-2025)
“United Methodism’s Unfinished Business: Moving LGBTQ+ Inclusion from Policy to Practice” by Donald Messer via UM Insight. “The United Methodist Church has taken belated steps toward justice and equality. Now is not the time to become apathetic; our work is only beginning. Our task now is to bring local congregations along—lovingly and patiently—so that inclusion is not merely adopted at General Conference but also embodied in pastoral appointments, Sunday worship, small-group life, pastoral care, and leadership development.” (Added 12-15-2025)
Lifewatch December 2025 Newsletter. “The lead article is a critical affirmation of Bishop William H. Willimon’s latest book The Church We Carry, which reports on his home congregation disaffiliating, what went wrong in the process, and how things should have turned out differently. An article on Bishop von Galen reminds readers of the barbarity of the actual Nazi Germany and calls for more civil political discourse in church and society. Professor N.T. Wright, in a letter, responds to a critique of his podcast on life and abortion. “Hills to Die On: Fifteen Reforming Truths for The United Methodist Church” is included in the newsletter as a special report. “Hills to Die On” quotes the Bible, United Methodist doctrine and discipline, United Methodist liturgy, Barth, Bonhoeffer, St. John Paul II, Reinhold Niebuhr, and others.” (Added 12-15-2025)
“The Sharp Decline in Transgender Identification Among Young Adults” by Ryan Burge via Graphs about Religion. “What the latest data say about Gen Z, gender identity, and a post-pandemic correction.” (Added 12-15-2025)
“UMC pushes back on reported plan to ‘geotarget’ Texas churchgoers with pro-Israel messaging” by Ian Giatti via Christian Post. “A United Methodist Church official is pushing back against a controversial “geofencing” plan to target churchgoers in Texas and other states with messaging from an organization acting as an agent of the state of Israel.” (Added 12-15-2025)
Post by John Muenier via UM Clergy Facebook Page. “A good post and a good channel by a younger UM pastor who self-identifies as a progressive. It speaks to why doctrines like the virgin birth are not optional for United Methodist clergy.” The video in question raises alarms on doubts expressed on the UM Clergy Facebook Page about the virgin birth. Comment ensue. (Added 12-12-2025)
“New book affirms ‘remarkable convergence’ of Methodists and Catholics” by Devin Watkins via Vatican News. “Printed by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV), the document examines the theological progress made over the past six decades between the Catholic and Methodist Churches. MERCIC enjoys the support of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, and the book comes on the same year as Christians celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. (Added 12-12-2025)
Post via Global Methodist Church Nigeria (Facebook). “The attention of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMC-Nigeria) has been drawn to certain misleading and celebratory claims being circulated by the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMC-Nigeria) concerning the recent court proceedings at the High Court, Jalingo. These claims suggest that the court “ruled in favour of the United Methodist Church” and “struck out a case seeking to ban the UMC and hand over its properties to the GMC.”
This narrative is false, misleading, and a misrepresentation of the actual events… The matter in question was voluntarily withdrawn by the Global Methodist Church, after careful internal review and in the interest of pursuing peaceful resolution rather than prolonged litigation.” (Added 12-11-2025)
“Methodist Church condemns sexual exploitation, reiterates marriage as convenant between man, woman” by Charles Akpeji the The Guardian (Nigeria). “The document was also observed to have formed part of the official resolutions adopted during the 44th Session of the Conference, held from November 26–30, 2025.” See also Daily Post and Head Topics. (Added 12-11-2025)
“Ruling awaited in $15M lawsuit between church, United Methodists” by Elizabeth Russell via World. Reporting from a Christian source drawn primarily from Greg Garrison’s reporting in AL.com. (Added 12-11-2025)
“Pastor’s transgender announcement met with support from North Chili United Methodist Church” via WHEC (NY). “There have been signs, but I would say in particular this year is where clarity really came to the forefront,” Phaneuf said. She added that she knew she was ready when she gained the confidence to discuss hormone replacement therapy with Planned Parenthood. She first told church leaders, who affirmed her decision to tell the congregation. (Added 12-11-2025)
“Trans Methodist Pastor Whose Coming-Out Sermon Went Viral Says Outpouring of Support Is Transforming Her Ministry” via Edge Media Network. “…she described receiving affirming messages from transgender people, parents of transgender youth, and clergy across denominations, many of whom thanked her for making her transition public from the pulpit.” (Added 12-10-2025)
Post and Post by John Alexander Wright via UM Clergy Facebook Group. A UM Clergy casts the incarnation and virgin birth in light of Greco-Roman context and offers a non-literal interpretation for lectionary-preaching colleagues. (Added 12-10-2025)
“Bishop Tapped as New President of Centenary” via UM Insight. “Bishop John R. Schol has been named president of Centenary University, a United Methodist-related institution in New Jersey, for a two-year term, the University’s Board of Trustees announced.” (Added 12-10-2025)
“Methodist Division Just Hit a Breaking Point” via Divine Truth Exposed (YouTube). “It is a warning to EVERY church that believes it can survive while trading its own doctrine.” (Added 12-10-2025)
Reel by Andrew Thurbush. Parody of a progressive United Methodist pastor. (Added 12-9-2025)
“‘Inclusive’ Methodism and Real Inclusion” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “This article deals with the numerical decline of Christianity in North America and Europe but also with the rapid rise of Christianity in third world countries, especially in Sub-Sahara Africa.” (Added 12-9-2025)
“United Methodist church property trial resumes in Dothan” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “The trial that opened Dec. 1 could have implications for dozens of other similar cases in counties throughout South Alabama.” (Added 12-9-2025)
“GC2028 Location Needs to Change” by Linda Richard via UM Insight. “We have just adopted a plan for Regionalization which promises to be a catalyst for targeted, faithful action for the UMC. At the same time, the attitude, rhetoric, and policies of the present Administration in the United States make it evident that Minneapolis is NOT a safe place to hold GC 2028. In fact, I firmly believe that we must move the location to ensure the participation and safety of all the delegates. This location needs to be somewhere other than the United States.” (Added 12-8-2025)
Post by Bishop Lanette Plambeck via Facebook. The UMC bishop in Minnesota pens a tribute to her nephew. See also here. (Added 12-8-2025)
“Pastor, 51, Comes Out as Transgender During Emotional Church Service: I’m ‘Truly Happy for the First Time in a Very Long Time’” by Nicolas Rice via People Magazine. “Rev. Phillipa Phaneuf was speaking at the North Chili United Methodist Church in Rochester, N.Y., on Sunday, Nov. 23, when she made the announcement.” (Added 12-8-2025)
“Little Rock church reports nation’s highest attendance for Methodist congregations, thanks to television ministry” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church … Little Rock congregation had the highest online and overall attendance of any United Methodist congregation in the country last year, according to figures compiled by the denomination’s General Council on Finance and Administration.” (Added 12-8-2025)
“A final look at First United Methodist Church on Putnam Avenue” via Zanesville Times Recorder. “Asbestos remediation was completed in October 2025 on the former First United Methodist Church on Putnam Avenue and demolition of the building is about to start. Eventually a new community center and chapel will be rebuilt on the same plot of land. It will be called Putnam Place Community Center.” See also “Saying goodbye to First United Methodist Church, hello to Putnam Place” (Added 12-8-2025)
“Alabama church battles United Methodists over $15 million property in landmark case” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “Ryan French, an attorney for Harvest Church, noted that from 1998-2013, the church filled out reports to conference trustees in which the church checked a box saying there was no trust clause attached to the property. “It does not appear anyone objected,” French said.” (Added 12-8-2025)
“Bishop’s response to Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf coming out as transgender” via Upper New York Conference. “I give thanks for Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf’s courage and honesty in embracing the fullness of who God created her to be,” said Bishop Burgos-Núñez. “Her gifts in preaching, pastoral care, and service continue to enrich our connection. We stand together in love and prayer as she walks this path.” (Added 12-7-2025)
“UMCom and Africa University empower church communicators” by Press Release via Resource UMC. “Only persons chosen at their bishop’s discretion are eligible to apply for consideration by the university. The application period will run from December 15, 2025, to January 31, 2026, with classes commencing on March 2, 2026.” (Added 12-6-2025)
“Commentary: Compass provides sustainable retirement plan for clergy” by Andy Hendren. “Compass is a new retirement plan for U.S. clergy that was approved overwhelmingly by General Conference in 2024. Starting Jan. 1, Compass will supersede the Clergy Retirement Security Program. CRSP had both defined benefit (DB or “pension”) and defined contribution (DC or “account balance”) components; Compass is entirely a DC or account balance plan.” (Added 12-6-2025)
“Firm plans to target churches with pro-Israel ad” by Paul Jeffrey via UMNS. “Show Faith by Works, a California-based company, is planning a “geofencing” campaign that would flood the mobile devices of worshippers in parts of the U.S. with messages. In a filing, the company stated that the ads are aimed at increasing support for Israel while stressing “Palestinian ties to Hamas and support for terrorism.” A campaign “targeting United Methodist churches with anti-Palestinian ads explicitly goes against our Social Principles that encourage dialogue and responsible political action,” said Colleen Moore, with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.” (Added 12-6-2025)
“Trans pastor says she’s ‘surrounded by loving kindness’ after coming out to New York congregation” via The Advocate. “When Rev. Dr. Phillippa “Pastor Phil” Phaneuf stood before her New York congregation at North Chili United Methodist Church outside Rochester on the Sunday before the first Advent and came out as transgender, she believed she was making an announcement primarily for the people she had pastored for six years. She expected the news might ripple through the congregation, perhaps the district. She did not expect it to reach the national spotlight.” (Added 12-5-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “’Our faith and hope are anchored in Jesus Christ. Led by the Holy Spirit, our journey of faith and mission is grounded in Scripture and guided by our doctrine, polity, and social principles.’ This is from a UM Bishop in a public message on a topic that is not relevant to my question. If you want a citation I can share it, but I’m really interested in just this statement. Elevating our social principles to equal status with our doctrine and polity is an error here, isn’t it? The UMC Social Principles have no binding force on the conscience or practice of United Methodists except in some narrow cases. They are in no way on equal footing with our doctrine and polity.” (Added 12-4-2025)
“The God I Do Believe In” by Martin Thielen via UM Insight. UM Clergyperson: “After a lifetime of seeking to understand the nature of God, I have come to believe that an (inconclusive) nontheistic life-force and energy-force concept of God is, in the words of Stuart Little, “headed in the right direction.” However, I’ll never know for certain if this is the best model of God for modern believers. But I’m OK with the uncertainty. In matters of faith, ambiguity goes with the territory.” (Added 12-4-2025)
“NY pastor announces gender transition to congregation during services: ‘Giving up pretending to be a man’” by Natalie O’Neill via New York Post. See also Crosswalk. LGBTQ Nation Coverage. MSN Coverage. Mint Coverage. Sky News Australia coverage. Your Ex Coverage. The GuildNG Coverage. IFN Coverage. One America News Network coverage. (Added 12-4-2025)
“Harvest Church’s founding pastor testifies in United Methodist Church lawsuit” via WTVY. Reporting on Pastor Ralph Sigler’s testimony in the property case in Houston County court in Alabama. (Added 12-4-2025)
“Mainstream UMC’s Work Is Done” via Mainstream UMC. “As we conclude our work, we are proud to share that the Mainstream UMC Board members present in our last meeting, voted unanimously to entrust all of our remaining assets to Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). As you know, RMN has been instrumental in changing hearts, renewing minds, and transforming the Church in the spirit of Christ’s inclusive love since 1982.” (Added 12-4-2025)
“Statement of Support from the General Commission on United Methodist Men” via Resource UMC. “United Methodist Men reject any message—religious, political, or social—that promotes control instead of compassion, hierarchy instead of humility, or exclusion instead of grace. The Gospel of Jesus Christ calls all people into shared discipleship rooted in mutual respect, justice, and love.” (Added 12-4-2025)
“Øyvind Helliesen mourned as ‘sage’ amid tumult” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “With a calm presence and deep understanding of church law, he contributed to Judicial Council decisions dealing with the denomination’s disputes over homosexuality, delays caused by COVID-19 and, eventually, the disaffiliation process used by thousands of congregations to leave.” (Added 12-4-2025)
“Episode 132: Telling the Truth on Church Decline with Ben Crosby” via Church & Main Podcast. Dennis Sanders, a Disciples of Christ pastor from Minnesota, interviews Episcopal priest Ben Crosby to discuss church decline. He has written “we really aren’t agreed on why (or even if!) church decline is a problem.” (Added 12-3-2025)
“Pastor Comes Out at Pulpit: “I’m Not Becoming a Woman, I’m Giving Up Pretending to Be a Man” by Abby Montiel via Them. “As Phaneuf explained to her congregation, her personal superiors as well as the Methodist Church and the Scripture all support her transition, as well. In addition to receiving acceptance from her district superintendent and bishop, she pointed out that Methodist theology’s recently revised “book of discipline” and “book of resolutions” affirm trans people.” See also Fox News Coverage. Mercer County Outlook coverage. Daily Mail coverage. International Business Times coverage. News Ghana coverage. Breitbart coverage. (Added 12-3-2025)
“Harvest Church witnesses testify they were unaware of UMC property stake” by Ken Curtis via WTVY. “Although a Methodist church, Harvest rarely aligned itself publicly with the UMC. The relationship deteriorated in later years and ultimately led to the lawsuit. The UMC asked the Alabama Supreme Court to intervene and rule the disagreement an ecclesiastical matter, not a legal spat. The state’s highest court rejected that claim.” (Added 12-3-2025)
“UMC Council of Bishops 2025 Advent Message: Embracing, Living Our Vision” via UMC Council of Bishops. “As we enter the sacred season of Advent, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, urges all United Methodists to embrace our new Vision as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, who brings hope to a world full of despair.” (Added 12-3-2025)
Post from Phil Phaneuf via Facebook. New York UMC pastor announces new gender identity. (Added 12-2-2025)
“UMC Pastor Shocks Congregants By Revealing Himself To Be Transgender During Sermon” via Protestia. During his November 23, 2025, sermon, Phaneuf, 51, shocked congregants by announcing that he was transgender and had already begun taking hormone replacement therapy, adding, “I’m not becoming a woman. I’m giving up pretending to be a man.” (Added 12-2-2025)
“Highland Park United Methodist Church Collaborates With Tegan on Transformative Capital Campaign” via PR News Wire. Highland Park UMC exceeds its $43 million goal for “Project Mockingbird.” (Added 12-2-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “The issue for The UMC, and probably for other churches, as well, is whether or not the tendency to place value on process things, such as who is at the decision making table, what the racial profile is of the members of the worshiping community, and whether or not small agencies are given a sustaining share of the resources designated for the maintenance of the agencies of the Church, pushes concern for movement toward the goal completely into the background or even out of the picture entirely.” (Added 12-2-2025)
“Harvest Church lawsuit against United Methodist leadership heads to trial” via WTVY (AL). “A lawsuit between one of Dothan’s largest churches and United Methodist denomination leaders reached the courtroom this week, where a judge will hear testimony in a trial involving church property disputes. Harvest Church of Dothan accuses United Methodist leaders of unfairly claiming a stake in their sanctuary and other buildings where hundreds worship each week.” (Added 12-2-2025)
“Arcadia United Methodist Church closes after more than a century” by David Yarnell via Benzie County Record-Patriot. “The aging of the congregation contributed to the falling membership, and Kladder said the church’s difficulty in filling the pulpit was also a factor in the church’s decline.” (Added 12-2-2025)
“Forum tackles pension sustainability outside US” by Gladys P. Mangiduyos via UMNS. “Across the board, participants raised three persistent themes: strengthening internal governance, ensuring reliable contributions and improving access to pension information. Jones noted a widespread challenge in collecting prescribed contributions from pastors and churches. “Even if contributions are received in full, the rates set in some plans are inadequate to fund the benefits pastors are accruing,” he explained. (Added 12-2-2025)
Reel via Intercollegiate Studies Institute. In the UK, young people are not returning to liberal protestant churches, but charismatic churches like Holy Trinity Brompton or more liturgically demanding churches, like Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic. “The woker a church is the more they are disappearing from it.” (Added 11-29-2025)
“The Assemblies of God in 2024: A big denomination with some really healthy statistical trends” by Ryan Burge via Graphs about Religion. “Another common thread among growing parts of the faith landscape is that these churches tend to be non-denominational and anything but hierarchical. In other words, being tied to one of the major Protestant families often seems to slow growth rather than help it.” (Added 11-28-2025)
“Ganta Methodist School Denies Reports of Tension, Graduation Fee Disputes” by Ishmael F Menkor via Daily Observer (Liberia). The statement comes in response to a November 20, 2025, report in the FrontPage Newspaper, which carried the headline: “Parents Threaten to Reject Global Methodist School Report Cards Over Mass Exam Failure, Graduation Fee Dispute.” The principal described the publication as “inaccurate, misleading, and unreflective of the actual situation on the ground.” (Added 11-28-2025)
“Commentary: On World AIDS Day, church called to bold action” by Donald E. Messer via UMNS. “The world is now at a dangerous crossroads in the longtime battle against AIDS and HIV stigma, writes the Rev. Dr. Donald W. Messer. The dismantling of most U.S. international aid and political maneuvering has endangered the most vulnerable, especially on the African continent. As Dec. 1 marks another World AIDS Day, Messer urges United Methodists to step up in their HIV response and live into the denomination’s vision to “love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously.” (Added 11-28-2025)
“2 church plants bloom on different paths” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “The Rev. Joe Graves of Columbus, Ohio, has written “The Progressive Planter,” a guide to successful church starts in the 21st century, based on the experiences of himself and his wife, the Rev. Allyssa Graves. The couple started new United Methodist faith communities, one focusing on recovery and the other created by merging a church start and a more traditional, aging congregation.” (Added 11-28-2025)
“Ohio United Methodists aim to plant 100 churches” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “The U.S. church lost more than 7,600 congregations from 2019 to 2023, largely over theological differences — primarily around whether the denomination should allow LGBTQ people to get married in church and serve in leadership positions, including being pastors. In Ohio, there were 1,647 United Methodist churches at the end of 2022, according to the finance agency. Currently, there are 990… Progressive church planting and remnant congregations discussed. (Added 11-28-2025)
Post via UMW Vibes, Liberia (Facebook). “We regret to inform you of the unexpected demise of the President of our esteemed institution, United Methodist University, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey. Rev. Dr. Bailey was in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony for the United Methodist University Alumni Association’s 16-classroom project just four days ago. May God forgive his deficiencies and bestow upon him heaven.” (Added 11-26-2025)
“Is Jesus ‘Woke?’” by Brett M. Opalinski via UM Insight. Candler of Methodist Studies: “…if woke means elevating the marginalized and dismantling the privilege that one group exerts over another, then I suppose Jesus could be “woke.”” (Added 11-26-2025)
“Prophetic or Pragmatic? A Review of ‘Building Beloved Community’” by John Feagins via UM Insight. “For most of the book, LGBTQ+ persons are correctly named as a vulnerable group harmed by both civic and ecclesial authoritarianism. This aligns with the revised Social Principles and actions of the 2024 General Conference. Then, without explanation, Chapters 19 and 22 return to the logic of the Commission on a Way Forward, an approach that frames debates on human sexuality as the source of distraction and disunity rather than naming and addressing the harm inflicted by decades of discriminatory policy.” (Added 11-26-2025)
“Altar Call/Charlotte” by Bishop Ken Carter via UM Insight. “Having a long history with Charlotte, as a pastor and now as bishop of the Charlotte Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church, this has been both a disturbance and a revelation. The disturbance is the toll it has taken on the ordinary lives of the profiled. The revelation is the resilience, strength and engagement of the faith community, which in Charlotte is in overwhelming numbers the mainline churches.” (Added 11-25-2025)
“Fossil Fuels: The New ‘F’ Word” by Sharon Delgado via UM Insight. “Sad to say, I see a parallel in how our United Methodist Church addresses climate change. It’s OK to acknowledge their harm and to talk about creation care and a just transition to clean energy. In fact, we have been doing that in our Book of Resolutions since 1980. Nothing is controversial about that. But to advocate for phasing out fossil fuels in national or international policy, or to talk about divesting as a church from fossil fuels, are both controversial and divisive.” (Added 11-25-2025)
United Methodist Church via Wikipedia. The article on the UMC is updated: “In November 2025, the United Methodist Church ratified Worldwide Regionalization, a series of Constitutional Amendments passed at the 2024 General Conference to restructure the UMC designed to give equal autonomy to various regions of the church, renaming former Central (non-US) Conferences to Regional Conferences and the creation of a US Regional Conference on an equal basis, which many United Methodists believe would help decolonize the church and aid global unity.” (Added 11-25-2025)
“The New Shape of The United Methodist Church” by Lui Tran via UM Insight. “In practice, that means the church has chosen a path of structured diversity. Some regions may adopt fully inclusive policies for ordination and marriage. Other regions, because of theological convictions or civil laws, may retain restrictions. Still others may craft gradual or hybrid approaches as they discern a way forward.” (Added 11-25-2025)
Post by MFSA (Facebook). A #KINdomNotKingdom slant on Christ the King Sunday. (Added 11-24-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “We have a crisis on our hands, and this crisis ought not be ON the agenda of the Leadership Gathering.” (Added 11-24-2025)
“New Awakening: What If?” by Steve Harper. Simply put, have we gotten Christianity backward (for about 1500 years) by concentrating on the organizational aspects of it to the relative neglect of its organic nature. The possibility stems from Jesus’ great commission when he told us to “make disciples” not churches (Matthew 28:19) (Added 11-24-2025)
“United Methodist Church in financial trouble after mass exits, leaders say” by Elizabeth Russell via World. “The anticipated shortfall came after a quarter of the UMC’s American churches, which historically provided the bulk of funding, left the denomination from 2019 to 2023. Most departed for theological and doctrinal reasons, primarily over disagreements about homsexuality in the church. Although the UMC cut its 2025-2028 budget by about 40%, the denomination’s contributions still weren’t hitting the revised goals, according to United Methodist News.” (Added 11-24-2025)
“UMC’s ‘General Council on Finance’ President Warns: ‘The church’s financial house is on fire’” via Protestia. A Christian polemic site relates the financial warnings of Bishop Graves to the “denomination’s all-out celebration of gay marriage and the LGBTQification of the church.” “Fewer funds means fewer opportunities to spread their noxious brand of progressive poison, and we can only pray that mass layoffs and continued shrinkage is in their near future.” (Added 11-22-2025)
“Ecumenical Group Divests of Fossil Fuels” via UM Insight. “The World Council of Churches, whose members include The United Methodist Church, joined 61 other faith institutions Nov. 18 in announcing their divestment from fossil-fuel companies. The announcement came during the United Nations COP30 climate summit, November 10–21, in Brazil.” (Added 11-22-2025)
“THE ESSENTIALS – Episode 1 (New Show w/ Redeemed Zoomer)” by The Connexionalist (YouTube). Oklahoma UMC pastor discusses the essentials of the faith with Redeemed Zoomer, head of Operate Reconquista aimed at taking back the Mainline. (Added 11-22-2025)
“Texas Highland Park UMC senior pastor to step down due to Parkinson’s disease” via Christian Post. “Dallas church counts former President G.W. Bush, first lady Laura Bush among its members.” (Added 11-22-2025)
“Considering Charlotte – Regionalization & Ratification of Constitutional Amendments” via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Lonnie and Odell have a lot of thoughts about what the widespread adoption of the constitutional amendments from last year’s UMC General Conference means for the future of the denomination. One might recall that Odell in particular was skeptical about the likelihood of such an event. What does it mean? Are Africans just tired of dealing with Americans? Have they been successfully cowed by their bishops, who have been successfully cowed by Americans?” (Added 11-21-2025)
“What is the vision statement of The United Methodist Church” by Taylor Burton Edwards via Ask the UMC. “The vision statement of The United Methodist Church does not replace the mission statement: “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” The statement in full makes that clear. Rather, it focuses United Methodists at all levels of church life on the outcomes of our discipling work.” (Added 11-20-2025)
“The Hidden Legacy of Willow Creek: Seeker-Sensitive Success, Spiritual Failure” via the Roys Report (YouTube). As Willow Creek celebrated 50 years, this video looks at the darker side of a movement that impacted Methodists of all stripes. (Added 11-20-2025)
“A Pastoral Letter for Such a Time as This” by Bishop Ken Carter via UM Insight. On ICE activity in Charlotte: “…my purpose in writing is to encourage you as your bishop, with no partisan motive, but with deep pastoral concern for our people. This is a season that requires courage, tenderness, and deep faithfulness. Who knows—perhaps we have been called and formed as disciples for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). (Added 11-20-2025)
“New Beginnings Church adopts Plains Methodist Church” via Liberal First (KS). “Leaders at PMC had to notify the Global Methodist Church of the desired change, and 90-day period of prayer and discernment were also required. Dow said the process was much shorter at the Liberal campus.” (Added 11-20-2025)
“Liberia: Parents Threaten to Reject Global Methodist School Report Cards Over Mass Exam Failure, Graduation Fee Dispute” via Front Page Africa. “Tensions are rising at the school formerly known as Ganta United Methodist High School now renamed Golbal Methodist School after a factional split within the United Methodist Church.” (Added 11-20-2025)
“As UMC in Zimbabwe stabilizes after splintering, generational change brings new pressures” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. “With splintering in the United Methodist Church, fueled in part by disagreements about LGBTQ+ rights, and a landmark restructuring, African leaders have pushed for restoration of normalcy. Generational changes in Zimbabwe church life is ushering in new pressures, such as the rise in Pentecostalism, and shifting attitudes on major social and cultural debates, like LGBTQ+ rights.” (Added 11-20-2025)
“Walnut Hill Church closing, holding final services by end of year” by Niki Gummadi via Preston Hollow. “Walnut Hill Church, a Ministry of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church (formerly known as Walnut Hill United Methodist Church) will hold its final services by the end of year, and the campus will completely close by mid-2026.” (Added 11-20-2025)
A New Chapter in Ministry via Cokesbury Memorial UMC (MD). “After more than 250 years of faithful service, Cokesbury Memorial United Methodist Church will be merging into ministry with Smith’s Chapel UMC in Churchville (3109 Churchville Rd).” (Added 11-20-2025)
“Global ecumenical gathering in Egypt advances hope for visible church unity” via UMC Council of Bishops. “Participating in a World Conference on Faith and Order was both a privilege and a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the breadth of the global ecumenical movement and to contribute to ongoing theological reflection. Equally significant were the relationships formed among participants, transcending geography, language, and confession.” (Added 11-20-2025)
“Unfinished Business, Part 1” by Stephen Rankin. “The 2020/2024 General Conference didn’t solve anything except to show who is now in power.” (Added 11-20-2025)
Post by CBS News (Facebook). “Nondenominational is actually the strongest force in American Christianity right now,” says Ryan Burge, a professor who focuses on religion’s impact on American life at Washington University. There are an estimated 40,000 nondenominational Christian churches in the U.S., where teachings are rooted in the Bible, but the facilities are independent houses of worship. (Added 11-19-2025)
“One Church, Many Regions: What Changes for Our Bishops?” by Lui Tran via UM Insight. “With regionalization, more decisions about bishops are made within the region itself. Regions will have a stronger voice in deciding how many bishops they need, where episcopal areas should be drawn, and how bishops are supported financially. Importantly, regions will need to balance their desire for close episcopal presence with the financial realities of supporting that ministry, so that resources are used wisely for mission… The global Council of Bishops will continue to meet, pray, and consult, but its role will likely be more of a forum for coordination and mutual encouragement than a top-down governing body.” (Added 11-19-2025)
“‘Liberal’ churches less liberal than you THINK! + Reconquista Conference Announcement” by Redeemed Zoomer (YouTube). Comments on data by Ryan Burge showing that a majority of Mainline Christians lean Republican. (Added 11-19-2025)
“Third World Methodism’s Rise” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “Much of this—and this is also a thesis of these articles—is because the theologies driving the work are evangelical and/or charismatic and/or Pentecostal. At this point it is tempting to speak of issues around disaffiliation. Let it be said that these issues have not yet been fully dealt with in Africa. The growth in many places in Africa is within churches that remain affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Meanwhile, much of the American support is from persons associated with the Global Methodist Church.” (Added 11-19-2025)
“Former Belin leaders sue to force vote on leaving United Methodists” by Charles Swenson via Coastal Observer (SC). Three former leaders at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church are seeking a court order to allow the congregation to vote on whether they should leave the national church. In the meantime, they want to enjoin the denomination from changing the ownership of the Belin property, estimated to be worth $18 million. (Added 11-18-2025)
“N. American Anglican archbishop suspended after sexual misconduct allegations” via Washington Post. “Stephen Wood, 62, a married father who has been an archbishop since June 2024, has been temporarily removed from his job and all clerical duties by the denomination’s dean, Bishop Julian Dobbs. In his order announcing the suspension, Dobbs said he issued it with the consent of five of the church’s most senior bishops.” (Added 11-18-2025)
“Church Law (Or Lack Thereof)” by Thomas McCutcheon via Courier Journal. “The Alabama Supreme Court ordered the trial court to dismiss the action, holding that civil court lacks authority to compel or oversee a church disaffiliation vote because such matters fall squarely within ecclesiastical governance. The Court explained that under long-standing precedent, Alabama courts cannot adjudicate issues of internal church polity.” (Added 11-18-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “…there seems to be a cover over the development here that while certainly not designed to arouse suspicion has that effect, at least with me. The announcement says, “the bishops now have 295 confirmed participants representing the breadth of the global church.” Then later it says, “the names of all participants will be released in December.” What’s wrong with now? Why doesn’t this report tell us who will be there, so far as that’s known, so we can start having conversations about it with the people we know?” (Added 11-18-2025)
Post by Odell Horne via Facebook. Timeline of United Methodist actions concludes: “In the final analysis, the UMC Council of Bishops and Mainstream UMC had an agenda that they wanted to push and they were successful in their endeavors. However, the people in the pews are speaking with their feet and their wallets.” (Added 11-18-2025)
“‘Season of Strain and Sorrow’: Anglican Bishops Inhibit Archbishop” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) Archbishop Steve Wood has been suspended from the exercise of ordained ministry for 60 days, following the written consent of the five senior-most bishops of the denomination.” (Added 11-17-2025)
“Bishop warns of financial troubles ahead” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The president of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency urged leaders to face the reality of dramatically reduced resources. Bishop David Graves was addressing the finance agency’s board as it struggled to meet funding requests in the aftermath of a denominational splintering.” (Added 11-17-2025)
“ACNA archbishop inhibited” via Anglican Ink. “Archbishop Wood inhibited from functioning as a clergy, Bishop Sutton resigns as Dean of the Province, Bishop Dobbs becomes Dean of the Province.” (Added 11-17-2025)
“How Big is the Political Divide Between Mainline Clergy and Laity?” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. UMC laity are 52% Republican. UMC clergy are 19% Republican, a 33 point difference. “And upshot of this graph is pretty easy to discern: the political partisanship of the average mainline pastor diverges significantly from the politics of the folks sitting in their pews. I don’t think the differences are huge when comparing the Democratic share of each group, though. For instance, among United Methodists, about 38% identify as Democrats—whether clergy or laity.” (Added 11-17-2025)
“New Awakening: Pruning” by Steve Harper. “The National Council of Churches stands by its 2023 prediction that in the coming years, 100,000 churches will close. That’s about 25% of congregations…. And for the churches that do continue, many will face the inevitability of property sales reallocations, and relocations. Pruning, plain and simple.” (Added 11-17-2025)
Reel via Midwest Audit. A video featuring a 911 call made by a UMC pastor alerting police to the presence of a man holding a “Trans Women are Men” sign outside the church. (Added 11-17-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. LINK. “How do we need to shift what we are doing in the face of this kind of change? The United Methodist Church was birthed and built for a cultural context that no longer exists.” (Added 11-17-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “The report from the United Methodist Commission on the General Conference brings to light in a rather clouded fashion the story of The United Methodist Church that ought to dominate our consciousness, if not our narrative. It will be impossible for us to come up with a meaningful plan for a way forward until we confront and deal with this reality…In any other sector of society such a debacle would be accompanied by a massive restructuring and a complete change in leadership. We’re tinkering, and nobody’s lost his/her job except the Business Manager of the General Conference who had no role whatsoever in creating this catastrophe.” (Added 11-17-2024)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “…And that brings up the Brooks principle number 8 of human relationships and behavior: Algorithms don’t set organizational policy. Organizations approve algorithms that implement their policy.” (Added 11-17-2025)
“A Pastoral Call to Address Hunger and Poverty in Indiana” via Indiana Conference. “We discussed legacy dollars from closed churches—funds held in trust for mission and ministry, not for operating expenses. These resources represent the faith and witness of congregations whose legacy continues through the ongoing ministry of the Church. After prayerful discernment, the Cabinet has approved the allocation of $1 million from these closed church funds to launch our new ALL IN: Feeding Indiana Through a Legacy of Love initiative.” (Added 11-15-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “There are some things in this report that are troubling to me, and I suggest they ought to trouble you, as well. For some reasons that have a rational basis, the COGC has decided to hold the 2028 GC (GC28) in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the USA. But, of course, the primary argument against a decision to hold GC28 in the USA at all is the complications of visas for many of our non-USA delegates. After months going on years of notification, 27% of our delegates from Africa were unable to attend GC20/24, most because of visa problems and travel issues that grew out of last minute visa approvals.” (Added 11-15-2025)
“Commentary: After regionalization, church must prioritize unity” by Luan-Vu “Lui” Tran via UMNS. “Done well, regionalization can make the church more just, nimble and truly global. Done poorly, it could harden divisions and unravel the connection we have spent decades building.” (Added 11-14-2025)
“Methodist pastors march into courtroom to support ‘boring suburban dad’ indicted for protesting” by Jack Jenkins via National Catholic Reporter (RNS). “In the United Methodist tradition, we have something called connectionalism, which, in this moment, we are saying means: If you come for one United Methodist, you have come for all of us,” said Joyce, who also serves the Northern Illinois UMC conference as a cooperative parish strategist, helping congregations work together to increase their local impact. (Added 11-14-2025)
“What is God’s ‘Kin-dom’?” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “At the United Methodist Church General Conference held last year, for example, openly lesbian Bishop Karen Oliveto preached a sermon to delegates that referenced the phrase.” (Added 11-13-2025)
“Judge rules against Colorado church in homeless encampment case” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Montrose Municipal Judge Thomas LeClaire found Montrose United Methodist Church guilty on four of five counts related to citations received from hosting a homeless camp on its property.” (Added 11-13-2025)
“Everything You Could Ever Want to Know About Membership and Attendance in the Presbyterian Church of America” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. “The biggest cause of decline is one that honestly makes my heart smile a little — the PCA is actually removing people from their membership rolls. That’s something I don’t think happens nearly enough in a lot of denominations. It’s just easier to let those membership files stay as bloated as possible. I’m glad to see the PCA isn’t doing that.” (Added 11-13-2025)
“Bishops prioritize creation care” by Julie Dwyer via UMNS. “The bishops affirmed their commitment to implementing the decisions made at the 2024 General Conference, including creating Green Teams in churches, districts and conferences. They also agreed to implement sustainable practices at annual conferences and in managing church properties, and joined the United Methodist commitment to Net Zero Green House Gas Emissions, among other actions.” (Added 11-13-2025)
“GC2028 delegate count marks historic shift” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. Most of the 708 delegates attending GC2028 will be from outside the USA… “The delegate distribution reflects broader membership shifts in the denomination. United Methodist membership in the U.S. has declined in recent years because of church disaffiliations, while membership has grown significantly in the Philippines and especially on the continent of Africa.””… Côte d’Ivoire has yet to take advantage of the Discipline’s process to become autonomous. With that in mind, the commission still considers Côte d’Ivoire part of the denomination and therefore part of the delegate count.” (Added 11-13-2025)
“A Liberated Zimbabwe Church After UMC Splintering Points to Historic Shift Across Africa” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean (PDF). “There have been cases like Zimbabwe, where United Methodists applied the church’s structure and beliefs to overturn political oppression and out of those ashes reimagined a faith that served the population whom it helped liberate. This reenvisioning has been
happening all around and for a while, even as the U.S. church has been at the center of
decision-making in the denomination.” (Added 11-12-2025)
Tweet by Woke Preacher Clips. Video of rainbow flag processional: “This is what it looks like when a denomination —the United Methodist Church —has been ideologically captured.” (Added 11-12-2025)
“A Journey Toward Reconciliation with LBGTQ+ Friends” by Bishop Kenneth Carder. “In June 2025, I was among those who shed tears of joy as Elaine’s clergy credentials were restored by the Holston Annual Conference. It was a momentous occasion, a visible sign and foretaste of God’s reign of justice, reconciliation, and transformation.” (Added 11-12-2025)
“A liberated Zimbabwe church after UMC splintering points to historic shift across Africa” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. Paywall. PDF requested. (Added 11-12-2025)
“United Methodists ratify new global structure” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “Those delays, along with declining support for the negotiated splintering, led to the UMC’s division that began in May 2022 with creation of the traditionalist Global Methodist Church. Since then, more than 7,500 churches have “disaffiliated” from the UMC, but not all joined the GMC.” (Added 11-11-2025)
Post by Methodist Federation for Social Action (Facebook). Celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision not to revisit Obergefell. (Added 11-10-2025)
“Reisman, evangelism head, plans retirement” via UMNS Daily Digest. “The Rev. Kimberly Reisman, a United Methodist elder, plans to retire as World Methodist Evangelism’s executive director in March. She has led the ministry, an affiliate of the World Methodist Council, since 2014. World Methodist Evangelism will celebrate Reisman when its Order of the FLAME gathers March 9-13 at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island, Georgia.” (Added 11-10-2025)
“Regionalization starts taking effect” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “To decide what’s adaptable, the standing committee is working with three other denominational leadership bodies — the Committee on Faith and Order, the Ministry Study Commission and the Connectional Table. Members of all three bodies joined the standing committee’s Nov. 8 meeting. The groups will hold a joint meeting next year in Copenhagen, Denmark, to continue developing the recommendations that will go before the 2028 General Conference.” (Added 11-10-2025)
“Bishops plan gathering to follow Spirit’s lead” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The bishops are planning this different kind of United Methodist meeting as the international denomination emerges anew after years of infighting and church disaffiliations.” (Added 11-10-2025)
“Stories of Becoming Podcast” via Reconciling Ministries Network. “Each episode invites listeners to see the beauty in becoming: the ongoing journey of a church learning, growing, and loving more fully. These are stories of hope and holiness, told by those who believe God’s kin-dom is still unfolding among us.” (Added 11-10-2025)
“A Message from Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai: We Are One Church! A Call to Prayer” by Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai via Iowa UM Conference. “We have much prayer ahead as we move away from colonial structures and toward greater contextual freedom that regionalization can bring. We have much prayer ahead as we grow in our commitments to justice and inclusion for all of God’s children. We have much prayer ahead as we grow in our unity as a worldwide church and as we carry out our vision to love boldly, to serve joyfully and to lead courageously as one.” (Added 11-10-2025)
“UMC Regionalization is Happening: Five Points” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.org (Team Caffeine). Outside analysis of the recently-approved UMC regionalization amendment. (Added 11-10-2025)
“Mennonites, Methodists, and ‘The Poor in Spirit’” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “The new United Methodist Church would start life with a new structure, a clean slate, new opportunities and a new beginning. It came on the heels of perhaps the biggest social upheaval the nation had ever experienced. “Social justice” was the biggest motivational driving force. Agencies like the old Board of Evangelism were effectively demoted and folded into a new Board of Discipleship. New social monitoring agencies like the Role and Status of Women and Religion and Race were established.” (Added 11-10-2025)
“Opinion: Lose a Church, Lose and Anchor” by Robert Wilonsky via Dallas Morning News. Thoughts on the closing of Walnut Hill UMC, closing after a pandemic-era merger with Lovers Lane UMC. (Added 11-10-2025)
Post via Pulpit & Pen (Facebook). “Zao MKE Church, which is affiliated with the UMC, sings a Sweeney Todd song as part of their praise and worship set.” (Added 11-10-2025)
“How a Methodist church in Kansas City is reaching young LGBTQ people” via Washington Post. [paywall] In Kansas, a new church focuses on progressive and LGBTQ members “once shunned by the United Methodist Church.” They meet in the facility built by the now closed Roeland Park UMC. (Added 11–10-2025)
“PC(USA)’s Unified Agency structure takes shape” via Presbyterian News Service. “After months of discernment, meetings and prayer, the leadership of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s emerging unified agency has shared the new organizational structure and ministry alignment with staff. While the plan will require a shift in ministry structure and placement, existing ministry work will continue with no planned staff reductions.” (Added 11-8-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Regionalization imagines a church where what is moral in Africa can be immoral in the United States and vice versa. We have yet to explain how this is possible biblically or theologically, but as a matter of practice it is now grounded in our very church structure. Will this same regionalization figure out how to affirm that fact within the newly minted US Regional Conference? Will bishops and conference leaders in the United States not merely tolerate but affirm and defend the ministry of pastors and churches in the United States who agree with theological positions that are fully United Methodist in Liberia and Nigeria but are condemned from some high-profile UMC pulpits and powerful caucus groups in America?” (Added 11-8-2025)
“Enslaved ancestors believed to be buried under Silver Spring parking lot” by Megan McGrath via NBC Washington. “It became known to the leadership of Silver Spring that individuals have been buried here, that this had been a burial ground that had been desecrated. And the burial ground contains remains of many of those who were enslaved,” Bishop Latrelle Easterling, the leader of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, said after the ceremony. (Added 11-8-2025)
“Agencies host Sand Creek Massacre exhibit in DC” Joey Butler by UMNS. “The temporary installation is part of the second meeting of the church’s Sand Creek Massacre Interagency Task Force, which was created by the 2024 General Conference to work toward true reconciliation for the church’s role in the massacre.” (Added 11-8-2025)
“United Methodists ratify plan to unify denomination while decentering US church” via Religion News Service. “The plan decentralizes the role of the U.S., which gave birth to churches in Europe, the Philippines and Africa. Each of its nine regions across four continents will now have the ability to set its own qualifications for ordaining clergy and lay leaders, write original hymnals and rituals, compose their own rites for marriage and establish judicial courts.” (Added 11-8-2025)
“United Methodists Approve New Global Structure, Inclusive Rules” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The UMC is now divided into eight regional conferences: Africa, Congo, West Africa, Central & Southern Europe, Germany, Northern Europe & Eurasia, Philippines, and the United States. Each region now has authority to craft its own operational rules, including whether to accept LGBTQ+ people as ordained clergy and to allow UMC clergy to perform same-sex marriages.” (Added 11-7-2025)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: “The Church is reborn today. The mission is just beginning. And we will not be the last United Methodists.” LINK (Added 11-7-2025)
PDF’s of Liam Adams recent UMC Reporting via The Tennessean: “‘Whoo whoo, our elephant!’ United Methodists in Zimbabwe unify ahead of historic decision,” “As fracture harms UMC brand, how a Zimbabwe high school displays pride in denomination,” “What a United Methodist conference in Zimbabwe says about churches’ desire to stay in the UMC,” “Post-splintering, UMC ratifies restructuring, gives autonomy to non-US churches,” “A top Zimbabwe malaria research center killed by USAID closure, resurrected by UMC,” and “As UMC awaits results on historic restructuring, what it looks like day to day in Zimbabwe.” (Added 11-7-2025)
Post via Conservative Evangelical Methodists (Facebook). In response to a question on what branch of Methodism currently has the greatest clergy shortage, Drew McIntyre commented: “There are UMC conferences hurting for clergy for sure. There are also, at least in the Southeast, seemingly a large number of small GMC churches having a tough time finding clergy. I think a lot of small churches (especially ones that are part time and/or toxic) disaffiliated and then discovered they only ever had a pastor in recent decades because someone was forced to be there. Not as familiar with other Wesleyan bodies. I suspect overall the trend will be toward bivocational ministry in the coming decades.” (Added 11-7-2025)
Post via Pulpit & Pen (Facebook). Images from “St. John on the Lake,” a Miami UMC congregation advertising as the “Gayest Church in Town.” (Added 11-7-2025)
Reel via Pulpit & Pen (Facebook). A UMC pastor explains why Zohran Mamdami, the new mayor of New York City, is the most Christian political figure in the current system. (Added 11-7-2025)
Post by UMNS via Facebook. “The Council of Bishops – The United Methodist Church has elected Horizon Texas Conference Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. as its next president, North Katanga-Tanzania Area Bishop Mande Muyombo as president-designate and Bishop Lanette Plambeck as secretary. These bishops will take their new offices in May 2026 after the conclusion of the spring Council of Bishops meeting.” (Added 11-6-2025)
“As UMC awaits results on historic restructuring, what it looks like day to day in Zimbabwe” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. (Added 11-6-2025)
“Citing Supreme Court case, three churches offer expedited same-sex marriages” by Remington Hernandez via Big Rapids News (MI). “Rev. Jeremy Wicks hangs a pride flag on the front of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, Tuesday, Nov. 4. The church is one of three offering to perform same-sex marriages as the Supreme Court hears a case that could challenge the right to the unions.” (Added 11-6-2025)
“Post-splintering, UMC ratifies restructuring, gives autonomy to non-US churches” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. “Following a splintering in one of the most influential mainline Protestant denominations worldwide, the United Methodist Church ratified a historic restructuring that grants more autonomy to United Methodists outside the U.S. Many hope it will help curb additional fissures on the international stage.” (Added 11-6-2025)
“Churches step in as millions lose benefits amid government shutdown” by Mitti Hicks via Premiere Christian News (UK). “On October 30, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries announced that it has created an emergency program offering up to $2,000 in immediate grants to United Methodist food ministries, pantries, and ministry partners across the United States. Churches and food ministries can apply for one of 50 grants through Dec. 15.” (Added 11-6-2025)
“Why is the First United Methodist lot empty 12 years after post office demolition?” buy Will Tallackson via IDS News. A UMC church explains why it maintains an empty lot as green space instead of selling it to a developer. (Added 11-6-2025)
“Why I Stayed (United Methodist)” by Stephen Rankin via Substack. “My ethical commitments do not align with progressive United Methodism and what seems to be quasi-official denominational positions (I’m called a traditionalist) on the topics that are front-and-center in our culture wars. I also think that the ground our denomination has tried to hold, where traditionalists, centrists, and progressives can stay together in the same big tent is inherently unstable and politically either naive or cynical. The current unstable solution won’t last long.” (Added 11-6-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “…But even as those of us who supported this part of the change celebrate our new liberty, it’s also important to remember that there are parts of the job of regionalization that are left undone in this legislation…” (Added 11-5-2025)
“The UMC Really Is… Regionalizing” by Taylor Burton-Edwards. “A new committee will be formed for the purpose of organizing a ninth regional conference comprising the five jurisdictions in the United States. The first meeting of the U.S. regional conference will occur at some point after the 2028 General Conference… The other issue is the continuing existence of jurisdictional conferences. At present, only the United States has jurisdictional conferences. There remain real questions about whether these structures are necessary if the United States Regional Conference itself is to have the same functions as the other regional conferences.” (Added 11-5-2025)
Reactions to Ratification of Constitutional Amendments: Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, Bishop Delores Williamston, UMComm Talking Points, Reconciling Ministries Network, Adam Hamilton, Mountain Sky Conference, Bishop Ken Carter, United Women in Faith, and MFSA. (Added 11-5-2025)
“UMC Bishops finish Canvassing of Amendments; All Four are Ratified” via UMC Council of Bishops. “Some conferences have not voted yet. Those votes will be included in the final totals when received but are not expected to affect the two thirds needed for ratification.” (Added 10-5-2025)
“Church strengthens stands on inclusion, racism” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “In short, this constitutional amendment means pastors may not deny people church membership simply based on their gender or whether they have a disability.” (Added 11-5-2025)
“New United Methodist Church structure ratified” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The Council of Bishops, meeting online, announced Nov. 5 the ratification of the restructuring — known as Worldwide Regionalization — as well as three other amendments to the denomination’s constitution.” (Added 11-5-2025)
“Commentary: Reclaiming faith beyond fear and ideology” by Tércio Bretanha Junker via UMNS. “The courage to love is the purest test of discipleship. It involves feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, standing up for the oppressed, embracing all lovers and speaking truth with humility. It embodies mercy not as charity but as solidarity. It means crossing borders, breaking chains and believing that reconciliation is stronger than resentment.” (Added 11-5-2025)
“Liberia: UMC Liberia Rebukes Lawmaker Over ‘Misleading’ Anti-Gay Remarks” by William Harmon via All Africa. “The UMC clarified that it had formally appeared before both the House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate following official invitations. During those appearances, the Church submitted detailed documents outlining its position on matters related to human sexuality, scriptural interpretation, and Christian doctrine.” (Added 11-5-2025)
District Organizational Conferences via Kentucky UM Conference. The Kentucky Conference has organized into four districts: North, South, East and West. This is down from nine. (Added 11-5-2025)
“The God I Don’t Believe In” by Martin Thielen via UM Insight. “I finally acknowledged that my long-held faith in a traditional theistic God was gone and never coming back.” (Added 11-5-2025)
“At Pride festivals, church members see chance to show love, repair harm” by Anette Spence via Holston UM Conference. “While a handful of Holston Conference congregations have participated in Pride gatherings over the last decade, more Holston United Methodists seem to be reaching out to their gay neighbors and allies in Pride events.” (Added 11-5-2025)
Tuesday Plenary Session via UMC Council of Bishops (Facebook). Report from the planning team for the October 2026 leadership gathering. Fundraising underway for the $1.2 million budget to bring 289 selected leaders to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Not all the retired bishops are invited.(Added 11-4-2025)
“If the UMC is ‘New,’ Why Can’t Retired Pastors Transfer Easily?” by Laura King via UM Insight. “I was invited to move in with my daughter’s family when I retired right around the time of mass disaffiliation. New ACs were being formed. Bishops now covered half of really large states or many states or many conferences. The number of District Superintendents decreased, and their areas of responsibility grew. Membership fell. It is a very different church even from the one I was ordained in to… Why should one AC have more clergy than they have spaces for while other conferences have churches without clergy at all? And why can’t we recognize the ordination of an elder across conference boundaries?” (Added 11-4-2025)
“Members outraged as Riverside UMC closes church, daycare suddenly, locking doors” by Lauren Faulkner via Monroe County Reporter. “Members of Riverside United Methodist Church, located at 735 Pierce Ave, were outraged Friday afternoon when the church abruptly closed its doors and changed the locks, with no warning for the congregants….”One source close to The Reporter confirmed that the staff members also had no warning of the closure. The source revealed that parents were told that the daycare was closing at the end of the day, as they were picking up their children to leave.” (Added 11-4-2025)
Post by John Ricketson via Facebook. Chair of Trustees at Riverside UMC: “Well, I stopped by Riverside United Methodist Church this morning to take the message letters off of the Pierce Ave. message board, ……….. the one that I had just rebuilt, rewired, and replaced the plexiglass panels on. I took the letters inside to return to the box and someone from the conference asked me “what door did you come in”? It was like I had entered a secure government installation and was disconcerting, to say the least. After I left, I noticed a guy that was patrolling the campus in a car with dark windows and it was apparent that this was a hired security guard. I don’t know what’s happening, but it ain’t good. The church that I moved to years ago is now akin to a prison, and nobody is welcome any longer. Thanks, North Georgia Conference, where do I send your 30 pieces of silver?” (Added 11-4-2025)
““Focus on The Needs Of Your Constituents Instead ” The United Methodist Church in Liberia Condemns Rep. Williams Misleading Statements” via Global News Network Liberia. “The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church further reminds Rep. Williams that only the Government of Liberia, through its National Legislature, has the constitutional authority to enact laws regarding marriage, not the Church. The statement made by Rep. Williams demonstrates a clear lack of understanding of Liberia’s existing marriage laws and the legal boundaries between church and state.” (Added 11-4-2025)
“Lake Mills’ old Methodist church now former Texas couple’s dream home” by Chris Lee via HNGNews. “We call it the ‘Chaus,’” Jason said, a cross between church and house. (Added 11-4-2025)
“From Heartbreak to Hope: How Two Small Florida Churches Rebuilt Their Faith Communities” by Joe Henderson via Florida UM Conference. “This is a story about the people of two small churches in the Florida panhandle who refused to buckle after disaffiliation rocked their original houses of worship. It is about a willingness to start something new, walking in faith, and doing what it takes to stay United Methodists.” As shared by UMNS. (Added 11-4-2025)
“Horry County church leaving United Methodist must surrender property, suit says” by David Weissman via The Sun News. South Carolina: “For many years, the church has served under the United Methodist denomination, but its leaders sent notice of separation in January, changing its name to Camp Swamp Methodist Church, according to the lawsuit.” (Added 11-04-2025)
“Anglican Archbishop on Leave Amidst Allegations” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “Archbishop Steve Wood announced tonight that he is both taking a temporary leave of absence as Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and as diocesan Bishop of the Carolinas. In a separate letter to the congregation of St. Andrew’s Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Wood and his wife Jacqui wrote of his decision to retire as rector of the parish.” (Added 11-4-2025)
“Archbishop Wood takes leave of absence pending investigation of misconduct” by Ray Sutton via Anglican Ink. A notice from the Dean of the Province that Archbishop Steve Wood has taken a voluntary leave of absence while charges against him are resolved. (Added 11-4-2025)
“Amid shutdown, bishops called to moral witness” by Heather Hahn via UMC Council of Bishops. “With all that is happening, United Methodists have more needs to supply and justice concerns to advocate even as the denomination tries to rebuild after a season of church disaffiliations.” (Added 11-3-2025)
Fall meeting videos via UMC Council of Bishops Facebook Page. The COB is posting the open sessions of their fall meeting (zoom) on Facebook. (Added 11-3-2025)
“ACNA in Crisis” by Warren Cole Smith via Ministry Watch. Anglicanism has the potential to breathe new life into the evangelical movement, but Steve Wood should resign to restore Anglicanism’s integrity. (Added 11-3-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. A question of reserving the honorific “Reverend” for ordained UM clergy. Comments ensue. (Added 11-3-2025)
“Christian Antisemitism” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “For example, at the 1924 Methodist governing General Conference, the church’s prominent Prohibition chief, Clarence True Wilson, blamed the “filth” of films and theater on Jewish “degenerates, all of one race but of no religion, who have corrupted everything their filthy hands have touched for 2,000 years.” He warned: “No nation that has let them control its finances but has had to vomit them up, sometimes with bitter persecutions, to get the poison out of their system.” Wilson faulted German Jews for their “controlling interest in our liquor traffic.” (Added 11-3-2025)
“OB Groups and Tenants Can Remain in Former Methodist Church as Property Ownership Changes Hands” via Ocean Beach Rag. “Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry and others can remain after ownership of the site formerly known as Point Loma United Methodist Church and Water’s Edge Faith Community is transferred to the Methodist South District.” (Added 11-3-2025)
“Alabama Supreme Court sides with United Methodist Church in Auburn disaffiliation lawsuit” by Caleb Taylor via 1819 News. “Because the only issue ripe for this Court’s consideration is whether the trial court may compel a congregational vote on disaffiliation, and because § 10A-20-2.03 does not enable the trial court to order such a vote, we conclude that the trial court erred in denying the AWFC’s motion to dismiss in this case. We therefore grant the mandamus petition and direct the trial court to dismiss the complaint,” members of the Alabama Supreme Court wrote. (Added 11-3-2025)
“‘Love belongs in public’: Oak Lawn church consecrates rainbow display on its front steps” via Dallas News. “Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, in a consecration ceremony Sunday, celebrated the completion of a rainbow display painted on its front steps.” (Added 11-3-2025)
“Alabama Supreme Court rules on dispute over control of historic Alabama Methodist church founded in 1837” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “The United Methodist Church scored a victory on Friday when the Alabama Supreme Court dismissed a case against them over control of church property in Auburn.” (Added 11-01-2025)
Post by Michael Beck via Facebook. Reaction to a well-circulated post by Ryan Burge documenting UMC decline. “I do sometimes wonder if much of our denominational energy has become an exercise in rearranging chairs on the Titanic. We’ve not yet dealt with the deeper structural realities or adapted our systems to this new missional landscape.” (Added 10-31-2025)
“Bishops to canvass Constitutional amendments, elect new officers” via UMC Council of Bishops. “At the meeting, the bishops will also canvass the votes of annual conferences on the four constitutional amendments approved by the 2024 General Conference. By The Book of Discipline (BOD) any proposed constitutional amendments require ratification by annual conferences. The results are canvassed, certified and announced by the Council of Bishops.” (Added 10-31-2025)
“Dueling unhoused views highlight marathon Montrose Church trial” by Tom Hess via CPR News. “A dispute over whether unhoused residents camping on church property violates Montrose city nuisance ordinances played out Wednesday in the form of an exhaustive trial that featured 14 witnesses and was as much about municipal approaches to unhoused residents as it was the legal definition of junk or litter.” (Added 10-31-2025)
Post by Anthony McPhail via Facebook. “I have seen a lot of digital ink spilled about what happened with Riverside UMC in Macon, and I do not want to add to what has already been stated. There were and have been congregational and denominational challenges that impacted the situation, and led to an unfortunate and abrupt closure. Rather than dwell on what went right and wrong, I instead want to express gratitude….” (Added 10-31-2025)
Tik-Tok by Andrew Thurbush. Parody of United Methodist affirmation culture. (Added 10-30-2025)
“Episcopal Church omits membership total in annual report; baptisms fell considerably in the past decade” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “According to a statement from The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs, this year’s report reflected “responses to new and revised questions that were compiled by former members of the House of Deputies Committee on the State of the Church and approved by the Executive Council in October 2023 and January 2024.” (Added 10-30-2025)
“Bishop Tracey Malone speech at the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference 25th session” via Ebenezer TV. (Added 10-30-2025)
UPDATED: “What a United Methodist conference in Zimbabwe says about churches’ desire to stay in UMC” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. Paywall. View in Yahoo. (Added 10-29-2025)
“‘We did everything we could’ | Historic Macon church closing its doors after 70 years” via WMAZ.
“A Macon-area church that served its community for nearly seven decades has abruptly closed, leaving longtime members scrambling after they were locked out of the building without warning. Riverside United Methodist Church members learned of the closure through an email Friday, leaving some who had worshiped there for decades feeling blindsided and heartbroken.” (Added 10-30-2025)
Post by Izzy Alvaran via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Lessons on Living Fully Affirmed” Event: United Methodist Leaders to Keynote “Inclusiveness VIII” Webinar on November 18, 2025 Two distinguished leaders of United Methodism—Bishop Kristin Stoneking, episcopal head of the Mountain Sky Area, and Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History—will keynote the annual Inclusiveness VIII webinar on November 18, 2025, sponsored by the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends (UMARC). (Added 10-30-2025)
Post by John Alexander Wright via UM Clergy Facebook Group. A UM clergy puts a universalist spin on the Reformation. Faith is not a requirement for salvation, but a response to salvation already given. (Added 10-31-2025)
“Pepper Spray and Pastoral Presence In Portland” by Paul Graves via UM Insight. “I tend to see IMIrJ’s Accompaniment Program as a subversive effort. ICE agents and the broader Department of Homeland Security must be reminded in multiple ways that immigrant families and individuals are real persons, not “others” to be targeted by political oppression.” (Added 10-29-2025)
“What a United Methodist conference in Zimbabwe says about churches’ desire to stay in UMC” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. Paywall. View in Yahoo. (Added 10-29-2025)
“Methodist Church abandons plan for new Sioux City location” by Reilly Mahon via SiouxLand. “City documents indicate that the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is not moving forward with the project at that site. (Added 10-29-2025)
“As fracturing harms UMC brand, how a Zimbabwe high school displays pride in denomination” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. Paywall. PDF requested. (Added 10-29-2025)
“The Failed Vision of Methodists’ Modernist Elite” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “The educated and social elitists have not and will not lead Christianity toward revival and a renewed church. The liberal projection of an earthly Kingdom of God prevailing under the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man was (and is) a failed vision, especially when that vision is accompanied with political and social strategies.” (Added 10-29-2025)
“UMC church paints steps in rainbow colors in opposition to governor’s directive” by Anugrah Kumar via Christian Post. Pastor Rachel Griffin-Allison told WFAA that painting the steps is “an act of sacred resistance in the face of what is happening in our state and in our country.” (Added 10-28-2025)
“Wesleyans, Doug Wilson, and Post-Liberalism” by Mark Tooley via Firebrand Magazine. “There are some online, mostly younger Methodists who resonate with versions of post-liberalism, which fills the oxygen of today’s conservative Christianity. But formal Methodist/Wesleyan participation in this conversation is largely lacking. Methodists and Wesleyans are not active participants in America’s meaningful national conversations. Methodism helped to shape America and its democracy. Now it is largely a bystander. Hopefully, a renewed Wesleyan Christianity will contribute to American intellectual discourse.” (Added 10-28-2025)
“Anglican Churn & Protestant Impatience” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “Nearly half of the congregations that recently exited United Methodism have not affiliated with the new Global Methodist Church or any other denomination or network. They understandably feel burned by their previous denomination and see these outside connections as only a hindrance, sometimes expensive.” (Added 10-28-2025)
Reel via Nicholas Bowling. A UMC clergy goes back and forth with an interviewer challenging his stance on LGBTQ issues. (Added 10-27-2025)
“Stephen Trowen Nagbe UMC Holds Second Charge Conference, Installs Interim Leadership.” via Global News Network Liberia. “Rev. Langama encouraged members to embrace reconciliation and work toward restoring peace and order within the church. The meeting, however, faced moments of disruption as some members attempted to obstruct proceedings, prompting the presiding officer to temporarily suspend the session before resuming.” (Added 10-27-2025)
“‘Whoo whoo, our elephant!’ United Methodists in Zimbabwe unify ahead of historic decision” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. A U.S. religion reporter is in Zimbabwe to report on developments in the United Methodist Church and Global Methodist Church there. (Added 10-27-2025)
“United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe takes on historic restructuring” by Andrew Nelles via The Tennessean. [paywall] (Added 10-27-2025)
“Methodist Foundation for Arkansas disburses nearly $2 million in grants” via Talk Business and Politics. Among recepients: “Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church: $18,000 for Creating a Culture of Renewal, a three-year, highly interactive leadership program designed to interrupt decline, increase vitality, and reconnect congregations with the gospel’s transformative mission. This amount will be awarded per year for three consecutive years, for a total of $54,000.” (Added 10-27-2025)
“UMFS rebrands with new name Shineforth” by Jackie DiBartolomeo via Richmond BizSense. “Shineforth is the fifth name for the organization, and the first that does not harken back to its Methodist Christian roots. The nonprofit was originally founded as an orphanage at its West Broad Street location in Richmond by the Virginia Conference of the Methodist Church in 1900. It later became the Methodist Children’s Home in the 1950s, and then United Methodist Family Services in the 1980s.” (Added 10-27-2025)
“A bishop’s secret church trial and the U.S. Anglican Church in turmoil” by Ian Shapira via Washington Post. Lots of troubling details: “The allegations against both men have turned a spotlight on a denomination founded 16 years ago by conservatives who separated from the Episcopal Church over its confirmation of an openly gay bishop. Now, the Anglican Church in North America — which considers itself a “province” of a global network of orthodox Anglican churches — faces its own internal crisis over alleged misconduct by top leaders.” (Added 10-25-2025)
“‘Gayborhood’ United Methodist Church Defies Texas Governor’s Order with Rainbow Display” by James Lasher via Charisma. “While the church describes its rainbow steps as a “bold statement” of inclusion, this act represents a deeper rebellion against God’s design for morality, identity and holiness. Scripture teaches that righteousness is defined by God alone, not by cultural trends or human emotion. When a church embraces what God calls sin and celebrates it in His name, it crosses from compassion into corruption.” (Added 10-25-2025)
“Continuing Anglicans Split Over Churchmanship” by Greta Gaffin via The Living Church. A split in the small Anglican Catholic Church: “Long’s harsh comments on social media about Anglo-Catholicism was likely a concern for some of them. “We must continue to condemn and reject the Anglo Catholics and their papist [Brethren],” Long wrote in a February 2024 Facebook post in which he also opined that the “Pentecostal/[charismatic] movement is a form of witchcraft same as papism.” (Added 10-25-2025)
“After clergy arrests, religious pushback to ICE expands in Chicago” via Religion News Service. “The Rev. Abby Holcombe, a United Methodist minister, has also been a regular at protests. She recently led an effort to offer Communion to detainees inside the facility and said religious interest in similar demonstrations has surged in recent weeks, including among members of her own denomination.” (Added 10-25-2025)
Post by the New York Times (Facebook). “The highest-ranking prelate of the Anglican Church in North America, a conservative denomination that broke from the Episcopal Church in 2009, has been formally accused of sexual harassment, plagiarism and bullying by former employees.” (Added 10-25-2025)
“COB Pastoral Letter on US Government Shutdown” via UMC Council of Bishops. The bishops continue their trend of speaking on behalf of the UMC, a role reserved for the General Conference. “As a people called United Methodists, who proclaim God’s justice, peace, and care for all people, we lament the ongoing government shutdown in the United States and the harm it is causing to countless families, workers, and communities.” (Added 10-25-2025)
“ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood Accused of Sexual Misconduct” via Ministry Watch. A RNS article with expanded details on the allegations against the ACNA Archbishop. (Added 10-24-2025)
Reel via WFAA (Facebook). The pastor of Oak Lawn UMC explains why the church is painting their steps rainbow colors in Dallas’ “gayborhood.” (Added 10-24-2025)
“Northern Seminary Presidential Installation Goes Awry” by Haleluya Hadero via Christianity Today. “All of it culminated in a tense service, where Dennis Blackwell, a Black UMC pastor from New Jersey, reportedly spoke up to accuse the seminary of racism. Other attendees, including retired Methodist pastor Keith Boyette, took to social media to voice their support for Moore.” (Added 10-24-2025)
“Daily Briefing: October 22, 2025” by Al Mohler. “This is Just Delayed Surrender: The Church of England Will Require Two-Thirds Majorities in the Synod to Approve So-Called Same-Sex Marriage” (Added 10-23-2025)
“Cross-cultural, cross-racial pastors seek revival” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “That’s the way cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments go sometimes in The United Methodist Church. Weariness and stress were oft-repeated complaints by the clergy who gathered at Facing the Future 2025, held Oct.7-9 in Los Angeles. So were frustration at racism, hostility and disinterest.” (Added 10-23-2025)
Post by Ryan Burge via Facebook. “In 1967, the United Methodist Church had about 11M members.
In 2004, they had about 8.1M members. In 2024, the United Methodists have dropped below 4M members. They have lost half their membership in the last two decades.” (Added 10-23-2025)
“U.S. Anglican Church archbishop accused of sexual misconduct, abuse of power” via Washington Post. “The Anglican Church in North America — forged from the headline-grabbing conservative revolt against the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop — is now confronting allegations by clergy and parishioners against two of its top leaders: One is accused of sexual misconduct, while the other allegedly abused his power by allowing men with troubling histories into the church.” See alternative link here. (Added 10-23-2025)
“Investigators identify juveniles as suspects in historic Methodist church arson” via KCTV. “The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office stated that juveniles have been identified as having committed arson in connection with the fire at the 129-year-old Leeton United Methodist Church.” (Added 10-23-2025)
“Overland Park church’s pro-LGBTQ+ banner was vandalized then stolen. This isn’t the first time.” via Johnson County Post. “Leaders of an Overland Park church that has long displayed a banner welcoming members of the LGBTQ+ community say they are not deterred by the continuous vandalism and theft of the sign.” (Added 10-23-2025)
“Why I’m pleased about the CofE’s reversal on same-sex marriage” by Ian Paul via Premiere Christianity (UK). “To those who want to see the doctrine of marriage changed, this has come as a deadly blow and a deep discouragement; it looks like the end of the process. But the question remains: if change was only ever going to come about by avoiding due process – and by secret exercise of power behind closed doors – how could that be either good for the Church, or the will of God? And why had liberal bishops promised change that they knew, on the basis of advice they had been given, could never happen?” (Added 10-22-2025)
“Formal Presentment Charges filed against Archbishop Wood” by Kevin Kallsen via Anglican Ink. “A complaint was filed yesterday, October 20, 2025, by four presbyters and seven lay members of the Anglican Church in North America against the primate and archbishop, the Most Rev Stephen Wood.” (Added 10-22-2025)
Post by Drew McIntyre via Facebook. “I did a series back during election season called “Purple Church.” This is why. The UMC, like the rest of the Mainline, is not politically monolithic. I believe this a good thing.
One reason the church matters for the broader, highly polarized society is that it is one of the last places that people who vote different actually meet and build relationships.” (Added 10-22-2025)
“Is Moderate Christianity Gone?” via The Connexionalist (YouTube). Responding to a video by Gavin Ortlund about Third Way-ism. (Added 10-22-2025)
Post by John Alexander Wright via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “What a powerful witness!” Response to Texas church painting their steps rainbow colors. (Added 10-22-2025)
“Arson suspected after Methodist church in Leeton, Mo. catches fire” via Spectrum Local News. “It’s heartbreaking to see a place that has stood for generations be deliberately set on fire,” said JCFPD Captain Joe Jennings in a post on social media. “This church isn’t just a building; it’s part of the history and identity of Leeton. Seeing it damaged in this way is difficult for the entire community.” (Added 10-22-2025)
“Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas painting steps rainbow after Gov. Abbott’s order on crosswalks” via WFAA. “Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas says it’s painting the steps of the church in rainbow colors following Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s order targeting rainbow crosswalks.” KVUE coverage. FOX5KC Coverage. (Added 10-22-2025)
“Statement on the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury” by Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion. “Not all differences can be tolerated. Most people within the Communion do not see how the authorisation of rites of blessing for same sex unions are compatible with the teaching of scripture, tradition and reason. If Anglicans are to walk together, there must be a convergence in our understanding of the truth. If there is no convergence in our understanding of the truth, we will need to begin to learn to walk apart. We earnestly hope and pray that this will not prove necessary. Our prayer is for repentance, healing and restoration.” (Added 10-22-2205)
“Global Anglicanism SPLITS: What Happened?” by Michael Bird (YouTube). “In this video, Rev. Dr. Mike Bird explains the split in global Anglicanism, discussing the recent GAFCON statement, the history leading to the split, the meaning of Anglicanism, and possible future splits.” (Added 10-22-2025)
Tweet by Ryan Burge. “Young mainline Protestants are actually more socially conservative than the average American. 11 pts more likely to support a ban on abortion pills in the mail. 7 pts more likely to support a ban on gender transition for minors.” (Added 10-22-2025)
“Johnson County, Mo. Fire responds to significant structure fire at Methodist Church” via KCTV. “The Johnson County Fire Protection District responded to the Leeton United Methodist Church in Leeton, Mo., just before 10 p.m. on Monday, October 20.” Arson suspected. (Added 10-21-2025)
“Former Palmyra Methodist Church has a new owner” by Fatima Naqi via Nebraska Public Media. “Members say the church closed in October 2023 due to lack of attendees.” (Added 10-21-2025)
“Korean Ministry Plan sharpens mission strategies and focus” by Thomas E. Kim via UMNS. “The Korean Ministry Plan of The United Methodist Church gathered Oct. 2-4 in Teaneck, New Jersey, to refine its mission priorities over the next four years: emphasizing church planting, leadership development, next-generation ministries, justice engagement and global partnerships.” (Added 10-20-2025)
“My RESPONSE to the New Archbishop of Canterbury – Redeemed Zoomer Reaction” via The Connexionalist. A UMC pastor responds to Redeemed Zoomer. (Added 10-20-2025)
“GAFCON Anglicans Seek to Lead, Who Will Follow?” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “GAFCON provinces already comprise the majority of adherents within the Anglican Communion member churches, which are functionally self-governing and autonomous while operating in relationship with one another.” (Added 10-20-2025)
“Five Stages of Progressive Christianity” by Redeemed Zoomer via YouTube. The slippery slope defined in five stages. (Added 10-18-2025)
“The Wesley Sermon Project” via The North Georgia UM Conference. “The Wesley Sermon Project is a new collaborative effort inviting United Methodist clergy across Georgia to re-engage and reimagine the sermons of John Wesley for today’s world. This project calls us to revisit the roots of our Wesleyan heritage—not as relics of the past, but as living words to inspire faithful discipleship in a changing world.” (Added 10-18-2025)
“United Methodist pastor violently arrested in Chicago | Opinion” by Mara Richards Bim via Baptist News Global. “I saw firsthand the might of the Illinois State Police as they donned riot gear last week and pushed protesters back. What I didn’t know then but have a better understanding of now is how the tension between the various police forces is playing out in Chicago.” (Added 10-18-2025)
“Former Methodist President pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges” via Premiere Christian News. “Steven Wild appeared at Truro Crown Court charged with eleven offences alleged to have been carried out between 2004 and 2019. The ten charges of sexual assault and one of indecent assault relate to a number of women. Setting a trial date for 2 November 2026, Judge James Adkin said the delay was due to a backlog of cases. The trial is expected to last three weeks.” See also BBC coverage. (Added 10-18-2025)
“Richard Gere Opens Up About His Upbringing in a ‘Methodist House’—and How His Father’s Faith Led to His Own Discovery of Buddhism” by Charlie Lankston via Realtor.com. “While Gere marveled at the way in which his father managed to bring “light and a sense of hope and belonging” to people in his community, he explained that he never fully aligned with the Methodist faith, and began exploring other religions that better represented how he wished to live his life.” (Added 10-18-2025)
“Resurrection’s Hamilton to retire” via UMNS Daily Digest. “The Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, announced that he will retire from that post in five years, after four decades with Resurrection. Hamilton made the announcement during the church’s Leadership Institute, held Oct. 1-3. During the conference, Hamilton also lamented the rise of Christian nationalism and polarizing churches. More than 1,600 people attended the event in person and online. David Burke has the story.” (Added 10-18-2025)
“Church court: Question improper” via UMNS Daily Digest. “The Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court, said it could not take jurisdiction on the one item on its fall docket. The request for a declaratory decision from the New England Annual Conference’s clergy session about the ordination process did not refer to any specific paragraph in the denomination’s Book of Discipline. “Since the question asked does not refer to a disciplinary paragraph, it is improper,” Memorandum 1520 said, “and we cannot take jurisdiction.” (Added 10-18-2025)
“The Future of Anglicanism Has Arrived: What GAFCON’s Statement Means for Evangelicals” via Gospel Coalition. Coverage of the Anglican Communion split. (Added 10-18-2025)
“Orthodox Anglicans create new communion renouncing ties to archbishop of Canterbury” via Christian Post. “It will be distinct from the worldwide Anglican Communion that is under the spiritual leadership of the archbishop of Canterbury and which recognises other Institutes of Communion like the Lambeth Conference, the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), and the Primates’ Meeting of senior archbishops.” (Added 10-18-2025)
“Methodist Pastor: Killing Babies in Abortions is “Moral” if It’s Done With “Thoughtful Prayer”” via LifeNews. “A United Methodist Church leader is promoting the notion that killing an unborn baby in an abortion is okay as long as the mother makes a “thoughtful and prayerful” decision first. Pastor Robert Vaughn Jr., director of the General Board of Church and Society for the UMC, told Baptist News Global that the denomination takes a “reluctant pro-choice” stance on abortion.” (Added 10-17-2025)
“Rewriting Wesley” by John Muenier via WordPress. “The UMC can disagree with Wesley’s views on sin and sex. It can call him a bigot and accuse him of violating our baptismal vows against oppression and injustice. It can make excuses for him as a child of his time, but it cannot put a rainbow flag in his hand any more than we should shove a Dirt Devil into Fred Astaire’s.” (Added 10-17-2025)
“BREAKING: Global Anglicanism Split in Two Today” via Ready to Harvest (YouTube). Coverage of a major break in Anglicanism. (Added 10-16-2025)
“Archbishop Wood Addresses GAFCON Announcement” via Anglican Church in North America. Commenting on a statement by GAFCON primates that effectively divides the Anglican Communion. (Added 10-16-2025)
“Eyesight fading, bishop envisions new role as evangelist” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “When we look back to seasons of awakening and the living hope of Christ that the Methodist movement has carried through the ages, we know the moment is right to lean in with renewed passion for evangelism and discipleship,” she said. “We dare to believe that following Jesus in the Wesleyan way provides a firm foundation for lives to be changed and the world to be transformed.” (Added 10-16-2025)
“Who’s in Charge? Northern Seminary Dealing with Confusion Over Whether New President Resigned”
by Rebecca Hopkins via Roys Report [Updated]. “Author and Northern theology professor Beth Felker Jones, who gave the closing prayer, told the audience the announcement surprised her. After the prayer, Boyette noticed that a couple of people approached Moore to talk to her. “It caught everyone by surprise and there was immediate discussion around me of people saying they felt like they had been involved in a bait and switch,” Boyette said. (Added 10-15-2025)
“Mainline Protestantism Tested: Racial Unrest” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. History of Methodism navigating racial unrest in Indiana. (Added 10-16-2025)
“The Decline of the Church-Type Person” by Ann Locasio via UM Insight. “What Ryan Burge reported a couple of years ago was titled, “Religion Has Become a Luxury Good for the Middle Class, Married College Graduate with Children.” So, there are four boxes to check for the church-type person: (1) middle class, (2) college graduate, (3) married and (4) has children. A middle-class income in 2025, according to the Pew Research Center, ranges from $41,392 to $124,176.” (Added 10-15-2025)
“Three Passe Assumptions of Tim Keller” by Jackson Waters via Juicy Ecumenism. How Presybterian Tim Keller’s vision for the future of the church (also influential in Methodist circles) may be eclipsed by the rise of a new religious right. See a Baptist defense of Tim Keller’s Third Way-ism by Gavin Ortlund here. (Added 10-15-2025)
Post by Methodist Review (Facebook). Rebecca Miles named Albert C. Outler Chair of Wesley Studies at Southern Methodist University, Billy Abraham’s former post. “Dr. Miles identifies as an LGBTQ member of the Perkins faculty and serves on the Board of the Reconciling Ministries Network. She has served in a number of Wesleyan ecclesial and academic roles, such as committees, editorial boards, and task forces. An ordained elder in the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Miles, like Outler, was elected to serve as a clergy delegate to six General Conferences.” (Added 10-15-2025)
“A Message from Bishop Bickerton” via New York UM Conference. A bishop explains why he hasn’t written to the annual conference in a while. Amid his several struggles: “This summer, I had the debilitating and ugly task of closing a church because of the action of one: An awful act of sexual abuse against a child that could only be reconciled through a lawsuit that led to a settlement that could only be paid by closing the church and selling the property in order to pay the mediated agreement. On the day we deconsecrated the church, I stood in front of the congregation and feebly attempted to preach in the midst of their unchecked tears and sadness.” (Added 10-14-2025)
“Across Ten Octobers” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.net. A retrospective on the last decade of Methodist emerging schism. (Added 10-14-2025)
“Investment debates underway for 2028” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. MFSA ““We believe that (use of fossil fuels) destabilizes the climate and results in an immeasurable harm to both our earth – creation – and humanity,” Cabrera said. “People of color, people suffering from economic insecurity and children are those that often suffer disproportionately from both fossil fuel pollution and climate change.” (Added 10-14-2025)
“Truett launches Anglican Episcopal House of Studies” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global. “The new house within the Baptist seminary was announced Oct. 13 and follows four years after opening a Wesleyan House of Studies that is aligned not with The United Methodist Church but with the newer and more conservative breakaway Global Methodist Church.” (Added 10-14-2025)
“New president not installed at Northern Seminary” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global. United Methodist Joy Moore was not installed at her installation service amid a disputed claim that she resigned. (Added 10-14-2025)
“Conservative alternative to UMC grows to 6,000 member churches” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “A denomination founded as a theologically conservative alternative to the United Methodist Church has grown to include 6,000 member congregations worldwide.” (Added 10-13-2025)
“In Chicago, Clergy and Faith-Based Protesters Say ICE Is Threatening Their Religious Freedom” by Jack Jenkins via UM Insight (RNS). “The Rev. Hannah Kardon, a United Methodist pastor who leads United Church of Rogers Park in Chicago, has also protested at the Broadview facility on several occasions. She, like Black, said she has been shot multiple times with pepper bullets, including while she was praying with her eyes closed and hands lifted, wearing a clerical collar and stole.” (Added 10-13-2025)
“Pastor Joe Graves (United Methodist) – The Progressive Planter: Finding-and Building-the Church You Wish Existed” via Apple Podcasts. “The Progressive Planter, Joe shares how “clear is kind,” why progressives must move from gatekeeping to organizing, and how we can all help build the kind of faith community we’ve been longing for… How the United Methodist Church holds a wide umbrella—largely contemporary, liturgical, and LGBTQ+ affirming” (Added 10-13-2025)
“State gives big boost to church housing plan” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The growing, multi-ethnic church in a pricey D.C. suburb is part of the trend of congregations across the U.S. repurposing their property to address a nationwide housing crisis.” (Added 10-13-2025)
Tweet by Ryan Burge. “Here’s some really bad news for Christianity in the US. When did 60+ year olds outnumber 18-40 year olds? For the mainline it was around 2000. For evangelicals, Black Protestants, and Catholics – it’s right now.” (Added 10-13-2025)
“Trusting the Spirit: Danbury UMC Ushers in a Heating Revolution” as shared by UMNS. A church finds a new way to reduce the cost of heating its oversized sanctuary. (Added 10-11-2025)
“Walnut Hills UMC Honored with Community Equality Leader Award from Iowa Safe Schools” via Iowa Conference. “At the 2025 Spirit Awards, Iowa Safe Schools awarded Walnut Hills United Methodist Church with the Community Equality Leader Award for its ongoing advocacy and support of LGBTQ youth.” Shared by UMNS. (Added 10-11-2025)
“Korean church leaders commit to mission, healing” by Thomas Kim via UMNS. “The Rev. Changmin Lee, the association’s outgoing president and pastor of Zion Korean United Methodist Church in Carson, California, acknowledged the difficult times the denomination has weathered of late….” (Added 10-11-2025)
Reel via Bend Church, Oregon (Facebook). A “we will not be silent” video featuring progressive UMC clergy protesting actions of the Trump administration. (Added 10-11-2025)
Post by Izzy Alvaran via UM Clergy Facebook Book. Advertises a “Calling All Genders” event for “Trans, Non-binary, and Cis-allies.” (Added 10-11-2025)
Post by Keith Boyette via Facebook. “To the shock of virtually everyone in attendance, Northern Seminary announced It would not be installing Rev. Dr. Joy Moore as its president today. The information shared in the press release posted below is false. She did not resign. Pray for Joy in this time.” Link. See also Roys Report coverage that describes the UM’s Moore’s appointment “following a tumultuous year of responding to allegations that its former president and board bullied women.” (Added 10-11-2025)
“Preaching nowadays: Exhausting? Energizing? Just sad?” by James Howell via Substack. The pastor of Meyers Park UMC in Charlotte grieves people leaving the church over matters of Scripture and politics: “But as I get older, I’m increasingly wounded and sad. Someone I love says You can’t be my pastor any longer. They declare it’s because I veer from God’s Word, or that religion and politics don’t mix – which I realized many years ago was easily decipherable code for You said something that doesn’t square with my politics. People I love holler at me, or just slip quietly away. I miss them. I grieve them.” (Added 10-9-2025)
“Church of Nigeria Declares Spiritual Independence from Church of England Over Same-Sex Marriage and Leadership Shift” via Nigeria Stories. “In a bold statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, the leadership of the Nigerian Anglican Church described Mullally’s elevation as “the final confirmation of moral decay within the leadership of the Church of England.” The statement, signed by Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, announced that the church would no longer recognize the authority of Canterbury in doctrinal or spiritual matters.” (Added 10-9-2025)
Video via Royal Oak First UMC (Facebook). “Jesus is More Interested in Where We Are Going Than the Route We Take,” Pastor Jeff Nelson. (Added 10-9-2025)
“The Marion Reid Scholarship: Supporting Methodist Women in Higher Education” via Mountain Sky Conference. “To apply, candidates must: Identify as a woman; Be affiliated with the United Methodist Church, either through membership in a local congregation or an ongoing charge conference relationship; Be enrolled in or accepted to an institution of higher learning…” (Added 10-9-2025)
“Church and Society Board Awards Grants for 2025” via UMC Church & Society. Recipients include “Education for Peace in the UMC (Liberia Episcopal Area)” (Added 10-9-2025)
“Clergy, laity get ‘Rise’ from Resurrection’s Leadership Institute” by David Burke via Great Plains UM Conference. Hamilton also introduced the “Why Church?” campaign, aimed at getting people back into sanctuaries and services. It included a Resurrection-based video spot that could be substituted with local church information, he said. “People think they don’t need church anymore,” he said. “If you and your people are not making the case for churches, who is?” (Added 10-9-2025)
“How are General Conference delegate counts calculated?” by Taylor Burton Edwards via Ask the UMC. “For reference, the total delegate count, including concordat delegates, was 864 for the 2016 General Conference and 862 for the 2020/2024 General Conference. The General Conference Commission is expected to announce the delegate total for the 2028 General Conference on November 14, 2025.” (Added 10-9-2025)
“MOE warns “Global Methodist” School over unauthorized graduation exercise” via New Dawn Liberia. “The Ministry reminded Rev. Mondolo that the Evelyn S. Chapman United Methodist School is the only institution recognized under the United Methodist School System, and no operating permit has been issued for any school under the Name Evelyn S. Chapman Global Methodist School.” See also Post by Paye Mondolo: “The Global Methodist Schools have met all legal requirements for school operation in Liberia!” (Added 10-9-2025)
“Thousands of churches expected to close in UK over next 5 years: study. Methodist congregations fear their churches are most at risk” by Anugrah Kumar via Christian Post. “Methodists were the most uncertain, with 12% of Methodist congregations indicating that they might not survive beyond 2030. Presbyterians followed, with 9% expressing similar doubt.” (Added 10-9-2025)
“Simply Being the Church: Witness for Life” by Paul Stallsworth via Human Life Review. “The church witnesses for life simply by being the church. By gathering for worship, hearing the Word of God, celebrating the Sacraments, and observing the Christian Year, the congregation declares that innocent human lives are to be recognized and defended. Without explicitly asserting a pro-life ethic, the congregation implicitly impresses upon its participants and onlookers that human lives are gifts to be received and cherished, served and protected.” (Added 10-8-2025)
“A Methodist ‘Croaker’ Surveys the State of the Christian Faith” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “Despite disaffiliation, significant evangelical presence remains within United Methodism. This is especially true for UMC congregations outside of the United States.” (Added 10-8-2025)
“The Itch and I . . .” by Christy Thomas via UM Insight. A retired UM Clergywoman wonders how evangelical theology and male leaders have contributed to her unfortunate physical ailments. “If it is true that God is male, that, as a woman, I will remain second-class in all eternity, always subject to male leadership, then I reject that version of heaven. So be it.” (Added 10-8-2025)
“Is It Time to Get a Divorce from Institutional Religion?” by Martin Thielen via UM Insight. “When I finally left the SBC to become a United Methodist, I thought I had solved my problems with the institutional church. But I was dead wrong. For example, I immediately found myself in the middle of a vicious conflict over the issue of homosexuality. That battle ended with the largest schism in American church history since the civil war. When I pastored a UMC megachurch, I discovered that mainline Christians could be just as brutal and cruel as evangelicals.” (Added 10-8-2025)
Post by Bishop Ande Emmanuel via Facebook. “Recently, a letter from the Liberia Ministry of Education has circulated concerning the unauthorized use of procession of United Methodist property by “Global Methodist” and the illegal graduation exercise at the Evelyn S. Chapman School in Monrovia. The Ministry has reaffirmed that it recognizes only the United Methodist School System as the legally approved operator of that institution.” (Added 10-7-2025)
“The Impending Worldwide Anglican Schism” via Ready to Harvest (YouTube). “Anglicanism is about to break in half. Here’s why.” (Added 10-7-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. An African Methodist shares Bishop Karen Oliveto’s post about a gay cruise booked to celebrate the decisions of the 2024 General Conference. (Added 10-7-2025)
“Our Russian Bishop in the GMC” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. A former United Methodist bishop is interviewed on his role in the GMC. (Added 10-7-2025)
“Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Announces Campus Relocation to Advance Accessible, Globally Connected Theological Education” via Garrett. As shared by UMNS. Downsizing framed as enhanced accessibility. The theological library is being absorbed into Northwestern’s Library. (Added 10-6-2025)
“GMCN, UMC split over gay marriage, LGBTQ inclusion in church – Bishop Auta” via Daily Post. “The Bishop of the Global Methodist Church Nigeria, GMCN, Most Rev. John Pena Auta, has attributed the exodus of some members from the United Methodist Church, UMC, to its acceptance of homosexuality and LGBTQ+ practices, which he described as a deviation from the Church’s foundational doctrines.” (Added 10-6-2025)
Post via Reddit. “My church is unable to leave the UMC, and I don’t want to abandon my church. Am I wrong for trying to spread this message and what are your thoughts on how I presented my letter? Below is a copy of the letter I wrote.” (Added 10-6-2025)
“Comics and theology — a match made in heaven?” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “The diverse group included some curious Foundry members who saw it listed in the church bulletin, a graduate student at United Methodist-related American University, religion believers and skeptics and one ‘cradle Methodist who has also dabbled in Wicca and Unitarian Universalism.'” (Added 10-6-2025)
“Dead body found at Trinity United Methodist Church in Poquoson” by David Lance via WAVY. (VA) “Police Captain Waddell confirmed the deceased is the only individual involved in the incident and says it is too early in the investigation to provide further details.” (Added 10-6-2025)
“15,000 churches could close this year amid religious shift in U.S.” by Russell Conteras via Axios. The U.S. could see an unprecedented 15,000 churches shut their doors this year, far more than the few thousand expected to open, according to denominational reports and church consultants. (Added 10-6-2025)
Lifewatch Newsletter. “NT Wright, Abortion, and Us [United and Global Methodists,” “Called to Ordained Ministry? This Letter Is for You!,” “Partisan Politics and God’s Word at the Bishops Meeting,” and “Witnessing for Life at Annual Conference” (Added 10-4-2025)
“Has Anyone Asked the Archbishop If She Believes in God?” by Michael Hout via TownHall. “Here in America, the Protestant world is no less divided. The United Methodist Church — once the most middle-of-the-road of the mainline denominations — is fracturing. Thousands of congregations have disaffiliated, entire conferences have split, and the denomination is hemorrhaging members. The cause? Years of leadership bending doctrine on sexuality and marriage in the name of inclusion. Many lifelong Methodists feel betrayed. My own grandparents have watched with dismay as their church chased after secular approval at the expense of long-held beliefs. What they see is what millions of Christians throughout the world see: an institution trying to lure people who will not come, while driving away those it has long relied on.” (Added 10-3-2025)
“Rural churches navigate declining attendance and clergy shortages” via The Daily Iowan. As shared by UMNS: “The Catholic and Methodist churches in Iowa, much like around the nation where the number of elders in the UMC has decreased from 21,500 in 1990 to just over 10,000 in 2023, a nearly 50 percent decline, according to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, are both facing clergy shortages in rural areas — to the point that, oftentimes, a single priest or pastor is giving a service at multiple churches every Sunday.” (Added 10-3-2025)
“Prosecutors decline to pursue charges against pastors who protested mural removal” via Axios. As shared in UMNS Daily Digest. Any Oliver’s arrest leads to dropped charges. (Added 10-3-2025)
“When Progressive Clergy Goes TOO FAR” via The Connexionalistn (YouTube). UM Clergy Facebook Group discusses this post about progressive extremes in the UMC. (Added 10-3-2025)
“Remembering Who We Are Amid US Budget Fight” by Bishop Peggy Johnson via UM Insight. “Bishop Peggy Johnson urges United Methodists to remember their Wesleyan heritage as they look at how the proposed U.S. federal budget targets trans and gender-expansive people.” Also on UMNS. (Added 10-3-2025)
Post via Friends of the GMC (Facebook). “The Appellate Court of Maryland has scheduled oral arguments for the NCLL vs. Baltimore-Washington Conference (UMC) appeal/litigation. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 2-13, 2026. NCLL represents approximately 38 churches seeking to leave the denomination with their properties.” (Added 10-3-2025)
“A New Denomination for Deconstructed Nazarenes” via Ready to Harvest (YouTube). “This video discusses the formation and beliefs of the Open Table Network.” (Added 10-1-2025)
“Exploring One Georgia: Bishop Discusses Survey Responses” via GeorgiaUMC.org. Video link: “Bishop Robin Dease and Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz discuss survey responses collected at District Set Up Meetings across Georgia in August and September.” (Added 10-1-2025)
“Andy Stanley Headlines Ultra-Progressive United Methodist Conference” via Protestia. “Along with Hamilton, other speakers include North Point Community Church pastor Andy Stanley, Tacey Malone, the pro-LBGTQ, pro-choice Bishop of the Indiana United Methodist Church, author and podcast host Dan Heath, PCUSA pastor Grace Ji-Sun Kim, the pro-LBGTQ and pro-choice Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion, Matt Miofsky, the pro-LBGTQ and pro-choice pastor of The Gathering Church in St Louis, and others.” (Added 10-1-2025)
“Huston-Tillotson University Receives $150M Gift” via UM Insight. “Huston-Tillotson (HT), which has 1,056 students enrolled for the fall semester, is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. It received its first donation from Moody Foundation in 1968.” (Added 10-1-2025)
Post by Dan Jinhyo Kim via Facebook. “Honest question Facebook friends: With the recent news of VWU changing to Batton University and UMFS changing their name to Shineforth, and several United Methodist churches either minimizing or removing “United Methodist” entirely from their website or brand (without substantively changing their ethos)–Why do you think that is? Is it a marketing thing? Is it about reaching a broader audience or distancing from denominational identity, or both or something else? What do you think is lost, or gained, when an institution drops “Methodist” or “Wesleyan” or “United Methodist” from their name?” (Added 10-1-2025)
Post by Morris Swen (Facebook). “The Global Methodist Church (GMC) forceful takeover of the United Methodist Church/Liberia Annual Conference Weala Health Center is an outright disrespect to the Civil Law Court ruling denying GMC claim to UMC properties…” See also here. (Added 9-30-2025)
“Church Officials Respond to Charlie Kirk Death” by Miranda Mobley via Juicy Ecumenism. A statement released by the United Methodist Council of Bishops follows this general pattern. It expresses urgency to address political violence, quoting Isaiah 2:4 to remind readers that, one day, all the nations “will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” Continuing, it urges an end to divisiveness that “fractures community” and calls to “reduce the easy access to guns.” (Added 9-30-2025)
“What regionalization means for mission” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “One concern is that regionalization, with its greater flexibility around church policies, will harm the shared identity of United Methodists, who span four continents.” (Added 9-30-2025)
“Tanganyika celebrates new bishop, episcopal area” by Chadrack Tambwe Londe via UMNS. Kibondo Ngisi emphasized the role of the church in peacebuilding. “We must live in collaboration with minority groups for peaceful coexistence … The church has a big role to play; it is the church that can also facilitate love, cohesion and exchange.” (Added 9-30-2025)
“Deacons explore new sacramental authority” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “However, questions remain about the new policy that took effect Jan. 1 — both among the deacons themselves and within the wider denomination. Chief among those questions is what counts as “contextually appropriate.” (Added 9-30-2025)
Post by Tom Brock via Facebook. The UMC makes a list of churches that people should leave. (Added 9-30-3035)
“Jeremiah Teams propose changes to districts, conference structure” via South Carolina UM Conference. Downsizing recommendations include options for fewer districts. (Added 9-29-2025)
“a Wesley, a Hooker, and an America” by Joseph Woo via Substack. UM turned Episcopalian reflects on the Quadrilateral to oppose Christian nationalism. (Added 9-29-2025)
Post via Hollywood UMC (Instagram). “Join us on Sunday, after the worship service, for UnClobber, a conversation with Rev. Hannah and Rev. Dr. Ed Hansen, as they continue Rev. Dr. Ed’s decades long tradition of working to spread healing in the relationship between LGBTQIA+ folxs and the Bible.” (Added 9-29-2025)
“Nonreligious Americans more compassionate than Christians. Where did Jesus go? | Opinion” by Martin Thielen via The Tennessean. UMC Clergy: “Many churches are anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, anti-gay, anti-science, anti-women, judgmental, narrow-minded, overtly political and mean-spirited. Where did Jesus go?” (Added 9-29-2025)
Post by Hennepin Avenue UMC via Instagram. “Join the Queer Justice Team to celebrate the holiday LGBTQ Spirit Day! We’ll have fun giveaways in Carlson Hall, and will host karaoke, games, and simple crafts at the Party Cart in the East Entry!” (Added 9-29-2025)
“Foundry Methodist to celebrate anniversary of marriage equality” via The Washington Blade. “Foundry United Methodist Church will celebrate the 30th anniversary of becoming a Reconciling Church and 15 years of marriage equality on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.” (Added 9-29-2025)
“Denomination WEAKNESSES?! – Redeemed Zoomer Reaction” via The Connexionalist (YouTube). Methodists as in danger of straying theologically. (Added 9-26-2025)
“Declining membership, financial sustainability led to closings of 2 Cumberland County churches headed to auction” via Penn Live. “Two former church buildings with long histories are headed to auction due to declining membership and financial sustainability, according to the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church.” (Added 9-26-2025)
“‘All are welcome’ Methodist churches respond to Tommy Robinson protests with hymn” via Premiere Christian News. (UK) ““We believe that the Church has been called into being to proclaim that God’s love is indiscriminate and unbounded, and which seeks to become a sign of God’s reign from which no one is excluded and in which no one is devalued.” See also Protestia (Added 9-26-2025)
“Pacific Northwest United Methodists Hold Vigil at ICE Detention Center” by Paul Jeffrey via UM Insight. “During the demonstration, participants prayed and sang, celebrated communion, listened to descriptions of life inside the for-profit prison, and chanted “No estan solos! You are not alone!” and “Free them all!” as buses brought in newly detained persons.” (Added 9-25-2025)
“Pastor-Jurist Seeks to Make Church Law Accessible with New Website” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. UMChurchLaw.com gives the Rev. Dr. Luan-Vu “Lui” Tran a platform he’s long wanted – a place to provide “clear, practical and theologically grounded resources on the law and polity of The United Methodist Church,” as the website says. (Added 9-25-2025)
“The Recap | Episode 29” via UM Communications. Topics include the new vision statement for the UMC. (Added 9-25-2025)
“Reincarnation: A Dilemma for Christians” by John Sumwalt via UM Insight. A retired UMC clergy lends credence to anecdotes of people claiming to have lived past lives. (Added 9-24-2025)
Post by John Alexander Wright via UM Clergy Facebook Group. A UMC Clergy wonders why the baptism ritual talks about being “incorporated” into the Body of Christ through baptism when everyone is already a child of God. “this phrase from the Thanksgiving Over the Water does not seem quite right: ‘Pour out your Holy Spirit . . . to wash away their sin,’ as if their sin had not ALREADY been washed away by the primordial love of God, decisively revealed by Jesus Christ.” Comments ensue. (Added 9-24-2025)
Post by Dee Stickley-Miner via Facebook. GBGM leaders shares a Seventh Day Adventist Conference statement on the response to Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The statement defends “sowing/reaping” language in connection with Kirk’s death and promises a conference-wide investigation of links to Christian nationalism. (Added 9-23-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. On quotes online attributed to Charlie Kirk: “Most United Methodist congregations have people who fall on both sides of our political divides. Most of them can’t sift through hours and hours of videos. How do you help people sort through how the other side understands some of the things Kirk has said that people agree with and disagree with? How as clergy do we help people fight the algorithms?” (Added 9-23-2025)
“Do not ‘co-opt’ the cross to divide: Bishops join church leaders in message after rally” via Anglican Ink. (UK) “They joined with senior leaders in the Methodist, Baptist and Pentecostal churches; the Church of Scotland; the Salvation Army; the Catholic social action network Caritas and leaders of major cross-denominational groups such as the Evangelical Alliance and Churches Together in England in the letter which appears in the media today.” See also “Betrayal of their flock: A Bishop’s rebuke to Anglican hierarchy who denounce Christians marching with Tommy Robinson” (Added 9-23-2025)
‘A great place to be a religious person’: A glimpse into Duke’s Religious Life Fair“ via The Duke Chronicle. In the United Methodist Church, women and LGBTQ people are able to serve and lead at every level, which is not the case in a lot of Christian traditions,” Allen said. “I think that gives some flavor to the kind of community that we’re able to build, and sometimes folks who have experienced hurt in other church spaces can feel welcome here.” (Added 9-23-2025)
“Conference at 47.8 percent in apportionments as of July 31” by Jessica Brodie via South Carolina Advocate. “Of course, some of the increase in nonpaying churches is likely to be churches in litigation with the conference,” Westbury noted. (Added 9-22-2025)
“UMCSC gearing up for virtual called special session Oct. 18” by Jessica Brodie via South Carolina Advocate. “While the teams’ recommendations have not been released, many expect one recommendation will be reducing the number of districts in South Carolina, particularly given the departure of 225 churches from the denomination in 2023 and 2024, as well as more recent legal action.” (Added 9-22-2025)
“First same-sex wedding held in a South Carolina UMC” by Jessica Brodie via South Carolina Advocate. As shared by UMNS: The wedding came less than a year after the denomination’s General Conference removed long-standing language from its Book of Discipline stating “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching,” removed bans against officiating at same-sex weddings and removed the ban on the ordination of clergy who are “self-avowed practicing homosexuals… “Finally, after such a long and arduous fight—a Service of Christian Marriage in the South Carolina UMC that truly embodied the inclusion modeled by Jesus in the Gospels,” Wood said.” (Added 9-22-2025)
“From YouTube to spiritual awakenings: Compass 161” via UMC.org. “Rev. Matt Patrick is a United Methodist pastor serving at University United Methodist Church on the campus of the University of Tulsa. He is also the creator of the Connexionalist YouTube channel, a growing digital community dedicated to honest, accessible conversations on faith, doubt, and theology from a Wesleyan/Methodist perspective.” (Added 9-22-2025)
“Working Groups are Well Underway in One Georgia Unification Study” via North Georgia Conference. “Affirmed by both the North and South Georgia Annual Conferences this summer, these working groups are considering how structure, mission, stewardship, and strategy would be affected by unification and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead. Their work includes studying the current Book of Discipline, each conference’s standing rules, and bringing the best of both conferences to the table.” (Added 9-22-2025)
“Why Charlie Kirk Landed with Young Men Like Me” by Luke Simon via Christianity Today. “He didn’t hedge or soften his positions to broaden appeal; he underlined them.” (Added 9-22-2025)
“The Methodist Church in Singapore Celebrates 140 Years of Growth, Outreach, and Partnerships” by Christine Leow via Salt & Light. “We need to practice Scriptural Holiness, meaning living life according to Scripture.” (Added 9-22-2025)
“Methodist Foundation for Arkansas provides car charging stations to churches” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. UMC congregations in Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Little Rock are given charging stations. See also a Pet Blessing planned for Jonesboro First UMC. (Added 9-22-2025)
Post by Christy Thomas via Facebook. Retired UMC clergy on a Charlie Kirk tribute: “This was a full-page “ad” in today’s Wall Street Journal. It sounds like someone needs to beg God to receive Charlie. Of course, Charlie may not actually want in–he’ll be surrounded by all those he condemned as outcasts: black, brown, GLBTQI people, even, gasp! Democrats. He’ll also discover that God is a woman.” (Added 9-20-2025)
“United in Faith: A Call to Action” via Edmonds UMC. An ELCA and UMC bishop team up for an event sponsored by a political action group at Edmonds UMC. (Added 9-19-2025)
“Former Methodist President denies multiple sexual assaults” via Premiere Christian News (UK). Devon and Cornwall Police said: “This is an ongoing criminal case and as such we urge the public not to speculate as this risks prejudicing proceedings.” (Added 9-18-2025)
“United Methodist African bishops reaffirm support for biblical marriage: ‘Sexual ethic rooted in Scripture’” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Under the section titled “Biblical Understanding of Marriage,” the bishops reaffirmed their stance in favor of traditional marriage, even though at last year’s UMC General Conference, the global denomination voted to remove the ban on blessing same-sex unions.” (Added 9-18-2025)
“Pastor emulates Wesley in Florida” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. Example of redefining John Wesley around progressive activism. Related story. (Added 9-18-2025)
“OKC church that left during Methodist disaffiliation has thrived in new denomination” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. North OKC Methodist Church is growing a GMC. (Added 9-18-2025)
“Don’t Let Kirk’s Death Spur a New McCarthy Era” by Mary John Dye via UM Insight. “When an assassin’s bullet kills a young father, eloquent speaker, an American patriot, that is a real tragedy. That is a tragedy that we cannot undo. When the reaction to that murder is to gaslight, humiliate and demand action against anyone who doesn’t have the same opinion, a bigger tragedy is taking place – one that CAN be avoided. And followers of Charlie Kirk – if true to his path—would be steadfast and ardent defenders of free speech and dissent.” (Added 9-17-2025)
“On Charlie Kirk, Martyrdom, and Celebrity” by Tripp Hudgens via UM Insight. “Charlie Kirk died because of his politics and his practice of trolling college students. That he claimed Christ as his savior had nothing to do with his death. That people cannot separate his politics and practice from his faith terrifies me.” (Added 9-17-2025)
Post by Andrew Orr via UM Clergy Facebook Group. A post that there should be no “but” after a condemnation of the shooting of Charlie Kirk leads to others commenting on why a “but” is necessary. (Added 9-17-2025)
“Reverend Claire Robinson inducted as first woman President and Bishop of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of the Methodist Church” via Suntci. “The Bahamas was filled with pride and celebration on Sunday, September 7, 2025, as Reverend Claire Robinson was inducted as the first woman and first Turks and Caicos Islander to serve as President and Bishop of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of the Methodist Church.” (Added 9-17-2025)
“Supporting Our Pastors: Understanding the UMC Minimum Salary Standards” via Iowa UMC Conference. “While previously, there were different minimums for those in full connection and those not in full connection, these new guidelines are for all pastors, regardless of their connectional status.” (Added 9-17-2025)
“Grace-St. Paul Methodist Church of Jim Thorpe relocates” via TNOnline. Pastor talks about the difficult decision to leave the UMC and move to a new location. The church is growing. (Added 9-17-2025)
“No, we are not like Charlie Kirk” by Michael Beck via UM Clergy Facebook Group. Characterizes Kirk as a Christian nationalist. (Added 9-16-2025)
“Former church leader appears in court to face seven counts of sexual assault” via Liverpool Echo (UK). “Wild was suspended from his role as district chairman for the Methodists Church in the Duchy and the Isles of Scilly in September 2021. It was later announced that Mr Wild, who was the most senior figure in the Methodist Church, would not return to his job,” (Added 9-16-2025)
“Bishop Kristin G. Stoneking: Pastoral Message Around Gun Violence in Mountain Sky Conference” via Mountain Sky UM Conference. “Some will say that the incendiary rhetoric and hate-filled actions of Charlie Kirk, killed in Utah, justified the violence against him. It is true that has words against women, LGBTQ persons, immigrants and other marginalized groups have done immeasurable harm. This man has done violence.” (Added 9-15-2025)
“Contending for Righteousness” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “It’s America’s premier Methodist novel, about a courageous lawyer who defies public opinion by defending an innocent black man in a small Alabama town in the 1930s. That lawyer, the widower Atticus Finch, and his family are Methodist. Harper Lee, a lifelong Methodist, based him on her own father, an active churchman in the Methodist Episcopal Church South.” (Added 9-15-2025)
“Wesley’s Classroom: The Methodist Roots of Higher Education” by Tory Shane Dillard via Lawrence County Advocate. “From its beginning, education has been a foundational pillar of The United Methodist Church. This commitment reaches back to the 18th century, when John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, viewed education not merely as a path to knowledge but as a vital tool for spiritual growth, moral development and a fuller, more prosperous life.” (Added 9-15-2025)
Post by Daniel Viehland via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Charlie Kirk did many evil things. His work harmed huge numbers of people. Our task isn’t just theological, but also pastoral. How would you address someone whose abuser just died? Or their childhood bully? We can disagree with people rejoicing, but we should also acknowledge the complex feelings that people he harmed might now hold. I doubt most of us would shame a congregant who responded to the death of their abuser with positive emotions but would try a more pastoral approach that started with recognizing the harm.” (Added 9-15-2025)
Post by Robert Johnson via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Every board of ordained ministry (Methodist denominations) needs to make the following question the central and driving question in all interviews of candidates for commissioning or ordination. “Are you committed to loving all people, especially strangers and enemies, as Jesus commands, and are you committed to discipling local congregations to be love-centered communities? Please elaborate.”” (Added 9-15-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. As a United Methodist who gets exposed to a lot of UM preaching, I am well aware that social justice and social liberation are huge themes for a lot of clergy. What I often experience in such preaching is a kind of “works righteousness.” A lot of these sermons can come across as lists of things to do, guilt trips for not doing enough, or exhortations to try harder…” (Added 9-15-2025)
“Panhandle UMC eases into sharing space with Lutheran church” by David Burke via Great Plains UM Conference. “A little over a year ago, we found out our finances were not holding up to what we’re able to sustain the building we were in. We were losing money every month,” said Chuck Richter, chair of the church council. “It came down to, ‘We need to sell the building.’ (Added 9-12-2025)
“UMC Bishops Issue Statement Condemning Political Violence” via UM Insight. “Every day, we are besieged with acts of violence across the globe. From Gaza to Goma to Orem to Evergreen. We grieve with families, communities and nations as they bear the weight of the pain and grief that violence leaves in its wake. The assassination of Charlie Kirk reminds us of the urgent need to address the growing threat of political violence.” (Added 9-12-2025)
“After assassination, bishops urge peacemaking” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. A round-up of responses to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. (Added 9-12-2025)
“Declines in Young Clergy Reflect a Changed Culture” by Lovett Weems via Lewis Center for Church Leadership. “But now that the United States is well into an overall religious recession sparing virtually no traditions, we may be seeing trends that have been at play for at least 25 years—primarily among younger generations.” (Added 9-11-2025)
“The Early Heretics” by Martin Thielen via UM Insight. “So while religious orthodoxy certainly has its advantages, there is still a need for “heretics” to challenge the status quo, to ask probing questions, to help people grapple with their faith, and to offer a minority view. Therefore, I find it encouraging to know that “heresy” and “heretics” have been around from the beginning of the Christian movement, that they continue to exist today, and that they still make important contributions to the Christian faith.” (Added 9-10-2025)
“Homosexuality divides United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe” by Gracious Daniel via NewsDay. “We know most of our members here in Zimbabwe are not aware of what actually was passed by the general conference of 2024. Even most of our clergy members are in the dark. We who were delegates to the general conference waited and did not get the opportunity to report.” (Added 9-10-2025)
“The Demise of the Religious Left?” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “But Mainline Protestant institutions little matter, not even to their members. The United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill, once DC’s Religious Left beehive, is now largely empty and silent, looking for new tenants.” See Sojourners article that inspired post. (Added 9-10-2025)
“Holston, West Virginia Conferences Reach Across Borders to Collaborate” by Annette Spence via Holston UM Conference. “Weary of division and determined to help churches serve their Appalachian communities, United Methodists are reaching across state lines and institutional boundaries to collaborate for change.” (Added 9-9-2025)
“United Methodist Church in Liberia Welcomes Africa College of Bishops’ Decisions as Bishop Quire Returns from Angola” via GNNLiberia. Coverage of the recent Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting. (Added 9-9-2025)
“Upper New York Conference’s response to pastor’s arrest” by Shelby Winchell via Upper New York UM Conference. “The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church was informed of the arrest of Rev. Ronald Wenzinger. According to New York State Police, he’s charged with attempted rape in the second degree (Class E Felony). Rev. Wenzinger was serving as pastor of Harpursville United Methodist Church and was scheduled to retire on August 31.” New York State Police Statement. (Added 9-8-2025)
“After division, church sees new life and local honor” by Karl Anders Ellingsen via UMNS. “After last year’s General Conference, a United Methodist church in Norway saw much of its congregation vote to leave the denomination. Now those who opted to stay United Methodist are seeing their church rebound. A prominent church member also received an award from the town’s young people that in part recognizes the church’s inclusive stance toward LGBTQ people.” (Added 9-8-2025)
“African bishops celebrate growth, affirm unity” by Eveline Chikwanah via UMNS. In his opening address, Bishop Muyombo said The United Methodist Church is going through a significant shift in terms of its vision and structure. “Passing of the regionalization legislation at the 2020-2024 General Conference and the launching of the new vision of The UMC are critical steps towards building a more contextual church where Africa will no longer be considered as periphery,” he said. (Added 9-8-2025)
African Bishops Statement via UMC African Bishops (PDF). The statement from the African bishops meeting in Angola from September 1-4. “We uphold our long-standing theological and cultural understanding that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, in accordance with Scripture (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5). This view is consistent with our biblical convictions, African traditions, and the laws of our respective nations. We remain committed to practicing and teaching a holistic Christian sexual ethic rooted in Scripture and discipleship… We resolve to preserve, protect, and defend United Methodist Church properties across the continent as sacred trust resources for our mission. (Added 9-8-2025)
“The Demons of Non-Denoms” by Ryan Burge via Asterisk Magazine. “If there’s any bright spot in Christianity, it’s the rapid rise of non-denominational evangelical churches, which seem to have emerged out of nowhere to supplant the Presbyterians, Lutherans, Baptists, and Methodists in how the average American thinks about the religious landscape of the United States…. When the local Methodist church has an allegation of sexual abuse or financial misconduct, church officials have someone to call for help. What happens when this occurs at The Journey or The Village?” (Added 9-8-2025)
“APOLOGETICS: Fruitful or Waste of Time?” by Matt Patrick via The Connexionalist. Oklahoma UM pastor discusses the merits of Christian apologetics by interacting with a Wes Huff video. (Added 9-8-2025)
“Methodist Church Conference Discuss LGBTQI+ Issues” via Fiji Sun. “The overseas partners of the Methodist Church brought up the matter, which included the Uniting Church in Australia, the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the U.S, the United Kingdom Methodist Church (UKM), and the California Nevada Conference.” (Added 9-8-2025)
“UMC Africa Bishops draw clear line on marriage” via New Dawn Liberia. “The Africa College of Bishops of the United Methodist Church has reaffirmed its stance on marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, while also pledging to defend church properties across the continent as sacred assets for ministry.” (Added 9-8-2025)
“Broome County pastor charged with attempted rape in joint state, federal investigation” by Jillian McCarthy via Binghamton Press & Sun. “Three Broome County men, including a Harpursville church pastor, face attempted rape charges following joint investigations with the New York State Police, FBI and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation announced on Sept. 4 the results of the investigations, which targeted people using social media to lure children for sexual acts… The cases are not related. New York State Police said Wenzinger is a reverend at the United Methodist Church in Harpursville.” (Added 9-8-2025)
“From Pulpit to Picket Line: Methodism’s Role in the Labor Movement” by Tory Shane Dillard via Lawrence County Advocate. “From Wesley’s time to the present day, Methodists have affirmed a central moral truth: people, not profits, must remain at the heart of any just economic system.” (Added 9-8-2025)
“2025 Kenya-Ethiopia Annual Conference: Aug. 14-17, Mombasa, Kenya” via UMNS. Report of a recent annual conference session includes support for regionalization. (Added 9-6-2025)
“2 pastors arrested after blocking state from painting over street mural, police say” via Tampa Bay Times. “Two pastors were arrested Friday night as they attempted to block state crews from covering up a street mural, according to St. Petersburg Police.” See also UM Insight Coverage on Andy Oliver arrest. (Added 9-6-2025)
“After death and resurrection, Garden City UMC on way to full bloom” via Great Lakes Conference. As shared by UMNS Daily Digest: “We had a lot of people disagreeing about things in our church,” council chair Doug Harder said. “We had issues other than simply disaffiliation, and that catalyst brought some things to the surface. “In retrospect, I think what needed to happen did happen,” he added. “It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.”… “The people who were actively involved in the church weren’t the people who got to vote. A lot of those people who weren’t members just quit coming or went to other churches,” he recalled. “A lot of people who were active here stopped coming because they didn’t like the fight. It was a bad time, not just for the church but for the community of faith. It was horrible.” (Added 9-6-2025)
“From the Bishop: Lead Us Not Into Temptation” by Bishop Schwerin via Northern Illinois UMC Conference. The UMC Bishop in Chicago prepares for military occupation, sets up a UM Rapid Response Signal Chat. (Added 9-6-2025)
“Missouri Republicans invoke Christian values to gerrymander out a Methodist minister” by Brian Kaylor via Missouri Independent. “As the Show-Me State joins the mid-decade gerrymandering war following prodding by President Donald Trump, Republican leaders quickly framed the effort as a godly mission. Yet, their proposed map seeks to flip the seat of U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a longtime Democratic congressman who is also a United Methodist minister.” (Added 9-5-2025)
“Former top Methodist minister charged with multiple sexual assaults” by Oscar Jaeger via The Telegraph. Great Britain: “Stephen Wild, 70, is due to appear before magistrates in Truro this month to answer the allegations.” BBC Coverage. The Times. Premiere Christian News. (Added 9-4-2025)
“Jen Hatmaker is Back (Minus Church)” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “Hatmaker and her then-husband Brandon were a big deal in the 2010s, and she retains a sizable social media following. The couple undertook a discussion on the affirmation of same-sex behavior that was brought into public view in 2016. Later in 2020, the popular author and speaker endorsed her own daughter’s lesbianism in a Pride Month podcast. The congregation that the Hatmakers helped found, Austin New Church, ultimately transferred from the Free Methodist Church, an evangelical denomination, to the United Methodist Church. That congregation describes itself as “a progressive, affirming, gospel-centered community driven by inclusion and social justice” and “based on belonging, not beliefs.” (Added 9-4-2025)
“The Remnant: Inside the World of Young Mainline Protestants (And they can’t really like Trump, right?)” by Ryan Burge via Graphs about Religion. “…there’s just absolutely no empirical evidence to support the claim that the mainline is the core of the Democratic party. They aren’t that big, they aren’t that liberal, and they are shrinking rapidly.” See related UM Clergy Facebook Group post by Ben Horrocks. (Added 9-4-2025)
“Virginia Wesleyan Becomes Batten University” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “Virginia Wesleyan University is changing its name, deleting “Wesleyan” in favor of honoring a currently living large donor. It will remain associated with the United Methodist Church Virginia Conference, which is endorsing the name change. But the school’s ties are increasingly irrelevant, which explains the name change. The church’s implicitly endorsing the name change just further illustrates Mainline Protestant and United Methodist resignation to their cultural, demographic and ultimately institutional demise.” (Added 9-3-2025)
“My Thoughts On Operation RECONQUISTA – Redeemed Zoomer Reaction” via The Connexionalist (YouTube). An Oklahoma UMC pastor offers thoughts on Operation Reconquista, an effort to “retake” established churches for orthodoxy. (Added 9-3-2025)
“Cracker Barrel, the Church, and Change” by Rosario Picardo. “Churches and, yes, even legacy brands such as Cracker Barrel hold something in common: they are emotional spaces. People connect places and spaces to personal stories, conversations, relationships, significant milestones, and even community. People immediately start making their own assumptions when change occurs without any clear explanation.” (Added 9-3-2025)
Post by UMNS (Facebook). “Many across the #UMC connection are mourning the sudden passing of Helen Ryde on Sept. 2. Jan Lawrence of Reconciling Ministries Network has this tribute.” Links to “Mourning the Loss of Helen Ryde” via RMN. See related post by Wild Goose Festival. (Added 9-3-2025)
“Love United Methodist Church readies for move into St. Paul’s Lutheran campus” by Matt Hollis via The Baytown Sun. “Love UMC, formed three years ago amid a denominational split over social issues, has been worshiping at Lee College’s Rundell Hall after starting in R.D. Burnside’s barn. With a congregation of about 100, the church has outgrown its temporary spaces.” A dying ELCA church gave them the building. (Added 9-2-2025)
Post by John Coperhaver via UM Clergy Facebook Group. Pictures of the United Methodist presence at the Wild Goose Festival, and event for progressive Christianity. (Added 9-2-2025)
“Facing money issues, downtown Columbia church announces closure” by Audrey Ellis via KOMU. “Wilkes Blvd. United Methodist Church will shutter its doors in the summer of 2026. This decision comes months after announcing financial difficulties in May due to its tenant, Turning Point, planning to relocate.” (Added 9-2-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “…what I’m observing is that the Progressive voice is the only voice that is being heard in United Methodist leadership, and an erstwhile Centrist like me has become, by the process of elimination, the voice of the Right. And I am no longer in any position of leadership, as I suspect is true of almost all people in my same category. We are being systematically and intentionally excluded, so that our UM leadership is working in an echo chamber in which the only sounds they hear are their own voices coming back at them in almost perfectly reproduced form. The only comfort to be found here is that this kind of imbalance is likely not sustainable, meaning it probably won’t endure.” (Added 9-2-2025)
Post by Ben Horrocks via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “It seems that after disaffiliation many UMC clergy seem to believe the UMC is now basically the Episcopal Church culturally. But there is still a cavernous pulpit-pew divide both culturally and theologically within many of our congregations. Obviously, this is concentrated in the south. Why is this so difficult for our denominational leadership to understand or do they simply not care?” (Added 8-30-2025)
“Planned Attack in Gaza Denounced” via UM Insight (Press Release). “United Women in Faith and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries have joined Churches for Middle East Peace and other church-based organizations in calling for Israel to halt its planned military offensive in Gaza City.” (Added 8-30-2025)
“Disaffiliation fund to grow ministry” via Michigan UM Conference. “Next month, the Michigan Conference will launch a new grant program financed through the Ministry Innovation Fund, which was created to capture a percentage of the proceeds the conference received from the disaffiliation process.” (Added 8-29-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. Meunier shares the Plainspoken interview with Bishop Willimon. Comments ensue. (Added 8-28-2025)
“UMC Pastor Tells President Trump How to Get to Heaven” by Mary John Dye via UM Insight. “It is undeniable that your words and actions and policies are the opposite – the absolute polar opposite – of what Jesus taught. God is reaching out to you now while you still have time to change toward God’s heart.” See a message by the same title from Russell Moore. (Added 8-28-2025)
“Opinion: It’s Time to Pause, Reflect and Rebuild” by Gabriel Banga Mususwa via UM Insight. “What started like a joke full of progressive ideas for the betterment of tomorrow ended up being like the raging wildfire. I mean the petitions like One Church Plan, Protocol of Separation and Reconciliation as well as the disaffiliation process were sounding so innocent and fruitful. Alas, they were time bombs waiting to explode like wildfire in noonday. We all have witnessed the sad reality, the pain, confusion and souring of friendships. It’s against this background I write to urge all the people called United Methodists especially in the U.S. jurisdictions to pause for a while, reflect and concentrate on rebuilding our UMC.” (Added 8-28-2025)
“Churches push back on armed troops in US cities” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. Sidebar: The UMC Council of Bishops is producing a study guide against the rise of authoritarianism. (Added 8-28-2025)
“Local Church Sends Message to Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce following engagement” via Fox4. UMC church offers itself as a wedding venue for the couple on its sign board. (Added 8-27-2025)
“United Methodists cheer court win in Liberia” by E Julu Swen and Charles Gbayor via UMNS. Coverage of a recent court case in Liberia. (Added 8-27-2025)
“Abandoned: Pastor picks up the mission after congregation walks away” by Annette Spence via Holston Conference. No relation: “Christ First United Methodist Church was abandoned by its congregation in May 2025. The Rev. Valerie Ritter, a retired elder working at the church without pay, wants to reestablish the church as a mission site.” “By the time Ritter arrived as pastor in March 2025, Christ First had about 10 to 13 regular worshipers who were “disgruntled” over the direction of The United Methodist Church, she says. The congregation wanted to disaffiliate, but an October 2024 decision by the denomination’s Judicial Council struck down the legal exit path that Holston Conference trustees hoped to offer.” (Added 8-27-2025)
“Commentary: Honoring our differences while celebrating unity” by Thomas Muhomba via UMNS. “While the church has removed language condemning homosexuality from its polity, United Methodists in the Philippines and parts of Africa have declared that marriage is solely between a man and a woman.
In choosing to walk together through complexity, disagreement and change, we bear witness to a Gospel spacious enough for all God’s children.” (Added 8-26-2025)
“LA-area churches seek to rebuild after fires” by John Coleman via UMNS. “Both Altadena and Community United Methodist churches were among the Los Angeles-area houses of worship destroyed in the January wildfires. While temporarily worshipping in other churches, the congregations are planning for the yearslong rebuilding process and benefiting from support they have received.” (Added 8-26-2025)
“Mainline Protestantism’s Fall?” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. Mainline congregations may find ways to survive the demise of Mainline denominations. (Added 8-26-2025)
Post by Kenneth Jackson via Facebook. Sharing a motion by the GMC for a United Methodist Supreme Court Justice to recuse himself in a case involving church property. (Added 8-26-2025)
“The Church We Carry – A Conversation with Will Willimon” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). An interview with Bishop Will Willimon about this new book about the disaffiliation of his home church. (Added 8-26-2025)
“What Did A STRANGER Think of Methodism?” via The Connexionalist (YouTube). Responding to a Matt Whitman via, looking in on Methodism from the outside. (Added 8-25-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Christian YouTube, podcasting, and Tik Tok have become a pretty active and overlapping places in recent years… There is very little Methodist content in this space that I am describing. Part of the reason for that, I think, is because a lot of the ecosystem is about doctrine, doctrinal critiques, and apologetics. It tends to be a land of arguments. We don’t tend to flock to such spaces. For a lot of young men, especially, these spaces appear to be attractive and formational. I’m not sure how Methodism finds its voice in these spaces, but I do think there is a mission field front door here.” (Added 8-25-2025)
“AME Clergy Recoup $60 Million of Mishandled Retirement Funds” by Adelle Banks (RNS) via Christianity Today. “After the denomination’s embezzlement scandal, a partial settlement returns some lost funds to thousands of ministers and staff.” The AME now does business with Wespath. (Added 8-25-2025)
“What is the Southern Methodist Church?” by Ready to Harvest (YouTube). 16-minute summary: History and shape of the SMC, a group that declined the 1939 merger. (Added 8-25-2025)
Post by Louis Kasongo via Facebook. A response letter to Bishop Mande, objecting to the characterization about his exit from the UMC. See also here. (Added 8-25-2025)
“Considering Charlotte – Christ and Culture” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. “The Considering Charlotte crew (Lonnie Brooks, Joe DiPaolo, Odell Horne) got together again to reflect on the present moment in our culture and consider the ways in which The United Methodist Church may or may not be positioned for effective ministry with the present age. Last time, we spoke about the Modernist/Fundamentalist split that took place in the early-20th century. This time, we focus more on contemporaneous issues.” (Added 8-25-2025)
“This Is a Book That Shouldn’t Have Been Published” by Talbot Davis via UM Insight. Editor Astle picks up this review of Bishop Willimon’s book about the disaffiliation of his home church. (Added 8-23-2025)
“Bold new era declared for church” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “A new vision statement for The United Methodist Church declares that United Methodists should love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously. In the Arkansas and Oklahoma conferences, advertising and social media campaigns are being prepared to propel that vision forward and spotlight the church’s values and resiliency. It’s time to leave distress over church disaffiliations behind, church leaders say.” (Added 8-23-2025)
“From Excluded to Embraced: Restore Austin to Become a New United Methodist Congregation” via Rio Texas Conference. An ex-vangelical congregation joins the UMC: “Since [leaving the Evangelical Free denomination to be more LGBTQIA inclusive], Restore has been an independent congregation, fulfilling its mission of being “a church for people who have struggled with church.” Their name reflects a deep calling to help restore people’s faith in God and the church by bringing healing to individuals and communities. Many of their members are post-evangelical individuals and families seeking a more grace-filled, Jesus-centered faith. They’ve gathered weekly at Lively Middle School, drawing nearly 400 in-person worshipers on average this year.” The pastor is co-founder of the Post Evangelical Collective. (Added 8-23-2025)
Post by Alfred Kwabena Mensah via Facebook. Liberia GMC Communications Director: “The Global Methodist Church do not owned any property linked to the United Methodist Church. Local Churches making decisions in spite of the disagreements and aligning with the GMC are owning their property and are yet to face any legal challenge of ownership of these properties.” (Added 8-21-2025)
“Interview with a CONSERVATIVE United Methodist Pastor” by Matthew Patrick via The Connexionalist via YouTube. Interview with Oklahoma UMC pastor Jonathon Clinesmith‘s upcoming book “The Deep Spiritual ACt of Being Disappointed.” (Added 8-21-2025)
“The CORRECT Progressive Argument For LGBT Inclusion” by Matthew Patrick via The Connexionalist (YouTube). Progressives must do better at upholding orthodox theology and stop using straw man arguments against conservatives… and an argument for LGBTQ inclusion. (Added 8-21-2025)
Post by Absalom Nuhu Kodei via Facebook. “…The Nigerian GMC situation is markedly different. Here, the trustees are aligned with the GMC, and special called sessions were duly convened within each annual conference to officially ratify disaffiliation, all under the authority of the presiding Bishop. Consequently, the Nigerian GMC’s position is considerably stronger and easier to defend legally than that of Liberia.” (Added 8-21-2025)
“This is a book that shouldn’t have been published” by Talbot Davis via Baptist News Global. Review of Bishop Willimon’s book about the disaffiliation of Buncombe Street Church. “As the article below indicates, BNG previously published an article the author here took extreme issue with. In fairness, we hear his perspective on the larger issue at hand. Our intent is to illustrate the great differences of opinion that exist today among Methodists in America.” (Added 8-21-2025)
“Methodist Church Ghana initiates moves to ensure rev ministers do not use ‘unearned doctoral’ titles” via Graphic.com. Pan Methodist Item: “The Methodist Church Ghana, has initiated moves to ensure that reverend ministers and lay persons in the church do not use unearned doctoral titles.” (Added 8-21-2025)
“Methodist Church faces membership crisis” via FBC News (Fiji). Pan Methodist News: “Church President Reverend Doctor Semisi Turagavou said statistics over the past three years show falling numbers in many circuits and divisions.” (Added 8-21-2025)
“First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor closes outdoor shelter space due to safety concerns” via WEMU. “Reverend Jenaba Waggy says staff have had to remove bodily waste left around the church. He says a public urination incident on Tuesday near their preschool playground before the start of the school year was cause for immediate worry.” (Added 8-21-2025)
“SC Supreme Court declines to hear United Methodist separation case” via FOX Carolina. Coverage of the recent SC court decision. (Added 8-21-2025)
“Virginia Wesleyan will become Batten University in 2026” via WHRO. A university established by the Virginia UM Conference drops Wesley from its name. More on the school’s distanced relationship from Methodism can be found here. (Added 8-21-2025)
“A New Creation in Vienna” via South Georgia Advocate. As shared by UMNS Daily Digest: “St. Paul Chapel in Vienna, Georgia, was born from a group of United Methodists who, after a church vote to disaffiliate, chose something bold: to begin again. They didn’t scatter. They didn’t give up. They gathered. They said, “Let’s build something that looks like Jesus.” And they did…. Worship at St. Paul is just as alive. One week might bring you a ukulele with a flute. Another Sunday, they’ll proclaim the Canadian creed; the next, a beloved hymn from your childhood. The sermons come with laughter, honesty, and heart. There’s room to cry. Room to question. Room to feel the Spirit move.” (Added 8-20-2025)
Overheard: The Baltimore-Washington cabinet is warning pastors to use extreme caution when applying for U.S. government grants. “The DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, including for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, now require recipients and subrecipients, among other things, to cooperate with immigration officials, not engage is programs involving…DEI…, not participate in discriminatory, prohibited boycotts related to Israel.” (Added 8-20-2025)
“United Methodist Church Clarifies Its Position on Same Sex Marriage to the House of Representatives” via GNN Liberia. The Liberia Conference of the UMC gave assurances to the Liberian House of Representatives, further hearing scheduled. (Added 8-20-2025)
“World Methodist Council calls for apologises, reparation from colonial powers for slavery, colonialism” via Ghanian Times. “In the statement, the WMC said the former colonial powers have an ethical duty to atone for the enduring harm caused to Africa, the Caribbean and South America. It urged European governments to issue formal apologies, cancel debts, and commit to long-term investments in health, education and technology in the affected regions.” (Added 8-20-2025)
“Liberia: Civil Law Court Affirms UMC Ownership, Voids Breakaway Faction’s Claim; House Launches Probe” via Front Page Africa. “Instead, the court said those properties are held in trust by the church’s official trustees — not individuals or groups who decide to walk away. In its final judgment, the court declared that the GMC and Rev. Kulah have no legal claim to any UMC properties.” (Added 8-20-2025)
“African Methodist Clergy Finalize $60 Million in Pension Deals” via Bloomberg Law. Pan-Methodist news: “African Methodist Episcopal Church pastors who sued over steep losses in their retirement plan received final court approval for two class settlements worth a combined $60 million.” (Added 8-20-2025)
“Liberia: Global Methodist Church Members Move to Seize TUFAIE Foundation Child Care School in Ganta, But Court Ruling Poses Major Obstacle” via Front Page Africa. “The conflicting court rulings have left local residents divided. Community leaders are urging both factions to resolve the dispute peacefully, stressing that children’s education and safety must not be compromised.” (Added 8-20-2025)
“SC Supreme Court declines to hear United Methodist separation case” via the Greenville Post and Courier. The cases will be consolidated, attorney Jim Bannister told The Post and Courier. “I think the fact this has been consolidated with one judge to make a determination actually makes it easier for other churches to get involved if they want to get out of the denomination,” he said. (Added 8-20-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “…I believe that in a couple of recent instances the UM Judicial Council has made decisions that are inimical to the best interests of the Church in that they tend to elevate our Trust Clause to a status never intended by the General Conference, and in doing that concurrently elevate the authority of the Judicial Council in matters of property far beyond what is actually allowed in the Constitution…” (Added 8-20-2025)
Video Post by Pulpit & Pen via Facebook. On female pronouns for God: “Just when you thought the song couldn’t get any worse than 🎶when heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss.🎶 United Methodism: not even once.” (Added 8-19-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. Analysis of the COB Leadership Gathering press release: “This is almost certainly a bit of intentional diversion of attention from what is actually going on. To be clear, the bishops are doing all the inviting. I have no doubt whatsoever that many of the bishops will consult with other leaders in their conferences in the selection process, but in the end, except for the active bishops themselves, who will all be there, the active members of the COB will do all the inviting.” (Added 8-19-2025)
“United Methodist Church divests from Israel bonds” by Michael Arria via Mondoweiss. “The United Methodist Church (UMC) has announced that it will divest from the bonds of governments that are maintaining illegal military occupations. It is the first church in the world to make such a pledge.” (Added 8-18-2025)
“Big update planned for General Conference tech” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. News from GCFA’s August 15 meeting: “The denomination is asking for significantly lower apportionments starting this year under the 2025-28 budget General Conference approved in 2024. But at this rate, General Council on Finance and Administration staff currently project an apportionment collection rate from the U.S. of around 80% to 84%. That is well below the 90% collection rate GCFA is aiming for this year.” (Added 8-18-2025)
“Big update planned for General Conference tech” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. News from GCFA’s August 15 meeting: “The board established a Central Conference Litigation Fund to support the denomination in legal disputes in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. The fund starts with $100,000 from the finance agency’s unrestricted net assets, which are separate from the contingency fund. At present, The United Methodist Church is involved in court cases over church property in Liberia, Nigeria and the Philippines. The board’s Committee on Legal Responsibilities and Corporate Governance previously approved litigation-assistance grants to Liberia this month and Nigeria last year.” (Added 8-18-2025)
Post by Bishop Ande Emmanuel via Facebook. [Link to Press Release] “Today, Monday, August 18, 2025, the Liberia Annual Conference, of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) won its right to own and take full possession of all of its properties, places of worship, health institutions, educational facilities, and any other properties owned by the Liberia Annual Conference, United Methodists Church in Liberia.” (Added 8-18-2025)
Press Release by Liberia Annual Conference. Declaring victory in ownership case regarding church properties in Liberia. (Added 8-18-2025)
“Court Orders Reopening of ST Nagbe Church Amid Ongoing Legal Dispute” via Spoon TV Live (Facebook). Liberia: “During the Mondays hearing defence lead lawyers Atty. Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo I. asserted that even if the church structure is owned by the United Methodist Church and its Liberia Annual Conference, the petitioner’s pursuit of a temporary closure is not the appropriate legal channel.
Atty Dugbo , suggested that if the UMC believes they hold legal title to the property, the appropriate route would be an ejectment action or summary proceedings to recover possession.” (Added 8-18-2025)
House Hearing with the Liberia Council of Churches on the UMC via Facebook. Inquiry into the status of the United Methodist Church in the Liberian House of Representatives. (Added 8-18-2025)
Tweet by Talbot Davis: “Remember when #umc conservatives were assured no slippery slope existed? I do.” Link (Added 8-18-2025)
“United Methodist Youth Fellowship Condemns Unlawful Removal of Clinic OIC” by Joseph William Godsent Kollie (Facebook). “The United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) has condemned the removal of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the United Methodist Clinic (UMC) in Weala, terming it “unlawful” and an “abuse of power.” According to the UMYF, Rev. J. Methuselah Sackie, Superintendent of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and Rev. Hymmiah Taylor overstepped their authority by interfering in the clinic’s administration.” (Added 8-18-2025)
Post by Pedro Antonio Pillot Soto via UM Clergy Facebook Group. A question about rebranding away from the United Methodist name generates lots of comments. (Added 8-18-2025)
“OPINION: This Methodist pastor’s reason for endorsing divorce is the perfect picture of the spirit of the age” via Not the Bee. “This ‘pastor’ of a United Methodist congregation argues that Jesus is okay with divorce because half of Americans are divorced already.” Excerpt: “God calls us to live whole lives. And if your marriage is something that is keeping you from being your most authentic and whole self, then I don’t think God would mind if you end up breaking that covenant.” (Added 8-18-2025)
“Warren County pastor charged with 10 counts of child sex crimes after Google cybertip: NC SBI” via CBS17. “According to officials, 30-year-old Shelton Kelsey Burkart was charged with 5 counts of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor and 5 counts of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor after NC SBI, along with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, seized his electronic devices at his church.” (Added 8-18-2025)
“Denver church damaged after truck crashes through building” via WBTV. “According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a Ford 350 Super Duty traveling west on Campground Road crossed the center line, drove off the left side of the road, hit a utility pole, and then hit the [Denver Bethel United Methodist] church.” (Added 8-18-2025)
“A New Church in Lee’s Summit” via The Missouri UM Conference. “Last summer, during appointments, both Brunk and Drummond were at COR, and by September, they were working on the Lee’s Summit campus full-time. Talk of a campus in the area was being driven by two groups – people who left The Summit UMC when it disaffiliated and people who were already a part of COR and thought a campus would do well in Lee’s Summit.” (Added 8-16-2025)
“A new (old?) vision for The UMC” by Ashley Boggan via Resource UMC. Reflecting on the new UMC vision statement put forth from the bishops. (Added 8-16-2025)
“‘If The Foundations Are Destroyed What Can The Righteous Do?’” by Bishop Julius Trimble via UM Insight. GBCS General Secretary: “As promised during the presidential campaign, we are now witnessing in full bloom the implementation of Project 2025 by an ultra-conservative-led White House, Congress and Supreme Court, all too eager to impose its long-awaited playbook on the American people without compassion or concern.” (Added 8-16-2025)
“Women’s Commission Stands Against the Silencing of Women in Church and the World” via UM Insight. CCSRW General Secretary fundraises off Pete Hegseth’s CREC denomination. (Added 8-12-2025)
“Closed North Attleboro church property sold” via The Sun Chronicle (MA). “The church announced in April 2024 it was closing and held a final service the next month, leaving a long legacy of religious devotion and community service.” (Added 8-16-2025)
“Old church property for sale” via WSAZ. “he Centenary Methodist Church, once full of life and beauty, torn down after it sustained too much damage. In 2022, two churches in the area merged into one, becoming the CornerStone Methodist Church. They own the land where Centenary once stood.” (Added 8-16-2025)
“Shocking video shows ceiling collapse inside historic Savannah church” via WJCL. “It happened in June at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, one of the city’s oldest active congregations, built in 1868. The video captures a large section of the sanctuary ceiling giving way, sending wood, plaster and dust raining down.” (Added 8-16-2025)
“Scouts, UM Men look to the future” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “It was a sobering moment at the 2025 National Men’s and Scouting Ministry Gathering July 31 to Aug. 3 at Epworth-by-the-Sea, a United Methodist retreat center. Very few of the attendees were as young as Kwon and Swanson, who are 33 and 34, respectively.” (Added 8-16-2025)
“Warren County pastor arrested on child sex charges, North Carolina SBI says” via WRAL. A Global Methodist pastor is arrested for possession of child pornography and relieved of his duties. “Branche said investigators do not believe Burkart physically abused any children locally.” (Added 8-16-2025)
“Donora loses beloved building as First United Methodist Church is razed” by Taylor Brown via Mon Valley Independent. “The congregation once counted as many as 1,000 members” before the closure of the church in 2003. (Added 8-16-2025)
“D.C. clergy slam federal takeover: ‘Fear is not a strategy for safety’” by Jason DeRose via NPR. “The statement‘s signatories include the top leaders of regional religious groups, representing scores of Jewish, Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran and Presbyterian congregations in the District.” (Added 8-16-2025)
“Global Methodist Church draws former United Methodist congregations in Arkansas” by Frank Lockwood via Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Sixty-eight congregations that left the Arkansas Conference of the UMC have joined the GMC. (Added 8-16-2025)
“Bishop Easterling’s statement in response to the Trump Administration’s actions in Washington” via Baltimore-Washington Conference. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once spoke of “two Americas.” He explained that although individuals lived within the same country, their experiences were vastly different. In one America, there was opportunity, abundance, and the presumption of dignity. In the other, there was poverty, marginalization, and the constant shadow of state power used to intimidate. Looking at the District of Columbia today, it feels as though those two Americas have never been more visible.” (Added 8-15-2025)
“Commentary: Church can be sanctuary for trans lives” by Joelle Henneman via UMNS. “The road is long. The backlash is real. Yet, this is a Pentecost moment in the United Methodist movement. At its center is the voice of a diverse God who is inviting the church not just to include us, but to listen to our good news.” (Added 8-15-2025)
“Methodist Churches Planning to Merge” by Eric Englund via The Sand Paper (NJ). “Two United Methodist churches on the south end of Long Beach Island will soon be merging into one house of worship.” (Added 8-15-2025)
“Kenya’s Methodist Church leaders implicated in $4.6m corruption scandal” via TRT Global. Pan Methodist News: “An internal audit reveals forged receipts, phantom suppliers and theft of food aid for drought-hit communities.” (Added 8-13-2025)
Post by John Alexander Wright via UM Clergy Facebook Group. Wright generates conversation on the place of the Nicene Creed for UM’s. Shares in the comments: “I am not sure that we should worship Jesus since he said, ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good—except God alone.’ Mark 10:18.” (Added 8-12-2025)
“‘What is That?’ The most radical church in Texas gets a Facelift” via DallasNews.com. Mesquite’s St. Stephen United Methodist Church, an icon or organic modernism, is restored to its original grandeur. (Added 8-12-2025)
“‘Make Austin holy’: Controversial DFW church announces expansion” by Eric Killelea via The Chronicle. “A video posted on Mercy Culture Church’s Instagram account last month showed images of a Pride flag, members of a United Methodist Church holding a sign that read, “All are welcome,” and a pastor wearing rainbow colors symbolizing the LGBTQ community. But the message accompanying the images wasn’t celebrating inclusion. Instead, Seth Morrow, a pastor at the non-denominational megachurch based in Fort Worth, had a different take on the photos: “Where the culture has declared, ‘Keep Austin weird,’ we are praying: ‘Make Austin holy!” (Added 8-12-2025)
“Challenging the Church on Abortion” by Paul Stallsworth via The Human Life Review. “The [Durham] Declaration attempts to approach abortion in a theological way, in a way that rings true to United Methodists (and probably most Christians). The influence of Professor Stanley Hauerwas and Bishop William Willimon, both of Duke Divinity School, is evident in the claims and the reasoning of the declaration itself. And it is gratefully acknowledged—even at this late date.” (Added 8-11-2025)
“Police Besiege S. T. Nagbe Methodist Church” via Liberia Daily Observer. “Tension within the United Methodist Church (UMC) continues to escalate, with police, reportedly under Bishop Samuel J. Quire’s instructions, preventing congregants from accessing the S.T. Nagbe United Methodist Church for their worship service on Sunday, August 10.” See New Dawn Report here. (Added 8-11-2025)
“Required Repentance: Ohio United Methodists ‘Still Failing’” by Sarah Stewart via Juicy Ecumenism. “If traditionalists were still unsure of their place within the United Methodist Church’s (UMC) West Ohio Conference, it was recently answered when all in attendance at the annual gathering were required to participate in a liturgy compelling them to repent for the UMC’s former stance on marriage and sexuality.” (Added 8-11-2025)
Post by Kenneth Jackson via Facebook. “The Christian Body in Liberia is now REBUKING the UMC Bishop, Rev. Samuel J. Jr Quire!! [Quote from Baptist leader follows.] (Added 8-11-2025)
Post by DN-News Liberia (Facebook). “Maryland County District #2 Representative, Hon. Anthony Williams, has written the Honorable House of Representatives to invite the leadership of the Liberia Council of Churches and the Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Liberia, Rev. Samuel J. Quire, to appear before plenary and address reports of the Church’s alleged promotion of same-sex marriage in Liberia…” (Added 8-11-2025)
Tweet via Protestia. “United Methodist Church pastor Darren Calhoun explains that he’s in a long-term non-monagamous open relationship, then describes how sad he was when his partner broke up with his other boyfriend.” (Added 8-11-2025)
Post by Asaba Ali via Facebook. Nigerian GMC clergy celebrating a recent legal win in Liberia over church property. (Added 8-11-2025)
“S.T. Nagbe UMC Clashes with Bishop Quire Over Same-Sex Marriage, Disrupts Church Closure” via DN-News (Liberia) on Facebook. “The ongoing crisis within the United Methodist Church in Liberia has deepened, with S.T. Nagbe United Methodist Church becoming the latest to distance itself from the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC) led by Bishop Samuel J. Quire.” (Added 8-9-2025)
“Welsh Lesbian Archbishop and Global South Grief” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “Anglican Bishop of Monmouth Cherry Vann was elected this week to serve as Archbishop of Wales, making her the first Anglican Communion primate in a same-sex relationship. Election to the role required a two-thirds majority vote from members of the church’s Electoral College. Theologically orthodox groups within the Anglican Communion lamented the development.” (Added 8-9-2025)
“Former music teacher Darlene Ryniec says ‘God called her’ to be pastor at Harrison, Freeport churches” by Tawnya Panizzi via Tribune-Review. “When the United Methodist Council tried to draw Darlene Ryniec out of retirement, the Buffalo Township pastor questioned whether she was up to it… Grace United is struggling a bit. In its heyday, the church boasted about 1,500 parishioners. “I don’t know that I can bring back a whole bunch of people,” she said. “But God called me for this, so I am expecting great things.” (Added 8-9-2025)
“North Carolina pastor charged with child sex crime in North Myrtle Beach out on bond” by WRAL. “The warrant stated that Sigmon unlawfully touched a 13-year-old girl along South Ocean Boulevard in July 2024. Sigmon reportedly turned himself in to the NMBPD on Tuesday, and was released the same day after posting a $5,000 bond. WMBF reported that he is registered with the United Methodist Church as a pastor.” (Report says was most recently appointed to Faithbridge in Blowing Rock before leaving in 2022) (Added 8-9-2025)
“Wespath intensifies its scrutiny of bonds” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “To put our belief into practice, we (individually and collectively) have to discern how to invest or divest our assets so that we minimize harm being done to fellow humans and God’s creation and maximize doing good through socially and ecologically responsible investment,” Wenner said. She noted the church’s ecumenical work with partners like the World Council of Churches to further explore an “Economy of Life” that puts people and planet over profit. (Added 8-8-2025)
Post via Spoon TV Live, Liberia (Facebook). “The Supreme Court said the eviction violated the petitioners’ constitutional rights and ruled that they must be allowed back into the church building. The court, however, clarified that it does not have jurisdiction over property ownership, which must be determined by the Civil Law Court.” (Added 8-8-2025)
“COB to advance UMC Vision at 2026 Leadership Gathering in Calgary” via Council of Bishops Press Release. ““Do away with legislation and Roberts Rules and sit with one another in relationship and conversation. I appreciate the focus on young people and laity – two of the three leaders from each Episcopal Area will be laity. I look forward to the thoughts, hopes, and dreams that will be revealed from those committed to The United Methodist Church.” (Added 8-8-2025)
“Decision Number 1519” via Judicial Council. “The Judicial Council, The United Methodist Church’s top court, has issued Decision 1519 that denies a request to reconsider its ruling in Decision 1517. In the earlier decision, the church court ruled that the Dakotas Annual Conference improperly used the denomination’s church-closure provision to allow a church to exit with property.” (Added 8-8-2025)
Post via DTV Online (Facebook). Liberia: “72nd GMC has won her case against UMCThis is the Supreme Court ruling.” [Images] (Added 8-8-2025)
“UMC’s racial monitoring agency awards undisclosed grants to immigration ministries” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “The UMC’s Washington, D.C.-based General Commission on Religion and Race, or GCORR, released news of the grants Aug. 7 without specifying either the recipients’ names or the individual amounts given.” (Added 8-8-2025)
Post via UMC Council of Bishops. [[This appears to be an announcement of the October 2026 leadership gathering, but I get a security code when I click on it.]] (Added 8-8-2025)
“What’s in future for Methodists in MS? After gay-rights schism, both sides pursue own path” by Ross Reily via Clarion Ledger. “Porter, for his part, wants it to be known that the Mississippi-West Tennessee Conference of the GMC, is no longer focused on the United Methodists and is working to achieve their goals on a daily basis.” (Added 8-8-2025)
“Temporary Closure of Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church” via GNN Liberia. The Liberia UMC Conference temporarily closes a building due to disruptions over the past two weeks involving the rejection of the appointed pastor. New Dawn Liberia reports that the bishop authorized the pastor “to appoint acting officers for all church auxiliaries during this period, adding that these measures may also be applied to other UMC congregations facing similar disturbances across Liberia.” If true, this would be contrary to the UMC Book of Discipline. (Added 8-7-2025)
“Three UMC Bishops Honored at Recent Convocation” via UM Insight. Three former bishops who served as episcopal leaders of the United Methodist Mountain Sky (Regional) Conference for a combined total of 28 years—Melvin W. Wheatley, Roy I. Sano, and Mary Ann Swenson—were honored at the closing worship service of the 2025 “Uncharted” Convocation of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) by the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends (UMARC), with the financial part of the the 2025 Bishop Karen Oliveto/Robin Ridenour Award being awarded to RMN in their honor. (Added 8-7-2025)
“New Willimon Book Explores Disaffiliation of Historic South Carolina UMC” by Jessica Brodie via South Carolina Advocate. “The 2023 disaffiliation of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church from the denomination was a historic moment for United Methodism in South Carolina also instructive and revealing for American church leaders. At least that’s the way Will Willimon sees it. In his new book, “The Church We Carry: Loss, Leadership, and the Future of Our Church,” published this month by Abingdon Press, Willimon tells the story of the disaffiliation of South Carolina Methodism’s historic, second-largest congregation.” See also UM Insight. (Added 8-7-2025)
“Methodists across Americas reimagine mission” by Gustavo Vasquez via UMNS. “A mission consultation for Latin America and the Caribbean brought together clergy and lay leaders from Methodist churches and ecumenical organizations across the Americas. The event, sponsored by the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry, focused on identifying areas for joint work to strengthen the church’s mission on the continent. Working groups made proposals to develop strategies to build relationships and reaffirm the church’s role in addressing the social needs of the region.” (Added 8-7-2025)
“Losing Protestant Continuity” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “Most American Christians today are in congregations they recently chose, and without regard to denominations. Denominations are becoming almost irrelevant, and Mainline Protestant denominations especially so.” (Added 8-6-2025)
“Embracing unity: The UMC’s commitment to Ecumenical and Interfaith engagement” via the UMC Council of Bishops. The Council of Bishops issues a home-made brochure about their ecumenical and interfaith work. (Added 8-6-2025)
“Austin UMC Hit by Anti-LGBTQ Vandalism” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The vandals were photographed from behind on a security camera. They wore clothing that concealed their faces.” (Added 8-5-2025)
“On the Formation of the Global Methodist Church: A Response to Mara Richards Bim” by David Watson via Firebrand Magazine. “The leadership of the UMC, however, had created a situation in which the more conservative United Methodists could win every vote within our highest decision-making body, the general conference, but it wouldn’t matter. The bishops would govern as they wished. We had become a de facto diocesan church in which individual bishops made decisions about doctrine, practice, and discipline that properly belonged with the general conference.” (Added 8-5-2025)
“What’s in a name? How 12 emerging churches found their new identity” via South Georgia Advocate. As shared in UMNS Daily Digest. “Each of them started from a group of committed, generous United Methodists after their churches disaffiliated from the UMC.” (Added 8-4-2025)
“Houston Pastor convicted in $3.6M fraud case returns to megachurch after prison release” by Brianna Willis via ABC13.com. “”My friend is home and free to use all of his skills and gifts to not only Pastor this church, but pastor this community,” Pastor and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver said. Cleaver and others in the community said they believe Caldwell has repented and is touched by God to continue his work.” Suzette Caldwell, spouse of Kirbyjon, is the senior pastor of Windsor Village. (Added 8-4-2025)
“On Mainline Churches” via Jordan Cooper (YouTube). Comments on the status of Mainline churches. (Added 8-4-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “…It feels like we over index on the Social Principles given their actual status. In some parts of our discourse, we seem to cite them as if they are authorities that are owed deference in some way. That feels to me like a stronger claim than they make themselves, and asking them to do more than they are designed to do or they have done in the past.” (Added 8-4-2025)
“2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly – Day three” via Living Lutheran. Phoenix ELCA Gathering: “She acknowledged the ongoing decline in membership consistent with trends prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but also noted that weekly worship attendance has grown by 130,000 since 2021. “In short, while we continue to see gradual declines in membership and participation, the data shows a return to long-term patterns—not a sharp or unexpected drop-off,” Rothmeyer said. “And we are seeing signs of renewed engagement.” See ELCA News for other Churchwide Assembly news. The ELCA is a full communion partner with the UMC. (Added 8-4-2025)
“UM Trust Clause as a Stumbling Block” by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “n more general terms, I believe Dr. Tran’s viewpoint as advanced in this commentary is part of a concerted effort on the part of currently empowered United Methodist leadership to advance a theology and derivative polity that hold a monarchical/imperial pattern for centralized/connectional control over local churches that is contrary to the American Church’s rejection of Wesley’s autocratic style of leadership that included his personal control of the movement he started.” (Added 8-4-2025)
“The Death of Mainline Protestantism” by Carl Trueman via First Things. “If Ernest Hemingway were to interview American mainline Protestantism in 2025, the conversation would go something like this: “How did you go spiritually bankrupt?” “Two ways. Gradually and then suddenly…. Some years ago, I officiated at a wedding in the local United Methodist church, festooned as it was with rainbow flags. A five-year-old guest asked me if the church had a particular passion for the story of Noah. Would that it had. That might at least have distinguished it from every other Pride-flag-waving business in the town. Instead, it had chosen not to be a prophetic witness of the faith to the world but to be one more example of capitulation to the virtue signaling demanded by the wider culture.” (Added 8-2-2025)
“A Word to Churches Still Fighting to Exit the UMC” by Paul Thompson via Facebook. “Across the globe, we are hearing from churches who feel abandoned, misled, or locked in by decisions that were made without their full awareness or consent. They were told to wait for General Conference. Then when the rules changed, they were told the conversation was over. Now they’re told to move on.” (Added 8-1-2025)
“Judicial Council Fall 2025 Docket” via Resource UMC. Sole docket item is regarding JJ Warren’s ordination fast-track: “The motion requested the Judicial Council to make a declaratory decision on the status of Pastor J.J. Warren’s appointment. Is an appointment to school adequate enough to move forward in the ordination process, if the applicant can show that they are ”bearing fruit”?” (Added 8-1-2025)
“African leaders focus on stewardship” by Eveline Chikwanah via UMNS. “This is the first time GCFA has hosted the training in Africa. Similar training was held in the U.S. earlier this year, and Quad Training for the Philippines is planned for October… Sambo also noted the difficulties the church is facing in terms of apportionments. ‘The training was a wake-up call or push in the positive sense that our annual conference must contribute because figures are declining every year, and that’s not good for our general church,” Sambo said.'” (Added 8-1-2025)
“Chicago Muslims and United Methodists Call for Justice in Gaza” by Victoria Rebeck via UM Insight. “Samman told his story during a press conference hosted on July 30 by the Council of Islamic Organizations in Chicago and the Northern Illinois–Wisconsin Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church. Speakers and reporters gathered at First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple.” (Added 8-1-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “At the recent RMN Convocation, Bishop Stoneking spoke about unity in the UMC. She said, “We seek unity of the whole church, but not a unity that betrays the gospel. In fact, true unity of the church will only come when the gospel of love and justice and compassion is being fully lived out.” What do you think that means? What does that look like compared to the church right now?” (Added 8-1-2025)
“UMC bishops demand more say” by Lovemore Kadzura via Herald Online (Zimbabwe). “In an exclusive interview, Northern Katanga Bishop, Reverend Mande Muyombo emphasised that Africans in the church will never accept homosexuality, citing its incompatibility with their biblical interpretation and cultural values.” (Added 8-1-2025)
“Borrowdale Methodist Church land dispute rages on” via News Day (Zimbabwe). “A UNITED Methodist Church pastor in Borrowdale faces imprisonment after residents filed an urgent contempt of court application, alleging that the church violated a High Court order prohibiting it from conducting services in the area.” (Added 7-31-2025)
“Building international relationships” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. Reconciling Ministries Gathering: “United Methodists from both the Philippines and the African continent were among the speakers as well as guests. That’s the kind of relationship-building the network’s leaders hope to see going forward. The strengthened ties come even as the denomination’s central conferences in the Philippines and Africa have used their authority under the denomination’s constitution to keep bans on same-sex weddings and gay clergy within their borders.” (Added 7-31-2025)
“Iowa United Methodists Pledge to Defend LGBTQIA Rights, Push UMC Inclusion” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “United Methodists in Iowa have voted overwhelmingly to include LGBTQIA persons in the church and to defend them against the erosion of their civil rights.” (Added 7-30-2025)
“Fundamentalism and Biblical Inerrancy Lite in the Global Methodist Church” by Mara Richards Bim via Baptist News Global (and UM Insight). The GMC framed as a reemergence of Fundamentalism. (Added 7-30-2025)
“Considering Charlotte – The Scopes Monkey Trial & The Council of Nicaea” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “In this segment, my United Methodist friends discuss these events in light of our present standing. What was good and right about these events? What was regrettable? Are there any lessons for us to learn from them today?” (Added 7-30-2025)
“Three Big Announcements” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. Chronicler of trends in religion announces his new post as Professor of Practice at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. His new book, The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us will release in January 2026. He also won a grant for “The Nones Project,” a large study of non-religious America. (Added 7-30-2025)
“LGBTQ advocates head for ‘uncharted’ territory” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Though that new day has now arrived, the Reconciling Ministries Network has no plans to close up shop. The group, which launched a new strategic plan this year, sees opportunities to work more closely with the denomination in rebuilding after church exits and supporting its justice work.” (Added 7-30-2025)
“Herkimer church marks closing with final service” by Donna Thompson via The Daily Post (NY). “The difficult decision to close the church was made due to dwindling membership and the need for major work on the church building, located on North Prospect Street in the village, according to Pastor Joelle Faulks. She noted that the necessary structural repairs had been estimated at some $75,000. Members were notified of the situation, and a vote was held to decide whether or not to close the church; the majority voted in favor of closing it.” (Added 7-30-2025)
Post by Paul Thompson via Facebook. “Chart: UMC vs. GMC Growth: Actual vs. Hypothetical Trends (2022–2030)” (Added 7-29-2025)
“Controversy in the Church of the Nazarene” via Ready to Harvest (YouTube). The Nazarene’s attempt to head off the take-over and subsequent LGBTQ split that happened in other denominations. (Added 7-29-2025)
“Matthew Barrett and the Baptist-to-Anglican Pipeline” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “Many readers of this blog already know that “high demand” faiths tend to be the ones that grow, while those churches that tout “welcome-welcome-welcome” but don’t specify what people are being welcomed to or for tend to plateau and decline. (Added 7-29-2025)
“A Black female Jesus and a gay Judas will shake up the Hollywood Bowl” by Jessica Gelt via The LA Times. “Adam Lambert sits on a rickety wooden chair just outside the main chapel at the Hollywood United Methodist Church on a break from rehearsing the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” (Added 7-29-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. [link in Michigan Conference staff realignment due to significant losses] “Has anyone (UMNews?) pulled together reports and stories like these to give us an accurate look at the state of the UMC? Is Michigan a bellwether, an outlier, or something else? “Over the last decade, the Michigan Conference has experienced a sharp decline in membership and its annual budget (nearly 50% for both in 10 years).” (Added 7-29-2025)
“Bishops: Ukrainians need church’s presence” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Alsted plans to continue to be in ministry with the people of Ukraine and said he will work at least another four years until full retirement.” (Added 7-28-2025)
Grain Coast Convening Conference Report by Conference Superintendent Jerry Kulah. The official summary of the convening conference of the GMC in Liberia/Guinea. (Added 7-28-2025)
“Dying Churches Need to Hand Over the Keys (My Response)” by Carey Nieuwhof (YouTube). Response to negative reaction to the idea that dying churches should turn over their building to new church starts. (Added 7-28-2025)
“United Methodist Church moves to close multiple churches, while some resist” by Justin Brown via MSN. “Several United Methodist Churches are listed as permanently closing their doors following the annual conference meeting of the United Methodist Churches for Alabama and West Florida. However, many churches on that list are publicly saying they are not closing in any way.” | “We have left them and continued to have church services as we have really for the past like 153 years, every week,” Lawson says. “Nothing has changed for us, outside of leaving that association.”(Added 7-28-2025)
“New pastor prompts ‘rebirth’ of Benezette United Methodist Church” by Brianne Fleming via The Courier Express (PA). “BUMC was closed from April though November of 2024. So, said Jordan, they have been working on rebuilding the church and letting all know it is open again.” (Added 7-28-2025)
“Local United Methodists vote to oppose Christian nationalism” by Kailee Shores via Chattanooga Times Free Press. Outside reporting on the Holston annual conference, which also included a realignment of districts. (Added 7-28-2025)
“Crews battle blaze at former Hazleton church” by Gregory Adams via The Standard Speaker (PA). Fire at a former UM church building threatens other structures. (Added 7-28-2025)
“2025 Annual Conference Report” via Mountain Sky UM Conference. “While the body grieved the closure of four (4) churches, they celebrated the decades of community ministry that for some started in the 1890s. The body also celebrated the opportunities for new ministry expressions that these churches make possible at their sunsetting… More signs of momentum included the overwhelming approval of establishing a Queer/LGBTQIA2S+ Matters Committee designed to bring the beloved inclusion and opportunity legislated at General Conference 2020/2024 into fruition across the MSC.” (Added 7-25-2025)
““Church Giving and Worship Attendance Trends” – Ep. 170 ft. Joe Park” via The Lewis Center for Church Leadership. “Joe Park unpacks key trends in worship attendance and giving from Horizons Stewardship’s Church Giving and Worship Report: Key Findings from 2024. He emphasizes digital engagement, discipleship, and strategic ministry planning, while highlighting the importance of adaptive leadership, consistent generosity messaging, and authentic relationships.” (Added 7-25-2025)
“A Call to African United Methodist Leadership for a New Dispensation” by Lloyd Nyarota via UM Insight. “African United Methodist Church leaders are urged to champion social justice and equality through inclusive leadership and by rejecting all forms of colonial and imperial domination. Through embracing diversity and steadfast commitment to justice, the Church can contribute to constructing a connectional more equitable future.” (Added 7-25-2025)
“Silence Is Complicity: A United Methodist Response to Trump’s Call to Revive Racist Mascots” by Bishop David Wilson via UM Insight. “The recent effort by President Donald Trump to bring back the former names of the Washington football and Cleveland baseball teams is more than political — it is a reawakening of racism and trauma for Native Americans.” (Added 7-25-2025)
“New Era For United Methodist Church & Boy Scouts Of America” by Shannon McFarln via Radio NWTN. “Going away is the practice of local churches serving as chartering organizations for Scouting groups. Instead, churches will have the option of entering into an affiliation agreement. Essentially, they will be promising to provide space and lots of support to Scouting groups, but supervisory responsibility will rest with local BSA Councils.” (Added 7-25-2025)
“Prayers for Bishop Easterling” via Baltimore-Washington UM Conference. “Please be in prayer for Bishop LaTrelle Easterling who was hospitalized last evening for observation and treatment. Her care team is working to resolve the medical issues as quickly as possible.” (Added 7-24-2025)
“Rev. J.J. Warren Appointed as Assistant Professor of (Queer) Theology” via UM Insight. The young clergy candidate (now a provisional clergy member of the New England Conference) who made an impassioned speech on the floor of GC2019 has been named to a post at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, an American Baptist Seminary in New York. (Added 7-24-2025)
“The 200 Year History of American Virtue Capitalism” by Joseph P. Slaughter via MSN. “These values-based organizations are part of a long—albeit often controversial—history in the U.S. of businesses expressing social beliefs in the marketplace. Traditionally, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these social beliefs primarily stemmed from religious beliefs. As the 20th century progressed, however, a greater array of social beliefs began to animate business practices for many companies. This history reveals that, for good or ill, businesses “infused with religion” and social beliefs have shaped the American marketplace profoundly.” (Added 7-24-2025)
“Man found dead in parking lot of Gwinnett church after shooting” by Chaya Tong via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Snellville, Georgia’s Cannon UMC is where a body was found following a shooting. Victim identified. (Added 7-24-2025)
“COB Reschedules Leadership Gathering to October 2026” via UMC Council of Bishops. “During this time, we will launch church-wide surveys, interactive webinars, and regional gatherings, inviting every member—clergy and lay alike—to help advance our new vision and shape a flourishing United Methodist Church—one that will be a gift and witness for generations to come.” (Added 7-23-2024)
“Sexual Ethics and the Scriptures – A Conversation with Robert Gagnon” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Interview with the author of The Bible and Homosexual Practice. (Added 7-23-2025)
“Rise up Beloved: 2025 Annual Conference” via West Ohio UM Conference. Litany of Confession: “We have confused secrecy with confidentiality, creating barriers for LGBTQ+ candidates for ministry… We failed Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people… We repent of our denial of the United Methodist Service of Christian Marriage to faithful same sex couples… We repent of using Disciplinary charges as a tool of oppression against those who sought to live authentic lives as LGBTQ+ clergy.” Task Force for LGBTQI+ Ministry created. (Added 7-23-2025)
“Is LGBTQ Ideology Infiltrating Christian Universities?” by Caitlyn Beebe via Juicy Ecumenism. “Southern Methodist University, a Dallas-based school founded in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which later became part of the United Methodist Church, has openly embraced LGBTQ affirmation. SMU’s Women and LGBT Center hosts a pop-up clothing swap program that “provide[s] an opportunity for students to acquire clothing that aligns with their current gender identity and/or gender expression.” (Added 7-23-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “This is an interesting discussion about the place of the 39 Articles of Religion in the Episcopalian church and a discussion about “reconfessionalizing” the Episcopalian church. The history of how the 39 Articles were displaced as explicit doctrine for Episcopalians in the 19th and 20th century sounds very similar to some of the trends in the UMC.
How would a centering of our Articles and Confession — or even a serious discussion about that — energize our own understanding of who we are as United Methodists?” (Added 7-23-2025)
Post by Oak Lawn UMC (Facebook). Church offers “Pink Pony Club” as special music. (Added 7-22-2025)
“Tell us you’ve ever heard a church speaker introduction more INSANE than this one, from UMC’s Christ Church Colorado.” via Pulpit & Pen. “Between the ‘Euthanasia Doula, ‘black non-binary trans masc person, ‘transhumanist deism’ and ‘erotica,’ we dare you to.” (Added 7-22-2025)
“United Methodist Church Welcomes Three Newly Elected Bishops” by Maidstone Malenga via UMC Council of Bishops. “In a significant moment for The United Methodist Church, Council of Bishops President Bishop Tracy S. Malone consecrated three new bishops during the Mid Africa Central Conference on July 13, 2025.” (Added 7-22-2025)
“Showdown in the pulpit: Methodist Church faces fresh crisis as synods move to oust bishop” via Daily Nation (Kenya). Pam-Methodist News: After two years of peace, the Methodist Church of Kenya slides back into turmoil. (Added 7-22-2025)
“Luther Seminary and the Future of Mainline Protestantism with Rob Myallis” via Church & Main Podcast (YouTube). “In this episode, I take some time to explore the significant changes at Luther Seminary and their implications for mainline Protestantism. With the decision to sell its remaining property by 2027, a reflection of long-standing financial struggles, I discuss insights from Rob Myalis, an ELCA pastor and Luther alumnus, on sustaining a pipeline of pastors.” (Added 7-22-2025)
Overheard: “Looks like Loyd Nyarota’s no longer getting the money he used to get to spew his crazy lies and strident rhetoric. And so the UM establishment is abandoning him after they have no more used for him. The only surprise is that anyone on Earth would act like there was nothing predictable about this.” (Added 7-22-2025)
“Africa Forum Changes Tone” by Chris Ritter via Team Caffeine. Loyd Nyarota laments that Africa was lied to in the regionalization scheme. (Added 7-22-2025)
“Is LGBTQ Ideology Infiltrating Christian Universities?” by Caitlyn Beebe via Juicy Ecumenism. Methodist schools listed among the examples. (Added 7-21-2025)
“GCFA Q2 2025 Quarterly Financial Update” via GCFA (YouTube). The collection rate is up, but the total dollars are down due to lower apportionment rates. (Added 7-21-2025)
“What Will We Do With 100,000 Empty Churches? | Richard Reinhard” via The Aaron Renn Show (Podcast). “Join Aaron in this eye-opening podcast episode with Rick Reinhardt, an expert on the intersection of urbanism and religion, as they dive into the growing crisis of America’s emptying churches. With up to 100,000 churches facing closure, what happens to these historic buildings and their land?” At 25:40, Reinhard mentions the North Carolina Conference unknowingly selling a property to a group of Nazi’s. At 28:30, he mentions classic tension between UM bishops and congregations.(Added 7-21-2025)
“‘Twist and Shout?’ UMC Church Replaces Worship Songs With Beatles Tribute Band” via Protestia. “San Dieguito United Methodist Church is a progressive UMC congregation in Encinitas, CA. Led by Rev. Dr. Mark Maddix, they pride themselves on being a “welcoming and inclusive community” that endeavors to “think critically, love authentically, and serve passionately.” (Added 7-21-2025)
“Once facing demolition, historic church will reopen after 20 years” by Mark Parker via Tampa Bay Times. “Noam and Irene Krasniansky are raising money to transform St. Petersburg’s Euclid Methodist Church into a multifaith sanctuary.” (Added 7-21-2025)
“2025 Iowa Conference Annual Conference” via UMNS. Includes extended comments by Gregory Neal, a gay pastor serving in Iowa. (Added 7-21-2025)
“Desert Southwest Conference Responds to SBC Call to End Same-Sex Marriage Rights” by Christina Dillabough via Desert Southwest UM Conference. As shared in UMNS Daily Digest. Also see “WARM – Welcoming, Affirming, Reconciling Ministries Becomes A Conference Committee” (Added 7-21-2025)
“Commentary: Troubled times call for revival of personalism” by Christopher P. Momany via UMNS. “Some with theological sensitivities might balk at the invocation of philosophical personalism, as if it is nothing more than the moss-covered relic of a failed modernity. Not so fast!” (Added 7-21-2025)
Post by Alfred Kwabenza Mensah via Facebook. “Normal worship at the New Georgia Global Methodist Church – Liberia had been disrupted by the Pastors and leaders of the United Methodist Church! Police presence needed!!” (Added 7-21-2025)
“Motion to Discharge ExParte Order” viaThe High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Holden at Abuja (Nigeria). A motion to set aside an earlier ruling in favor of a UMC group in the matter of a local church property. (Added 7-18-2025)
Post by Odell Horne via Facebook. Quoting coordinator of the UM Africa Forum: “It will be very sad if the so called big tent UMC becomes something like you can stay here as long as you do not ask for a micro phone to speak. The place for those who have traditional views of marriage as between a man and woman will be available as long as they shut up and watch in silence. What is the new understanding of all in the UMC does all means all or it means progressives.” (Added 7-18-2025)
Facebook Reel by Tim Beardsley. “In this video taken just a few minutes ago in Liberia, the New Georgia GMC is being opened up for the church community to worship in after just a very few short days of being closed… Last week during conference while we were all on the other side of the country in Liberia, UMC Bishop Quire decided to try to take another church property that has disassociated from the UMC.
This morning, the court ruling came back that the UMC does not have control of the New Georgia GMC.” (Added 7-18-2025)
Comment by Lloyd Nyarota via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “It is beginning to show that largely Africa was lied to. Some of us saw it when the Christmas Covenant was shredded and replaced by the USA centric worldwide regionalization. The worldwide regionalization basically strengthens USA to become the superior center in the UMC even worse that it was before worldwide regionalization. Judging by some of the comments here there may be no place for traditional views on marriage in the UMC particularly in the USA. The worldwide regionalization became a neocolonialism legislation that was crafted for the USA UMC imperialism. The reassignment of General Conference legislative powers to the USA regional conference only without allowing other regions to have the same legislative filter on paragraphs 23-27 amendments is the worst neocolonial and Imperialistic position to be ever taken by the UMC in recent history…” (Added 7-17-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “The post asks if the proper place for the 2016 BoD is in the trash. It speaks of hateful language. Some in the comments say they have already thrown their copies away. The tone of many comments appears to be that 2024 means we have assigned traditional views of human sexuality to the dust bin of history. But that is not the case, is it? I think it would be surprising news in Africa if that were so, just as it would be unwelcome news to huge numbers of United Methodists who remain in the American church…” (Added 7-17-2025)
“Doug Wilson Plants in DC; Methodism Shuns DC” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. Mark Tooley would like to see a conservative Methodist church plant in D.C. (Added 7-17-2025)
“Church of England votes to remove outdated document on sexuality from clergy selection” by Muvija M via Reuters. “The Church of England’s governing body voted on Tuesday to do away with requiring those who want to become clergy to agree to a 1991 document on sexuality, saying some of the assumptions in the paper now appeared prejudicial and offensive. The document, titled ‘Issues in Human Sexuality,’ described ‘homosexual practice as especially dishonourable’ and called on homosexual Christians to lead a life of abstinence. (Added 7-17-2025)
“Bishop pleads guilty to defrauding Oakland AME Zion church of $2 million” by Darwin BondGraham via TheOaklandSide. “Staccato Powell, a former bishop for the denomination’s western district, convinced five California AME Zion pastors to sign over deeds to their churches in order to enrich himself.” (Added 7-17-2025)
“Commentary: Trust clause stands as connectional cornerstone” by Luan-Vu “Lui” Tran via UMNS. “The United Methodist Church has emerged intact after a challenging period of division, thanks in part to an unsung hero: the denomination’s trust clause.” (Added 7-16-2025)
“Former Bishop Of AME Zion Church Pleads Guilty To Defrauding Congregations In California” via U.S. Department of Justice. “Staccato Powell, a former bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (“AME Zion”), pleaded guilty in federal court today to wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud in connection with a far-reaching scheme to obtain control of church properties in California using false statements, forged documents, concealment, and deception.” (Added 7-16-2025)
“Liberia: Global Methodist Church Holds Inaugural Conference in Ganta, Nimba County” by Franklin Doloquee via Front Page Africa. “During the keynote address, Bishop John Pena Auta, Presiding Bishop of the Grain Coast Annual Conference, urged members to take the church’s message beyond borders. He called on attendees to actively engage in their communities and bring more people into the church. ‘This conference is not just about gathering,’ he said. ‘It’s about crafting a roadmap for growth and outreach. Go and win more souls for God.'” (Added 7-16-2025)
“TAKE ACTION: IRS Declares Churches Can Endorse Political Candidates Without Tax-exempt Status Penalty” via UMC Church & Society. Advice to the church following a recent decision about political advocacy and church tax exempt status. (Added 7-15-2025)
“A Special Note” via UMNS. Seeking $25 per month sponsorships to continue the work of the United Methodist News Service. This is the result of recent and significant budget cuts in the denomination.(Added 7-15-2025)
Post by Don Yeager via UM Clergy Facebook Group. [image] Two people observe a graph showing plummeting results: “I don’t get it. We had all those meetings.” (Added 7-15-2025)
“David F. Watson: A Theological Profile [Firebrand Special Edition]” by Justus Hunter via Firebrand Magazine. “The UMC attempted to resolve the diversity of her members’ private judgments by a twofold strategy: a doctrinal statement immersed in historical relativism and resolved by appeal to a flexible theological methodology—the quadrilateral. This proved a pyrrhic victory for the UMC. And atop the pyre was Methodism’s sense of particularity.” (Added 7-15-2025)
“GMC Hosts First Major Conference in Liberia —Appoints Rev. Jerry Kulah as Chairperson” by Ishmael F. Menkor via Daily Observer (Liberia). “In a press briefing following the conference, Rev. Kulah asserted that all properties under the former Gompa District of the UMC now legally belong to the GMC. He cited a court decision from the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie as the basis for the claim, arguing that the UMC failed to uphold agreements made between local communities and the late missionary Harley.” (Added 7-15-2025)
“Saving Faith With Help From Social Enterprise” by Rick Reinhard via Religion Unplugged. As shared by UMNS Daily Digest: “We’re experiencing a Great Mismatch between small, aging congregations and large, deteriorating buildings. Faith institutions are overbuilt. Indiana, a state with 326 McDonalds, has 675 United Methodist churches.” (Added 7-14-2025)
“2024 Impact Report Highlights Year of Transition, Alignment and Ministry” via Resource UMC. “The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) of The United Methodist Church released its 2024 Impact Report, offering a detailed look at a year shaped by transition, renewed alignment and a deepened commitment to developing transformational leaders for the church and the world.” (Added 7-14-2025)
Tik-Tok via Steven Mitchell. Post about leaving the UMC following the “rainbow schism.” (Added 7-14-2025)
Tweet by Talbot Davis: “Major props to the Lord and to Lonnie Pittman for an SRO first Sunday at historic & strategic Buncombe Street Church, a @GlobalMChurch congregation in Greenville, SC. @CarolynCMoore @baptist_news” [Note: This in the congregations of an upcoming book by UM Bishop Willimon] (Added 7-14-2025)
“Monday Morning Briefing (July 14, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. The state of the UMC in Guinea is on the list for discussion. (Added 7-14-2025)
“Global Methodist Church Liberia finalizes breakaway from UMC at historic conference” by Nyantee S. Togba via The Liberian Investigator. “The new denomination’s convention, now known as the “Grain Coast Annual Conference,” named Nigerian Bishop John Pena Auta as the Presiding Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area. Rev. Dr. Jerry P. Kulah was appointed Conference Superintendent, while L. Orlando Boyce was selected as Conference Lay Leader.” (Added 7-14-2025)
“This week in Christian history: First openly gay UMC bishop elected, priest captured for high treason” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include the death of Pope John III, the capture of Edmund Campion, and the election of the United Methodist Church’s first openly gay bishop.” (Added 7-14-2025)
Post by Kathryn Croskey Jones via UM Clergy Facebook Group. A clergy wonders if she should throw out older versions of the Book of Discipline because of the hateful language they contain. (Added 7-14-2025)
Post by the UMC Council of Bishops (Facebook). “Rev. Kalombo Ngoy Nelson was today elected as a Bishop of The United Methodist Church on the third ballot during the Mid Africa Central Conference. COB President Bishop Tracy S. Malone presented him with the Episcopal Pin.” (Added 7-12-2025)
“Mujinga Kashala elected as bishop” by Chadrack Tambwe Londe via UMNS. “The Rev. Mujinga Kashala, district superintendent and pastor in South Congo, has been elected as a bishop by the Mid Africa Central Conference. She is the second woman elected a United Methodist bishop on the African continent, and the first in the former Congo Central Conference. Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala, elected in 2008 as Africa’s first woman bishop, retired earlier this year.” (Added 7-12-2025)
“Antoine Kalema Tambwe elected as bishop” by Chadrack Tambwe Londe via UMNS. “Kalema has been a project manager with UMCOR. He also has experience in international development work, previously working with the now-dismantled United States Agency for International Development and Germany’s international development organization. He sees that experience as demonstrating his ability to build bridges for the development of his community.” (Added 7-12-2025)
Post by UMC Council of Bishops (Facebook). “Rev. Kalema Tambwe Antoine has elected as a Bishop of The United Methodist Church on the second ballot during the Mid Africa Central Conference. COB President Bishop Tracy S. Malone presented him with the Episcopal Pin.” See also this report on the conference. (Added 7-12-2025)
“Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241” via Church & Main Podcast (YouTube). “Where can we find hope in the current political context? For Methodist pastor Drew McIntyre, that hope took place in an empty tomb when Jesus rose from the dead. Drew and I talk about the distinction between hope and optimism, and the cultural pessimism prevalent in society today. We also look at the significance of the bodily resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of hope, the role of the church in bridging divides, and the importance of practicing hope as a virtue in daily life.” (Added 7-12-2025)
North Georgia Annual Conference Handbook via PDF. Page 30 has the “One Georgia Task Force Report” that studies merger of the North and South Georgia Conferences. The effects of disaffiliation on each conference are delineated. Proposes that merger be complete by 2027. (Added 7-12-2025)
“The United Methodist Church is growing despite previous disaffiliations” by Kandice Bell via Newnan Times Herald. Sybil Davidson of the North Georgia Conference is the source for this report on the North Georgia Conference following disaffiliation. After losing nearly half their churches, cutting their budget, and redistricting (from 12 to 5), the conference just held in 2025 session and approved a $10.5 million budget (down from $21 million) and ordained 19. The article celebrates no clergy shortage. (Added 7-12-2025)
Overheard (updated): There are no United Methodist congregations left in the nation of Guinea. Methodist involvement in Guinea began during the Liberian Civil War. UMCOR established a school and clinic for Liberian refugees, many of whom were United Methodist. Through the evangelization efforts of refugees, a native Guinean Methodism took root in this francophone, predominantly Muslim nation. Former part of the Liberian UMC Conference, these congregations (reports range from 9 to 19, plus preaching points) have now aligned with the Global Methodist Church and help constitute the new Grain Coast Conference of the GMC. The doctor in charge of the clinic and principal in charge of the school have been UM loyalists, at odds with local church leaders. Bishop Quire is on record that the Liberian Conference still claims the Methodist properties in Guinea. (Added 7-11-2025)
Post via Punch TV Live (Liberia). [images of French-language documents] “Report has it that the United Methodist Church in Guinea, under the supervision of the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC/UMC) has been dissolved with immediate effect. Authorities in Guinea said the decision is in response to the worldwide United Methodist Church endorsement of same-sex marriage and homosexual practices.” Report that Bishop Quire has twice been denied entry into Guinea. (Added 7-12-2025)
“What are the Largest Anglican Dioceses and Parishes?” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. The Anglican Church in North America reports growth, with its largest congregation in Los Angeles, planting by Holy Trinity Brompton in London. (Added 7-11-2025)
“Conference gets new name, adds bishop” by Heather Hahn and Chadrack Tambwe Londe via UMNS. “More than 300 delegates are meeting this week in Kitwe, Zambia, for what United Methodists expect to be the last set of bishop elections for the next four years. The Mid Africa Central Conference, formerly known as the Congo Central Conference, plans to elect three new bishops including one who will oversee a newly formed episcopal area. By the end of the meeting, the denomination will have elected 13 new bishops around the globe over the past year.” (Added 7-11-2025)
“Baylor cites sexual ethics code in returning $643K LGBTQ+ grant; liberal group calls reversal ‘chilling’” by Jon Brown via Christian Post. “We remain committed to providing a loving and caring community for all — including our LGBTQIA+ students — because it is part and parcel of our University’s mission that calls us to educate our students within a caring Christian community,” Livingstone said. (Added 7-11-2025)
“Anglican Church of Mexico schism enters third year” via Anglican Ink. “The crisis illustrates how disputed elections can fracture small Anglican provinces when canonical procedures fail and civil courts lack clear jurisdiction over internal church governance. Until either a definitive legal ruling or mutually recognized synod emerges, Mexico’s Anglicans face an indefinite period of ecclesiastical division.” (Added 7-11-2025)
Post by Matthew Sichel via Facebook. “Congratulations to Charles Riggleman and the congregations of the FORMER Oldtown UMC Charge. They walked away from their buildings and have begun Oldtown Community Christian Church, a Global Methodist Church congregation. They are worshiping on Sundays at 9:30am in the Oldtown Volunteer Fire Station, 18712 Oldtown Rd., SE, Oldtown, MD 21555. Welcome to the GMC!!” (Added 7-11-2025)
Post by Robert Gagnon via Facebook. “In the face of mounting pressure, the President of Baylor University turns down a $643,000 grant to “foster LGBTQ inclusion.” That’s good but the President’s letter to the Baylor family has some doublespeak in it, like the statements (1) “We remain committed to providing a loving and caring community for … our LGBTQIA+ students” and (2) “Baylor also continues to strongly uphold the principle of academic freedom.” (Added 7-11-2025)
Baugh Foundation Statement via PDF. “The Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation Board of Trustees is deeply saddened by Baylor’s decision to cancel the recent “Courage from the Margins” research grant following an online campaign of fear and misinformation. A similar project, funded by our foundation and run by the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work over the past three years, has yielded significant
insights. They should be permitted to continue the trajectory of the important work they have already been able to accomplish, which focuses on research to equip congregations with evidence-based curriculum on inclusion and belonging for LGBTQIA+ individuals and women.” (Added 7-11-2025)
“Mount Vernon Place Church is sold to preservation-oriented non-profit for $500,000; congregation will remain while other uses are introduced” by Ed Gunts via Baltimore Fishbowl. “More than five years after it first went up for sale, a landmark Baltimore church has a new owner. Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church has been sold to a non-profit group that aims to restore and upgrade it for new uses without displacing its current congregation. The settlement took place on Thursday, July 10, and the price was $500,000.” (Added 7-11-2025)
“United Methodist churches change how they count success after massive membership exodus” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. Churches no longer asked to report attendance weekly. “In the 1980s, the United Methodist Church had more than 800 churches in North Alabama, but membership dropped from 178,118 at the start of 1984 to 150,348 at the start of 2008 to 139,535 at the start of 2012 to roughly 50,000 now.” (Added 7-11-2025)
“Baylor University Voluntarily Rescinds Acceptance of LGBT Research Grant” by Kim Roberts via Ministry Watch. Matt Kennedy, an Anglican pastor and author, wrote on X, “It’s much better to send your child to a secular university, hostile to the faith, than to a ‘Christian’ university like Baylor. Better the wolf with bared fangs than the wolf disguised as a shepherd.” (Added 7-10-2025)
“2025 Great Plains Annual Conference” via UMNS. Report of the June Annual Conference session in Salina, KS. Reported attendance increase. “The annual conference voted to approve the closure of 11 churches, eight of which were in Kansas and three in Nebraska.” (Added 7-10-2025)
“‘Where the Lord will lead us.’ Two Methodist churches merge on MA South Shore” by Ruth Thompson via Wicked Local. “They are in the grieving process, but are holding out hope,” Longman said. “To start something new, you have to let go of something and that’s hard, especially for folks who are a little bit older. Folks were married there, had their children baptized there. It has a special place in their hearts and always will be.” (Added 7-10-2024)
“Sister Joy, Sister Trust: United Methodist Nuns Blend Spiritual Traditions in Honduras” as shared by UMNS. “Their worship wove together many traditions, including robust Methodist singing and the silence of Quaker meetings. “I figured that if Jesus can be wholly human and wholly divine, we can be wholly United Methodist and wholly Quaker. It’s no big deal,” Alegría said. (Added 7-10-1015)
“Baylor Reverses Course on LGBTQ+ Grant” by Caitlyn Beebe via Juicy Ecumenism. “Baylor University rejected a $643,401 grant to study “the disenfranchisement and exclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals and women” in the church. Baylor President Linda Livingstone announced the decision this afternoon, reaffirming that the viewpoints promoted by the research conflicted with traditional Baptist teaching on sexuality.” Baylor’s Truett seminary has a Wesley House of Studies approved by the Global Methodist Church. (Added 7-10-2025)
Overheard: The Convening Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church in Liberia is currently in session. (Added 7-9-2025)
“The Doctrinal Crisis within the United Methodist Church Escalates as Lay Leader Orlando Boyce Separates from the Church and Joins the Global Methodist Church” Odarty Blackie via KNews Online (Liberia). Boyce criticized the church for “failing to reconcile or engage in dialogue to preserve unity,” and accused the Liberia UMC of becoming “a place where loyalty to individuals supersedes faith in Christ.” He went on to allege that internal divisions have intensified, stating: “There is a brotherhood in the church that has become so toxic that every action is riddled with suspicion as long as it’s not in line with Bishop Samuel Quire and Lay Leader Tolbert Nyenswah’s wishes.” (Added 7-9-2025)
“Clergy reinstatements approved at Annual Conference, celebrated in local worship service” via Western PA UMC Conference. As shared via UMNS Daily Digest: “The General Conference of 2024 removed these prohibitions and added disciplinary paragraph 368 (2020/2024 Book Of Discipline) which allowed for a former clergy person, prior to May 15, 2025, to submit a request to the Board of Ordained Ministry and to the Bishop to have their full membership and their ordination certificate to be returned in the annual conference in which they previously held membership. Both Rev. Miller and Rev. Koch made this request.” (Added 7-8-2025)
“Grieving church brings comfort in Texas floods” by Amanda Banda and Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Everybody at Kerrville United Methodist, she said, knows at least someone who has experienced loss or is mourning for someone dear themselves.” (Added 7-8-2024)
“VIDEO: Saxapahaw United Methodist Church flooded in aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal” via MyFox8. North Carolina flooding affects a UMC congregation. See also a feature on Kerrville UMC in Texas. (Added 7-7-2025)
“Oral Arguments in Texas Supreme Court on Church Autonomy Doctrine” by Hiram Sasser via The Federalist Society. “Here, neither SMU nor the Conference raised the church autonomy doctrine as a concern during the litigation, including in their briefs before the Texas Supreme Court. However, the Becket Fund for Religious liberty filed an amicus brief urging the court to address the church autonomy doctrine as a threshold issue. Although courts generally lack jurisdiction to decide these matters, Becket argues that the court should rule in favor of the Conference, the plaintiff who brought suit in the case.” (Added 7-7-2025)
“‘It’s good to be back in the building’ – Waurika congregation celebrates church purchase” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “The heartache of leaving the United Methodist Church and walking away from their beloved church building in Waurika, had given way to jubilation ― because they were finally allowed to purchase the property from their former denomination.” (Added 7-7-2025)
“UMC can sue SMU over governance, Texas high court says” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “Whether the lawsuit still will go forward remains to be seen because so much has changed in the six years since South Central first sued SMU. Not only are major players different, but the original reason SMU claimed for eliminating South Central from its bylaws — the UMC’s anti-LGBTQ stance — also has been removed.” (Added 7-7-2025)
“United Methodist and Episcopal Churches Advance Full Communion Dialogue with New Leadership and Key Focus Areas” via UMC Council of Bishops. “May 5 and 6 The United Methodist Church and The Episcopal Church dialogue committee met in person for the first time since The UMC General Conference approved the full communion agreement and The Episcopal Church General Convention affirmed the process toward full communion but not the agreement itself.” Bishop Olewine replacing Bishop Palmer as key rep. (Added 7-7-2025)
“Reply Brief” by NCLL via Appellate Court of Maryland. National Center for Life & Liberty responds to an earlier Baltimore-Washington Conference Brief in a lawsuit to leave the conference. (Added 7-5-2025)
“Baylor University Receives Grant to Study LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Church” by Caitlyn Beebe via Juicy Ecumenism. A progressive foundation has granted $643,401 to Baylor University to study “the disenfranchisement and exclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals and women” in the church. The grantees hope their work will “nurture institutional courage and foster change,” according to the June 30 press release. (Added 7-3-2025)
“Historic DeKalb church burns down; leaders say ‘God had other plans’” via 11Alive. DeKalb County, Ga church fire. See also Drone Footage. (Added 7-3-2025)
“What Generation Can We Blame for Religious Decline?” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. “The two biggest movers are the mainline and the non-religious. The mainline was over 30% of the sample in the mid-1970s. They dropped to 20% by 1990 and have just continued to slide from there. They are about 10% of adults today. Meanwhile, the nones have gone the opposite direction. They were 5% between 1972 and 1990 and then just shot up from there. Above 10% by 1996, north of 20% by 2014, and then they hit 28% in 2021.” (Added 7-3-2025)
“U.S. Supreme Court rulings challenge church” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. UMC leaders respond to recent Supreme Court rulings affecting immigration. (Added 7-2-2025)
“Centenary United Methodist Church celebrates its first Pride Month as a Reconciling Church” via California Pacific Conference. As shared by UMNS. (Added 7-2-2025)
“Top UMC Official QuitS Over Doctrinal Shifts — Joins Global Methodist Church” by Simeon S. Wiakanty via The Observer (Liberia). “In a decisive move that adds further momentum to the growing wave of discontent within the United Methodist Church (UMC), Mr. L. Olandor Boyce, I, a prominent official of the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC/UMC), has formally withdrawn his membership from the denomination. His decision, announced via a public press statement on Tuesday, reflects deep dissatisfaction with the global church’s recent doctrinal revisions and the leadership direction within Liberia’s Methodist community.” (Added 7-2-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “After the recent Supreme Court case regarding a state law banning medical transitions for minors with gender dysphoria, the General Board of Church and Society issued an extremely predictable response. After reading lengthy and thoughtful critiques of the politics and evidence for such treatment published in mainstream news sources, I found myself wishing the local church got more from our General Boards than we often are given.” (Added 7-2-2025)
“‘I was thick’ – Welby regrets trusting Bible on sexual ethics” by The Christian Institute. “The former Archbishop of Canterbury made the shocking remark at an event organised by The Cambridge Union, the University’s historic debating society. Last year, while still in office, Welby angered evangelicals in the Church of England by stating that sexual activity is permissible within ‘committed relationships’.” (Added 7-2-2025)
“A buyer has emerged for historic Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, one year after a previous sale fell through” by Ed Gunts via Baltimore Fish Bowl. “Buyers have emerged for Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church and the adjacent church office building known as Asbury House.” (Added 7-1-2025)
“United Methodist Plant ‘Zao’ Celebrates Liturgical Pride” by Wyatt Flicker via Juicy Ecumenism. “Pride Sunday at Zao began with a song written by deconstructionist staple Semler, titled “Thank God for That (TGFT),” with the charming refrain, “I’m gay, thank God for that, Christians cast me out, but Jesus had my back.” (Added 7-1-2025)
“Healing ‘church hurt’: Award-winning United Methodist clergy leads youth outreach” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “Mosaic Gadsden is a group for anybody that’s ever felt hurt or excluded by the church, which is actually so many people,” Yarnell said. “When we first started, it was mainly for LGBTQ-plus community, but we’ve realized that branches out to so many more people.” (Added 7-1-2025)
Post by Salisu Waziri via Facebook. [image of a lawsuit document in Liberia] “One of the reasons the Global Methodist Church will not thrive much in Africa is because they are starting on a wrong foundation……grabbing Church properties that doesn’t belong to them, is not only criminal but unchristianed…the GMC’s behavior is the same all over Africa.” (Added 7-1-2025)
“Texas Supreme Court Allows United Methodist Church’s Lawsuit Against Southern Methodist University to Proceed” by Cameron Abrams via The Texan. “While SCOTX did not come to a resolution regarding the split between the parties, its decision allows the case to move forward and be taken up in a lower court.” (Added 7-1-2025)
“Texas Supreme Court greenlights United Methodist Church’s suit against Texas school” by Eric Killelea via Chron. “Amid the mass exodus of liberals and conservatives, the United Methodist Church is attempting to regain control over one of its financial assets: Southern Methodist University in Dallas.” (Added 7-1-2025)
“A Plea to Congo Central Conference Delegates” by Gabriel Banga Mususwa via UM Insight. “You saw and witnessed some who stood for episcopal leadership in the Southern Africa Central Conference, who when the results didn’t favor them, two weeks later left the UMC and formed a new denomination. They watered UMC with unpalatable names such as “gay church,” “homosexual supporters” etc. They were all over actively participating at the Southern Africa Central Conference including singing and dancing with us but later on turned and said the opposite of what we’d sung.” (Added 7-1-2025)
“LGBTQ teens wanted a Pride festival in their town. How five churches made it happen.” via Presbyterian Outlook (an RNS story). “When the teens first asked if a Park Ridge Pride festival was possible in their quiet suburb of about 40,000 residents near O’Hare International Airport, Hill took the idea to the Park Ridge Ministerial Association, a clergy group in town. Very quickly, First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge, Park Ridge Presbyterian, St. Mary’s Episcopal and St. Luke’s Lutheran jumped on board.” (Added 6-30-2025)
“Texas Supreme Court says UMC can sue Southern Methodist University over attempt to leave denomination” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “According to its own figures, as of last year, SMU has an endowment of $2.12 billion, more than 1,700 staff and administrators, and approximately 12,000 students. The university is also home to the President George W. Bush Library and Museum. The former president and his wife, former first lady Laura Bush, are also members of Highland Park United Methodist Church, which is adjacent to the SMU campus.” (Added 6-30-2025)
Post by Bill Foster via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “The United Methodist Church, with all its deep theological heritage and commitment to grace, still has some unfinished work to do—particularly when it comes to justice within its own house. Among the most pressing concerns: the full inclusion of unordained local pastors in the governance of the Church….” (Added 6-30-2025)
“UMC Concludes Leadership Seminar in Nimba” via Daily Observer (Liberia). Jefferson B. Knight, Director of the Human Rights Department at LAC/UMC, said” they are fighting over property in every corner of Liberia, but unfortunately for them, the LAC/UMC respects the laws of Liberia and will defend both its name and its mission. Some people think this Church is a small, disorganized body—but they are wrong,” he said. (Added 6-30-2025)
“Oklahoma United Methodists hope to counter disaffiliation gloom with new campaign” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “The Rev. Derrek Belase, the conference’s director of connectional ministries, said “What if love” is a rebranding, of sorts, a counter to the public fracturing of the global United Methodist Church and how that rupture played out locally.” (Added 6-30-2025)
“Methodist Church can sue SMU over control of the school, Texas Supreme Court rules” by Penelope Rivera via KERA. The justices ruled that although the church is not a “member” of the university, it still has legal rights to control nonprofit entities it founded even when those entities try to break away. “We agree with the Conference that it qualifies as a third-party beneficiary of those articles and may thus pursue its breach-of-contract claim against SMU,” Justice Debra H. Lehrmann wrote Friday. See also Texas Tribune coverage. (Added 6-30-2025)
“Teach Truthfully and Minister Mercifully” by Paul Stallsworth via The Human Life Review. “Congregations, as well as their pastors and priests, are hesitant, even unwilling, to address abortion either publicly or from the pulpit. We are afraid that we might make somebody in the local church mad. Nevertheless, faithful ministry involves taking risks for the sake of the Gospel, the faithfulness of the local church, and the well-being of the littlest ones and their mothers. The following document was written, edited, adopted, and released by the National Pro-Life Religious Council (NPRC) in 2010. It has been lightly edited to update its claims.” (Added 6-30-2025)
“Why is Denominational Affiliation Avoided?” by Isaac Cullum via Juicy Ecumenism. “An unspoken reason for avoiding denominational affiliations are the negative stereotypes sometimes attached to certain denominations. Sects within each denomination foster negative stereotypes about other denominations. Granted, this does not apply to everyone in a given denomination. Many people are tolerant and gracious towards other denominations but do little to debunk stereotypes. Once created, these stereotypes grow in popularity until they become widely accepted.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“High court: Church can sue for SMU control” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The Texas Supreme Court sided with the South Central Jurisdictional Conference in advancing its lawsuit against Southern Methodist University. The United Methodist jurisdictional conference sued the university in 2019 after the university’s board moved to cut ties with the conference and, by extension, the denomination. The dispute began after The United Methodist Church strengthened bans on gay clergy and same-sex weddings. General Conference removed the denomination-wide bans last year.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“Disbursement of 2024 separation fees announced” via South Carolina Advocate. How the South Carolina Conference is using the $12.1 million in exit fees paid by 112 churches. (Added 6-27-2025)
“Church embraces its Muslim tenants as neighbors” by John Coleman via UMNS. “St. Luke United Methodist Church has welcomed the As-Salaam Islamic Society to host weekend prayer gatherings, Sunday school classes and fellowship events.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“Churches adopting churches” by Dirk Elliott via Resource UMC. “Churches Adopting Churches offers a practical and hopeful approach to addressing the challenges faced by many struggling congregations today. Through the adoption model, healthier churches can partner with struggling ones, bringing new life and vitality to communities in need.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“2025 Alaska Annual Conference” via UMNS. “One example of justice and repair that Buck shared was the Land Return celebration in Lapwai, Idaho. The United Methodist Church returned the church and property of the Lapwai United Methodist Church to the Nez Perce Tribe. Bishop Bridgeforth asked about other conversations occurring in the Greater Northwest Area.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“Church and Society Laments the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision to Restrict Access to Gender Affirming Care for Youth” via UMC Church & Society. Gender-affirming care for minors is a process that is best handled with the engagement of parents and qualified medical doctors and professionals.
For parents who wish to support their child’s gender identity transition, the Supreme Court ruling takes away their basic rights to access appropriate healthcare. (Added 6-27-2025)
“Opinion: The Bible is a complex queer text. We must reclaim it from the Christian right.” by Brandan Rebertson via Religion News Service. “As people of goodwill across America — and especially LGBTQ+ people and our allies — continue to resist and fight back against the growing tide of queerphobia, we must work to reclaim the Bible and Christianity as the radical socially and spiritually subversive resources they have always been. By doing so, we open a door for people in the pews to see there is a better way to embody their values, and we ensure LGBTQ+ youth know there is a better gospel for them than what they hear in their conservative churches.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“Luther Seminary and the Future of Mainline Protestantism with Rob Myallis | Episode 239” via Church & Main Podcast. “In this episode, I take some time to explore the significant changes at Luther Seminary and their implications for mainline Protestantism. With the decision to sell its remaining property by 2027, a reflection of long-standing financial struggles, I discuss insights from Rob Myalis, an ELCA pastor and Luther alumnus, on sustaining a pipeline of pastors. We look at the shift towards experiential learning and its potential impact on future students, as well as the responsibilities of churches to cultivate their own leaders. This insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of theological education and congregational life is both frightening and hopeful.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“UMC Probably Trying to Buy Africa” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “The UMC is still outperforming the GMC in transparency and reporting. Even so, a recent announcement of the denomination’s intent to move $35 million to Africa should raise eyebrows, especially as legal battles in Nigeria and Liberia need money to succeed. When the American UMC is becoming keenly aware of its significant losses, is it really realistic to expect that they would be eager to send so much money for education overseas? Read over the document with me and learn a little bit about Nigeria in particular. There is some really sketchy stuff going on over there that almost certainly involves some of this money they are trying to move.” (Added 6-27-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “…Have we had similar conversations about the use of pride flags and symbols in worship spaces? When I see pictures where the altar is draped in pride flags, I wonder how people would react if that was replaced by an American flag…” (Added 6-27-2025)
“Looking at What’s New in the ‘Other Resolutions’” by Taylor Burton Edwards via UM Insight. ““Furthering the Connection” (Resolution 5114) upholds the institutional life of The United Methodist Church at a different level. Rather than focusing on particular institutions, as do the previous three, this resolution underscores three core commitments of the denomination across the entire connection: the principle of connectionalism itself, the nurturing of the real diversity within the denomination, and the inclusion of all people of differing “race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and any other forms of differentiation as full and equal participants in the life and work of the Church.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“Global Methodist Church Receives Four New Annual Conferences and Welcomes Bishop Eduard Khegay” by Dianne Burnett via GMC. A former UMC bishop and four former UMC conferences join the GMC. (Added 6-27-2025)
“Methodism Emerges Stronger in Africa” by Eveline Chikwanah via UM Insight. Bishop Emmanuel promotes regionalization. (Added 6-27-2025)
“Conferences Form the Heart of UMC’s ‘Dismantling Racism’” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. A round-up of conference anti-racism initiatives. (Added 6-27-2025)
“Love, loss and a calling restored: The Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey’s lifelong witness to grace” by Un-Tied Methodism Podcast. Ashley Boggan interviews Dr. Rick Huskey who received a deathbed ordination after being earlier denied. See also “Affirmation at Last” via UM Insight. (Added 6-27-2025)
“Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly: Reawakening the Learning Church through Failing Forward” by Michael Beck. “Because let’s be honest: things blow up in ministry too. Projects collapse. Leaders burn out. Churches split. Communities that once felt alive suddenly go cold. And too often, we treat these moments as shameful failures, evidence of bad leadership or weak faith. But what if we adopted a more experimental posture? What if we created a culture that embraced spiritual innovation with the same “fail fast, learn fast” energy that SpaceX brings to the launchpad?” (Added 6-27-2025)
“2025 Upper New York Annual Conference” via UMNS. Fifteen churches closed in Upper New York at the recent annual conference session. (Added 6-27-2025)
“After nearly 175 years, Court Street Methodist closing” via Lynchburg News and Advance. “After 174 years of ministry, Court Street United Methodist Church will hold its final service at 9:30 a.m. on June 22.” See also WSET coverage. (Added 6-27-2025)
“Important Announcement from the Director” via The Wesley at Louisiana Tech. “In short, Louisiana Tech Wesley Foundation is disconnecting from the UMC and adopting a new name. We are very excited about where the Lord is leading us, and we urgently need your partnership. On March 24, 2025, we received written correspondence from the Louisiana Annual Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry (BHECM) informing us that as of July 1, 2025, the Louisiana Tech Wesley Foundation would cease to receive Conference funding and that at that time our “connection to the UMC is presumed to be lost.” In the same correspondence, the BHECM said “the time has come to pass the torch” to other denominational bodies, and it called upon independent and GMC churches to assume responsibility for supporting us.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“LGBTQ activist ordained on deathbed” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “The Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey was ordained in a Pennsylvania hospital room as he lingered near death. Huskey had gone on to a successful medical career after being refused ordination in the 1970s because he was gay. A bishop said it was a full-circle moment, and Huskey wanted it known that he forgave the church for the long wait.” (Added 6-27-2025)
“Alabama West-Florida Conference UMC closes 26 churches in Alabama” by Caleb Taylor via 1819 News. “Low attendance was blamed for the church closings. The United Methodist Church has experienced a mass exodus of churches over a shifting view within UMC leadership related to homosexuality and homosexual clergy. The Alabama West-Florida Conference is currently involved in litigation with Harvest Church in Dothan.” (Added 6-16-2025)
“United Methodists speak up for inclusion and justice | OPINION” by Philip Amerson via The Herald-Times. The UMC vote condemning threats to our universities didn’t make the newspapers, or if it did, it was “below the fold.” Our state politicians should know there is something happening “within the fold.” It is a resounding “NO” to bullying, racism and efforts to do harm. (Added 6-16-2025)
“Liberia: Global Methodist Church Denies Ganta Hospital Vandalism, Accuses UMC of False Propaganda” by Gibson Gree via All Africa. Following the court’s decision, GMC members marched through the Ganta compound, which includes the hospital and several mission buildings. GMC leadership insists the event was nonviolent and celebratory. According to their statement, local nurses and hospital workers even joined in the event, and no one lodged formal complaints with police or hospital administrators. In contrast, Bishop Quire and other UMC officials have condemned the incident as an unlawful takeover, alleging that GMC members engaged in vandalism and violent behavior. At a recent Liberia Council of Churches meeting, Quire accused the GMC of staging “physical attacks” and warned ominously, “the worst is about to happen.” (Added 6-14-2025)
“Methodists at War Again” via New Dawn (Liberia). The GMC in Liberia takes issue with Bishop Quire calling a change in church signage “vandalism.” The change in signage happened following a court ruling granting the GMC the property. (Added 6-13-2025)
Overheard: “Interesting request for a rule of law while voting on the constitutional amendments today. Lay delegate asks for a ruling of law from Bishop Dease regarding the final sentence of the constitutional amendment on regionalization. The line reads: “The ratification process by the annual conferences for the constitutional amendments in this petition shall begin no later than 30 days after the adjournment of the postponed 2020 General Conference.” Lay delegate believes no votes were taken within 30 days, which means the general church is in violation of the legislation. The Conference Chancellor cited this ruling.” (Added 6-13-2025)
“Commentary: We need a new table where all are welcome” by Ben Smith via UMNS. “The systems we’ve inherited are suffocating our future, writes young adult leader Ben Smith. Built for another era, these systems function to protect power, are resistant to change and preserve a table that was not built with everyone in mind, he says. If we want a future, we cannot simply pull up more chairs. We need a new table; one by and for the very people the Spirit is calling to lead us forward.” (Added 6-13-2025)
“An act of vandalism at annual conference” by Bishop David Bard via Michigan Conference. As shared via UMNS’ Daily Digest. (Added 6-13-2025)
Post by John Alexander Wright via UM Clergy Facebook Group. A UMC clergy denies the Trinity. Taylor Burton-Edwards takes him on. (Added 6-13-2025)
“United Methodists Witness to Compassion, Humanity in Demonstrations” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. Social media round-up of United Methodist participation in the ICE protests. (Added 6-13-2025)
“LGBTQIA+ Iowans, including Pastor Sean, have a lot to digest | Opinion” by Lyle Muller via Des Moines Register. “Church policy changed in 2024 when the United Methodist General Conference, responsible for the church worldwide, dropped the ban but local churches still have the power to decide if they want an LGBTQIA+ pastor or allow same-sex or non-binary weddings. Compromises remain.” (Added 6-13-2025)
“Global Methodist Church Denies UMC Allegations” by Emery Watson via Daily Observer. “The GMC clarified that the recent gathering in Ganta was a peaceful celebration following a court ruling in its favor. The court awarded ownership of the Ganta United Methodist Hospital, its adjoining school, and the mission station to the Global Methodist Church. These properties were previously under the administration of the former Gompa District Conference of the UMC, which has since affiliated with the GMC. “It is illogical and unfounded to assume we would damage property now legally belonging to us,” the GMC stated. According to the GMC, video evidence from the celebration shows hospital staff participating in the jubilant march. The church also noted that there have been no police reports or formal complaints from the hospital or local authorities confirming any vandalism, contrary to what UMC leadership claimed.” (Added 6-13-2025)
“United Methodist Church moves to close multiple churches, while some resist” via WTVM. “There’s churches who are no longer United Methodist and still obtaining that building, we close them as United Methodist churches,” said Dr. Cory Smith. (Added 6-13-2025)
“Nation’s largest Protestant denomination calls for overturning Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage” by Alex Nitzberg via Fox News. “The Southern Baptist Convention adopted a lengthy resolution this week that, in part, calls for the overturning of the Supreme Court’s 2015 gay marriage ruling. The text of the resolution, titled, “On Restoring Moral Clarity through God’s Design for Gender, Marriage, and the Family,” calls “for the overturning of laws and court rulings, including Obergefell v. Hodges, that defy God’s design for marriage and family.” (Added 5-12-2025)
“General Secretary Rev. Moses Kumar to Retire in 2026 After Years of Faithful Leadership at GCFA” via GCFA. “To ensure a smooth leadership transition, GCFA has engaged an executive search firm with extensive experience in the religious and nonprofit sectors to assist in identifying the next General Secretary.” (Added 6-12-2025)
“What’s new in Book of Discipline on human sexuality?” by Taylor Burton Edwards via umc.org. “The largest number of additions regarding human sexuality involve ways to include non-heterosexual people at all levels of leadership in the denomination beyond the local church. Starting at the district level, the district council on youth ministry is now recommended to include in its membership people of various sexual orientations, people with disabilities, and people of various economic conditions (Paragraph 672.2). Similar language was added for the membership of the conference councils on youth ministry, young adult ministry, and older adult ministry (Paragraphs 649.2, 650.2, and 651.2). At the general agency level, similar language is also included for the composition of the board of the General Commission on Religion and Race (Paragraph 2003.4).” (Added 6-12-2025)
“How Protestant Denominations Have Voted from 2008 to 2024” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. Show UMC majority Republican in 2008-2024, an mid-range among denominations generally. (Added 6-12-2025)
“Church of England plans record $2.2 billion spend after signs of revival” via Reuters. “The Church of England will spend a record 1.6 billion pounds ($2.17 billion) over the next three years to boost clergy stipends and help cash-strapped parishes, it said on Monday, hoping to build on signs of a churchgoing revival among Britons. The 2026-2028 spending plan is 36% higher than the previous period and will help revitalise local churches and outreach after four years of growth in church attendance, the mother church of 85 million Anglicans worldwide said.” (Added 6-12-2025)
“Indiana Conference Backs UMC-Related University Targeted for DEI” by Cynthia Astle. via UM Insight. “The Indiana Annual Conference has officially backed UMC-related DePauw University for its continued support of diversity and inclusion in the face of a threat from the state’s attorney general.” (Added 6-12-2025)
“ICE Raids Statement from Bishop Julius Trimble, Church and Society” via UM Insight. “The General Board of Church and Society has been consistent in condemning the Trump administration’s unlawful immigration deportation tactics, including the most recent military escalation of ICE raids in Los Angeles and cities around the country.” See also here. (Added 6-12-2025)
“United Methodist Conference Votes To Close Flomaton UMC And McRae Street UMC In Atmore” via North Escambia. “The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church has voted to immediately close 26 churches in south Alabama and one in the Florida Panhandle. In the North Escambia area, the closures included the McRae Street United Methodist Church in Atmore and the Flomaton United Methodist Church on Palafox Street. The other churches closed were across South Alabama, along with one in Jackson County, Alabama.” See similar coverage from WDHN. (Added 6-12-2025)
Post by Pulpit & Pen (Facebook). “One of the most unhinged and insane “exegesis” of Acts 16 (Paul Heals a Girl with a Demon) you’ll ever hear, especially near the end. From Union Combined Parish. UMC.” (Added 6-12-2025)
“High Court Bars United Methodist Church From Holding Services In Borrowdale” via Pindula (Zimbabwe). “High Court Judge Justice Munangati Manongwa has issued an interim order barring the United Methodist Church from holding services and events at its Borrowdale property in Harare, following a 15-year dispute with residents. Residents of Doveton Avenue argued that the church’s activities, which began in 2006 without the required permits, caused noise pollution and traffic congestion.” See also NewsDay coverage. (Added 6-11-2025)
“Redeemed Zoomer’s Record on Evangelicalism, Church Splits” by Caitlyn Beebe via Juicy Ecumenism. “Redeemed Zoomer criticized conservative Christians for their “retreatist mindset” when the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) were formed as conservative alternatives to mainline denominations.” (Added 6-11-2025)
“Enfield and Canaan United Methodist churches become one” via Valley News. “Additionally, the merger enables Mascoma United Methodist Church to sell or repurpose the Canaan United Methodist Church property on Route 4 without activating a trust clause, which would otherwise revert property to the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.” (Added 6-11-2025)
“United Methodists close 27 churches in South Alabama and Florida Panhandle” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “This is a solemn moment,” said Bishop Jonathan Holston, who oversees all United Methodist churches in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. “To every moment there is a season and this is that time,” Holston said in a closing prayer. “Lord, bless the memories.” (Added 6-11-2025)
“This new church tactic called ‘steeple-jacking’ has United Methodist leaders fighting back in court” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. An attorney for the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church gave an update on 21 Alabama churches that have sued the denomination in an effort to leave and accused seven others of “steeple-jacking” by changing church deeds. (Added 6-10-2025)
“Church leader pushes to amend agreement” via The Fiji Times. “WITH the Methodist Church Conference just weeks away, pressure is mounting to review the agreement between the Methodist Church in Fiji and the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA). The memorandum of understanding (MoU) allows the Methodist Church to operate under the UCA in Australia, but concerns have surfaced over the UCA’s support for same-sex marriage, a stance the Methodist Church firmly opposes.” (Added 6-10-2025)
“Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Ditching Denominations—and What Happens Next” by John Taylor via Relevant Magazine. “Denominational identity is not a priority for younger generations,” said Ryan Burge, a political scientist at Eastern Illinois University who studies religion and generational trends. “They’re looking for community and authenticity, not a specific label.” (Added 6-10-2025)
“Liberia: United Methodist Women Hold Faith Renewal Conference Amid Church Crisis” by Patience Jones via Front Page Africa. “As internal debates continue to unfold on a national and international level, the participants called for spiritual clarity and urged members across the districts to stand firm on biblical principles. Organizers described the conference as both a spiritual retreat and a call to action.” (Added 6-10-2025)
“UMC Church Sings ‘Pink Pony Club’ For Praise And Worship” via Protestia. “During yesterday’s service, they kicked off the church service with gay icon Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club, which includes lyrics like:” (Added 6-9-2025)
“Wedding ban gone, church honors 3 gay couples” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “For Pride Month, Edgehill United Methodist Church held a vow-renewal service for three married gay couples from three generations. The couples, all leaders in the Nashville congregation, were previously unable to wed at their church home because of United Methodist bans that were overturned last year. The ceremony occurred on Pentecost Sunday. The Rev. Eric Mayle, the church’s pastor, described the day’s festivities as a reminder that God pours out the Holy Spirit on all people.” (Added 6-9-2025)
“‘Season of disaffiliation’ behind it, Methodists convene in Pensacola” by Tom McLaughlin via Pensacola News Journal. “For the first time in 91 years, the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church convenes in Pensacola, home of “the mother church of Florida Methodism.”The meeting comes at a time when 25% of UMC churches have disaffiliated due to disputes primarily centered around rights of the LGBTQ community within the church (Added 6-9-2025)
Overheard: Jeffrey Rickman: There is a hearing today on a West Virginia church’s lawsuit against the conference. (Added 6-9-2025)
Overheard: Jeffrey Rickman: “Nigerian court held initial hearing last Wednesday, UMCN having filed suit against GMCN. Initial proceedings went well for GMCN. The next hearing is scheduled for July 10. Final judgment isn’t expected for several months. Meanwhile, police in Nukkai were somehow incentivized into preventing worship at the local GMC church, beating and arresting at least six people, including Conference Superintendent Baziel Yayuba Yoila. The Sunday previous, worshipers in Kodei Gorbe were assaulted DURING WORSHIP – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16ftZ1YFNi/” (Added 6-9-2025)
“Conference presses on in love” via Michigan Conference UMC. Among its 2025 legislative business, the Michigan Conference votes to boycott pilgrimages to the Holy Land. (Added 6-7-2025)
“UMCSC asks S.C. Supreme Court to assign all disaffiliation cases to single judge” as shared in UMNS Daily Digest. “In its exhibit, the conference stated that from late November 2024 until the date of their motion, the conference has received Notices of Separation from 40 local United Methodist churches located in many parts of the state purporting to separate from the conference and denomination. It added these churches had filed with the secretary of state nonprofit corporation articles of amendment and changes of registered agent, which attorneys said “leaves the conference no choice but to proceed with litigation.” (Added 6-7-2025)
“The Tale of a Church Turnaround” by Ken Sloane via Discipleship Ministries. As linked in UMNS Daily Digest: “A second factor in the turnaround was the decision to be clearer about the church’s identity as an inclusive and welcoming congregation. “Around 2017, our church voted to become a Reconciling Congregation,” Pastor Steph recalled. The Reconciling Ministries Network is made up of United Methodist individuals and congregations committed to the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the church. “We were already very much moving in that direction,” Pastor Steph reflected, “so we decided to make it official. It was a unanimous vote. At that point, probably half our congregation was queer, so it just made sense.”” (Added 6-7-2025)
Post by Taylor Burton Edwards via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “The General Conference Commission is taking the current situation seriously– and working on 2032: Link” (Added 6-7-2025)
“Commission monitoring travel bans” by Press Release via Resource UMC. “The Commission on the General Conference is aware of the June 4, 2025 executive order that suspended entry to citizens of some countries into the United States. Recognizing that the bans may potentially impact delegate travel to the 2028 General Conference, the Commission is closely monitoring the situation.” (Added 6-6-2025)
“24 United Methodists killed in Nigeria attack” by Filibus Bakari Auta via UMNS. “During the aid distribution, representatives for both the herdsmen and farmers were on hand.” (Added 6-6-2025)
“New US travel ban will harm The United Methodist Church” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “Within United Methodism, church governance will be damaged when church leaders from places such as Sierra Leone and Burundi are kept from attending the 2028 General Conference slated for Minneapolis. Even though church-wide board and agency meetings can be held online, General Conference business can’t be conducted virtually by church policy. Time zone differences pose further hardships on international United Methodists if they must attend online meetings in the middle of their nighttime.” (Added 6-6-2025)
“Three Years After United Methodist Split, Churches Find ‘Renewed Sense of Purpose’” by Paul Petitte via CBN. “”2022 was easily the most difficult year of ministry,” said Rev. Clark Atkins, pastor of First Church in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. His congregation was among those that voted to leave the UMC and join the newly formed Global Methodist Church—a theologically conservative denomination that launched with just a few dozen congregations in 2022 and now oversees more than 4,600 worldwide.” (Added 6-6-2025)
“UMC Brings Hope to Conflict Zones in Nigeria” via UM Insight. “In a bold act of compassion and reconciliation, The United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) has extended a helping hand to victims of the violent conflict that shook Karim Lamido Local Government Area in May. Relief materials worth ₦31 million (about US $20,000) were distributed to both Fulani herders and indigenous farming communities in Munga Lelau, Jen, Karim, Bambuka, and Kode, bringing much-needed hope and healing.” (Added 6-6-2025)
Post by Bill Foster via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “For Christian theology, this discovery [that the universe might be conscious] is not a contradiction—it is a revelation. The concept of a conscious universe harmonizes with biblical descriptions of God’s omnipresence, divine intelligence, and the idea that creation itself testifies to His existence. “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28) resonates more deeply when quantum physics suggests that consciousness may permeate reality itself.” (Added 6-6-2025)
“Studying the sacramental practice of online communion” via Baltimore-Washington Conference. “As we continue discerning how to faithfully serve Christ in a diverse and ever-changing world, the General Conference Committee on Faith and Order is undertaking a study of our denomination’s practices surrounding online Communion.” (Added 6-6-2025)
“United Methodists consider changes since the approval of LGBTQ pastors” via WFTS. “The direction of the United Methodist Church is being discussed at its annual conference in Lakeland this week. “Regionalization” is a big topic this year as the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church meets for the first time since the approval of LGBTQ+ pastors and same sex marriage. (Added 6-6-2025)
Post by Joey Heath-Mason via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “With this new executive order, won’t GC have to move now?” https://www.whitehouse.gov/…/restricting-the-entry-of…/ (Added 6-5-2025)
Post by Reconciling Ministries Network via Facebook. If you see today’s issue of USA TODAY on newsstands, flip it open and you’ll find Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran (RMN’s Director of Mission Impact) in the middle, speaking about the sacred responsibility of churches. “We’re not interested in tokenism. If you’re really affirming and welcoming, you have to show it by advocating for (pro-LGBTQ+) policies in your community. You have to actively be fighting for us, with us.” (Added 6-5-2025)
“Pentecost Never Happened” by Richard Bryant via UM Insight. “Pentecost, as it is described in Acts 2, didn’t happen.” (Added 6-5-2025)
“COSROW recognizes three barrier breakers with Branscomb Award” via North Alabama UMC Conference. North Alabama group honors women who helped to start new UM congregations following successful disaffiliation votes in their local churches. (Added 6-5-2025)
“United Methodist court warns Mississippi Conference not to allow churches to leave with property” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “The top court of the United Methodist Church has struck down a practice in Mississippi that was allowing churches to leave the denomination with property. The United Methodist Judicial Court backed up its previous ruling last year that closing a church cannot be used as a back door for allowing a congregation to leave the denomination and take its property with it.” (Added 6-4-2025)
“What’s New in the Book of Resolutions, Part 4: The Political Community” by Taylor W Burton Edwards via UMC.org. “The Political Community now includes 72 resolutions, 22 of them new. The subtopics now included in this section reveal an awareness of direct political action The United Methodist Church can take to address them in the church and its societies.” (Added 6-4-2025)
“031: The Church Nobody Thinks Could Exist: Progressive Faith Meets Deep Tradition” by Adam Hamilton via YouTube. “Fresh from a gathering of United Methodist pastors, these emerging leaders share their deeply personal call stories and their bold vision for creating faith communities that nobody thinks could exist—places where progressive values meet ancient traditions, where doubts are welcomed alongside belief, and where diversity isn’t just tolerated but celebrated as a reflection of God’s kingdom.” (Added 6-4-2025)
“Being ‘vile’ is a good thing, historian says” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Wesleyan Vile-tality” makes its case partially by critiquing times that Boggan believes Methodists have fallen short. Examples include the long waits for women, LGBTQ people and racial minorities to be considered as full equals in the denomination. (Added 6-4-2025)
“Appellee’s Brief” by Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference (PDF). Appeal of the BWC in the case with churches seeking exit. (Added 6-4-2025)
“UMC rejects homosexuality” via The Herald (Zimbabwe). “THE United Methodist Church (UMC) has firmly restated its opposition to homosexuality and same-sex marriages, asserting that such practices are incompatible with Christian teachings and Zimbabwean cultural values. Addressing a Press conference in Harare on Saturday, UMC Bishop Dr Gift Machinga addressed growing concerns among congregants following a decision by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove restrictions on homosexuality within the wider denomination.” (Added 6-4-2025)
Post by Dan Lyons via Good News (Facebook). I feel sad and angry for all the churches who were lied to by their Conference bishop and their under bosses who told churches there would be an “easier and cheaper” exit after General Conference 2020/2024. They were not being honest then as they were determined to work toward the closing of disaffiliation. They accused many of us of “spreading misinformation” when we counseled churches to not believe these “promises.” (Added 6-4-2025)
“Church pays state for fuel spill cleanup” via WWNY TV. “West Stockholm United Methodist Church treasurer Donna Baker says the church settled that tab recently. It came after a fuel line was hit while the church was replacing a septic tank in 2019. That leak put petroleum into the church’s drinking water. The state Department of Environmental Conservation helped clean things up and put in a water filtration system. In all, costs hit $121,000. The church paid $40,000. The rest will remain as a lien against the property.” (Added 6-4-2025)
“‘What I will be saying is, people need Jesus’: Rev Alan Wardlow, the next President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, speaking ahead of his installation” by Valerie Martin. Speaking ahead of his installation, he said: “What I will be saying is, people need Jesus. We need to share Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to be unflinching in offering Christ, and the Holy Spirit will help us find ways of doing this.” (Added 6-4-2025)
“Ruling: Stop alternative church-exit plans” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The United Methodist Church’s top court declared “null and void” the Mississippi Conference’s process to let churches leave with property. The decision, released before the start of the Mississippi Annual Conference, is the most recent to emphasize that closures cannot be used as alternative paths for church disaffiliations.” (Added 6-3-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “A word to my colleagues in the clergy of the American UMC who have remained UMC and who also hold traditional theological convictions regarding human sexuality: a year out from GC 2024 and in the midst of this annual conference season, it does not feel like we are in a “big tent” denomination. Some of your conference officials will make private comments to you about appreciating your presence in the UMC, but in many public forums (including this FB group) traditional theological convictions are met with dismissal, suspicion, hostility, and invitations to leave the denomination…” (Added 6-3-2025)
“One Aquifer, Many Wells” by Steve Harper via UM Insight. A Buddhist’s nun’s account of bodhichitta, an “awakened heart,” is “exactly what John Wesley was describing in his Aldersgate experience.” (Added 6-3-2025)
“Court ruling grants equal ownership of church assets to Global and United Methodist factions“
by S. Kannay Ziamo. “Although the ruling provides a legal resolution to property ownership, it leaves unresolved the question of the church’s identity. Members of the Global United Methodist Church have already erected signage bearing their denomination’s name and logo at the Ganta Mission Station, raising concerns over the continued use of traditional names such as Miller McAllister United Methodist Church, Ganta United Methodist Hospital, and Ganta United Methodist High School.” (Added 6-3-2025)
“United Methodist Church calls for justice” by New Dawn (Liberia). “The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) strongly condemns recent attacks on the Ganta United Methodist Hospital and the administration building in Nimba County by members of the breakaway group called Global Methodist Church, demanding swift and impartial justice for those responsible.” See also reporting in All Africa, in which Bishop Quire equates a change in signage following a court ruling with the deadly attacks by Muslims in Nigeria. (Added 6-3-2025)
“Commentary: ‘Not-so-obvious introvert’ on church’s new vision” by Myung Sun Han via UMNS. “In the new vision statement, words such as “boldly,” “joyfully” and “courageously” reflect an extroverted ideal.
To an introvert, those words can seem to impose an expectation rather than extend an invitation.” (Added 6-3-2025)
“United Methodists will consider regional autonomy during annual Florida gathering in Lakeland” by Gary White via Lakeland Ledger. “As with most recent debates in the United Methodist Church, the subtext for the proposed amendment is the role of LGBTQ-plus members in the denomination. Methodist churches outside the United States are seeking the change so that they can align their practices with regional expectations, said Alex Shanks, assistant to Bishop Tom Berlin of the Florida United Methodist Conference.” (Added 6-3-2025)
“GCSRW report highlights gender and ethnic representation in UMC agencies” via Resource UMC. “For the first time in United Methodist history, there are more female resident bishops in the U.S. than male bishops. There are 17 female bishops and 15 males. This information comes from a recently released report tracking how well women are represented in the leadership of The United Methodist Church. It was issued by the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women.” (Added 6-2-2025)
“Redeemed Zoomer and Gavin Ortlund Debate Church Splits, Merits of Evangelicalism” by Caitlyn Beebe via Juicy Ecumenism. “Conservative Christians collectively cower from reconquering their leftward-bound denominations. That’s according to Redeemed Zoomer, the online nom de guerre of Presbyterian YouTuber Richard Ackerman who recently faced off with Gavin Ortlund, a Baptist pastor and founder of Truth Unites, in a May 28 “respectful clash” on Ortlund’s YouTube channel.” (Added 6-3-2025)
“AC Wrap Up: Uplifting worship, connection and inspiration energize 2025 North Alabama Annual Conference” by Northern Alabama Conference. “Updated the Conference Safe Sanctuary policy, adding clarity and consistency and addressing topics ranging from background check requirements to best practices for training on how to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ minors and adults, and more. Rev. John Fleischauer also highlighted resources available to local churches as they maintain and implement their policies.” (Added 6-2-2025)
“The West Africa Central Conference of the United Methodist Church Responds to Judicial Council Decision, Affirms Biblical Standards and Legal Frameworks” by Bishop Samuel Quire via GNN News (Liberia). The recent Judicial Council rulings that pastors have authority to decide whether to conduct same-sex wedding is not in effect in the African Central Conferences. (Added 6-2-2025)
“No to same sex marriages: Methodists” by Tapiwa Chirumethe via Daily News. “United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe says it will not solemnise same-sex marriages despite the church’s global general conference last…” [paywall] (Added 6-2-2025)
“Athens congregation charts independent course after United Methodist Church ‘closure’” by Jonathan Shelley via Fox54 (AL). “An Athens church on a list of “closed” houses of worship tells FOX54 it is “alive, well, and thriving” as an independent congregation. On Friday, the Northern Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church voted to close 20 churches in its jurisdiction, including Isom’s Chapel. But when FOX54 reached out to representatives of that church, Pastor Mike Banks said there are no plans to halt worship.” “Isom’s Chapel is alive, well, and thriving!” he said. “In order to do so, we left the United Methodist Church.” See also “North Alabama Methodist Conference votes to close 20 churches” by the same author. (Added 6-2-2025)
“Lifewatch June 2025 Newsletter” via PDF. Includes: “The Apostolic Church and the Apostolic Faith” (p. 1), “Thank God for Dr. Richard Hays, Even Though…” (pp. 2-6), “The Church Must Say No!” (pp. 6-8), and a George Weigel quotation (p. 10). (Added 6-2-2025)
“United Methodists close 20 churches in Alabama: where are they?” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “More than half of all United Methodist churches in Alabama disaffiliated over the past several years, leaving the denomination in a schism. Most negotiated to buy their property and take it with them, although some left empty churches behind. Money paid to the conference by departing churches went into a reserve fund, which the conference is drawing on to make it through current budget deficits.” (Added 6-2-2025)
“Bishops offer Pentecost gift to the church” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “United Methodist bishops have found a new way to say “Happy Pentecost!” this year with an eight-week Bible study titled “Pentecost People.” The resource, with materials available in multiple languages, aims to help the international and multilingual denomination experience the renewal of the Holy Spirit While developed separately, the new resource also resonates with the denomination’s new vision statement unveiled on May 1.” (Added 5-31-2025)
“Commentary: An appeal to hold General Conference outside US” by Gabriel Banga Mususwa via UMNS. “The decision to hold the 2028 General Conference in Minneapolis undermines the spirit of unity with members in the central conferences. Due to new U.S. restrictions on travel from many countries, the 2028 General Conference could see fewer African delegates. Africa has the facilities and is ready to host. Holding General Conference there or in Asia would test the efficacy of regionalization.” (Added 5-31-2025)
Tweet by Jeff Walton: “This isn’t exactly news, but Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe is to preside over a June 1 “Pride Eucharist” at 815. Corporate sponsors may be stepping back “post-Bud Light” but the Episcopal Church continues to rank this atop its priorities.” (Added 5-30-2025)
“United President to Retire in 2026” via United Theological Seminary. “To continue United’s focus on academic excellence in this season of transition, President Millard has appointed Dr. Wendy Deichmann, president emerita, as interim vice president for academic affairs and academic dean, following the departure of Dr. David Watson, dean emeritus. She was unanimously recommended by the faculty and the Board of Trustees approved the appointment during their May 2025 meeting.” (Added 5-30-2025)
“The Upsurge of Terror in Nigeria – Part 2” by Rick Plasterer via Juicy Ecumenism. “In needs to be emphasized, as the summary for Open Doors’ World Watch List for 2025 does, that “more [Christian] believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world.” The Islamic militants (Fulani militants, Boko Haram, ISWAP, and others) killed 3,100 Christians out of the 4,476 killed in WWL last reporting period, as noted by the Christian Post.” (Added 5-30-2025)
“Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church leaves historic home behind” by Andrew Schwartz via Chattanooga Times Free Press. The church is selling its building and renting space in Brainerd UMC in order to free up money for ministry. (Added 5-30-2025)
“Transgender Saints” by Sarah Barringer via UM Insight. “To be clear, not all Christians are anti-trans. And in my research of medieval history and literature, I found evidence of a long history in Christianity of what today could be called “transgender” saints. While such a term did not exist in medieval times, the idea of men living as women, or women living as men, was unquestionably present in the medieval period.” (Added 5-30-2025)
“Make Do With Less: A Grassroots Approach to Church Transformation” by K. Kale Yu via UM Insight. “The United Methodist Church looks to turn the corner after years of strife as disaffiliation consumed the attention of episcopal leaders and annual conferences, but many deep-seated challenges remain. For one, Moses Kumar, the top executive of the General Council on Finance and Administration, delivered sobering news to the 2024 General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., when he presented the 2025-2028 denominational budget that was 38 to 41% lower than the one passed during the 2016 General Conference.” (Added 5-30-2025)
“Episode 200: BISHOP ANDE EMMANUEL (UMC Nigeria)” via Pod Have Mercy via YouTube. Bishop Ande Emmanuel gives his views on the conflicts in Nigeria. (Added 5-29-2025)
Post by Paye Mondolo via Facebook. “It is about time that the United Methodist Church understands her roots and acts now. The UMC became a United Methodist Church in 1968 after a long discussion and arrangement that took into consideration details of how, when, who and where to take a Denominational decision…” (Added 5-29-2025)
“2024 Marks Another Chapter in the SBC’s Long Slide” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. “Lifeway Research, the Southern Baptist Convention’s research unit, releases the results of the Annual Church Profile (ACP). This is our best look into how things are shaking out in the largest Protestant denomination in the United States.” (Added 5-29-2025)
“UMC Suffers First Major Legal Blow” via Daily Observer (Liberia). “The ruling, delivered by Judge Pepe Suah on March 24, 2025, favored the defendants who are now members of the Global Methodist Church. The court found that the summary proceedings filed by the UMC did not meet legal requirements for possession of real property where title was in dispute.” (Added 5-29-2025)
“‘Wrong on every level’ | Faith leaders lambast recent ICE operation at Charlotte church during preschool pick-up” via WCNC. “The presence of armed agents at Central United Methodist Church sparks concerns about religious sanctuary and community safety.” (Added 5-29-2025)
“Asian American clergy affirm their roles at historic gathering” by Thomas Kim via UMNS. “The inaugural Southeastern Jurisdiction Asian American Ministers Gathering drew 111 participants from eight annual conferences and nine ethnic groups. It aimed to celebrate the spiritual heritage of Asian American clergy, foster deeper connections, cultivate innovative leadership and strengthen their ministries. Speakers and panels also addressed the history of anti-Asian racism in the U.S., as well as the systemic injustice often faced by Asian American clergywomen.” (Added 5-29-2025)
“United Methodists fail to shake lawsuits by breakaway churches” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “Since May 15, two more judges in Conecuh and Houston counties have ruled against motions by the United Methodist denomination to dismiss lawsuits by breakaway Alabama churches that want to keep their property.” (Added 5-29-2025)
“Celebrating Perversity” by D. Paul Thomas via Church’s One Foundation. “And this perversity is being repeated in The Episcopal Church, The United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Presbyterian Church (USA) in pockets throughout the country. Drinking the dregs of our culture, the progressive Church would rather be hip than holy, not only normalizing but celebrating the deviant.” (Added 5-28-2025)
“A Splintered Generation: Evangelicalism’s fracturing is chronic, but not terminal. Here’s how we can move forward.” by Skyler R. Flowers and Michael Graham via Christianity Today. Showing the categories of 0 – Right-Leaning Exvangelicals, 1 – Neo-Fundamentalists, 2 – Mainstream Evangelicals 3 – Neo-Evangelicals, 4 – Post-Evangelicals center on justice and accountability, 5 – Left-Leaning Exvangelicals, and 6 – Dechurched. “Much of the fracturing we’ve beheld itself derives from a mistrust of the institutions that have defined the shared life of evangelicalism. Our publications, seminaries, denominations, pastors, and churches that once were viewed as the banners of the movement are now under suspicion. The net effect leaves institutions still standing but not necessarily thriving.” (Added 5-28-2025)
Post via Legit News Africa (Facebook). “8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County hands down Ruling in property Ownership Case between breakaway Global Methodist Church and United Methodist Church, grants right to use Properties of Methodist Church to Global Methodist Church.
The breakaway Global Methodist Church and United Methodist Church have been locked in a long running legal battle over properties ownership right of the Methodist Church following a split over Regionalization.” (Added 5-28-2025)
“Former First United Methodist Church property in North Attleboro on sale for nearly $4 million” by Stephen Peterson via The Sun Chronicle (MA). “The church announced in April 2024 it was closing and held a final service the next month, leaving a long legacy of religious devotion and community service. The closing followed years of declining membership and financial difficulties — challenges that a growing number of churches in the area and across the country are facing.” (Added 5-28-2025)
Post by Wilfred Nathan via Facebook. “The Global Methodist Church won the case involving the Ganta Methodist Church property against the United Methodist Church. Glory be to God! Congratulations Cllr T Emmanuel Tomah, and the legal team of the GMC-Liberia.” (Added 5-27-2025)
“Liberia: Pastor Arrested Over Toddler’s Death in Uncovered Septic Pit” by Peter Toe via Front Page Africa. “According to police, the toddler, Erasmus Doe, reportedly fell into a pit located behind Rev. Ivy’s residence and later died at the James Jenkins Dossen Referral Hospital. Rev. Ivy, who is head pastor of Jasper Grant United Methodist Church in Pleebo, is being held on suspicion of negligent homicide. Maryland County Superintendent Frederic T. Smith Jr., who visited the scene, confirmed that the uncovered pit was allegedly dug by the pastor and had not been secured.” (Added 5-27-2025)
“Against Regionalization” by Odell Horne via Theological Voice of Africa. Six arguments against the ratification of the regionalization amendments to the UMC constitution. (Added 5-27-2025)
Overheard: “God has just won for himself a landmark case. The Mt. Nimba District of the Grain Coast Annual Conference of the GMC – Liberia has won the lawsuit filed against her by Bishop Quire and the UMC, Liberia Annual Conf., in Sanniquelle. NIMBA COUNTY” (Added 5-27-2025)
Video Post via Western North Carolina UM Conference (Facebook). “At Annual Conference 2025, clergy and lay delegates will vote on several proposed amendments to the Constitution of The United Methodist Church. In this video, Bishop Carter and Rev. Kim Ingram break down what constitutional amendments are, why they matter, and what each of this year’s proposals is about.” (Added 5-27-2025)
“A Viral Song of Pride” by Joe Valade via Duke Today. “Katelyn MacDonald’s church bell performance blends music, identity and self-expression… MacDonald, a Staff Specialist at the Chapel, plays the church bells for Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, a Durham church not affiliated with Duke University. At the start of Pride Month, MacDonald wanted to show her support for fellow LGBTQ community members. So, she rang out Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” on the majestic bells that echo along West Chapel Hill Street near the Durham Freeway. Roan, a queer musical artist, won Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys. (Added 5-27-2025)
“Presbyterian Church (USA): Smaller, Older, Fewer” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “The Presbyterian Church (USA) is gradually shifting into a new role as a shrunken denomination of mostly tiny churches, according to statistics released this week by the mainline Protestant denomination. In 2024 the PC(USA) shrank by 48,885 members, down to 1,045,848 (4.5%). The steady decline of about 4.5 percent per year is mostly consistent across the past decade after accelerating earlier.” (Added 5-27-2025)
“Call to Prayer and Action After Terrorist Attacks on Nigerian Christians” via GMC Assembly of Bishops. “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we write to inform members of the Global Methodist Church of a devastating and tragic event that occurred in our mission field in Nigeria. On May 23, 2025, the community of Munga Lelau in Taraba State, Nigeria—part of the Northeast Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church—was brutally attacked by armed assailants identified as members of the Fulani militia, an Islamic extremist group.” [Pictures of bodies and a mass grave are bring circulated on WhatsApp. Evidently this area is comprised of both GMC and UMC members. The attackers were not Methodists. See also this UMC-focused report: Taraba: 24 UMCN members killed in farmers, herders’ crisis – Bishop” by Andrew Ojih via Blueprint. “The Bishop of United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), Emmanuel Ande, Sunday, lamented that 24 out of the 30 people killed in the ongoing farmers, herders’ crisis that claimed lives in Munga Lelau, Magami, Munga Dosso, and Bandawa in Karim Lamido local government area of Taraba state are members of the Northeast Nigeria Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.” See full statement by Bishop Ande Emmanuel here. See outside reporting here, here, here, and here. (Added 5-26-2025)
“The What and the Why of Religious Decline” by Ryan Burge via Christianity Today. Review of Christian Smith’s Why Religion Went Obsolete:”Religion in the United States is declining for many reasons, including self-inflicted wounds from corrupt or abusive ministry leaders.” (Added 5-26-2025)
“United Methodist Church In Norwich Raises New Flag As Church Splits Apart” via The Evening Sun (NY). “ Because of the removal of the harmful language some United Methodist churches have split from the United Methodist Church. Broad Street United Methodist Church decided that we needed a let people know where we stand. We formed a core team, Reconciliation and Inclusion, where we worked to become a Reconciling congregation. After a year we took a church vote and are proud to say we are officially a Reconciling church.” (Added 5-24-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. “Again, the UMC Zimbabwe are demanding their Bishop to explain to them what actually transpired during the 2024 GC held in Charlotte, NC.” Statement calling upon United Methodists in Zimbabwe to stay home from worship, beginning 5-25-25, until they get a report from their delegation. (Added 5-24-2025)
“An Enduring Evangelical Way of Being—A Response From the President of Fuller Seminary” by
David Emmanuel Goatley via ChurchLeaders.com. “After several years of consultation, dialogue, and prayerful reflection, the Board reaffirmed Fuller’s historic theological understanding of marriage and human sexuality as a covenantal union between one man and one woman, with sexual intimacy reserved for that union. This position aligns with the majority of evangelical perspectives worldwide.” This is in response to “Fuller Seminary, James K.A. Smith, and the Need for Biblical Clarity” by Ed Stetzer. (Added 5-23-2025)
“Methodists to ICE in Charlotte: Our churches are not your staging ground” by Ryan Oehrli via Charlotte Observer. ‘The conference has said it joined the lawsuit not for partisan reasons but because ICE of rescinding a policy that protected churches, and put congregations “at imminent risk of ICE raids that would disrupt worship, community service, and pastoral care.'” (Added 5-23-2025)
“When the pulpit gets it wrong: A pastor models how to make it right” by Patrick Scriven via Greater Northwest Area UMC. Sharing a letter by Rev. Meredith Gudger-Raines, pastor of Marysville United Methodist Church in Washington, who apologized for a quote about wokeness she erroneously attributed to Pope Leo. (Added 5-23-2025)
“Ballot #4: Talking Points Against the Amendment” by Darryl Stephens via UM Insight. “Ballot #4 compounds specificity with specificity, creating the potential for unanticipated juridical problems in the UMC. The denomination’s constitution should be lean and clean. United Methodists would be better served by voting “no” on Ballot #4.” (Added 5-23-2025)
“With fewer ordinations, seminaries find ways to serve young professionals in other fields” by Kathryn Post via AP. “In a lot of ways, these young people are teaching us how to be a seminary for the next generation,” said the [United Methodist Elder] Rev. Kenda Creasy Dean, the Mary D. Synnott professor of Youth, Church and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary and one of the architects of Polaris. Built to train pastors, many seminaries like Princeton are increasingly welcoming students looking to discern their calling rather than intending to work at a congregation. Dean said she has observed that pastoral credentials don’t have the draw they used to for students, which is mirrored in trends at the seminary.” (Added 5-22-2025)
Post by Jennie Edwards Bertrand via IGRC or Unity (Facebook). Advocating a “safe zone” during the Illinois Great Rivers Conference clergy session “for colleagues who may not be fully out, and have indicated GREAT ANXIETY about clergy session – especially following hate targeted at LGBTQ+ people one year ago.” Clergy session is where ordinations are approved. (Added 5-22-2025)
“Gratitude and good spirit accompany Eurasia area departure” by Christie R. House via UMC Global Ministries. Unlike U.S. congregational disaffiliations, which used a time-limited paragraph 2553 inserted into the Book of Discipline by the 2019 Special General Conference, Eurasia chose to exit using the long-standing autonomy section of the Book of Discipline, paragraph 572. For this reason, the move is not a disaffiliation. Bishop Harald Rückert of Germany, chair of the Standing Committee, described the process as “recognizing that the history in Eurasia and in Europe has developed in different directions, and we can extend grace to each other and let go, even though our hearts are in pain, because we feel that we are still sisters and brothers, but we will take different routes when we go into the future.” (Added 5-22-2025)
“Low Church in High Places: The Fate and Future of American Protestantism” by Brad East via Public Discourse. “In a word, mainline leadership took for granted that the world they’d always known and led would somehow remain in place even as they helped to birth a new world to replace it. But in midwifing a novus ordo seclorum into being, they rendered themselves redundant. Once you’ve placed a question mark next to traditional beliefs, traditional morals, and traditional texts, what else is left? Absent these, there is no reason to join a religious tradition except for community and social capital.” (Added 5-22-2025)
“Keisha Lance Bottoms’ Competition For Georgia Governor Is A Pastor Named Olu Brown” by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman via Newsbreak. “Brown, a Texas native according to his website, now calls Georgia home while fostering his own faith-based community. After earning a Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Brown became the founding pastor of Impact United Methodist Church in Atlanta’s East Point neighborhood in 2007.” (Added 5-22-2025)
“Traverse City Methodist church merger ‘a century in the making’” by Michael Livingston via Interlochen Public Radio (MI). “Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City will gain some of Traverse Bay’s members after a vote to merge passed last month. Central UMC has over 350 people in its congregation. Traverse Bay has fewer than 100. Pastor Matthew Chapman at Traverse Bay says the merger came out of necessity due to declining attendance following the pandemic and burdensome costs to upkeep the church’s 64-year-old building.” (Added 5-22-2025)
“AC2025 Playlist” by Baltimore-Washington Conference via YouTube. Videos associated with the 2025 annual conference of the BWC. Includes plenary sessions and debates over conference restructure plan. (Added 5-21-2025)
“Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification: 20th Anniversary Edition” via Lutheran World. “The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine Justification is a historic agreement, signed by Lutherans and Catholics on 31 October 1999 in Augsburg Germany, resolving divisions on the “basic truths” of salvation as a free gift from God. The… 20th Anniversary Edition of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification [includes]… The World Methodist Council Statement of Association with the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.” (Added 5-21-2025)
“Sand Creek Massacre and Methodism video series” via Resource UMC. “The General Commission on Archives and History has created a series of videos to educate United Methodists and others about the horrific tragedy of the Sand Creek Massacre. The series of five videos explains the denomination’s long and complex history with Indigenous Nations, dominated by a legacy of intense harm and tragedy.” (Added 5-21-2025)
“Church and Society Releases Four New Social Justice Position Statements” via GBCS of the UMC. “Pastoral Letter in Support of the Rights and Dignity of Transgender Persons,” “ A Stand Against the Dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies,” “A Call for Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo ,” and “A Plea for Ceasefire and Justice in Palestine and Israel.” (Added 5-21-2025)
“General Conference Organizing Committee Should Rescind Its Decision for United States to Host 2028 General Conference” by Gabriel Banga Mususwa via UM Insight. “Addressing the elephant in the room, a few days ago the General Commission on the General Conference, the conference organizing committee, decided that the 2028 General Conference would be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, May 8-18, 2028. This decision is regrettable especially for African delegates. The decision undermines the spirit of togetherness and the philosophy of one body, with different African delegates going through a complicated, frustrating process in obtaining United States visas. It’s therefore imperative for the committee to discern more on this important matter.” (Added 5-21-2025)
Tweet Thread via Protestia. “The UMC has 10M members who claim them as a denomination an 1.68M followers on Facebook across all their pages and orgs. Despite this, they only have 6.2M Facebook engagements all last year, which is shocking in how meager and low this number is. For comparison, our FB page with 42K followers has over 8M engagements in the last 90 days.” (Added 5-21-2025)
Allendale UMC Pride Page via Allendale UMC. “Not a Kingdom of Power—But a Kindom of Belonging” is the theme this year. (Added 5-20-2025)
“Commentary: When the shepherd strays: Addiction and clergy wellness” by Caralyn Ware via UMNS. “For The United Methodist Church to fully live its theology, action is needed at every level. Bishops and district superintendents can lead by fostering non-punitive policies that prioritize recovery. Boards of ordained ministry can implement confidential support systems. Lay leaders can participate in theological education that lifts up grace over perfectionism. Above all, clergy must be encouraged to embrace their full humanity — not in spite of their calling, but as a faithful expression of it.” (Added 5-20-2025)
“Next Sacred Worth Gathering Set for June 8 Across the Conference” via Louisiana UM Conference. “Adam Philley, chair of the LGBTQIA+ Ministry Team, says the Sacred Worth gatherings are about more than affirmation—they’re about healing. “There are still many people who have been deeply wounded by the Church,” Philley said. “These gatherings are opportunities for all of us to learn and strategize ways we can help move the Church toward healing and wholeness. The United Methodist Church in Louisiana wants to share God’s love with a welcome that is real, visible, and lasting.” (Added 5-20-2025)
“Christianity & Democracy” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “While in college, I read The Betrayal of the Church (Crossway 1986) by United Methodist evangelist Edmund Robb and his journalist daughter Julia Robb. The book documented how the mainline denominations, unbeknownst to most laity, were funding Marxist objectives informed by liberation theology.” (Added 5-20-2025)
“PCUSA to require clergy candidates to be asked their stance on LGBT issues” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “The Presbyterian Church (USA) will require ordination candidates to be asked about their views on LGBT issues, a move critics claim will discriminate against biblically-grounded theological conservatives. A majority of PCUSA presbyteries, or regional bodies, have approved Amendment 24-C, which changes G-2.0104b of the Book of Order to require candidates to be asked about their views on issues including sexual orientation and gender identity.” (Added 5-19-2025)
“Desert Southwest Conference, Phoenix Art Museum, and Phoenix Theatre Company Announce Historic Partnership for Cultural Campus Expansion” via Desert Southwest Conference. UMNS Summary: “The Desert Southwest Conference is negotiating a 99-year lease for the property of the now-closed Central United Methodist Church that should ensure its preservation. The agreement also will allow the nearby Phoenix Art Museum and Phoenix Theatre Company to expand and add parking. The deal will keep the sanctuary in good condition and open to the public.” (Added 5-19-2025)
“Episode 199: WE’RE IN TANZANIA (ft.Bishop Mande Muyombo)” via Pod Have Mercy (YouTube). John Stephens asks Bishop Mande how things are going in Africa. (Added 5-19-2025)
Post by Jeff Pospisil via Facebook. “Asking for prayers for a church in a legal battle with the Dakotas UM Foundation over the custody of their endowments. This will be argued in court this afternoon. This court case may pave the way for 5 or 6 other churches in a similar situation.” (Added 5-19-2025)
“Family Tree of U.S. Methodist Denominations” via Ready to Harvest (YouTube). A detailed look at the Methodist family tree, including recent changes. (Added 5-19-2025)
“Monday Morning Briefing (May 19, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Conversation on Methodist topics and recent articles. (Added 5-19-2025)
“Considering Charlotte – Local Church Authority, Schizophrenic Judicial Decisions, & a New Vision” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Conversation with Odell Horne and Lonnie Brooks. (Added 5-17-2025)
“Free Information Guide – Leaving the United Methodist Church” via Dalton & Tomich. “Our free guide to leaving the United Methodist Church answers the most common questions that arise for local churches entering this complex, but navigable, process. This step-by-step guide summarizes the actionable insights that have proven most helpful to our clients.” (Added 5-16-2025)
“Apportionment Stewardship: A Theological Audit and Progressive Agendas in the United Methodist Church – The Economics of Ecclesiology” by Wesley Jacob. “This dissertation has demonstrated that the United Methodist Church’s apportionment system, far from being a neutral mechanism of financial support, functions as a theological instrument—one that communicates ecclesial priorities, doctrinal commitments, and missional identity. A theological audit of this system reveals that many of the current challenges facing the denomination are not simply administrative inefficiencies or political disagreements, but deep-rooted theological incoherencies in how resources are stewarded, distributed, and justified.” Related Facebook Post. (Added 5-16-2025)
“List of Christian denominations by number of members” via Wikipedia. “The largest Methodist denomination, the United Methodist Church, had about 25 percent of their churches disaffiliate between 2019 and 2023, some of whom joined the Global Methodist Church, thus figures for the two denominations are an ongoing process.” (Added 5-16-2025)
“Great Plains Connecting Council Dissects UMC’s New Vision Statement” by David Burke via Great Plains UM Conference. “The new vision statement for The United Methodist Church, unveiled a week earlier by the denomination, dominated the discussion at the May 9-10 meeting of the Connecting Council. “We’ve been waiting for a vision statement for about 20 years now,” Scott Brewer, conference executive director, told the council.” (Added 5-16-2025)
“Last Methodist church in Albany to close after declining members” by Vanessa Blasi via News10. “The church’s Upper New York Conference will take over the building in late June. Lott and Stanton said they’re unsure what will happen to it after that. Patrick Noonan, chairman of the Lark Street Business District (BID) is also unsure what the building will become. Nothing is set in stone, but the Lark Street BID is willing to explore all ideas.” (Added 5-16-2025)
Post by Dale Thomas via Facebook. “Baltimore-Washington Conference (UMC) Chancellor Thomas Starnes: We think it’s vitally important for both courts and legislatures to respect and uphold the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment and for the state to not be involved in religious matters.
Also Starnes: We will vigorously defend the codification of the United Methodist Church Trust Clause in Maryland state law. Translation: “We want to have our cake and eat it too!” Only a lawyer would attempt to square that circle with a straight face.” (Added 5-15-2025)
“Vote taken on 2025 Constitutional Amendments” by Erik Alsgaard via Baltimore-Washington UM Conference. “If at first you don’t succeed, the old saying goes, try and try again. That resolve was needed May 14 as the first two votes on proposed Constitutional Amendments were declared void by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling after voting anomalies were found. As Bishop Easterling noted, the system found that several ineligible members of the conference had voted. Thus, just before the lunch break, the bishop indicated that the voting would resume after the Memorial Service.” (Added 5-15-2025)
Post by Dale Thomas via Facebook. “It’s a matter of integrity,” said the Bishop of an Annual Conference that had been intentionally and willfully breaking covenant and church law for several years. Later on, she would also say “Pastors can’t lead well when they don’t hold to covenant.” I couldn’t agree more, Bishop. Now please explain why intentionally and willfully breaking covenant by you and the majority of the Annual Conference you lead was tolerated – celebrated even! – for several years pre-2024. (Don’t worry. I’m not holding my breath. Hypocrites.)” (Added 5-15-2025)
“Thursday Morning Briefing (May 15, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Various Methodist topics discussed. (Added 5-15-2025)
“A Church Divided” via Omaha Public Media. Look back segment: “The fight within the church spanned months with Reverend Jimmy Creech front and center. In this episode of “Once Again,” Nebraska Public Media’s Bill Kelly shares the story of how that same-sex wedding in Omaha led to the Methodist denomination breaking apart internationally.” (Added 5-15-2025)
“Promoting Better Cooperation Among Christian Churches, Part III” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “…if there was ever a time when Christian churches need to pull together it is now. But it needs to be the right kind of pulling and for the right reasons. Unfortunately, this means something much more than the kind of institutional linking associated with groups like the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches or state Councils of Churches, which often spend their time promoting a liberal social and political agenda.” (Added 5-15-2025)
“TAKE ACTION: Tax Exempt Status Threat for Non-Profit Organizations” via UMC General Board of Church and Society. On May 13, 2025, the House Ways and Means Committee approved a tax bill, which includes a section that would enable the Secretary of the Treasury to label any nonprofit as a “terrorist-supporting organization” and strip it of its tax-exempt status. (Added 5-15-2025)
“Urban Abbey faces bomb threats for welcoming LGBTQ+ community” via Nebraska News Service. As shared by UMNS. (Added 5-14-2025)
“Rediscovering the Milieu” by Michael Beck via Substack. “What does it mean to be placeful when the itinerant system itself seems to uproot with such regularity? How do we embody stability, incarnation, presence—when the calendar tells us we might need to start packing?” (Added 5-14-2025)
Post via Conservative Evangelical Methodist Facebook Group. Anonymous report from the session of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference of the UMC: “Although Bishop Ande Emmanuel claims to affirm and uphold the historic Christian sexual ethic of marriage as being between one man and one woman and claims to reject the practice of homosexuality as being incompatible with the Christian faith, he was certainly and undoubtedly an approving witness to this vote to reinstate Daniels back as a provisional United Methodist elder.” (Added 5-14-2025)
“Wednesday Morning Briefing (May 14, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Baltimore-Washington Conference of the UMC currently meeting – Restored avowed practicing bisexual to ordained ministry after she was dismissed over a decade ago for violating disciplinary standards.” (Added 5-14-2025)
“Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany to close after nearly 200 years” by Kesley Brown via The Times-Union (NY). “It just broke my heart,” said Hendrick, who’s worshipped in the church with 15 different ministers. “It was a gradual thing. It’s like someone dying slowly.” …And both Lott and Hendrick said they had “been seeing the writing on the wall.” When Lott joined the 600-seat church in the 1990s, there were around 400 members and the church choir had about 30 participants. Now, a Sunday church service has 20 to 30 attendees, she said.” (Added 5-14-2025)
Post by Odell Horne via Facebook. “It’s amazing to me, that those who disaffiliated and joined the The Global Methodist Church, announced two weeks ago that their General Conference will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa next year (2026); but those of us who have remained can’t figure how to hold a General Conference in Africa three years (2028) from now?!? In African American Studies we would call this institutional racism!” (Added 5-13-2025)
“A Plea for Religious Freedom and Integrity” via IPetitions. “Given the significant changes in doctrine, it is troubling that there exists no fair and reasonable process for churches and individuals who, in good conscience, cannot support these changes to exit without fear of losing their property, assets, or place of worship. In many cases, church buildings and assets have been taken from those who disagree, even sold at auction rather than allowing faithful members to continue their ministry.” (Added 5-13-2025)
“‘Inhale deeply. Exhale fully’: YogaMass in Baton Rouge creates space to embody spirituality” by Judy Bergeron via The Advocate (Baton Rouge). “With a grant from the United Methodist Foundation, YogaMass at Broadmoor Methodist commenced last fall. The grant helped in purchasing the blocks, mats, bolsters, cushions and other equipment.” (Added 5-13-2025)
“FOR SALE: Historic Johnson City Church Going On the Market” by Bob Joseph via WNBF (NY). “Members of a Johnson City church have decided to sell the landmark property in the heart of the village. Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church has been a fixture at 308 Main Street for the past century.” (Added 5-13-2025)
“Belief Behind the Book | “Unraveling” by Rebecca Wilson” by Angela Yarber via Good Faith Media. “Curated in liturgical seasons, Rebecca’s words will break and then fill your heart as her poetry weaves together an experience of answering a call to ministry in The United Methodist Church, pursuing ordination, embracing her queer sexuality and making the unbelievably difficult and amazingly liberating decision to walk away.” (Added 5-13-2025)
Post by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (Facebook). “According to a recent published spreadsheet, the percentage of churches giving $0 of askings in apportionments to the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference of the UMC is 65%. More than half of their churches simply are not giving anything to the conference. Seems like a big deal.” (Added 5-13-2025)
“Minneapolis chosen for 2028 General Conference” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “In heading to Minneapolis, organizers also are hoping to reduce costs and address a $1.8 million budget deficit they inherited from earlier General Conference sessions.” (Added 5-12-2025)
“2024 Election Post-Mortem: Mainline Protestants (Can we stop calling them liberal, please?” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. Audio of a Burge Newsletter about the nature of the Mainline. (Added 5-12-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “I think we often get a distorted view of who United Methodists are. Those who are visible because of platforms or leadership positions or activity on social media may not reflect the nature of mainline Protestantism, a name that is increasingly ill-fitting as the “mainline” shrinks…” Link (Added 5-12-2025)
“United Methodist churches in valley joining forces” by Kathy Hedberg via The Lewiston Tribune. “Stauffer explained that in the Methodist system if a church finally shutters its doors, the building and all physical holdings revert back to the diocesan body — in this case, the Pacific Northwest annual conference. But if congregations find a way to remain viable — such as merging with other churches — they can still retain their investments and use them for other purposes, such as rentals or sales.” (Added 5-12-2025)
“Judges rule against United Methodists on breakaway churches in south Alabama” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “Two more county judges have ruled against United Methodist motions to dismiss cases by breakaway churches in rural south Alabama. The churches, Elba Methodist in Coffee County and Crawford Methodist in Russell County, will be allowed to go forward with their lawsuits seeking clear title for their church properties.” (Added 5-12-2025)
“The Nicene Creed Today – A Conversation with Michael Carpenter” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Michael has published a new book on the potential gifts for today’s believers that we can have from the Nicene Creed on its 1700th anniversary. In this conversation, we talk about his book, who it is for, and the gifts we can garner from an awareness of its contents and context. Michael and I, now in two different Methodist bodies, talk explicitly about the lessons we could learn from addressing heresy and drawing lines around orthodoxy. I hope to continue forward this conversation with other United Methodists of good faith now that we have facilitated what I would consider to be a healthy separation.” (Added 5-10-2025)
Post by Bishop Ande Emmanuel via Facebook. “READ MY ARTICLE ON “AFRICA NOW.” TITLED- Neocolonial Echoes: The Global Methodist Church and the Imported Fight Over Same-Sex Marriage in African United Methodism” (Added 5-10-2025)
“Los Angeles church sees renewal under new pastor” by Thomas Kim via UMNS. “The turnaround began with the arrival of the Rev. Brian Suk-Boo Lee as senior pastor in July 2023. He was appointed to replace a local pastor, the Rev. Byungok Shin, who had campaigned for Los Feliz to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. The change prompted a wave of departures, casting uncertainty over the church’s future.” (Added 5-10-2025)
“United Methodist Church bishops laud Pope Leo XIV on his election” by Heather Hahn via UM Insight. “As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy ministry, the Council of Bishops offers prayer for him, seeking God’s guidance and blessing. We pray for wisdom, strength, spiritual insight, and courage as he leads the Catholic Church in these difficult times. May his leadership continue to be marked by humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving all people.” (Added 5-10-2025)
“Arrested Pastor Says Church Must Resist Immoral Federal Budget” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “I went to offer a prophetic witness at the Capitol building because I have read the proposed budget and recognize the high moral stakes. These immoral budget cuts will devastate our whole country, and especially Alexander County, the small rural community I serve in NC.” (Added 5-10-2025)
Video Post via Pulpit & Pen. “The United Methodist Church in Sixty Seconds.” (Added 5-9-2025)
Post via Pulpit & Pen (Facebook). The pastor at Church of the Village likens the triumphal entry to a drag performance. (Added 5-9-2025)
“A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Kennetha: Welcoming the Election of Pope Leo XIV” via Iowa Conference. “The election of Pope Leo XIV is a sign that God is still raising leaders for a new day. It is a moment for hope, not only for our Catholic sisters and brothers but for all who long for a Church that embodies the love and light of Jesus Christ. May his ministry inspire all of us to move with boldness, humility, and deep compassion in a world that needs the Gospel more than ever.” (Added 5-9-2025)
Tweet by Talbot Davis: At 17:00 minutes in, “voting is not biblical!” comes out of the mouth of duly elected #umc bishop @WillimonTweets. @JeffreyRickman @RitterChris” (Added 5-8-2025)
“‘Sacred Stories: Ministries of LGBTQ+ UMs’ is Heritage Sunday 2025 focus” via Resource UMC. “Sacred stories are at the heart of our denomination’s heritage. In 2025, the General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) encourages local churches to lift up and celebrate stories from those who have been silenced in the past with its Heritage Sunday theme, “Sacred Stories: Ministries of LGBTQ+ United Methodists.” Heritage Sunday traditionally is recognized the third Sunday in May (May 18 this year)…” See Communion Liturgy. (Added 5-8-2025)
Post by Cornelius Brantley Jr. via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Was there any effort to keep Russian United Methodists in our denomination? Or did we instead push them out to support pink washing US imperialism?” (Added 5-8-2025)
Post by Tony Brown via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “If you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God why do you believe that?” Lots of comments. Matt Idom commented, “I’d like to think last Sunday’s sermon was equally inspired.” (Added 5-8-2025)
“Ballot #4: The Amendment No One is Talking About” by Darryl Stephens via UM Insight. “The amended part names the entity with the authority (and responsibility) to determine which schools may legitimately offer this degree for licensed local pastors in the United States. Ballot #4 would add the words “from a University Senate-approved theological school” to this paragraph about who is eligible to participate in clergy delegate elections in the US jurisdictions. For those outside the United States, the amendment adds, “or its equivalent as recognized in a central conference.” The ambiguity of the antecedent to “its” serves only to underscore the primary intent of Ballot #4.” (Added 5-8-2025)
“United Methodist Bishops issue four letters on justice and peace” via COB. Letters issued on Congo, Ceasefire in Gaza, promoting DEI, and Transgender rights. (Added 5-8-2025)
“Bishops Put New Vision into Action” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “United Methodist bishops took a step toward strengthening ties within the diverse Christian family by asking for church leaders to revisit adding the Nicene Creed to the Book of Discipline, the denomination’s governing document…“We have more active female bishops here in the United States than we do men — not that I’m disparaging men,” the Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, the agency’s new top executive, told the bishops.” (Added 5-8-2025)
“The Central Conference of Nigeria – A Conversation with Alexander Sabo” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “In this conversation, Rev. Sabo takes time to explain to me the particular challenges in his conference, where United Methodists are actually a bigger threat to the brethren than Muslims. Take some time to learn about ministry here, how you can support Rev. Sabo and his fellow workers in faith, and how to pray for that tense context.” (Added 5-7-2025)
“Part 4: Churchwide” Analysis by Taylor W Burton Edwards via UMNS. “Called to Inclusiveness,” (Paragraph 140)… redefines inclusiveness as “the full involvement and participation of all persons who seek to follow in the way of Jesus by serving God and neighbor in all that they do.” To the definition of what inclusiveness is added that the denomination rejects “every barrier that serves to divide and separate us as members of the body of Christ.” A new final paragraph lists some of those barriers, including “ableism, heterosexism, racism, sexism, misogyny, tribalism, and all forms of xenophobia.” This paragraph is in part of the Discipline that is not subject to revision by the central conferences.” (Added 5-7-2025)
“Legal Considerations for Trapped Churches – A Conversation with David Gibbs III” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “David C. Gibbs III serves as president and general counsel of the National Center for Life and Liberty (NCLL), a legal ministry that protects the rights of churches and Christian organizations nationwide, with offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. In this segment, Mr. Gibbs and I talk through the latest considerations with respect to ecclesiastical abstention doctrine, neutral principles law, trust law, and other considerations for local churches that no longer want to be in The United Methodist Church, but whose assets are legally entwined with the UMC.” (Added 5-7-2025)
“The Both-And Church in an Either-Or World with Rev. Matt Miofsky” by Adam Hamilton via Making Sense of Faith. “In this enlightening episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores what makes the United Methodist Church uniquely positioned to speak to 21st century spiritual seekers. Adam engages in an authentic conversation about why so many people who have walked away from church or never attended might find a home in a denomination that intentionally stands in what he calls “the radical center.” If you’ve ever wondered if there’s a place where you can ask tough questions, embrace both critical thinking and heartfelt faith, and find community without checking your brain at the door, this episode illuminates a path forward that might surprise you.” (Added 5-7-2025)
“Shane Claiborne, UMC Pastor and Others Arrested While Protesting GOP Budget Bill” by Jack Jenkins via UM Insight. “Among those arrested was the Rev. Joel Simpson, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Taylorsville, North Carolina, a town of about 2,200 about 60 miles northwest of Charlotte, N.C., in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.” (Added 5-7-2025)
“Wilkes Blvd. United Methodist Church faces a potentially dark future” by Amber Roldan via Columbian Missourian. “Turning Point’s departure means more than just unoccupied space. The nonprofit has paid rent to Wilkes Blvd. United Methodist Church for over a decade. Their relocation will leave the church with a large financial gap to overcome if they hope to remain open… Wilkes Blvd. United Methodist Church and Turning point have an estimated combined budget of roughly $500,000. When Turning Point moves to the Opportunity Campus, the budget will likely decrease $150,000.” (Added 5-7-2025)
Post by Grace UMC Des Moines (Facebook). “Grace United Methodist Church stands for love, justice, and full inclusion. Today, our pastor, his husband, many clergy, and members of Grace UMC joined the protest at the State Capitol in solidarity for trans rights. As a church committed to radical love, we affirm that all people—especially our trans siblings—are beloved children of God, deserving of dignity, equality, and safety.” (Added 5-6-2025)
“Methodist Court: Appointed Pastors Determine Same-Sex Rites in Local Churches” by Sarah Stewart via Juicy Ecumenism. “Pastors will have sole discretion as to whether or not same-sex marriages will take place at local churches according to an April 29 ruling by the UMC Judicial Council. The decision came as a surprise to many who had the assurance of UMC officials that they would have a voice in how their local churches responded to the changes made at last year’s UMC General Conference… Numerous past trustees and Staff-Parish/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee chairs in interviews with me attested to assurances made by local conference officials that local churches would be able to decide whether or not same-sex marriages were performed on their local church properties. Church officials did so citing decision 1503 of the Judicial Council, a decision that came out shortly after the 2024 General Conference. “Nothing in paragraph 2533 of the 2016 Book of Discipline prevents the Board of Trustees of a local church from adopting policies prohibiting the conduct of worship services that include same-sex marriage ceremonies,” the decision read.” (Added 5-6-2025)
“Judicial Council Rulings on Church Exits Dismay Me” by Linda Richard via UM Insight. “You can’t hold people hostage, and the rulings coming out of the Judicial Council at the present time call into question the integrity and sense of justice of the Council, bishops and cabinets, and indeed the entire denomination.” (Added 5-6-2025)
“‘Vision’ Statement Needs to Leave Room for the Holy Spirit” by Derek Kubilus via UM Insight. “I just wish that’s how it had been presented—as a few thoughts our leaders would like our churches to reflect upon, rather than as some totalizing ‘vision’ for our Church moving forward.” (Added 5-6-2025)
“Considering Charlotte – Strange Judicial Council Rulings & Regionalization Issues” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. Odell Horne and Lonnie Brooks return to Plainspoken to discuss recent events in the UMC. (Added 5-6-2025)
“Bishops announce 2026 Leadership Gathering dates, vision statement” via UMC Council of Bishops. “One of the main decisions the bishops made was to confirm the dates for the 2026 Leadership Gathering. The gathering will be April 22–25, 2026, with the working theme of “Emboldened by the Spirit: Imagining a Church Yet to Be!” Drawing on the imagery of earth, wind, fire, and water, the gathering will invite participants to reflect on the fundamentals of our faith, theological, ecclesiological, and missional tasks.” (Added 5-6-2025)
“‘World shifted’ with full inclusion” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. “A celebration of one year of full inclusion for LGBTQ persons in The United Methodist Church took place May 1 in Dallas. Greenland Hills United Methodist Church announced a $20,000 gift for the Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage.
Retired Bishop Karen Oliveto said The United Methodist Church must reclaim the “lost narratives” of gay Methodists over the generations.” (Added 5-6-2025)
“Bishops respond to same-sex wedding ruling” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. Coverage of the COB statement on Judicial Council Ruling 1516. (Added 5-5-2025)
“Annual Conference Legislation” via Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Includes a proposal (p. 39) to sell the United Methodist Center in Springfield and “find more economical ways to provide office space for remaining conference operations.” The conference has gone from twelve to four districts over the period of the center’s construction and use. (Added 5-5-2025)
“Judges rule against United Methodist request to dismiss breakaway church lawsuits” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “In a new round of rulings this month on lawsuits by breakaway churches against the United Methodist Church’s Alabama-West Florida Conference, judges in Coffee County and Dale County declined the denomination’s request that the lawsuits be dismissed.” (Added 5-5-2025)
“United Methodist church ownership lawsuit delayed as SC congregations prepare to meet” by Caitlin Herrington via The Greenville Post & Courier. The South Carolina State Supreme Court granted an extension to June 4 in the case brought by eleven congregations against the South Carolina Conference of the UMC. (Added 5-5-2025)
“Blasphemy: UMC Advocacy Group Sparks Outrage by Calling God ‘She’” by James Lasher via Charisma News. “Once apostasy enters the sanctuary, it rarely stops at the door. The latest example comes from within the United Methodist Church (UMC), where a recent email from the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) not only celebrates progressive theological shifts but also crosses a long-standing biblical boundary by referring to God as ‘she.'” (Added 5-3-2025)
“Conference moves toward fossil-fuel divestment” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “In an effort to combat climate change, participants at the California-Nevada Summit on Fossil Fuel Divestment approved a resolution recommending halting fossil-fuel related investments. ‘We agree that fossil fuels continue to drive climate change and that their production and usage harms the planet, especially poor and minority communities and countries,’ the statement reads. The resolution now goes before annual conference voters.” (Added 5-3-2025)
“UMC bishops statement regarding Judicial Council Decision 1516” via UMC Council of Bishops. “Our Connection includes regions where same-sex marriage is not only culturally contested but also prohibited by national law. Decision 1516 does not authorize United Methodist clergy to violate civil law in their practice of ministry.” (Added 5-3-2025)
Post by Anne Gordon Ortigo via Facebook. “A few months ago, we were in a very uncertain position at Joaquin Methodist. We reached out to the media, and this is one of the stories that aired. It was picked up by more news outlets and shared. There were even some of our community that contacted the bishop to say what was happening to us was wrong. I fully believe God used the publicity for our good. We were able to come to an agreement with the Texas Conference to pay $15,000 and split the legal fees and retain all of our property. Praise God!! Today we received word that we are officially a Global Methodist congregation!” (Added 5-2-2025)
Live Video via UMC Council of Bishops (Facebook). Live feed for the COB Plenary Session. (Added 5-2-2025)
“UMC, South Carolina, Litigation–Oh What A Tangled Web” by Keith Sweat. “The news reports regarding the disaffiliation litigation among United Methodists have some serious errors. I don’t think much of it is intentional on the part of any party (though it is possible). It is more likely that it is the common result when reporters are assigned to write about subjects of which they are quite ignorant and generally uninterested.” (Added 5-2-2025)
Post by Global Methodist Church Nigeria via Facebook. “The breakaway faction is involved in serial acts of aggressive attack, intimidation, harassment; Rather, what has been consistently witnessed and reported by many is the forceful seizure of church properties belonging to those who lawfully aligned with the Global Methodist Church. Members of the Breakaway faction has forcefully taken over local churches and parsonages—often in defiance of local peace efforts and against the will of congregants. That is not the action of a church committed to peace.” (Added 5-2-2025)
“UMC top court says church trustees can’t stop pastors from officiating same-sex weddings” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “The change came after over 7,500 congregations disaffiliated from the UMC over the years-long debate over the issue, as they took issue with some progressive denominational leaders not enforcing the UMC Book of Discipline’s former language against homosexuality. Most churches that left have joined the theologically conservative Global Methodist Church, while others have become nondenominational congregations.” (Added 5-2-2025)
“United Methodist schools stand up to Trump administration” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “Fernandes cited Proverbs 8:15, John 8:31-32, Methodism’s founder John Wesley and the new Social Principles of The United Methodist Church as the basis for the agency’s resistance to Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Education Department.” (Added 5-2-2025)
“For United Methodists, an Important Affirmation on a Momentous Anniversary” by Rebecca M. David Hensley via Good Faith Media. “This week’s Judicial Council ruling solidifies what so many United Methodists have been joyfully celebrating for one year now: A United Methodist Church that embraces and recognizes the sacred worth of all God’s children, regardless of their sexual identity or orientation.” (Added 5-2-2025)
“UMC Nigeria Bishop Refutes GMC Bishop’s Allegations” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Conflict between members of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria and supporters of the breakaway Global Methodist Church bubbled up again this week as bishops of the respective churches traded accusations via Facebook.” (Added 5-1-2025)
“The New UMC Vision Might Get Us Out of the Upside Down” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The new UMC vision may not be the ideal many of us would like. Yet our alternative is to lie here, dusty and cranky in The Upside Down, waiting for the monsters to get us. Better to take a chance to start all over again.” (Added 5-1-2025)
“24 Hours that Changed Methodism in 2025” by David Donnan. Important developments in a 24 hours period. (Added 5-1-2025)
Post by Odell Horne via Facebook. “Bishops in the UMC who violated the Book of Discipline (BOD) after the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference by allowing same sex marriages in their Annual Conferences, have requested a “Declaratory Decision” against the Trustees of the Mississippi Annual Conference and Bishop Sharma Lewis for violating the BOD concerning the “Trust Clause.”
It’s just fascinating what the Bishops of the UMC prioritize, and what they choose to ignore. There will be a meeting in the parking lot!” (Added 5-1-2025)
“Bishops unveil vision for United Methodist Church” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “United Methodist leaders have adopted a new vision for the denomination to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.” Bishops also hope the new vision, years in the making, will inform the work of the Leadership Gathering planned next year. See also Press Release. (Added 5-1-2025)
Post by Bishop Ande Emmanuel via Facebook. “The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has read with great dismay the Facebook post made by Bishop Scott Jones concerning the state of affairs within our church in Nigeria. Frankly, we are deeply disappointed that such unfounded and misleading statements could come from someone who holds the office of a bishop…” (Added 4-30-2025)
“Church court sets special session” via UMNS Daily Digest. “The United Methodist Judicial Council has scheduled a special online session June 2 to take up a question from the Southeastern Jurisdiction bishops related to the denomination’s church-closure provision. Briefs are due on May 20, and reply briefs will be due on May 28.” Sole Docket Item is a request by the Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops to rule of Mississippi’s use of Par. 2549. (Added 4-30-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “There is NO rational path to a conclusion that the basic body of the Church is the Judicial Council, neither de jure nor de facto. You can’t get there. So, if its our task to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to equip and empower those disciples to transform the world, we’re going to do that in our local churches as they are empowered to do that work by our annual conferences. And when the Judicial Council is found to be an impediment to that work, then we need to fix the Judicial Council. One way to fix it might be to get rid of it.” (Added 4-30-2025)
Post by Bishop Scott Jones via Facebook. “I regretfully and reluctantly have come to the conclusion that the United Methodist Church in Nigeria is using violence as an intentional strategy. My wife and I were present and nearly caught up in one violent act. Since then, there have been too many incidents where UMC people have brought machetes and guns to a property currently controlled by the Global Methodist Church. People have died and been injured. Property has been stolen and homes set on fire…” (Added 4-30-2025)
Tweet by Talbot Davis: “Huh. Took me 30+ yrs to realize it but a #umc Annual Conference is a union, ordination is a union card, bishop is a union boss & the whole outfit is for benefit of union members, not churches. Exhibit A: (Added 4-30-2025)
Post by Harry Kanawa via Facebook. “I have to just put this nonsense here.I,am force to do this….even when at a moment I,am mourning my elder brother… We don’t have UMCN as it is in Nigeria but GMCN.
This purported letter is DEAD on arrival. Rev.Augustine Elisha still remain the general secretary of TEKAN.” (Added 4-30-2025)
“District Court passes on legal spat over unhoused camp at church, citing Montrose municipal court jurisdiction” by Tom Hesse via CPR. “In a seven-page ruling, 7th Judicial District Court Judge Keri Yoder granted the United Methodist Church’s motion to dismiss a district court complaint filed by the city of Montrose, saying that the city made its first claim against the church in municipal court and that’s where the case should be decided.” (Added 4-30-2025)
“Aiken County church involved in Methodist church split legal battle” by Matthew Christian via Aiken Standard (SC). “One of Aiken County’s oldest churches will soon be involved in a property dispute with a statewide religious organization.” (Added 4-30-2025)
“United Methodist LGBT advocacy group calls God ‘she’ in email” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “This terminology contrasts with the historic usage of male pronouns to describe God, found in the Bible and throughout Christian history. nThe Christian Post reached out to Reconciling Ministries Network to clarify if the comment was a typo or if it had referred to God with female pronouns in past emails. However, a reply was not given by press time.” (Added 4-29-2025)
“The Briefing | April 25, 2025” by Al Mohler (YouTube). Topic inspired by the closure of the PCUSA’s mission program: “Protestant Liberalism and the Death of Missions.” (Added 4-29-2025)
Post by Owen Ross via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “The inevitable decline of Christianity and the inevitability of the US becoming a secular nation are simply not inevitable. In my 2023 Annual Conference Report, I pointed put that the history of fidelity to God has always gone up and down… among individuals and in societies. There, I proposed that perhaps we were nearing the trough rather in continual inevitable decline. Data is showing recent increases in frequency of worship attendance and persons reporting having made a decision to follow Jesus. Perhaps this is a blip, or might we be the other side of a trough?” (Added 4-29-2025)
Post by Dale Thomas via Facebook. “Remember when, in the aftermath of General Conference 2020 (held in 2024) and on the basis of Judicial Council decision 1503, UM leaders gave reassurances to those local congregations that disagreed with the official changes made to the denomination’s position on sexual ethics by saying that local church trustees would be able to craft enforceable policies for their local congregations prohibiting same-sex weddings from being conducted at their local church facilities?…” (Added 4-29-2025)
Post by Ken Ken via Facebook. “NO MAN OR WOMAN CAN STOP GAY WEDDING IN ANY UMC AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING LIBERIA….HAHAHA your Supreme Court has spoken… DECEPTION REVEALED!!” (Added 4-29-2025)
“Ruling: Same-sex weddings solely up to pastors” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The United Methodist Church’s top court ruled that a congregation’s trustees cannot prevent their pastor from using church facilities to perform a same-sex wedding.” “The Judicial Council decision comes almost exactly a year after General Conference removed denomination-wide bans against officiating at same-sex weddings.” [Note: From the Charlotte General Conference in 2024, some bishops assured the faithful that pastors would be required to abide by local church wedding policies: “Pastors choosing to officiate same-gender weddings will abide by the wedding policies adopted by the local church to which they are appointed.” See also Bishop Graves’ assurances here and Taylor Burton Edwards analysis.] (4-29-2025)
“Megachurch’s closure improper, ruling says” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The church court found the process used for the church closure deficient and reversed the bishop’s decision. The Judicial Council also addressed the part of Paragraph 2549 that says failure to complete any step in the closure process does not invalidate an annual conference’s closure of a church.” (Added 4-29-2025)
Post by Joel Kidwell via UM Clergy Facebook Group. Charge that UM Discipleship worship resources drift into pantheism: Liturgy: “We draw strength from Earth and trust its beings to help us.” (Added 4-29-2025)
Post by Ryan Danker via Facebook. “When two Anglicans, one Salvationist, three United Methodists, two Nazarenes, five Global Methodists, one Church of God, Cleveland, and a COGIC bishop get together to discuss political theology it’s never a dull moment! This is the John Wesley Institute’s “Sermons for America” project.” (Added 4-29-2025)
“New Statistics Tell a Dire Story” by Canon Robert Lewis via Substack. Episcopal Church: “In 2014, 1.37 million worshippers joined in our celebrations of the risen Jesus. Ten years later that number had fallen to 859,241 (a 37% decline). It would seem as we dip further into a post-Christendom culture, even the tradition of twice yearly attendance in church for those with the most marginal of commitments is failing.” (Added 4-29-2025)
“New BWC structure claims spirit of Living Waters” by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling via Baltimore-Washington UM Conference. Major spiritual revival expected from new district consolidation plan. (Added 4-29-2025)
“Thieves steal 11 AC units before flooding Oak Cliff church” by Shaun Rabb via KDFW. “Thieves have targeted Glen Oaks United Methodist Church four times in the past two weeks. They’ve stolen all 11 of the church’s AC units, which were all in locked cages behind a locked gate. The thieves also cut through the roof and a water line, causing flooding damage throughout the sanctuary, kitchen, and fellowship hall.” (Added 4-29-2025)
“UMC Bishop Reaffirms Support for Women’s Organization” by Simeon S. Wiankanty via Daily Observer (Liberia). “He acknowledged the challenges the churches face as they navigate these complex social issues, noting that the global Methodist community is at a crossroads. To address these matters within Liberia. Bishop Quire further clarified UMC Liberia’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues and ensured that the church’s traditional beliefs remain intact.” (Added 4-29-2025)
“Bishops Urged to Confront Rising Cruelty” via UMNS. “In the meantime, the denomination has experienced loss. In recent years, congregations have left The United Methodist Church in the U.S., Nigeria, Liberia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the Philippines and parts of Europe. However, Malone pointed out that the denomination is also seeing signs of renewal among the strong majority who remain within the United Methodist fold.” (Added 4-29-2025)
“A Theoretical Dialogue Between Contemporary Bishops and the Founders of Methodism: An Examination of Doctrinal and Practical Discrepancies and Departures” by Wesley Jacob. “The integration of patristic orthodoxy with Wesleyan theology offers a way forward, providing a framework for navigating the tensions between tradition and modernity while remaining faithful to the Gospel.” (Added 4-29-2025)
“Promoting Better Cooperation Among Christian Churches” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. The confused state of ecumenism as viewed through a lifetime of Methodist Ministry. (Added 4-29-2025)
“Celebrating young trans voices” by Steven Russell via Out In Jersey. “The Church and Society Committee of the United Methodist Church of Red Bank recently provided such an opportunity. Their social hall was filled with activities, celebration, and support at their Amplify: Celebrating Young Trans Voices event. It was presented in partnership with Make It Better for Youth, TRANSpirational, the Middletown Reformed Church, St. George’s By the River, St. John’s Episcopal, St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, the Community Church of Keyport, Project Write Now, and the Holmdel United Church of Christ.” (Added 4-28-2025)
“ELCA will not remove conscience protections for gay marriage opponents: official” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will not remove conscience protections for members who oppose same-sex marriage, according to a church official.” (Added 4-26-2025)
“Local Methodist churches merge” by Zach Taylor is The Northeast Georgian. The remnants of Clarkesville UMC join Cornelia UMC after the Clarkesville First majority disaffiliated with the building and joined the Global Methodist Church. The 75 UMC dissidents initially formed Grace UMC, but the group will now merge with Cornelia. (Added 4-26-2025)
“Former bishop worked to revive United Methodist Church in Arkansas” by Frank Lockwood via Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Profile of the late Bishop Richard Wilke. (Added 4-26-2025)
Tweet by Talbot Davis. “his forthcoming memoirnalysis from @WillimonTweets sounds fun: https://cokesbury.com/The-Church-We-Carry…” (Added 4-26-2025)
“The Church We Carry” by Will Willimon via Cokesbury. “Willimon reflects on a simple-to-ask-but-complicated-to-answer question: What has become of the church that shaped his faith? Focusing on Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, he examines their journey through disaffiliation to shed light on leadership challenges within our denomination, including his own role. This insightful resource provides a candid exploration of the realities of ministry today, inviting us to confront our grief and shortcomings while embracing our duty to serve Christ’s church in the present moment.” (Added 4-26-2025)
“Bishops given 3% retroactive pay hike” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The board’s decision comes as many across The United Methodist Church are adjusting to smaller budgets and larger workloads.
After the disaffiliation of about a quarter of U.S. churches, General Conference in 2024 passed a historically low four-year budget of between $353.6 million and $373.4 million, depending on collection rates in 2025 and 2026. The 2025-2028 budget represents about a 40% reduction of the previous denominational budget that General Conference passed in 2016.” (Added 4-26-2025)
Decision 1517 via the UMC Judicial Council (PDF). “Paragraph 2549 cannot be used for church separation under the pretext of “closure” to bypass the Trust Clause. The bishop’s ruling of law is reversed.” (Added 4-26-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “This decision is confounding, if not astounding, in that it leaves open way more questions than it answers. It doesn’t address any of the questions related to the closure of the local church around which this matter turned. The decision simply tells us that Bishop Plambeck’s decision is reversed and the resolution for closure was illegal under existing UM law, including the prior Judicial Council decision. I suppose one of the real reasons for the Judicial Council to have taken that path is that if it had addressed the closure of the church and the transfer of its property to the new entity formed under South Dakota law, it would have had to acknowledge that the matter was moot and therefore not within its jurisdiction.” (Added 4-26-2025)
“Equipping for LGBTQ Inclusion” by James Lee via UM Insight. “This is the first conference group in the denomination to take part in this training,” said Rev. Emily Bagwell, RMN’s Director of Resource Management & Development, as she began the first session of the day. It was a long-awaited moment—years in the making—and one shaped by hope, courage, and the recognition that true change takes both policy and practice. (Added 4-25-2025)
“United Methodist Church in Nigeria extends condolences to Billiri community over tragic incident” by Peter Anayo via Daily Champion. “A heavy-duty truck loaded with grains reportedly lost its brakes and rammed into the procession, resulting in a devastating loss of lives and multiple injuries.” (Added 4-25-2025)
Tweet via Protestia. “Every Monday for the last five years, “come rain or shine, snow or cold,” Park Hills United Methodist Church stands near the street and rings their handbells for 9 minutes and 28 seconds, which is the “same length of time a police officer suffocated George Floyd.” (Added 4-24-2025)
“Songs spark spiritual conversations at brew pub” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “A United Methodist pastor and amateur musician started a monthly performance and song discussion called Crafted Conversations. The theme of one or more of the songs performed at Singin’ River Brewing Co. is used to get an audience discussion going. A ministry of First United Methodist Church in Florence, the Fresh Expression is promoted as an informal gathering where people who may be “spiritual but not religious” can feel comfortable. (Added 4-24-2025)
“Boards affirm expanding and extending the love of God” by Sara Logeman via UMC Global Ministries. “Dr. G. Sujin Pak, dean of Boston University’s School of Theology, presented on the impact of new policies on education; Rick Santos of Church World Service (CWS) and Alba Jaramillo and Melissa Bowe of Immigration Law and Justice Network (ILJN) shared the impact of policy changes within foreign aid and immigration; the Rev. Dr. Kevin Murriel, senior pastor of Cascade UMC in Atlanta, urged the boards to not grow weary in working for justice and inclusion for all of God’s children in an era where ‘exclusion is gaining traction.’” (Added 4-24-2025)
“Analysis: What’s New in the Book of Resolutions, Part 3: The Social Community” by Taylor Burton Edwards via UMNS. The resolution commits United Methodists to be in solidarity with those seeking reproductive health care, “including accompanying them to medical appointments when necessary,” and calls United Methodist congregations to advocate for the legal right of persons to reproductive health care, including abortion. (Added 4-23-2025)
“COB to meet, welcome new bishops, discuss church’s future” via UMC. “The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church will convene in person from April 27 to May 2, 2025, in Chicago. This gathering brings together about 100 active and retired bishops from across the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.” (Added 4-23-2025)
“Commentary: Why Our Church is in Trouble” by Cliff White via UMNS. “By using the good name and resources of The United Methodist Church to advance an ideological agenda, the authority of the church is diminished, and we become little different from any other civic, even partisan, organization. The more we act like a secular political group, the more mainline Protestant church attendance can be expected to plummet.” See also this Counterpoint Commentary by Bishop Julius Trimble. (Added 4-23-2025)
“ChatGPT Analysis of the UMC’s Book of Discipline Notes Misalignments” by John Feagins via UM Insight. Analysis shows that the UM Structures most serve the bishops, general agencies, and superintendents. It least serves the mission field, students, and the marginalized. “Without structural reforms, the system tends to preserve episcopal privilege more than it guarantees protection for the vulnerable or responsiveness to harm.” (Added 4-23-2025)
Post by Mark Davies via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “As a minister in The United Methodist Church and as a professor at a United Methodist university, I want to express my gratitude to Roland Fernandes, General Secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Minstry and to all of the presidents of United Methodist related colleges and universities listed below for signing the AAC&U statement that spoke out “against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.” (Added 4-23-2025)
“Presbyterian Church (USA) Shutters Foreign Missions” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “The recent cuts are reflective of broader continued mainline Protestant decline also seen in recent reorganizations within the United Methodist and Episcopal churches, among others.” (Added 4-23-2025)
“United Methodist Bishops letter to Catholics on the death of Pope Francis” via UMC Council of Bishops. “His leadership style, marked by a Christ-like sensitivity toward others and a willingness to address controversial issues, is a powerful example for us all. The process of synodality he promoted is an inspiration to Methodists, who have valued the importance of holy conferencing in our own tradition.” (Added 4-23-2025)
Post in Conservative Evangelical Methodists (Facebook). [Photo] “Surf City Church (founded 1904). Evicted (final–there were several evictions along the way) Easter Sunday afternoon after a 2 1/2 year legal battle with CalPac UMC to retain their property. SCC is flourishing and growing.” (Added 4-22-2025)
“Recently Elected Bishops to Focus on a ‘New United Methodism‘ via UM Insight. Also shared on UMNS Daily Digest. Bishops Emmanuel, Stoneking, and Refsdal will be featured in this event sponsored by an association of retired UM clergy. (Added 4-22-2025)
“You Can Own a Former Wichita Falls Church” by Stryker via 1063TheBuzz. “One week from today will be the anniversary of the final service at Floral Heights United Methodist Church in Wichita Falls. Last year this church decided to merge with University Methodist and the First United Methodist. The talks of this church closing and merging started around 2023 according to the former superintendent of the church Todd Harris.” (Added 4-22-2025)
“St. Petersburg pastor lights candle for alleged MS-13 member, those labeled ‘alien enemies’” by Amber Jo Cooper via Florida Voice News. “Allendale United Methodist Church Senior Pastor the Rev. Andy Oliver lit a candle and prayed for Kilmar Abrego Garcia – a suspected MS-13 gang member, human trafficker and confirmed illegal alien – during Easter service on Sunday. Oliver said the candle was lit for “all who are being labeled ‘alien enemies’ and deported.” (Added 4-22-2025)
“United Methodists remember Pope Francis” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. Sally Vonner, top executive of United Women in Faith, said the pope “required courage as he often went against the grain.” “Earlier this year he named Sister Simona Brambilla to head a Vatican Office; she was the first woman to hold this position,” Vonner said. “He also called for more grace for persons who were divorced or members of the LGBTQIA community.” (Added 4-22-2025)
“UMC Breakaway Church Launched” by The Herald (Zimbabwe). Forbes Matonga leads the Global Methodist Church in Zimbabwe following its April 19 launch. (Added 4-21-2025)
“United Methodist Church mourns passing of Bishop Richard Wilke” via UMC Council of Bishops. “In 1984, Bishop Wilke was elected to the episcopacy and appointed to serve Arkansas, where he established church growth and evangelism as his priorities. Two years later, he published And Are We Yet Alive?, a best-selling and critically acclaimed analysis of why the church was losing membership. Among its recommendations was a more in-depth study of Scripture.” See also this 2004 article about the bishop’s previous support for “Celibacy in singleness and fidelity in marriage.” (Added 4-21-2025)
Post by Anthony Kolontay via Facebook. The Statistician of Men’s Ministry in the Liberia UMC Conference resigns due to disagreement with the UMC on human sexuality. (Added 4-21-2025)
“The plight of the Midwest Protestant church: Is Middle America in a crisis of faith?” by Daniel Lee via The Spectator World. “In 2022-23 nearly 300 Hoosier Methodist congregations left the statewide United Methodist organization, unable to accept its progressive initiatives revolving around sexuality. Those liberalizing moves by the state organization in turn were in response to more tradition-based decisions by the worldwide Methodist church, which for its part was reacting to cultural accommodation of LGBTQ concerns in the religious and secular worlds.” (Added 4-21-2025)
“This week in Christian history: Samuel Ferguson elected bishop, UMC labels homosexuality ‘incompatible with Christian teaching’” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “This week marks the anniversary of when The United Methodist Church voted to add language to its rule book declaring that homosexuality was “incompatible with Christian teaching.” (Added 4-21-2025)
Post by Absalom Nuhu Kodei via Facebook. “The Global Methodist Church in Zimbabwe began its journey humbly, with a small start under the leadership of some few individuals including Simon Mafunda and other clergy. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Rev. Forbes, head of the African delegation to the United Methodist Church General Conference, and many other clergy who have joined the GMC after resigning from the UMC few weeks ago. Their significant transition has paved the way for the official launch of the GMC in Zimbabwe today Easter sunday, greatly expanding our presence.” See also News Coverage. (Added 4-21-2025)
“SC churches go to Supreme Court to try to break away from denomination” by Bristow Marchant via The State. “Multiple South Carolina churches are taking their parent denomination to the S.C. Supreme Court to try to get out from under its jurisdiction and keep their church holdings intact.” (Added 4-21-2025)
“For United Methodists, politics isn’t partisan; it’s gospel” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “In short, politics is the tool for United Methodists as disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world — the denomination’s mission statement.” (Added 4-21-2025)
“Methodist update: “We believe in a brown Palestinian Jew, a black messiah … black women are a source of the divine” via Not the Bee. “Check out Broadway United Methodist Church’s service, including the wildest call and response I’ve ever seen in my life.” (Added 4-21-2025)
“Bishop Richard Wilke, creator of Disciple Bible Study, dies Easter morning” via Great Plain UM Conference. “In the 2019 video, Bishop Wilke, explained how his views on homosexuality had shifted over the decades since his daughter, Sarah, came out to he and his wife. “That night we learned something new about our daughter, but we loved and cherished her just the same if not more,” Bishop Wilke said in the video. “Still I knew I had some work to do. I needed to reconcile my commitment to scriptural authority with loving and accepting my daughter. Frankly I was amazed at my lifelong ignorance about homosexuality.” (Added 4-21-2025)
Updated with PDF. “How Lovers Lane Pastor Kept Diverse Church Together Amid LGBTQ Rift” via Dallas Morning News. [paywall] “Instead of voting on disaffiliation itself, Copeland said his church voted on whether to hold a disaffiliation vote, or to forego a debate. Members voted at the end of church services over the course of three weeks – and 97% of them voted that they didn’t want to argue about disaffiliation any further, according to Copeland.” (Added 4-17-2025)
“End of Session Letter” by Mark Visher via Maryland House of Delegates. “For the second year, I introduced legislation to repeal the United Methodist Trust Clause, which the Baltimore-Washington Conference uses to demand payment from local churches seeking to disaffiliate. These community-built churches receive no Conference funding, yet face extortionate fees. Though the Senate version passed, both bills died in the House, a setback for religious freedom in Maryland, the birthplace of religious liberty.” (Added 4-18-2025)
“SC churches go to Supreme Court to try to break away from denomination” by Bristow Marchant via Island Packet. “The lawsuit was filed Monday by the Methodist Church of Simpsonville, with its pastor and chair of the church council named as individual plaintiffs, joined by nine other Methodist congregations across South Carolina that seek to leave the United Methodist conference and retain their church property in the process.” (Added 4-18-2025)
“Hamilton County church closing its doors after 222 years” via Fox19.com (OH). “We are deeply grateful for the 222 years of ministry and service that this church has provided,” said Pastor Glen Lash, Pastor of Elizabethtown United Methodist Church. “While it is with heavy hearts that we make this decision, we know that the spirit of the church will live on in the lives of those who have been a part of it. We invite the community to join us for the final services, as we celebrate the rich history and the many lives that have been touched here.” (Added 4-18-2025)
“United Methodists to Participate Together in Atlanta Pride Parade” via North Georgia UM Conference. “In 2024, more than 15 United Methodist churches—with approximately 200 participants—walked together in the parade. In 2025, those same congregations are extending the invitation to other interested United Methodists to join them. (Read the invitation letter here.) (Added 4-18-2025)
Post via UMC Nigeria Episcopal (Facebook). This rejoinder denies that the UMC in Nigeria is the breakaway group. It does not address who attacked who, only that Bishop Emmanuel did not order the attack. (Added 4-17-2025)
“Has the Moment Passed for Baptists?” by Mark Tooley via Theopolis. “This decline of great denominations is arguably not good or bad, just a new phase in U.S. Christianity. Those denominations bequeathed to us by the Second Great Awakening are fading. New movements are replacing them. This is the constant churn of Protestantism. What next?” (Added 4-17-2025)
Post by the UM General Board of Church & Society (Facebook). “On Monday, April 14, United Methodists participated in a Queer Christian Leaders and Allies Gathering on Capitol Hill. Sponsored by the Collective of Queer Christian Leaders, ecumenical participants from across the U.S. joined in the press conference to denounce Christian Nationalism and call for the church to be in solidarity with LGBTQIA persons, immigrants, and all people being impacted by the Trump administration’s harmful policies.” (Added 4-17-2025)
Post via Springfield News-Leader (Facebook). “Demolition photo of Campbell Avenue United Methodist Church. “Construction crews demolish the former Campbell Avenue United Methodist Church on Monday, April 14, 2025, clearing the site to make way for the new Pipkin Middle School. The church was part of the property purchased by Springfield Public Schools from the General Council of the Assemblies of God for the new school.” (Added 4-17-2025)
Post by Valerie Ohle via Facebook. “Faithfully Outside the Lines: A Statement of Ministerial Integrity: Too often, clergy are expected to sound like the denomination, not like themselves. We get handed statements, creeds, and carefully crafted paragraphs—but few invitations to speak from the raw, personal place where faith actually lives.” (Added 4-17-2025)
Post by Izzy Alvaran via Facebook. “The New United Methodism: Celebration and Challenges” will be hosted by a UM association of retired clergy. (Added 4-17-2025)
“Tears as church buries member who died in Taraba attack” by The Guardian (Nigeria). “Alhaji was a husband. A father of three. A devout Christian. A peacemaker. Not a fighter. But on Monday, April 14, 2025, he became a victim of religious violence, killed in cold blood during a brazen attack that was alleged to have been carried out by members of the breakaway Global Methodist Church (GMC) in the Zailani community.” (Added 4-16-2025)
“UMC Regional President Condemns Attacks Against Members in Nigeria” by Daily Observer (Liberia). “The President of the College of Bishops of the United Methodist’s West Africa Central Conference, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr, has expressed deep saddened and grave concerns about the recent reports of a violent and deadly ambush on members of the United Methodist Church in the Zailana Dorofai District, Nigeria.” (Added 4-16-2025)
“Disaffiliated SC Methodist churches file Supreme Court case to keep their property and new names” by Caitlin Herrington via Greenville Post & Courier. Nearly a dozen South Carolina Church ask a judge to allow them to keep their properties. (Added 4-16-2025)
Bishop Scott Jones of the GMC and Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the UMC share conflicting accounts of the recent violence in Nigeria. Bishop Jones in visiting Africa presently. (Added 4-16-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. “…it is with a grieving heart that we write to inform the general public about the deadly attack launched by members of the breakaway group headed by on Rev Ande Emmanuel on faithful members of the Global Methodist Church in Zailani, Karim-Lamido LGA which have caused the dead of Mr. Maikano Isa AKA Bagu from Bermuda village and other with severe injuries…” (Added 4-15-2025)
“Part 3: Clergy” by Taylor Burton Edwards via UMC.org. A summary of changes in the BOD regarding the work of clergy. (Added 4-15-2025)
“GCAH’s Center for LGBTQ+ UM Heritage marks anniversary of landmark GC action” via Press Release. “As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the removal of the anti-LGBTQ+ language, our rejoicing is tempered by all the lives that have been harmed by this language and all the calls to ministry that were denied,” says (Retired) Bishop Karen Oliveto. “As the church continues to move into a fully inclusive future, may we learn from the past so that every child of God will find a place of love, support and nurture in our United Methodist churches.” (Added 4-14-2025)
Post by Darryl Stephens via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Is the University Senate about to become a constitutionally mandated entity? No other board, agency, or committee provided by General Conference for the administration of its work (para. 17 is ascribed any particular responsibility or authority within the UMC’s Constitution. Amending para. 35/36 to mention a specific function of the University Senate seems a bit of an overstep, doesn’t it?…” (Added 4-14-2025)
Post by Ken Ken via Facebook. [photo] Nigeria: “These are the zogos (criminals) sent to attack us today while praying at the New Geogia GMC. Pls zoom the picture…they had sticks, knives and scissors!!” (Added 4-14-2025)
Post via GMC Liberia (Facebook). “The Global Methodist Church – Liberia is experiencing a tremendous growth in every part of Liberia. Rev. Aaron Nuta-opa Yankee and Rev. Peter Sayekwee led a team to the Kokoyah area of Bong County over the weekend to teach, evangelize, and plant churches.” (Added 4-14-2025)
“Community effort to help historic Greenstone Church in Pullman” by Michelle Gallardo via ABC News Chicago. “Over the past couple of years, Greenstone United Methodist Church has fallen on hard times. It’s behind on its gas bill and also needs maintenance work on its roof.” (Added 4-14-2025)
“St. Pete’s decaying historic Euclid Methodist Church to reopen as place of worship after denial of event space request” via St. Pete Rising. “Now rebranded as The Treehouse Sanctuary, the church will host religious gatherings on select days, along with weddings and other private events accommodating hundreds of guests. The existing kitchen will be used by local chefs for pop-up dinners, and a coffee cart service is also planned.” (Added 4-12-2025)
“Orlando churches face anti-LGBTQ protests” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “United Methodist churches in central Florida have been among the congregations targeted in recent months by anti-LGBTQ protesters threatening to disrupt worship. One LGBTQ-affirming United Methodist church now has hired an off-duty police officer to provide security.” (Added 4-12-2025)
“A moral imperative to stand on the side of the gospel” via UM Higher Education and Ministry. “General Secretary Roland Fernandes gives his report to the General Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.” (Added 4-12-2025)
“Judge sides with Trump, permits immigration enforcement in houses of worship” by Lindsay Whitehurst and Michael Kunzelman via The Associated Press. This is related to a lawsuit certain UM churches have joined. (Added 4-12-2025)
“Global Methodist Church launches pioneer church in Uganda” via Monitor. Coverage of Bishop Carolyn Moore’s visit to organize the Uganda Conference of the GMC. (Added 4-12-2025)
Post by Casey Taylor via Facebook. “Last week was my first retreat with colleagues in The Sanctification Network. It’s not a denomination. It’s a coaching network focused on making healthy, fruitful churches by making healthy, fruitful pastors. We’ve got GMC, UMC, independent, and more. Participation in the Network wasn’t just a perk to bring me to New Life Church – it was a selling point. Grateful!” (Added 4-11-2025)
Post via NBS Television (Facebook). “Uganda and South Sudan have officially become part of the Global Methodist Church a worldwide denomination with approximately 5,000 churches. The GMC has a significant presence in Africa, with churches in 27 countries, further expanding its global reach.” (Added 4-11-2025)
“Floods devastate United Methodists in Congo” by Fiston Okito via UMNS. “The floodwaters damaged the homes of some 100 church members, as well as Marc Mokoie and Lemba Imbu United Methodist churches, according to the Central Congo Episcopal Area’s disaster-management office.” (Added 4-11-2025)
“An Old Idea Is New Again in Europe: Spiritual Formation” by Ken Chitwood via Christianity Today. “In Bulgaria, Global Methodist Church pastor Daniel Topalski has resurrected an old Wesleyan discipleship practice called “band meetings” or classes. These are similar to small groups but place emphasis on confessing failures, monitoring spiritual progress, and supporting each other in the effort to live a holy life.” (Added 4-11-2025)
“EPA and GNJ lead denomination as first conferences to receive RMN inclusion training” via Greater New Jersey UM Conference. “It was the first time an annual conference group officially participated in a full-day, in-person training led by the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN): Welcome! Building Beloved Community: Affirming LGBTQ+ Inclusion… Participants reflected on how to support LGBTQ+ candidates in ordination and considered RMN’s framework for understanding stages of inclusion.” (Added 4-11-2025)
“Black churches preserve history, shape future” by John Coleman via UMNS. “Church leaders received training to advocate for the holistic health and wellness of Black LGBTQ communities, especially young people, and to develop congregational initiatives that promote inclusion.” (Added 4-11-2025)
“‘Covenant Communion’ and the Failure of Quasi-Mergers” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “In 2002 the new “relationship” officially known as Churches Uniting in Christ was officially launched. We now are living in this new relationship with the following groups: United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church USA, Episcopal Church, International Council of Community Churches, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Christian Church Disciples of Christ, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, United Methodist Church, and African Methodist Episcopal Church.” (Added 4-11-2025)
“A Global Church for a Global People: Why Regionalization Matters” via Iowa UM Conference. “It does not divide the church—it strengthens it by honoring diversity, promoting unity, and empowering ministry worldwide. Ratification requires 2/3 of all Annual Conferences to approve.” (Added 4-11-2025)
“Clay Sidenbender” by Andy Miller via More to the Story Podcast (YouTube). “Clay Sidenbender published an important article in Christianity Today called “Wesley is Fire”. On today’s podcast I talk to Clay about the journey he went on in writing this article. His research documented what this podcast has been hinting at for the last four years. I enjoyed talking to Clay and appreciate journalistic effort in documenting this special moment.” (Added 4-10-2025)
“Two Kingsport churches merge: ‘We’re one family already’” by Annette Spence via Holston UM Conference. “The merger is a hopeful action following difficult times for both congregations, including disaffiliation-related turmoil and financial instability. The two churches were already linked by history. This year’s merger combines a historically Black church with a church predominantly comprised of white members.” One building was deteriorating and the small congregation was unable to make repairs. (Added 4-10-2025)
“Floral Heights Methodist Church hits national auction” via News Channel 6. The 55,000 sq. ft. building of a Wichita Falls church that closed June 2024 will go to auction. Members interviewed about their feelings. (Added 4-10-2025)
Post by Justin Glenard Lee McCall via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “I find myself flipping wildly between dis and encouragement today reading the “Report on the Study of Homosexuality” to the 1992 General Conference. We were so close to hitting a home run over 3 decades ago. If find myself thinking about how different the church could be today if we had taken the approach presented in recognizing and making explicit the limits to what we could faithfully teach in regards to homosexuality and scripture.
Then I find myself on the other side- even 3 decades ago our church was being led an represented by people who got it. Though the subsequent recommendations failed to pass in the larger GC, those who did the work did so faithfully and diligently landing on what would be, in my opinion, an ideal as a starting point today…” (Added 4-9-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. [Photos] Nigeria: “This is the official residence of Rev. Alexander Sabo and the other DS at Kalobe Bambur where some satanic evil makers invaded their houses on the 25/03/2025 destroyed and set ablaze their belongings and with foods stuffs and carted away with other things just in the name of church. The doers of this evil, satanic and demonic act shall know no peace with their generations.” (Added 4-9-2025)
“Building peace in a dangerously polarized US” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Bigham-Tsai and other speakers at the conference were addressing an audience mostly from a region still reeling from the fallout of church divisions. From 2019 to 2023, more than 7,600 U.S. congregations left The United Methodist Church — prompted largely by conflict over LGBTQ inclusion… Those disaffiliations as well as current U.S. political strife played a role in this year’s revamp of the Peace Conference, said the Rev. Beth Crissman, the conference’s director. Crissman is a district superintendent and director of peace building ministries in the Western North Carolina Conference.” (Added 4-9-2025)
Overheard: With the Maryland legislative session having ended without SB0586 passing, SB0586 has died. UM Trust Clause stays codified in MD law. (Added 4-9-2025)
Post via Global Methodist Church. “January Littleton, a devoted member of Killearn Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida, was recognized during President Trump’s recent address to Congress. She is standing up for parental rights after discovering that her daughter’s school facilitated a social transition without her or her husband’s knowledge. We stand with January, honoring her courage and faith as she upholds biblical truth.” (Added 4-9-2025)
“Forbes Matonga: Personal Reflections on Recent UMC Developments” by DJ Ollah Podcast via Facebook. Interview with Forbes Matonga of Mozambique on his exit from the UMC. (Added 4-9-2025)
“UMC, Global Methodists locked in legal battle over at least 7 Liberia properties: report” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., head of the UMC Liberia Conference, confirmed to UM News that the church property cases are being litigated in the nation’s courts, calling the process “very tedious and cost intensive.” (Added 4-9-2025)
“Holy Roast Podcast with Rev. Matt Miofsky” via Holy Roast Podcast, Kentucky UM Conference. “Matt talks about the story of The Gathering, how a church can be both inclusive and evangelical, how to relate to other UMCs that may differ in certain areas from yours, the tension of preaching toward justice but fear decline, how to reach those who are 18-29, and his hope for the future of the UMC. Since Matt founded The Gathering in 2006, it has grown into a thriving multi-site congregation with four locations scattered throughout St. Louis. With over 1500 in worship a weekend, The Gathering was recently named the 3rd fastest growing large United Methodist Churches.” (Added 4-9-2025)
Post via Pulpit & Pen (Facebook). “United Methodist Minister explains that praying to God as ‘Our Father’ can be painful, damaging, and traumatic for some, so she advises to pray instead ‘Our Grandmother who art in heaven’ or ‘Our coach….'” (Added 4-8-2025)
“GMC in Liberia” by Margibi Liberia via YouTube. Interview on the development of the GMC in Liberia. (Added 4-8-2025)
Tweet by Jeff Walton. “Fascinating to read that some formerly United Methodist congregations (those that aren’t joining Global Methodist Church) are hiring Baptist ministers and even re-baptizing congregants. It’s an example of Baptist thought dominating U.S. evangelicalism.” (Added 4-8-2025)
“Death doula helps navigate end-of-life care” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Death should be ‘a friend or companion,’ Elliot said. ‘In my life, I have witnessed more people than I can count in the moment they leave this earth, and I think with enough exposure, some of the fear does go away.'” (Added 4-8-2025)
“Dalton United Methodist Church’s annual Three Stooges Festival” via The Berkshire Edge (MA). “A free-will offering will be taken, with all proceeds benefiting the church’s Roof & Restoration Fund.” (Added 4-8-2025)
“Whither Methodists & Baptists?” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “Denominational loyalties among church goers under 60 are nearly nonexistent. Consequently, both the United Methodist Church and the Southern Baptist Convention may not meaningfully exist in ten years, as congregations establish other identifies. America currently has almost no growing denominations. Growing congregations are typically nondenominational. And if they do have denominational ties, those are often hidden.” (Added 4-8-2025)
Post via Liberia UMCTV (Facebook). “Rev. Dr. Rudolph Bropleh you cannot have your cake and eat it. You are a GMC pastor now leave the UMC property with the UMC members. The same rights you have to associate with GMC so do others who want to associate with the UMC. The original occupants of Duahzon UMC are UMC Members. UMC members have deeds to their property that you and Rev. Fiske have taking illegal possession of with no color of rights. The Duahzon UMC members through the LAC/UMC went civil and summoned you and others to court twice you failed to attend. You and others filed bond, time to appear in court you jumped bill and didn’t appear yet you holding UMC members hostage to their church. After refusing to appear before a judge 3 times the judge has no alternative but to issue a writ of arrest to bring you and others before the court.” (Added 4-7-2025)
“BACA hopes to buy First United Methodist Church” by Savannah Barr via Bradford Era. “According to a copy of the church’s minutes provided to The Era in November, the church is scheduled to close July 1. Church officials have denied making an official decision about its future. The Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church had no further information by press time Friday. Bradford Area Christian Academy has rented space in the church since 2001. The private school meets the educational needs of students age 3 through the 12th grade with a biblically based curriculum.” (Added 4-7-2025)
“The Panama Conference of the GMC – A Conversation With Luciano Pereira Da Silva” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Luciano Pereira Da Silva was once a party boy clubbing around Brazil. The Lord grabbed him out of that life, using a Methodist small group and a retreat to radically change him. Today he is overseeing the exponential growth of Methodism in Panama, planting churches and equipping laity and clergy across the country. He, his wife, and his daughter are pouring themselves out for the Lord, and he is blessing their efforts. With the help of the Trinity Conference, Table Church (PA), Asbury Theological Seminary, and others, Rev. Da Silva is fostering a new generation of evangelical believers to spread scriptural holiness across this part of the globe.” (Added 4-7-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Ryan Burge does a ton of analysis about religion and religious people. In 2024 – so after disaffiliation – 60% of United Methodists voted for Donald Trump.
People here probably have lots of responses to that. My memory of responses by UM clergy and leaders after the election would not have led me to think 60% of UMC people voted for Trump. When we talk about politics how well do our leaders understand who they are speaking to and how wise are they about convincing and persuading people who hold different views? My sense is that we tend to talk as if 75% or more UMC people are Democrats. That is not a scientifically derived impression, but I do wonder how much we hamper our effectiveness by making false assumptions about who United Methodists are.” (Added 4-7-2025)
“Recurring Patterns and Unheeded Warnings” by James R. Thobaben via Good News Magazine. Predictions on the future of the UMC, GMC, former UMC independent churches, and networks like the Foundry. (Added 4-5-2025)
“Seven Next Steps for the Global Methodist Church” by Timothy Tennent via Good News Magazine. “First, we must shift from the “disaffiliation” process to the “affiliation” process. The last few years witnessed around 20 percent of United Methodist churches voting to disaffiliate. This resulted in over 4,500 congregations uniting with the GMC, bringing our membership to over 650,000 members!” (Added 4-5-2025)
Good News March/April Issue. The first issue of Good News under the John Wesley Institute includes “Seven Next Steps for the Global Methodist Church” by Timothy Tennent. (Added 4-5-2025)
Overheard: Recent posts by Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the UMC shows the disparity in strength of the UMC in the Central and Southern regions. (Added 4-5-2025)
Post by Asaba Ali via Facebook. On Nigeria” “When the Southern conference of UMC were busy rebelling against the leadership of Bishop Yohanna and even went as far as registering their church under the CAC, who told you to vacate? When you sent workers out of the UMCN clinic in Zing, did Bishop Yohanna say anything? They quietly moved to Jalingo to build the current GMCN hospital Jalingo. When you left the church 12 years ago, you couldn’t remember the Secretariat and other properties until now? Some mistakes can be corrected, but there are some errors that are difficult to fix. You said we should not talk about the UMC endorsing LGBTQ, yet you often talk about properties that the properties belong to you. How is that?…” (Added 4-5-2025)
“GMC Conducts Nationwide Leadership Training” by Moses Tokpah via The Inquirer (Liberia). “Rev. Kulah narrated that these different trainings are intended to prepare the church ahead of its convening conference expected to be held in July this year.” (Added 4-5-2025)
“Anglicans: in Danger of Becoming a ‘Boutique’ Church?” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “Episcopalians, broadly, no longer believe that they offer something unique to the world or that most people would be particularly interested. Instead, they’ve found themselves catering to a caste of highly educated (and increasingly aged) white liberals.” (Added 4-4-2025)
Post by Roger Ross via Facebook. “A truly great retreat in Tampa this week with the Sanctification Network. Passionate worship, anointed preaching & teaching, and a no-holds-barred cornhole tournament. Can it get any better? Glory!” (Added 4-4-2025)
“Knut Refsdal elected as bishop” by Karl Anders Ellingsen via UMNS. “The Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference elected the Rev. Knut Refsdal as a United Methodist bishop on the 26th ballot.
Refsdal has ecumenical experience. At the time of his election, he is serving a congregation in the Church of Norway, a Lutheran denomination. Earlier in the meeting, the central conference finalized the departure of four Eurasian annual conferences, which are leaving to form an autonomous Methodist church… “We are entering a time of change in the Methodist landscape in Europe, and we want to work for a closer community. If we want to come together in a single central conference, I think that could be a good challenge for us.” (Added 4-4-2025)
Tweet by Talbot Davis: Woah. Odell Horne layeth the smack down on the #umc’s racial & global hypocrisy here. Props to @ministrymatters for publishing such a searching & fearless moral inventory: https://ministrymatters.com/all/entry/11970/re-centering-whiteness-in-methodism @ShaneRaynor @RitterChris @umjeremy” (Added 4-4-2025)
“Legislation – SB0586” via the Maryland Senate. Progress of “Methodist Church Trust Requirement Repeal and Disaffiliation Requirements.” See also Hearing Video. (Added 4-4-2025)
“Alabama West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church Retains Control of Northwest Florida Church Property” by Navarre Press. [paywall] See also here. (Added 4-4-2025)
“Gathering aims to help Asian American clergy thrive” by Thomas Kim via UMNS. “As the church undergoes transition and moves toward a new chapter, we recognized the need to bring Asian American clergy together to reaffirm their contributions to the larger denomination,” Jun said… He highlighted that while four Asian American district superintendents and several General Conference and jurisdictional delegates serve within the Southeastern Jurisdiction, Asian American clergy have no dedicated advocacy group, such as Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino Americans (MARCHA) and Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR).” (Added 4-4-2025)
“The phrase that haunted United Methodists for 52 years is gone” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. This is the fourth in a five-part series on the updated Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. (Added 4-4-2025)
“General Conference and Global Christianity, Part Two” by Odell Horne via Theological Voice of Africa. “Many African delegates to the 2020/24 UMC General Conference did not receive visas to enter the United States Africans were blamed for the failure of same sex marriage at the Special Session of the General Conference. White Anglo-Saxon Protestants enacted the ‘divide and conquer’ strategy by endorsing the upstart United Methodist Africa Forum over the more established Africa Initiative
Africans have left the UMC, rejecting the ecclesiastical colonialism of American Methodists.” (Added 4-4-2025)
Overheard from Steve Beard: “Some days it seems as though our journey from The Woodlands, Texas, to Washington DC is never ending. We just got word from our publishing company that we needed to make some tweaks on the new issue of Good News magazine. When the challenges arise, we respond. We all look forward to seeing the new issue with fantastic contributions from Steve Hoskins, Timothy Tennent, James Thobaben, Jessica LaGrone, Tammie Grimm, Suzanne Nicholson, and David F. Watson – the new brand president of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. It is a solid issue that will reinvigorate your soul. Whether you are United Methodist, Global Methodist, Free Methodist, Wesleyan, or Nazarene, we so appreciate you standing with us as we prepare the elements for the next issue and walk forward into the future together.” (Added 4-3-2025)
Post by Ken Ken via Facebook. Image of a letter by a church in Liberia notifying their UMC pastor that his pastoral service in the church is terminated. (Added 4-3-2025)
“Re-centering whiteness in Methodism” by Odell Horne via Ministry Matters. “There are no African Methodists in charge of any of the boards and agencies of the United Methodist Church, which has created a power imbalance. African Methodists have left the UMC in large numbers as a result of same sex marriage passing at the General Conference, even though disaffiliations have ended. African American GC delegates chose Liberation theology over Orthodoxy, ultimately rejecting solidarity with African Methodists. The General Conference passed legislation to form a US Regional Committee, making a US Regional Conference duplicitous.” (Added 4-3-2025)
Appellant’s Brief by the Appellate Court of Maryland via PDF. “This pattern of layered and belated disclosures creates the appearance of a bait and switch. Initially, Judge Malone provided a vague disclosure that downplayed his affiliations. Only after the case had advanced significantly did he reveal extensive personal, familial, and current ties to the UMC, specifically to churches within the Baltimore-Washington Conference—the very entity at the heart of this litigation.” (Added 4-3-2025)
“My faith calls me to love everyone. It’s time United Methodists moved forward. | Opinion” by Derek Belase via The Oklahoman. Director of Connectional Ministries: “…the 2022-23 window for the special disaffiliation clause that would have allowed that transfer of property was ended by our worldwide body. Regardless, those church members decided to leave the United Methodist connectional body and structure and are starting a new ministry in that community. Our conference leaders wish those church leaders well as they navigate their future. After all, Christ’s love is non-denominational. It’s for everybody. We celebrate all healthy manifestations of Christian fellowship, and we hold no grudges.” (Added 4-3-2025)
“Black caucus finds hope in work ahead” by John Coleman via UMNS. “Nearly 200 members of Black Methodists for Church Renewal attended the group’s 58th annual meeting at Holman United Methodist Church. Members were called to fight for justice and challenge systems of inequality. During a panel discussion, Ebony Bishops discussed the state of The United Methodist Church and their hopes for the future.” (Added 4-2-2025)
Our Way Forward via The Susquehanna UM Conference. “The Graceful Conversations and Covenanting Process resource, commissioned by NEJ College of Bishops, is designed to help congregations understand the 2024 General Conference’s changes regarding human sexuality. It provides a pathway for congregations to clarify their intentions around ministry with and by LGBTQ persons…. These covenants offer guidance to support alignment in appointments, aiming to minimize unintended harm.” See also here. (Added 4-2-2025)
“Losing Warrington’s Property – A Conversation with Ted Johnson” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Ted Johnson, pastor of what used to be a United Methodist local church body, spent some time with me to tell his flock’s story. They have now come out on the other side, but it has been somewhat of a rough ride getting loose of the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the UMC. He and his people thought they had gotten free in 2021 when they changed their legal documents to reflect an independent status. Little did they know that, a few years later, the UMC would be demanding the property.” (Added 4-2-2025)
“Eugene church burglarized, vandalized in early morning break-in; police seek tips” by Haleigh Kochanski via The Register-Guard. “Church administrators appeared shaken and in disbelief at the damage. White dust from a fire extinguisher coated the ground, pews, and piano; books were thrown everywhere; the baptismal font was thrown to the ground and shattered; pieces of broken instruments were scattered throughout the pews; chairs were thrown; glass was broken and excrement was left in the worship area.” (Added 4-2-2025)
“York church, United Methodist Church Conference sue group accused of taking over congregation” via WBTV. “A church in York, South Carolina and the state’s United Methodist Church Conference are suing a group with a similar name, accusing them of trying to disassociate the church from its larger religious organization, take control of property that does not belong to them, and fire a pastor not employed by the church.” (Added 4-2-2025)
“Jeanne Knepper, Trailblazing Pastor for LGBTQIA+ Inclusion, Dies” via UM Insight. As shared by the Oregon-Idaho Conference: “There have long been queer clergy serving in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, but none were as public about it as Knepper was willing to be, Blanksma said. The change came during the 2016 General Conference in Portland, when queer clergy across the Conference signed onto a letter publicly declaring themselves to be the self-avowed people they are. Blanksma himself was one of those who had stayed closeted and feared being ostracized the way Knepper was for owning her truth.” (Added 4-1-2025)
“The Church in a New Day: Three Challenges [Firebrand Big Read]” by David Watson via Firebrand Magazine. “If we constantly change our doctrines and ethics in accordance with the Zeitgeist, we will lose the continuity of Christian teaching across time. Our task is not to adapt our core beliefs to each new generation’s conventional wisdom, but to show how those core beliefs relate to the human condition in each new era.” (Added 4-1-2025)
Overheard: Nigeria GMC source: “I forgot to inform you that day after CS wife was beaten they came to director agric CNAC well armed and carried a yambasu agric tractor [agricultural program named after the late Bishop Yambasu]. Our boys actually strive to take it by force but elders of Wurkun advise that they should allow them, they will collect the tractor and bring it back themselves. They fully know they cannot do such a thing in other conferences and go free. The Northeast is no go Area for them likewise Northern and Southern conf. Only the central that they can have mouth to talk and they are using that opportunity to unleash their dubious character on our people. But it will get to a point if our people will react on their people it won’t be good for them. They are even lucky because the Bishop has been calling on our people to be peaceful. That is even one of the reason why our people prevented them from entering Ethel Johnson [School] and [Banyam Theological Seminary].” (Added 4-1-2025)
“Two juveniles charged with vandalizing Pikeville church” by Rainy Randolph via WDEF. “Investigators found extensive destruction inside the church, including green paint thrown on floors and walls, overturned furniture, broken televisions, vases, and discharged fire extinguishers. The suspects also left water running in the basement, seemingly in an attempt to flood the area. Additionally, one of the juveniles was found with a church-owned iPad.” (Added 4-1-2025)
“Southern Baptist Turbulence” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “Compared to Mainline Protestant denominations, like United Methodism, the link between Southern Baptist congregations and the denomination can be tenuous. SBC congregations own their own property, choose their own clergy, and self-govern. They belong to the SBC if they send money to it. Ending affiliation with the SBC can be as easy as ending funding.” (Added 4-1-2025)
Post by Le Anne Clausen de Montes via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “When I say that our Mainline Protestant Denominations will sunset at about the same time as the sunset of the Baby Boomer generation, I’d like to clarify a few things…” (Added 3-31-2025)
“Methodist Pastor Slams Churches That Oppose Abortion: They’re “Simplistic” and Extreme” by Micaiah Bilger via Life News. “Speaking with Kent Wired, David Palmer, the lead pastor of the Kent United Methodist Church in Ohio, argued that some Christian churches have become too involved in conservative political causes and their activism is damaging to Christianity.” (Added 3-31-2025)
Video Post via Iowa UMC Cabinet. A video celebrating the Trans Day of Visibility. (Added 3-31-2025)
“Stahlstown church rededicates itself two years after devastating fire” by Felicity Taylor via WTAE (PA). “In the two and a half years since the fire, the church has undergone significant changes, including disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church and welcoming a new pastor, Vickie Lynch.” (Added 3-31-2025)
“New attention for old hymn texts” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. “The Rev. Ted Campbell has edited and published A Core Methodist Hymnal, which collects the texts of 126 hymns in the public domain.
Campbell is a longtime professor at United Methodist seminaries and an authority on the great hymn writer Charles Wesley.” (Added 3-31-2025)
“Attacking Biblical Morality to the Same Tune” by Rick Plasterer via Juicy Ecumenism. Ryan found [The Widening of God’s Mercy by Hayes] “shallow” and “strained,” especially the Old Testament section. He said that the authors’ depiction of God seems “highly problematic to me, a clear departure the historic global church’s reading of Scripture.” (Added 3-31-2025)
“NEW Data: Is The Decline in the Church Reversing?” by Carey Neiuwhof via YouTube. “New data from Barna suggests that the decline in the church is reversing.” (Added 3-31-2025)
“Homosexuality divides United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe” by Gracious Daniel via News Day Zimbabwe. “The former cleric added: “We reject the de-classification of the sin of homosexuality through a smokescreen called regionalisation invented by American progressive/ liberal bishops and forced upon The United Methodist Church via the general conference.” (Added 3-31-2025)
“Special Interview with Dr. Rudolph Bropleh on the Writ of Arrest Issued by Bishop Samuel Quire” via Spoon TV Live (Facebook). Video interview on continuing conflict among Liberia Methodists. (Added 3-31-2025)
“Reviving Faith: Special Guest Rev. Matt Rawle” by Natalie Justice via YouTube. As featured in UMNS Daily Digest: “Join us for Reviving Faith: Addressing Church Decline and Embracing Renewal. This week we are talking to Rev.Matt Rawle. He is the lead pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, LA. He has written numerous books including Jesus Revealed, The Faith of a Mockingbird and The Heart that Grew Three Sizes. And author of his latest book The Final Days. His news book Faith over Fear comes out April 15th. Next week will be Rev. Evelyn Harris.” (Added 3-29-2025)
“Breaking News: United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Splits Amidst Disagreements Over Gay Marriage and Leadership” by Willis Moyo via ZimCast TV (Facebook). “The split is not isolated to Zimbabwe, as other African countries, including Malawi, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Kenya, have also seen members leave the church over similar disagreements. The development is set to have significant implications for the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and beyond.” (Added 3-29-2025)
“Methodist pastors quit church over homosexuality stance” via Zimbabwe Daily Mail. “Sin is universal. It cannot be forbidden in one place and accepted in another in the same church. “We believe sin knows no racial, national, ethnic or tribal boundaries, it is a universal human condition,”he said. See also here. (Added 3-29-2025)
“Growing a new kind of Christian community” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Spring Forest in Hillsborough, North Carolina, is working to become a new kind of Christian community. The Rev. Elaine Heath has taken elements of communal farming, church and nunneries and monasteries as inspirations.
About 12 people live on the property and 12 more are oblates, who participate in activities online and at annual get-togethers.” See related feature on Elaine Heath. (Added 3-29-2025)
“Fights erupt over West Africa church property” by Eveline Chikwanah via UMNS. United Methodist perspectives in property disputes in Liberia and Nigeria. (Added 3-28-2025)
“Rev Forbes Matonga announces the departure of twelve senior priests from the UMC” via YouTube. “The gay bishops elected in the United States of America are not just bishops in America. They are bishops of the whole church.” (Added 3-28-2025)
“Senior UMC Clergy Resign Over Doctrinal Shift” via ZimCelebs. “In a shake-up within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Zimbabwe, Rev. Forbes Matona has confirmed the resignation of twelve senior priests. The move comes in response to the church’s recent decision to revise its stance on certain theological matters, a shift that has sparked deep divisions among its clergy and followers. The departing priests, who have long been pillars of the denomination, cited doctrinal concerns as their primary reason for stepping away.” (Added 3-28-2025)
Post by Daniel Wade Randall via Facebook. On the Alabama-West Florida Conference: “About 40% of the churches disaffiliated while we could, knowing that the wide spread disobedience would only get worse, the upcoming 2024 General Conference would move in an extremely liberal directions and that the Bishop and new Conference Board of Trustees would not honor the promises they were making in Town Hall meetings in 2022. About 20% of the churches were either denied the promise of disaffiliation under the unholy acts of the new Board of Trustees and found out the bishops promises were not legitimate… The remaining churches either fully embrace the radical changes that occurred at the 2024 UMC General Conference or were deceived by dishonest or naive clergy.” (Added 3-28-2025)
“12 United Methodist pastors resign over homosexuality” via ZW News (Zimbabwe). “Twelve senior pastors from the United Methodist Church (UMC) have resigned in protest over the church’s recent decision to remove its long-standing condemnation of homosexuality. Speaking at a Press conference in Harare this morning, one of the pastors, Reverend Forbes Matonga (pictured) confirmed the resignations, stating that the church’s new stance no longer aligns with Christian teachings.” View Press Conference video here. (Added 3-28-2025)
“Man Found Dead on Church Grounds” via The Montrose Press. Body found on campus of Colorado UMC that was recently cited for allowing the homeless to camp on the property. (Added 3-28-2025)
“A Methodist Pastor’s Hunger for the Eucharist – Episode 91” via The Coming Home Network International. A former United Methodist pastor tells the story of his conversation to Roman Catholicism. (Added 3-28-2025)
“UMC bishop, other Methodists attacked in Nigeria while doing ministry work” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “However, at the UMC General Conference last year, delegates voted overwhelmingly to remove these rules from the discipline after thousands of theologically conservative churches exited the denomination in recent years. Since the changes were made, violent tensions have stirred between the progressive UMC and the conservative Global Methodist Church over who rightly owns the Nigerian Episcopal Area.” (Added 3-27-2025)
Post by Forbes Matonga via Facebook. Zimbabwe: “We have completed the handover takeover at Murewa Mission of The United Methodist Church, marking THE END of our Ministry within that Denomination. Watch this space as we begin to indicate The Direction we are taking. HE LEADS: WE FOLLOW! It’s TIME FOR REFORMATION, REVIVAL AND RENEWAL!!” (Added 3-27-2025)
“Thursday Morning Briefing (Mar. 27, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. Several Methodist topics, including recent violence in Nigeria. (Added 3-27-2025)
“Our Present Church Decline: Diagnosing and Prescribing” by H. A. “Bud” Tillinghast via UM Insight. “No one reading this article would question the fact that the church in the West is in decline and has been declining for a long time. Not only is it losing members, but the church’s influence on its culture has declined…” (Added 3-27-2025)
Post by Bishop Ande Emmanuel (Facebook). “it is with a heavy heart that I address the unfortunate incident that took place on March 26th on our way to visit Central Nigeria Annual Conference in Bambur where some members of the breakaway Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN) ambushed our delegates at Madaga and Karim Maunde.” (Added 3-27-2025)
Overheard: Three arrest warrants issued for United Methodist members in the Banyam Seminary attacks in Nigeria. (Added 3-27-2025)
“Richfield Church Leaves United Methodist Denomination” by Marcia Moore via Daily Item (PA). Paywall. “The Richfield United Methodist Church congregation is hoping to buy back their building after they voted to leave the United Methodist Church.” (Added 3-27-2025)
“UMC bishops condemn attack on United Methodists in Nigeria” via UMC Council of Bishops. “The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is deeply disturbed by the recent attack on Bishop Ande Emmanuel and other United Methodists traveling with him as they were engaging ministry in the Nigeria episcopal area. We are grateful that Bishop Emmanuel and his team escaped physical harm, although a vehicle in their entourage was damaged.” (Added 3-27-2025)
Reel by Tom Brock via Facebook. Lutheran: The UMC has “gone bonkers” since “accepting the gay stuff.” (Added 3-27-2025)
“Announcing the New District Names” via Mississippi UM Conference. “Northern Hills District, the Central District, the Capital River District, the Red Clay Hills District and the Gulf Pines District.” (Added 3-26-2025)
“Harvest Church lawsuit back in court” via WTVY. [Video Report] “The Dothan church has been locked in a legal dispute with the United Methodist Church for three years now.” (Added 3-26-2025)
“Sacred Collective fosters activism, inclusivity, and faith amid political turmoil” by Emma Jane via The Daily Iowan. “After leaving the United Methodist Church over its restrictive policies on the LGBTQ+ community, Rev. Anna Blaedel co-founded Sacred Collective, a multi-denominational spiritual community in Iowa City. Now, as Iowa lawmakers pass sweeping legislation restricting LGBTQ+ rights and education, Sacred Collective blends spirituality and activism, offering a space for action and belonging.”…“There was this deep history within Methodist tradition of social justice,” Blaedel said. “And I think the United Methodist Church really lost its way.” (Added 3-26-2025)
“United Methodists take back property as breakaway group moves to storefront” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “We had put a lot of money into the facility,” he said, noting that it burned in 1968 and has since suffered hurricane damage multiple times. “We don’t really have the money to fight, to invest in the court system,” Johnson said. “We went with the best advice we could, which was to walk away.” The Alabama-West Florida Conference legal team didn’t win a court battle in this case, he said. “They didn’t win anything,” Johnson said. “We gave it to them.” … The conference continues to work through the court system in cases against other breakaway congregations in Pensacola and in Auburn, in Demopolis, in Bay Minette, and in Dothan, among other places.(Added 3-26-2025)
Overheard: (Nigeria) “Another trouble happened today as Ande and his group, including Rev. Niel Christie, escaped from mammoth crowd in Karim Lamido as they plan to take over Ethel Johnson Comprehensive secondary school. They were bitten by some of the youths within as they ran for their lives. As a result of this Central conference CS wife was bitten and evangelism Director’s residence was invaded by central conference youths. Continue praying for us in Nigeria though the situation is calm now. Two of their cars were destroyed. Rev. Ande and his group are trouble makers. They were stopped by securities since the predominant of Karim are GMC, they should not enter there they refused. We don’t know why Ande is very stubborn.” (Added 3-26-2025)
Post by John Lomperis via Facebook. “Recently several US leaders of the Global Methodist Church came to visit fellow Global Methodist leaders in Nigeria. A mob affiliated with the United Methodist Church violently attacked and vandalized the Global Methodist seminary these leaders were about to visit. Later on the trip, one of these American Global Methodist leaders told me they actually felt safer in a Muslim-dominated area of Nigeria, where at least there was no presence of United Methodists. While Global Methodist leaders have repeatedly urged calm and peace, I have yet to see United Methodist leaders (the cross-and-flame denomination) take any serious action to restrain or stop the violence their people keep committing in Nigeria – but plenty of misrepresentations and responsibility avoidance.” (Added 3-26-2025)
“TORPY: Hate leads the shouting hour outside progressive churches” via Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It was 10 minutes before Sunday’s service at St. Paul United Methodist Church when the amplified hell-and-brimstone squad arrived at its steps. St. Paul’s is a 118-year-old church built by Confederate sympathizers in Atlanta’s Grant Park, now a tight-knit, well-to-do, progressive neighborhood. It’s the kind of place where “No Place For Hate” signs are planted in well-kept lawns. And the church, which touts itself as LGBT-inclusive, fits in well.” (Added 3-26-2025)
“Bishop Emmanuel Ande Clears the AIr on the Same-Sex Marriage Misconception” via Christian Reformed TV via Youtube. A video statement on human sexuality and other matters for a Nigerian audience. Claims over a million members in Nigeria. (Added 3-26-2025)
Post by Asaba Ali via GMC Nigeria Facebook Group. [photo]. “”UMCN members attacked the Superintendent’s wife of the Central Nigeria Annual Conference with dangerous weapons, inflicting various degrees of injury on her. May God grant you a speedy recovery mama.” (Added 3-26-2025)
“Churches confront mass federal layoffs” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Many United Methodist churches also are adjusting their budgets to account for laid-off members’ strained finances.” (Added 3-25-2025)
“African Methodist Clergy Get OK for $60 Million in Pension Deals” by Jacklyn Wille via Bloomberg Law. “African Methodist Episcopal Church pastors challenging steep retirement plan losses received initial court approval for a pair of class settlements valued at $60 million.” (Added 3-25-2025)
“After LA fires destroyed places of worship, Methodist, Muslim and Jewish congregations form ‘an island of grace’” via The Guardian. “The Methodist church, already a host to Islamic Center members as a satellite worship location, welcomed the Jewish congregation. “We are trying to cultivate an ‘island of grace’ in the midst of differences that we are told should divide us,” said Aitken. Under this arrangement, all three Abrahamic faiths are worshiping under one roof at 500 East Colorado Boulevard. (Added 3-25-2025)
“Church grapples with loss of foreign aid” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Africa University and the United Methodist Committee on Relief are among the United Methodist ministries that have long worked with partners in the U.S. government. A former United Methodist missionary explains why USAID has served both U.S. interests and her own call as a Christian.” (Added 3-25-2025)
“ECM Committee Session, 3/25/2025” via Maryland Economic Matters Committee (Youtube). House of Delegates hearing on SB0586 (Repeal of UM Trust Clause from MD law & Disaffiliation Requirements) today at 1:00 p.m EST. See also Senate Bill 586. (Added 3-25-2025)
“Murders in Kansas; Marked for Life” by Paul Stallsworth via Human Life Review. Retrospective on the murder of Methodist parishioners: “Perhaps that is one reason that the Gospel of Life is so significant to this clergyman from Kansas. At the age of nine, the murder of the Clutter family burned into my heart and mind that every human life is precious.” (Added 3-25-2025)
“Who are filling up the pews? Highly educated parents.” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. “What factors drive up attendance? Education, age, and having children. In other words, people with a college degree are more likely to attend compared to those with a high school diploma. Older people are more likely to attend than younger people and people with children attend with a higher frequency than those who don’t. But clearly parental status has the largest overall positive effect on attendance.” (Added 3-25-2025)
“Defenders and/or Heirs: A Historian’s Reflection on the 60th Anniversary Meeting of the Wesleyan Theological Society” by Steven Hoskins via Firebrand Magazine. “As to time, well you may not be aware of this, but the last few years have been difficult ones in the pan-M(m)ethodist family. One need not recount that here, but occasionally there is trouble in churches. Our days have proven no different. As my Irish ancestors said, “May you always live in interesting times.” And so we do. The WTS 60th Anniversary was an event where we discussed and argued over our heritage, our shared theological commitments, and our differences—and we did so as friends.” (Added 3-25-2025)
“Congratulations, David Watson!” via Firebrand Magazine. The Firebrand team comments on the announcement of Watson’s selection as Asbury Seminary’s next president. (Added 3-25-2025)
Overheard: The trial against the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church by Harvest Church in Dothan, AL begins today. (Added 3-25-2025)
“The Future of the United Methodist Church – Part III” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “United Methodism has too many boards, agencies, and experts with agendas that often are at variance with persons in the local church. We are already cutting back on some of this simply because we do not have the funds to support everything we have done in the past. The church needs funds for its mission. It also needs the expertise of gifted leaders. To balance all of this should be on a high priority list for United Methodism.” (Added 3-25-2025)
“Judge denies coalition’s request to temporarily block Idaho’s library law” by Mia Maldonado via The Idaho Capital Sun (as shared by UMNS). “This case is one of two lawsuits related to House Bill 710, a highly controversial law that took effect after years of attempts from the Idaho Legislature to restrict access to library materials — particularly as they relate to sex education, LGBTQ+ people and diverse communities… There were 11 original plaintiffs in the case; however, Tuesday’s decision dismissed eight of them, including four parents and their two children, and two libraries that do not receive public funds, including the Community Library Association and Collister United Methodist Church.” (Added 3-24-2025)
Post by Tim Beardsley via Facebook. “Breaking news from Zimbabwe! Rev. Forbes Matonga resigns UMC. Read below details….” (Added 3-24-2025)
“Sacred Worth Gathering Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Community and Addresses Church Healing” via Louisiana Conference UMC. “On Sunday afternoon, the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church’s LGBTQIA+ Ministry Team hosted Sacred Worth, an event celebrating and affirming the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.” (Added 3-24-2025)
Post by Bishop John Schol via Facebook. “…After eight months of confusion, harassment, and even violence by the Global Methodist Church, UMC Nigeria has remained steadfast, humble and focused on the mission. Today they gathered in their annual conference session…” (Added 3-24-2025)
“Amid war, central conference practices ‘shalom’” by Urs Schweizer via UMNS. “The central conference also began preparations for the annual conference in the Czech Republic to become an autonomous church… The central conference also had a detailed discussion of the future of The United Methodist Church in Europe. The reason for this was the growing solidarity among the three European central conferences on the one hand, but also the reality of a shrinking church on the other.” (Added 3-24-2025)
“Yes, the Watsons are moving…” by David Watson via Substack. “On Saturday, March 22, I accepted an offer to become the tenth President of Asbury Theological Seminary. We’ve been in this process for several months, praying for discernment, praying that God would open the doors he wants opened and close those he wants closed. God has opened this door, and we’re walking through it. I will begin my work at Asbury at the beginning of July.” (Added 3-23-2025)
“Asbury Theological Seminary Announces Dr. David F. Watson as the Seminary’s Next President” via Asbury Seminary. “The Board of Trustees of Asbury Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the unanimous election of Dr. David F. Watson as the Seminary’s next president. The Seminary has been engaged in a vigorous nationwide presidential search over the past year. Dr. Watson will take up his new duties at Asbury Seminary on July 1. He succeeds Dr. Timothy C. Tennent, who served as president for 15 years, and Dr. David J. Gyertson, who is currently serving as Interim President.” (Added 3-22-2025)
“Journey Home – 3/3/2025: Dr. Justus Hunter, former Free Methodist” via EWTN. “Justus Hunter’s dad was a Methodist pastor, and he himself decided to pursue academic study in theology, attending Asbury College and Seminary, where he encountered Church history in a way that made him want to learn more about the world of the early Christians. After getting a doctorate from Southern Methodist University, he went on to teach theology at the seminary level, and it was during this time that all the threads he’d been following regarding history, liturgy, and the sacramental life came together, and he and his family felt led to enter the Catholic Church.” (Added 3-22-2025)
“‘Come as You Are’ Is Not a Slogan for the Church: Interview by Charles E. Moore” by Stanley Haurwas via Christianity Today. “Well, the mainstream Protestant church is dying. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing. It makes us free. I mean, for some time people argued that the world would go to hell if it were not Christian. That may be the case. But being Christian doesn’t mean you need a Christian America… I mean, what is baptism? It’s not coming as you are. It’s being drowned in the water of the faith that makes you a different human being than you were before baptism. So Come as you are is a slogan that might be good for self-help groups, but it’s not a slogan that’s good for the church.” (Added 3-22-2025)
“Turn and Face the Strange” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “As the state government erased the civil rights protections of transgender people, the bishop wrote a pastoral letter to Iowa United Methodists…The World Methodist Council, along with the United Methodist Church and others, will sponsor a March 19 webinar titled “Steadfastness as Resistance.” Its panel includes Christians from South Africa and Palestine, two regions that have known racial oppression, even torture.” (Added 3-22-2025)
“God Is…?” by Steve Harper via UM Insight. “To embrace Influencer God means that I do not so much have to figure out the will of God, as to do it (love God and others) – on earth as it is in heaven – as it has been revealed by God in Christ. And more, the influencing comes with grace to do it, if I only will. Influencer God acts (speaks and shows) and then says, “Tag, you’re it!”” (Added 3-22-2025)
“Seaford church shuttering pre-K program after more than 60 years, leaving parents scrambling” via News 12 Long Island (NY). “Church officials blamed a combination of an aging congregation, ministerial bandwidth and financial resources needed to support the preschool… Roughly 100 families and dozens of staff said they were shocked by the decision. Many said they already paid deposits for the summer program and registered for the new school year.” (Added 3-22-2025)
“United Methodists respond to court rulings in Auburn, Perdido church split cases” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “The Alabama-West Florida Conference recently received rulings in two pending court cases, both of which denied the conference’s motions,” wrote the Rev. Emily Kincaid, president of the Alabama-West Florida Conference Board of Trustees. (Added 3-22-2025)
“United Methodist hospital staff attacked in Congo” by Philippe Kituka Lolonga via UMNS. “The storming of the church’s Irambo Health Center in Bukavu and Majengo Health Center in Goma on March 18 and 19, respectively, comes amid growing insecurity in the region, exacerbated by the capture of those towns by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.” (Added 3-22-2025)
“Kevin Watson’s Doctrine Spirit, and Discipline: A Review” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.net. “United Methodists will notice that Watson presents the UMC as a failed experiment in theological pluralism. His final chapter, “A Tradition in Search for Its Identity” is worth the price of the entire book. As far as I know, it is the first published history of the break-up of the UMC, at least in book form.” (Added 3-21-2025)
“Lessons from the Decline of Protestant Churches” by Carl Trueman via First Things. “H. Richard Niebuhr aptly summarized the irrelevance of liberal Protestantism: ‘A God without wrath brought men without sin into a Kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a Cross.’ And yet even that seems quite robust compared to queer Jesus and a gospel with no apparent purpose other than decrying traditional Christianity and affirming the fluid identities of autonomous individuals. One reason for the dying of the churches is that God’s truth died in so many of them many years ago. We are merely living at a time when the interest payments have come due.” (Added 3-21-2025)
“Supreme Court Reviews Property Dispute Between Former Church Members and UMC” via Smart News Liberia. “The case centers around a group of former church members who have claimed legal ownership of the church property they developed and named the 72nd United Methodist Church. In their petition, they assert that they rightfully acquired the land and built the church, and they are now fighting to prevent what they see as unlawful interference from the church’s leadership and government authorities. The petitioners have demanded that the respondents, including Bishop Samuel J. Quire, provide legal justification for their actions by March 27, 2025.” (Added 3-21-2025)
“The Religiosity of Non-Gender Conforming Americans” by Ryan Burge. “If I haven’t made this clear yet – the non gender conforming crowd is significantly less religious than those who say that they are male or female.” (Added 3-21-2025)
“Little Rock UMC Hosts Packed, Emotional Town Hall” by Matt Cleveland via UM Insight. “I leaned up against the wall at the back of the sanctuary, and an older gentleman next to me remarked about the crowd size. I asked him, “I wonder when the last time this church was this full?” And he said, “I go to this church, and it probably hasn’t been this full since the Civil War.” (Added 3-21-2025)
“United Methodists Called to Courageous Resistance Amid US, International Crises” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Regarding the last question, Dr. Isaac said he finds Americans’ reactions to the Trump Administration stem from their painful realization that the United States is an empire that causes widespread pain and destruction to other nations.” (Added 3-21-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “Is it a chargeable offense in the UMC to not use the Services of Word and Table and the Baptismal Covenants printed in our Book of Worship? Do our vows of ordination require we use them? EDIT – I am adding this to highlight something likely to get lost in the comments. Taylor Watson Burton-Edwards shared the link to this article and stated in the comments that not following the published liturgy is a chargeable offense, whether anyone would actually charge someone over it or not.” LINK (Added 3-21-2025)
“Where Does “I Don’t See Color” End?” by Eric Folkerth (as shared on the UM Clergy Facebook Group.) “This week’s essay opens up the attack on DEI and “diversity” itself, with memories of legendary United Methodist Pastor and activist, Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes. I also note: In these disturbing times, the bizarre truth is: The church remains as an instituiton that still CAN talk about, and advocate for, “DEI” and diversity.” (Added 3-21-2025)
“Liberian lawmakers overseeing mediation between UMC, Global Methodist churches amid dispute” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “The Joint Committee was able to de-escalate tensions between the two parties and ensure the neutrality of the police in this matter,” Brown was quoted as saying. (Added 3-21-2025)
Post by Talbot Davis via Come Alive Daily. “But in the 1800s, people in the Methodist movement were known for their fervor, their emotion, their displays of Spirit-filling, and, yes, their shouting during singing. And then the worst thing ever happened to people called Methodist. The worst. We became respectable. As the last 60 years have shown, it is a short step from respectable to recumbent … in the grave.” (Added 3-20-2025)
Post by Paye Mondolo via Facebook. Liberia: A radio interview with “Rev. Paye Cooper Mondolo and Fth. Alfred Kwabena Mensah Members of the Global Methodist Church Transitional team.” (Added 3-20-2025)
Post by Phillip Bakari Auta via Facebook. [photos] Nigeria: “The entire city of Jalingo was in stand still today as thousands of United Methodists match on the street of Jalingo holding banners with inscriptions of Unity, BeUMC ,we believe Marriage to be between one man and one woman, we stand for Worldwide regionalisation as the best option for African UMC and chanting United we stand as well as singing songs of praise to God almighty. From 6am to 9am Vehicular movement was a bit difficult in Jalingo city. Jesus Christ is still on our board. Glory honour and adoration to Jesus Christ the Lord of lords and king of all kings.” (Added 3-20-2025)
“Thursday Morning Briefing (Mar. 20, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Discussion of several topics touching the UMC: Liberia legal updates, Young United Methodists for Tradition, and “The Future of United Methodism II” by Riley Case. (Added 3-20-2025)
“No Compromise” by Matthew White via American Family Association. “[Wesley Biblical Seminary President, Andy Miller III] explained that two distinctives have marked WBS since its inception in 1974: the doctrines of biblical inerrancy and scriptural holiness. “Because of those two doctrines, I think we were marginalized by the UMC,” Miller told The Stand, “despite the fact that the UMC approved a number of schools that were non-Methodist and explicitly non-Christian.” (Added 3-20-2025)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “United Methodist denominational agencies currently have 503 full-time employees, down 36% since 2016.” Link (Added 3-19-2025)
Post via Spoon TV Live (Liberia) via Facebook. “The Supreme Court of Liberia has issued an alternative writ of prohibition against the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Bishop Samuel J. Quire, the Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia National Police. The court orders the parties to file their responses by March 27, 2025, to explain why the petitioner’s request should not be granted.” (Added 3-19-2025)
“Senate Investigates Methodist Church Amid Same-Sex Crisis” by Zac T. Sherman via Verity. “During the proceedings, both parties agreed to refrain from making public or private statements that could escalate tensions. Additionally, a review will explore internal dispute-resolution mechanisms to bring the factions together. The Senate Joint Committee also plans to establish an ad hoc committee to facilitate a roundtable discussion between delegations from the UMC and the Global Methodist Church in hopes of achieving a peaceful resolution.” (Added 3-19-2025)
Post by Young Methodists for Tradition (Facebook). Statements on recent African violence and doctrinal integrity. (Added 3-19-2025)
Video Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. “he end of the 23rd Session of the Southern Nigeria Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church. This is the first since the disaffiliation to the GMC. This was held at the McBride Global Methodist Church, Magami, Jalingo Taraba State. To the glory of God, it was awesome and spirit filled session.” (Added 3-19-2025)
“3 people arrested after Georgia day care is accused of giving kids Benadryl for nap time” via NBC News. “The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) issued the child care center at Forsyth Methodist Church in Forsyth, about 60 miles south of Atlanta, an emergency closure order Monday after it said it found violations that put the children in “imminent danger.”” (Added 3-19-2025)
“Media Mention: Gavin Parsons Discusses Fifth Avenue UMC Legal Victory with StarNews Online” via Attorneys Ward & Smith. “The article, titled “Long legal fight looms over closing of historic Methodist church in Wilmington,” explores the dispute and the recent North Carolina Court of Appeals decision that ruled in favor of the congregation, overturning a lower court’s ruling and allowing trial proceedings on claims including fraud and breach of contract.” (Added 3-19-2025)
“Minister Loses Credentials After Pleading Guilty” via Greensboro News & Record. “The Rev. Bill Haire agreed to turn in his credentials and sign a statement prepared by the church, said the Rev. James Ferree, the Winston-Salem district superintendent for the United Methodist Church. The statement says Haire is surrendering his credentials because of his involvement in criminal activity and because he failed to carry out his ministry.” (Added 3-18-2024)
“More arrests in Forsyth daycare center where employee accused of giving toddlers Benadryl; director among arrested” via WMAZ. “Director Cathy Stevick, who administers the Forsyth Methodist Church Caring for Kids daycare, was booked in the county jail for allegedly failing to report suspected child abuse. Another employee, Shelby Webb, was arrested for simple battery and cruelty to children in the first degree.” (Added 3-18-2025)
“Women’s group plans assembly, calls for justice” by Audrey Stanton-Smith via UMNS. “Burton called on white women to “move to the front lines of Christian anti-racism” by educating white children about racism, demonstrating for immigrant rights, intervening when wrong happens, supporting reparations, patronizing Black, Indigenous and people of color-owned businesses and voting against racism.” (Added 3-18-2025)
“Welcoming Transformation: The Unique Nature of Acceptance in the Church” by Hunter G. Bethea and Allyce Fogle-Logue via Firebrand Magazine. “…the church should be a community of acceptance, but acceptance predicated on the idea of transformation. We are inviting others into a community in which they will be made holy by the merits of Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Acceptance without transformation is not the Christian Gospel.” (Added 3-18-2025)
Post via Friends of the GMC Facebook Group. “Update on the efforts to repeal the United Methodist Trust Clause from Maryland law from Senator Anthony Muse who is the repeal’s sponsor in the State Senate. Also worth noting is that the Maryland chapter of the ACLU supports repealing the United Methodist Trust Clause from Maryland law.” (Added 3-18-2025)
“New UMC Bishop Condemns Homosexuality” via The Herald (Zimbabwe). Newly elected Gift Machinga teaches that homosexuality is incompatible with the Scriptures. (Added 3-18-2025)
Overheard: The Maryland Senate passed removal of the UMC trust clause from state statute by a vote of 42-1. The ACLU of Maryland wrote a document favoring the removal of the UMC Trust Clause on grounds of separation of church and state. (Added 3-18-2025)
Post via GMC Nigeria (Facebook). “This rejoinder has become necessary in the wake of further lies spread by the leadership of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) aimed at misinforming the general public on what actually transpired on the attack on staff and students of Banyam theological seminary (BTS) which was masterminded and orchestrated by the leaders of United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN)…” (Added 3-17-2025)
“The United Methodist Church welcomes four new bishops in Africa” via UMC Council of Bishops. Profiles of the four new bishops elected for Africa. (Added 3-17-2025)
“14 LGBTQ-affirming ministers lose credentials, more face investigation, over beliefs” by Kathryn Post via Religion News Service. Church of God (Anderson): “Moving from the orthodox biblical definition of sexual identity and marriage is a line we will never cross. Never,” he wrote. Last year, he told RNS that because the signers committed to “positive action” toward the statement’s fruition, “The issue goes beyond personal belief into the issue of advocacy.” (Added 3-17-2025)
“Bishop Bridgeforth announces appointments to SeaTac District Superintendency Team as new leadership model begins to take shape” via Greater Northwest Area. Bishop Bridgeforth: “As superintendents roll off the cabinet, I will appoint two- to three-person superintendency teams with a three- to four-year commitment instead of replacing them with full-time superintendents. These teams will include pastoral leaders who serve part-time in the superintendency role and, most often, part-time in the local church to which they are currently appointed.” [Note: Judicial Council Ruling 398 from 1975 which struck down earlier models of multiple superintendents serving the same district.] (Added 3-17-2025)
Post by Global Methodist Church – Liberia (Facebook). “Since the official launch of the Global Methodist Church – Liberia on February 14, 2025, there has been significant growth across the 15 political sub-divisions of Liberia and Guinea. In the picture seen below, the leaders and members of the Global Methodist Church in Buchanan, Grand Bassa county gathered after the establishment of another church.” (Added 3-17-2025)
Overheard: First UMC in Elgin, IL lost the roof of its historic building in weekend storms. See UMNS Coverage, City of Elgin Post, update from Pastor Felicia, and related photos. (Added 3-17-2025)
Post by Chali Kalaba via Facebook. “Any meeting, including the 2026 Leadership Gathering or the 2028 General Conference of the UMC may need to be rethought. A significant group of United Methodists from the continent of Africa may not be able to attend. I wonder if this is the time to begin making plans to meet outside the US (maybe South Africa or Germany); we should not wait until the last minute, as we learned from organizing the last General Conference. Delegates from Angola, DR Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe make up nearly 90% of United Methodists from the continent of Africa. These countries are named in the next travel ban…” (Added 3-17-2025)
“Reaching the Unresolved -Methodist Lay-Person Describes Church Internal Wrangling; Seeks Clarity on LGBTQ” by Joseph Tumbey via The Afric Daily. “The Mount Galilee UMC Lay-Person maintained that the congregation (the United Methodist Church) has claimed that there was no signing of LGBTQ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer) rights in the church but has yet to disclose conclusions of the West Africa Central Conference referencing that the resolution at the 192nd Annual Conference held in Gbarnga recently talks about LAC/WACC reaffirming the true definition of marriage, but remain unclear whether the church is gay.” (Added 3-17-2025)
“Gift Machinga elected as bishop” by Eveline Chikwanah via UMNS. “My perspective on marriage and sexuality is shaped by Scripture and rooted in my cultural and traditional Zimbabwean values,” Machinga wrote in his biographical materials. “While I uphold Biblical teachings that define marriage as between a man and a woman, I also recognize the importance of extending ministry to all individuals.” (Added 3-17-2025)
“João Sambo elected as bishop” by Eveline Chikwanah via UMNS. “Sambo has served multiple roles within Mozambique and worked as a correspondent for United Methodist News.” (Added 3-17-2025)
Overheard: Joao Filimone Sambo elected to UMC episcopacy, Mozambique/South Africa. (Added 3-15-2025)
Post by UMC Ebenezer TV (Facebook). “Reverend Dr Gift Kudakwashe Machinga has been duly elected Zimbabwe Episcopal Area Bishop at an election held at the ongoing Africa Central Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. He becomes the FOURTH African to hold the role in the church’s 128 year history. Rev Machinga will be consecrated in a service tomorrow together with the new Bishops from East Angola, Burundi and Mozambique to be led by none other than our retiring Bishop Eben Kanukayi Nhiwatiwa.” (Added 3-15-2025)
“Africa Central Conference 2025_Day One.” via Africa Central Conference 2025 (LIVE) via YouTube. Livestream of episcopal elections. (Added 3-15-2025)
“Emmanuel Sinzohagera elected as bishop” by Eveline Chikwanah via UMNS. “The Africa Central Conference elected the Rev. Emmanuel Sinzohagera as a United Methodist bishop on the first ballot.
He is the first bishop elected by the central conference, which is scheduled to split into the new East Africa and Southern Africa central conferences. Sinzohagera is a leader in The United Methodist Church and speaker of the Senate in Burundi.” (Added 3-15-2025)
“Africa Central Conference Balloting 2025” via UMNS. Gift Machinga of Zimbabwe elected as bishop. Moises Jungo of East Angola elected as bishop. Emmanual Sinzohegera of Burundi elected. (Added 3-15-2025)
“New Wesley Foundation leadership aims to be inclusive” by Emily Mosier via The Tropolitan (Troy University). “The Wesley Foundation has always been a part of the United Methodist Church, but since the church split and many churches disaffiliated in favor of the Global Methodist Church, the Wesley’s leadership went through changes. Now, Pastor Cole Moore, who is in his last semester of seminary, has been the Wesley director since September.” (Added 3-14-2025)
“Jailing Methodist Jerry Kulah” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “To many of us, Jerry Kulah is a courageous and principled old friend with whom we long labored and whom we continue to admire. His incarceration, however brief, is troubling. But doubtless he never hesitated to follow his principles wherever they lead.” (Added 3-14-2025)
Reel via Urban Atlanta Project (Facebook). First UMC Atlanta adds affordable housing project on its property. (Added 3-14-2025)
“Protestant denominations cutting staff, trying new ideas amid declines in members and money” by Peter Smith via Associated Press. “When the Episcopal Church recently announced cuts to its national staff, it was the latest in a long-running cycle among historic U.S. Protestant denominations — declines in members leading to declines in funding and thus in staff. And it wasn’t alone. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) also announced recent cuts to staff at its headquarters and in its global missions program. The United Methodist Church, after undergoing a major schism, has settled into a historically low budget, having cut its numbers of bishops and other positions.” (Added 3-14-2025)
Post by Rushing Kimball via Facebook. An account of disruptions by outside agitators targeting overtly LGBTQ affirming churches in Florida, like Broadway UMC. (Added 3-13-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. “Report reaching us just a week after the conclusion of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference SLAC of the UMC, are mapping ways to unanimously be independent and leave the UMC because of same sex marriage and LGBTQ official legalization in the church.” (Added 3-13-2025)
Post by Peter Sayekwee via Facebook [image of a letter by Bishop Quire of Liberia] “UMC claims local churches now go back to ask them for money while prosecuting them. You just starting bishop. God is not sleeping. Except we were wrong by standing for the truth.” (Added 3-13-2025)
“The Assemblies of God: A Denomination That May Be Growing” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. “What is out of fashion in American Protestant Christianity? Denominations. That’s the easy answer. It’s one of the common themes of this newsletter – almost every major denomination is losing members at an incredibly rapid pace… The United Methodist Church just navigated what I believe to be the largest Protestant schism in American history – shedding about 25% of their churches and members in a very short window of time.” (Added 3-13-2025)
“Why religious leaders are divided on transgender rights” by Rose Conlon via WXXI (Kansas NPR). “McKinzie’s office at Grace United Methodist Church is decorated with rainbow flags. A banner behind his desk proclaims: ‘you are loved.’ Like many Americans, his perspective on gender identity is shaped by his personal relationships. In his case, being the dad of a gender-fluid teenager.” (Added 3-13-2025)
“Layman’s book sparked UMC’s ‘Community of All Creation’” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “In 1989, a United Methodist layman named Bill McKibben wrote a book he called The End of Nature in which he proposed human activity, particularly burning fossil fuels, threatens global extinction of all life on earth. Then a professor of environmental studies at Vermont’s Middlebury College, McKibben’s book ignited the modern environmental movement. Now he’s acknowledged as the godfather of a worldwide campaign to reduce global warming that has spurred cataclysmic climate change.” (Added 3-13-2025)
“United Methodist leaders, car crash survivors, advocates call for restoring auto no fault benefits” by Tracy Samilton via Michigan Public NPR. “About 300 people, including United Methodist religious leaders and members, advocates and catastrophic car crash survivors went to the state Capitol on Wednesday for prayers, meetings with legislators, and a rally.” See also “United Methodist Church urges legislators to fix auto insurance laws” via WLNS. (Added 3-13-2025)
“United Methodists denied in effort to oust breakaway congregation from coastal church” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church filed a lawsuit against Perdido Bay Methodist Church, challenging the amendment to its incorporation documents that declare it is no longer affiliated with the United Methodist Church.” (Added 3-13-2025)
“Carrying It With Me (Confession)” by Kade Rogers via UM Insight. “Every Sunday, I sit in the pews with a small knot in my stomach. I listen closely to my husband preach, nervous that his sermon might include even a passing reference to LGBTQ+ persons. Very often, his messages don’t. But the experiences I’ve had in church spaces have left me with this persistent, uneasy feeling that we might come across as ‘too gay.'” (Added 3-12-2025)
“No factual basis for claim UMU is introducing same-sex marriage courses” by Varney Dukuly vua Dubawa (Liberia). “Jefferson Knight, Director of Human Rights Monitor and Vice President of the Men’s Organization, Liberia Annual Conference, United Methodist Church, described the claim as a smear campaign designed to tarnish the university’s reputation.” (Added 3-12-2025)
“Bishop Announces District Proposal, Staff Changes, and Trustee Recommendations” via Kentucky UM Conference. Kentucky Conference selling its conference office building and episcopal residence and reducing its districts from nine to four. (Added 3-12-2025)
“Urgent Support Needed for Our Brothers and Sisters in Liberia” by Elizabeth Chryst via WCA (PDF). “We are now operating with a small executive team that focuses on assisting our brothers and sisters overseas, especially in navigating the challenges they face when leaving the United Methodist Church. Thousands have successfully joined the Global Methodist Church and other traditional churches. However, some are encountering serious obstacles, including violence, false accusations and arrests by local authorities… The WCA executive team is eager to assist our Liberian brothers and sisters, but we need financial support.” We believe that, together, we can make a significant difference in their efforts to stand firm in their faith amidst such persecution. In fact, the WCA may be the only means through which funds can be safely gathered and transferred to Liberia at this time.” (Added 3-11-2025)
Post via DN-News Liberia (Facebook). Interview: “Kakata: Rev. Pave Cooper Mondolo, Former District Superintendent of Weala District United Methodist Church Liberia Annual Conference. Now A Member of the leadership team of the Global Methodist Church. (Added 3-11-2025)
“Violence, vandalism strike church in Congo” by Philippe Kituka Lolonga via UMNS. “In Bukavu, in the South Kivu province, the United Methodist Irambo Health Center was a target, as armed children joined clashes between the Congolese armed forces and M23 rebels, supported by the Rwandan army. Several faithful United Methodists saw their businesses vandalized and goods looted.” (Added 3-11-2025)
“Daycare teacher charged with reckless conduct for dosing toddlers with Benadryl” by Leah Kincade via WGXA (GA). Forsyth Methodist Church in Georgia: “According to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), on Wednesday, March 5, Kendasia Hugley allegedly gave children in her care Benadryl before lunchtime to make them tired at nap time.” See also here. (Added 3-11-2025)
“The Future of United Methodism – Part II” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. Three possible paths for the UMC, and two suggestions. (Added 3-11-2025)
““For Such a Time as This:” Global Methodism and the Struggling American Protestant Church” by Bob Phillips via Firebrand Magazine. “The new Global Methodist Church (GMC) has a clear and compelling niche as a means of authentic revival and spiritual renewal on the current American landscape. This does not devalue the potential power of the movement outside the US but speaks to the unique challenges the collective church of Jesus is facing in American culture. The opportunity rests in the identity and practices of the GMC as an authentic, Wesleyan, and evangelical Christian movement.” (Added 3-11-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “The social principles of the UMC have a sentence saying we cannot endorse polygamy and a statement that marriage is between two persons. Neither statement has any biblical or theological argument behind it…. Are the various forms of “ethical polyamory” and “consensual non-monogamy” problematic from a United Methodist point of view? What are the biblical and theological grounds for any concerns we have about them? Or do we have concerns?” link (Added 3-10-2025)
“Church congregations look for solutions after split with UMC” by Megan Bailey via WVVA. “A few weeks ago, Peterstown Worship Center held their last service inside their former church building. The congregation moved out following their separation from the United Methodist Conference, but are hopeful of eventually buying the building back.” Includes a statement by the West Virginia Conference of the UMC. (Added 3-10-2025)
Post by 72nd Global Methodist Church. Shows the Monrovia congregation meeting away from their building following recent disruptions in Liberia. (Added 3-10-2025)
“Will Global Methodism Be the Spark That Launches a Worldwide Revival?” by Steve Parker via Blue Ridge Christian News. “The majority of the denominational leadership and UMC clergy advocated for an embrace of changing cultural standards, supporting same-sex marriage and ordination of practicing homosexuals. There were also numerous issues centered around the inspiration of Scripture, the deity of Christ, and the belief that the Christian faith holds the one true path to God. The churches that disaffiliated held to traditional views on all these issues and felt they could no longer work together with the many churches who seemed to have abandoned the basic tenets of the Christian faith.” (Added 3-10-2025)
Post by Bishop Ande Emmanuel via Facebook. “The Sierra Leone Annual Conference has voted to ratified the Worldwide Regionalization and reaffirmed it’s position to 100% remained in the United Methodist Church.” See also here. (Added 3-10-2025)
“Monday Morning Briefing (Mar. 10, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Methodist news round-up. (Added 3-10-2025)
“The Phrase That Haunted the UMC for 52 Years Is Gone” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Institutional discrimination has ended, but not the UMC’s conflict. Recent unrest among United Methodists in Nigeria, Liberia and Zimbabwe over the Social Principles have shown that changing hearts is a lot harder than writing new definitions.” (Added 3-10-2025)
“What do you think? Should local congregations get to keep assets if they leave a church?” via The Oklahoman. Poll: “What do you think? Should local congregations get to keep assets if they leave a church?” (Added 3-10-2025)
“See photos of Waurika Methodist Church thriving after its UMC exit” by Doug Hoke via The Oklahoman. Scenes from the February 2 service at the Senior Citizens Center Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025.” (Added 3-10-2025)
“United Methodist Lobby Promotes Queer Theology Course” by Sarah Stewart via Juicy Ecumenism. “Offered by the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) and the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), the course is among the latest changes following last year’s United Methodist General Conference.” (Added 3-10-2025)
Press Release by The Liberian Senate (Facebook). “On today, March 7, 2025, the joint committee convened a hearing with key stakeholders, including Rev. Dr. Jerry Kuallah and his delegation, the Honorable Minister of Justice, and the Liberia National Police (LNP). Due to the absence of Bishop Samuel J. Quire and his congregation, who were unable to attend due to bereavement, a three-member committee was appointed to relay the committee’s concerns and recommendations. Key Resolutions from the Hearing include: 1. Ensuring the full cooperation of all parties in the mediation process; 2. Preventing the use of state security forces to the detriment of any party; 3. Maintaining neutrality among state security agencies in addressing the crisis; 4. Encouraging both groups to actively work toward de-escalating tensions within their congregations; 5. Urging leadership on both sides to refrain from actions that could escalate the conflict while mediation is ongoing; 6. Advising that pastoral appointments in disputed churches be paused during negotiations; 7. Facilitating peaceful worship and assembly in all UMC churches across Liberia; 8. Requesting the Honorable Minister of Justice to formally communicate these resolutions to Bishop Quire and his leadership team.” (Added 3-8-2025)
Case via Montgomery County, PA. “The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference’s motion for summary judgement against the fifty churches seeking to leave was “granted in part and denied in part”. This means that the case will proceed to trial.” (Added 3-8-2025)
Post by Luther Domah via Facebook. “In the United States, the United Methodist churches that disaffiliated were permitted to retain their properties. A similar approach should be considered for the situation in Liberia.” (Added 3-8-2025)
“Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Breakaway Methodists” by Garmah Lomo via Liberian Investigator. “The complaint, filed by the United Methodist Church/Liberia Annual Conference through its Bishop, Samuel J. Quire Jr., alleges that the defendants unlawfully seized control of the E.D. McGill United Methodist Church. The court document states that between February 23, 2025, and the present, the accused refused to hand over the church leadership to newly appointed pastors.” (Added 3-8-2025)
“Church gears up for new bishops, new map” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “That includes the Africa Central Conference, which will make history when it meets March 13 by splitting into two central conferences. The coming sessions are expected to elect a total of eight new bishops.” The East Africa Central Conference will meet March 13-17 and elect one bishop, for a total of two. The Southern Africa Central Conference will meet at the same time and elect three bishops, for a total of four. Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference will meet April 2-6 and hold one election for the Nordic-Baltic-Ukraine Area. The Eurasia Episcopal Area, encompassing four annual conferences in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, will depart the denomination early April 3, completing the journey to become an autonomous Methodist denomination. Delegates from Eurasia will only take part in the meeting online. The Mid-Africa Central Conference (formerly Congo Central Conference) will meet July 10-13 after needing to relocate and reschedule because of insecurity in eastern Congo. The conference plans to elect three bishops, for a total of five. (Added 3-8-2025)
Post by Amb D Alexson Barpeen via Facebook. When the UM bishop sent a new pastor to a church that wants to exit the UMC, the choir kept singing to prevent the new pastor from preaching. “This is the most peaceful protest I have seen in Liberia: United Methodist Church Pastor vs. Choir. Choir intentionally prolonged singing to prevent the pastor from preaching in protest of the alleged gay dispute in the Church. In video 1, the pastor complains while in video 2, the Choir Director opens out about his instructions.” (Added 3-7-2025)
“Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. Extols United Methodists in Liberia for Their Commitment and Support” via Liberia Conference UMC. “Bishop Quire also extended his appreciation to various leaders and organizations that have played a crucial role in supporting the church’s peace initiatives and overall efforts. He particularly recognized the contributions of Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia; the United Methodist Legislative Caucus; Col. Gregory Coleman, Inspector General of the Liberia National Police; Hon. N. Oswald Tweh, Justice Minister and Attorney General of the Republic of Liberia; and the Liberia Council of Churches, led by Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves.” (Added 3-7-2025)
“As Dissenters Exit, Christian Reformed Church Resists Same-Sex Affirmation” by Aaron Vriesman via Juicy Ecumenism. “Following Synod 2024, theological revisionists have begun to exit the CRC. Multiple congregations have made moves to depart, some by public announcement of intent to leave and some by officially submitting disaffiliation requests to their regional body of classis.” (Added 3-7-2025)
“CK2025 Day 2 Short Story and Q & A” by Bishop David Bard and Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai via Illinois Great Rivers Conference (Vimeo). Recent clergy gathering, Q & A Session with the bishops. At 16:50, Bishop Bard answers the question of whether there will be a way for congregations to leave. “As bishops, we don’t want to cling to churches that no longer want to be United Methodist.” Handled case by case. No uniform exit process. Will look to see if there are enough people who want to remain UM to keep the congregation open. (Added 3-7-2025)
“David W. Scott: Regionalization as a Kairos Moment” by David Scott via UM & Global. “Every few decades throughout the life of The United Methodist Church and its predecessors, there have been Kairos moments when the church has sought anew to develop equitable relationships of Christian fellowship across countries. With the current regionalization legislation, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to live into what God has been calling us to as a church for a long time.” (Added 3-7-2025)
“Date set for Congo Central Conference” via UMNS Daily Digest. “The Congo Central Conference will meet July 10-13 in Kitwe, Zambia, in the South Congo Episcopal Area. Initially scheduled for March 30-April 4 in Kindu, the conference was postponed due to insecurity in eastern Congo. The new dates were announced following a Feb. 28 meeting of the Congo Central Conference College of Bishops. The decision was made in consultation with the Council of Bishops. The central conference plans to elect three new bishops when it meets in July.” (Added 3-7-2025)
“Alabama-West Florida Conference Regains Control of Warrington United Methodist Church Property” via AWF Conference, as shared by UMNS. “The Board of Trustees of the Alabama-West Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that we have successfully regained possession of the Warrington United Methodist Church property, located on East Winthrop Avenue in Pensacola. This resolution comes after a period of unauthorized actions taken by the former pastor and members of the congregation, who attempted to separate from our conference in 2021 without following the proper procedures outlined by paragraph 2553 of The Book of Discipline.” (Added 3-7-2025)
“Liberia: The Role of the Liberian Senate in Addressing Issues of National Security: A Case Study of the United Methodist Church” by Austin Fallah via Front Page Africa. “Does the Liberian Senate possess the legal authority to summon a private group on issues that affect the group but may have broader implications for national security?… If the dissent within this church escalates, it risks becoming a national security issue by fueling social unrest or fracturing societal cohesion along religious lines.” (Added 3-7-2025)
“Townhouses proposed at former Methodist church property in Aspinwall” by Michael Divittorio via Trib Live (PA). “Declining enrollment led to the church ceasing services in July 2023. Its remaining members attended services at churches in New Kensington, Verona and Penn Hills’ Rosedale neighborhood before formally merging with Verona United Methodist Church in October.” (Added 3-7-2025)
“The Attack on the Liberia Annual Conference: A Call to Action for the United Methodist Church” by Jefferson Knight via UM Insight. “In the tranquil atmosphere of community worship, a troubling storm brews within The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC). It is with deep concern that we bring attention to the alarming actions perpetuated by members of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and their surrogates here in Liberia—including notable figures such as Rev. Jerry Kulah, Olando Boyce, and Rev. Julius Williams, etc These individuals are accused of orchestrating violence and chaos against our beloved UMC, employing thugs and criminals to disrupt our sacred gatherings and sow discord among our congregations.” (Added 3-6-2025)
“Pouring new wine into old wineskins” by John Coleman via UMNS. “This is the first in a four-part UM News series on legacy Black United Methodist churches that are maintaining their traditions while also doing innovative ministries to serve the present age. Every Wednesday in March, the series will feature venerable yet still vital African American churches in the United Methodist connection.” (Added 3-6-2025)
“Reconciling Methodists Tout ‘DEI which the Lord has Made’” by Wyatt Flicker via Juicy Ecumenism. Now that the formal cordon sanitaire around denominational funding of groups like RMN is no longer, the caucus seeks to become a more formalized extension of the UMC bureaucracy, an “LGBTQ+ Resource Development and Congregational Engagement Center” for the denomination. (Added 3-6-2025)
“An OK church left their history and United Methodist Church behind. It transformed their spiritual journey” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “The Waurika First United Methodist Church congregation voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church in late 2024. The congregation was not allowed to purchase their building or assets due to the disaffiliation period ending in 2023. The congregation formed a new independent church and now meets in the Waurika Senior Citizens Center. Former church members expressed sadness over leaving behind sentimental items but are happy to be free from denominational control. The new church has seen increased attendance and members are excited to be able to direct their giving to local and specific causes.” (Added 3-6-2025)
Post by Ablee-Jay TV via Facebook. Local Liberian radio program: “Who is saying the truth in the United Methodist Church?” See also video of initial governmental hearing. (Added 3-5-2025)
“Dr. Auta Encourages GMC Members” by Moses Tokpah via The InQuirer (Liberia). “The Episcopal leader of the Liberia Global Methodist Church, John Pena Auta, has reaffirmed the church’s commitment to traditional biblical teachings.” (Added 3-5-2025)
“Dauphin County church to be auctioned” by Lori Burkholder via WGAL (PA). “The United Methodist Church in Highspire, Dauphin County, will be auctioned off on March 4 at 6 p.m. Located at 170 Second St., the property includes a brick building with a sanctuary, school rooms and a fellowship hall.” (Added 3-5-2025)
“Liberia: Senate Summons Justice Minister Tweh, Rival Methodist Church Leaders Over Ongoing Dispute” by Obediah Johnson via Front Page Africa. “The Liberian Senate has decided to probe the ongoing crisis within the United Methodist Church (UMC) following concerns about its stance on same-sex marriage.” (Added 3-5-2025)
“Violence Breaks Out Among Methodists in Nigeria” by Sarah Stewart via Juicy Ecumenism. “The most recent round of violence took place on February 17th at Banyam Theological Seminary. Ownership of the seminary along with other church properties is currently under dispute between the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and the United Methodist Church. The issue is now before the Nigerian court system.” (Added 3-4-2025)
Post by Jerry Kulah via OKFM 99.5 & OKTV (Facebook). Interview with Jerry Kulah. (Added 3-4-2025)
Post by John Pena via Facebook. “Amid growing concerns and deepening divisions within the religious community over the issue of same-sex marriage, the Liberian Senate has summoned the Minister of Justice, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, alongside aggrieved parties from the United Methodist Church (UMC), to provide clarity on the government’s legal position and response to the ongoing crisis.” (Added 3-4-2025)
“The Imago DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) as an Expression of the Trinity” via UM General Commission on Religion & Race. “We believe that the Image of God found in the person of the Holy Trinity is Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive. We know God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit under a diverse number of names springing forth from many cultures and languages.” (Added 3-4-2025)
Video Post by Paye Mondolo via Facebook. “Bishop Quire has brought great division among God’s people.” (Added 3-4-2025)
Video Post by Buchanan Boys Gallery (Facebook). “N. B Whitfield United Methodist Church based in Buchanan city members have resisted appointments, stating they no longer recognize the authority of the United Methodist Church. They have joined the newly formed Global Methodist Church, citing their opposition to the United Methodist Church’s allegedly support for same-sex marriage.” (Added 3-4-2025)
Post via Printiss Domah (Facebook). “Again, I am the first here at the Miller McAllister Global Methodist Church where there’s a deployment of armed police officers amidst impasse within the Methodist denomination. It is expected that appointments of the resident bishop [affecting break away churches] are expected to take effect today. (3-2-2025)” (Added 3-4-2025)
Video Post via DN-News Liberia (Facebook). “Despite the deployment of armed police officers, the service today at the Methodist Church in Ganta was normal, with both United and Global Methodists in attendance.” (Added 3-4-2025)
“From Bishop Kennetha: A Pastoral Letter Regarding the Removal of Civil Rights Protections for Trans Iowans” via Iowa Conference. “I am heartbroken by the punitive legislation passed by Iowa lawmakers and signed by Governor Kim Reynolds removing civil rights protections from trans Iowans. According to a 2022 Pew Research study, just 1.6% of U.S. adults identify as trans. Yet this tiny minority has been singled out for marginalization and attack.” (Added 3-5-2025)
“Ocean Beach Methodist Church will not be sold” by Dan Plante via KSUI. “The church itself, however, has been without a congregation since Christmas Eve of last year.” (Added 3-4-2025)
“Chaos at 72nd Methodist Church” by William Harmon via Liberian Observer. “The worshipers, earlier banned by court order from entering the building, had gathered in front of the parish to conduct a service when they encountered a violent onslaught of LNP officers throwing tear gas to disperse them. Some parishioners were brutalized and others chased off the premises. Many were seen running helter skelter, spilling the chaos into the surrounding communities and disrupting normal activities.” (Added 3-4-2025)
“Liberia: Police Deployed at United Methodist Church Amid Ongoing Internal Dispute” by Franklin Doloquee via Front Page Africa. “Police officers have been deployed at the Miller McAllister United Methodist Church in Ganta, Nimba County, amid an ongoing internal dispute between the United Methodist Church and the breakaway faction, the Global Methodist Church.” (Added 3-3-2025)
“Monday Morning Briefing (Mar. 3, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Discussion of Liberia and other current news items. (Added 3-3-2025)
“Methodist Bishop calls for stability” by Stephen G. Fellajuah via New Dawn Liberia. “The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference, Samuel Quire, is taking a firm stance on the traditional definition of marriage amid an ongoing split within the United Methodist Church (UMC) over same-sex marriage.” (Added 3-3-2025)
“Devil takes over Methodist Churches” by Emmanuel Wise Jipoh & Thomas Domah via New Dawn Liberia. “The aggrieved 72nd Methodists, under the now Global Methodist Church headed by Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah and Resident Pastor Kanneth Jackson, supported by 142 Methodists, were determined to resist the UMC leadership, which had gone to evict them from the Church building to install a new pastor.” (Added 3-3-2025)
“Liberia: Tensions Escalate In Liberia’s United Methodist Church Amid Ongoing Dispute Over Church Properties and Regionalization” by Obediah Johnson via Front Page Africa. “On Sunday, Police Support Unit (PSU) officers were deployed to UMC churches in Grand Bassa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, and Nimba counties to prevent unauthorized gatherings. At the 72nd United Methodist Church in Paynesville, violent clashes erupted during a service, leading to the arrest and temporary detention of pastors and dissenting members. Among those detained was Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah—a founding member of the Global Methodist Church and a vocal critic of the UMC’s regional leadership.” (Added 3-3-2025)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. The Closure of Embrace UMC: “This case has huge implications for the UMC way beyond the Dakotas Annual Conference. And it is one of only two items on this session’s docket. So, it is likely to get lots of attention, which it fully deserves.” [link] (Added 3-3-2025)
Video Post by Linda Mardea Kpainkpa via Facebook. Video of Jerry Kulah, released following his arrest at 72nd Methodist Church in Monrovia. (Added 3-3-2025)
“Tensions Rise Over Church Property as Untied Methodists Congregations Split on Same-Sex Marriage” via Smart News Liberia. “Several United Methodist churches in Liberia are currently facing heightened security presence due to ongoing tensions surrounding the appointment of new pastors by Bishop Samuel Quire. On Sunday, March 2, 2025, services at the 72nd United Methodist Church were abruptly interrupted after a confrontation between a breakaway faction of worshippers and state security forces over control of the church property.” (Added 3-3-2025)
Video Post via 72nd GMC in Liberia (Facebook). [The Police Action begins around 17:00]. “The divine worship service of the 72nd Global Methodist Church was disrupted by the Liberia National Police, and arrested members of the above Church because of their refusal to have gotten their Pastor arrested by the Police. The Police literally open tear gas in the midst of the Church’s members, which got most of them coughing, sharing tears and some people were fallen.” (Added 3-3-2025)
“Pastoral Letter from the Episcopal Leader of the Liberia Global Methodist Church” by Bishop John Pena Auta via Facebook. A letter from the GMC bishop assigned to Liberia to the GMC people of Liberia. (Added 3-3-2025)
Post via Report Liberia (Facebook). [Additional Pictures] “Police Arrest Breakaway Methodist Worshipers Amid UMC Property Dispute — Paynesville, Liberia – March 2, 2025 – Tensions flared at the 72nd United Methodist Church in Paynesville on Sunday, March 2, as breakaway members of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) clashed with police over ownership of the church property. Several worshipers, including Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah, were arrested after defying a court ruling that upheld the United Methodist Church (UMC) as the rightful owner of the building. GMC members attempted to hold a Sunday service at the disputed property, arguing that their dues and tithes had contributed to the church’s construction. However, police intervened to enforce the Paynesville Magistrate Court’s ruling, leading to a violent confrontation. Stones were thrown, police deployed tear gas, and the clashes disrupted normal activities in the surrounding community. Bishop Samuel Quire of the United Methodist Church reaffirmed that church properties belong to the UMC, not individual congregations. State security forces have since secured the premises, removing locks placed by GMC members and allowing the newly appointed UMC pastor to take control. The dispute at the 72nd United Methodist Church is part of a larger global split within the UMC over LGBTQ+ issues, including same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ clergy ordination. Several other churches in Liberia, including Miller McAllister Methodist Church in Ganta, New Georgia United Methodist Church, and EJ McGill Methodist Church, have also broken away over these theological disagreements. Since 2022, the UMC has allowed congregations to disaffiliate, leading many to join the more conservative Global Methodist Church (GMC). However, legal battles over church properties have continued, as breakaway groups claim ownership based on their contributions. The Sunday incident also affected residents. One community member accused the police of ruining her pot of soup during the chaos, though authorities denied responsibility, blaming the disruption on people fleeing the scene.
With tensions still high, authorities have warned against further attempts to reclaim UMC properties, as the matter remains under legal review. (Added 3-2-2025)
Post by Margibi-Liberia (Facebook) [Photos] “Dr. Jerry Kulah and some members of the 72nd breakaway Global Methodist Church arrested and placed behind bars.” (Added 3-2-2025)
Post by Tim Beardsley via Facebook. [photo of Jerry Kulah in Jail] “Praying for the Global Methodist Church Liberia as persecution has broken out further. Stopping to talk to the press and try to stop the Liberian police from beating up on a another GMC pastor; GMC Leader Dr. Jerry Kulah has been arrested this morning. Please pray that God will move.” (Added 3-2-2025)
“Bishops, Is God Really Doing a ‘New Thing?” by Paul Stallsworth via Lifewatch Newsletter \ 3-1-2025. “It seems to congratulate the bishops, the Council of Bishops, and The United Methodist Church for doing what they were, and are, already doing. The 2020/2024 General Conference in Charlotte is hailed as a latter-day Mount-ofTransfiguration experience.” (Added 3-1-2025)
Post via UMC Liberia TV (Facebook). “Cllr. [Councilor] James Innis, Jr speaks to the issue surrounding the Duazohn UMC Sunday attack…” See also Part Two. See also here. (Added 2-28-2025)
Post via Voice of Liberia (Facebook). “We, the legitimate leadership of the Sinoe University Students Association of the United Methodist University (SUSA-UMU), strongly condemn the illegal and unconstitutional imposition of an interim leadership by Alex G. Wea. This move is a direct attack on the democratic principles that govern our student body and an affront to the rights of the legitimately elected leadership.” (Added 2-28-2025)
“Is Distrust Driving the Rise in Non-Denominationalism?” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. “The story for United Methodist is different. Their trust in other institutions has stayed fairly robust over time. But, trust in organized religion was very high in the 1990s and has taken a real nosedive – going from 34% down to 20%. Now, United Methodists trust organized religion less than Southern Baptists. That’s pretty staggering.” (Added 2-28-2025)
“Conference United Methodist Women Disassociates, From The Nelson/Kennedy Letter, Says Its Emphatically Rejects The Contents.” via Liberia UM Conference. “In a strongly worded statement, the Conference Women of the United Methodist Church of Liberia (UMC) has publicly distanced itself from a letter authored by Mothers Muriel V. Nelson, President and Ophelia J.S. Kennedy, Secretary General of the Conference United Methodist Women of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church which levies serious allegations against Bishop Quire.” (Added 2-28-2025)
“Cincinnati Church to Feature Art Installation Affirming the LGBTQ+ Community This Weekend” by Katherine Barrier via City Beat. “This weekend, Clifton United Methodist Church will project a colorful display on the side of its building created by artist Douglas Borntrager, who also prepared an installation for BLINK 2024. The installation, called “Beacon: Light in the Darkness,” features a projection of moving colors and light patterns and will run from dusk (around 7 p.m.) until 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.” (Added 2-28-2025)
“One Nation, Under God” by Lauren Jackson via New York Times. “Americans have stopped leaving Christianity. And the country is overwhelmingly spiritual, a new report found.” (Added 2-28-2025)
“United Methodist Camp Allows Boys To Bunk With Girls, Choose Their Sleeping Cabins Based Off ‘Gender Identity’” via Protestia. “They have a particular emphasis on affirming the LGBTQ community. One way they accommodate, this is that campers are assigned to cabins based on the sex their parents or guardians choose during the registration process, allowing biological boys to bunk with the girls and vice versa.” (Added 2-28-2025)
“Social Principles are basis of UMC opposition to Trump policies” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Much like Jesus’ ministry, Methodism was a counter-cultural movement when it began. The ensuing two-and-a-half centuries shaped it into a religious institution that grew moribund in its bureaucracy.” (Added 2-27-2025)
“Violent clashes erupt among UMC, Global Methodists at Nigerian seminary” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. Coverage of the Banyam Seminary attack. (Added 2-27-2025)
“David W. Scott: Regionalization as Solution to US Centrism” via UM & Global. “Central conferences are already existing forms of regionalization. The Worldwide Regionalization legislation would standardize this form of regionalization to include the US, which currently does not have an equivalent form of regionalization to the central conferences.” (Added 2-27-2025)
“Decline of Christianity in the U.S. Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off” via Pew Research. Major report on religion in America. (Added 2-27-2025)
“North Carolina Conference Appeals to State Supreme Court” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “In the saga of Fifth Avenue UMC, the latest development is that the North Carolina Conference is now appealing the appellate court’s decision to the state supreme court. In this segment, I read through a portion of their 94-page filing and explain the primary argument I see them making.” (Added 2-27-2025)
Post by Patrick M David via Facebook. “Ganta United Methodist School Students Urge Church to Reconsider Stance on Same-Sex Marriage | GANTA, LIBERIA – Students of the Ganta United Methodist School held an elaborate press conference on February 26, addressing concerns about the ongoing controversy surrounding same-sex marriage and its impact on their educational environment…” (Added 2-27-2025)
“Global Methodist Church Announces Nationwide Fast And Prayer” by Moses M. Tokpah/Margibi via The InQuirer (Liberia). “Nearly two weeks after it was birthed in Gbarnga City, Bong County, the Global Methodist Church (GMC) in Liberia has announced the holding of a nationwide fast and prayer service, aimed at bringing spiritual renewal to the nation.” (Added 2-27-2025)
“Sacred Worth: A Regional Gathering for LGBTQIA+ and Allies” via Louisiana UM Conference. The LGBTQIA+ Ministry Team, along with The Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church invites you to join Sacred Worth, a special regional gathering for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. (Added 2-27-2025)
“LGBTQ advocates aim to build on 2024 gains” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. The Reconciling Ministries 2528 Strategic Plan RMN: “Our congregations and Church are not yet harbors of welcome for LGBTQ+ people. Too many congregations and pastors have received permission to keep living as though the rules haven’t changed.” See Full Plan. (Added 2-27-2025)
Video Post by Victor Markus via Facebook. UMC loyalist beating the Registrar of the Banyam Theological Seminary in Nigeria. (Added 2-26-2025)
“Sifting Through UM Gaslighting About How Much Changed at GC 2024” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “n this segment, I walk through a piece done by Taylor Watson Burton Edwards aimed at making molehills out of mountains. I argue that the article seeks to give a false sense of comfort and normalcy that isn’t really appropriate or sober in response to the sea change takeover of The United Methodist Church.” (Added 2-26-2025)
“UM Clergy Beginning to Call For More Transparency From Bureaucracy” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Now that they purged most of the conservatives, those left behind in the UMC are now regaining their senses and realizing that the institution of the UMC is guilty of a lot of the crimes our federal government is being exposed for. A recent Facebook post calls for an end to the practice of paternal governance that restricts access to clear information for average churchgoers and clergy.” (Added 2-26-2025)
“North Georgia Conference of the UMC Underwritten by Lilly Endowment” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “UMC will only be able to keep standing with grants and outside monies, as they will now be exhausting all of their reserves.” (Added 2-26-2025)
Video Post by Joseph K Dorbor via Facebook. Another video of the disruption that happened at James Edward Marshall UMC in Liberia on February 23 when Rev. Slonkey Myers forcefully shut down someone making an announcement of a meeting where exit from the UMC would be discussed. (Added 2-26-2025)
“Methodists At Crossroads In Liberia …As Principal, Others Dismissed In Nimba” by Solomon T. Gaye/Nimba & Bill Cooper via The InQuirer. “However, the in-coming principal, former Representative Zuogele, explained that he was appointed by Bishop Quire to take over the school, but the outgoing principal has refuted the claim and refused to turn the office over to him . “The outgoing principal is a member of the Global Methodist Church, and the Ganta Methodist High School is a property of Gompa UMC,” Zuogele justified.” (Added 2-26-2025)
“What’s new in the Book of Resolutions, Part 1: Community of All Creation” by Taylor W Burton Edwards via UMC.org. “Church Land Use,” calls for “all local churches and other holders of church lands… bring their land back in harmony with God’s intentions and systems.” Among the specific action steps this resolution calls for are a regular evaluation and actions to maximize native vegetation and reduce non-native and invasive species, to plant at least three native trees in a cluster, to replace at least half of the lawn with native plant species, to end the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and biocides, and to convert at least part of the energy needed for building operations to renewable energy sources, among others.” (Added 2-26-2025)
“Want to buy a church? This Dauphin County one is up for auction” by Sue Gieiter via Penn Live. “Bidding starts at $80,000. Matthew Shineman, a spokesman for the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church, said financial challenges led to the closure. ‘Like many small churches, Highspire faced shifting attendance patterns and rising costs, making it increasingly difficult to sustain its ministry,’ he said.” (Added 2-26-2025)
Post by Elkanah S Adams via Facebook. [photos] “The Signboard of the Global Methodist Church GMCN Kabusa charge in Abuja district, was on a Friday night attack by unknown folks, this happened after the installation of the Signboard, suddenly some group of young men came around the Signboard with some wood and started hitting the Signboard with intention to completely destroy it, thanks to the neighbors and people passing on that route that helped in chasing them away. Thank God the Signboard was made from iron.” (Added 2-25-2025)
Video Post via Sky Communications Liberia (Facebook). “Due to the ongoing ‘Same Sex Marriage’ saga within the United Methodist Church, congregants of St. Matthew United Methodist Church have been barred from attending services.” (Added 2-25-2025)
Video Post by Prime FM Monrovia 105.5 via Facebook. Liberia: “New Georgia United Methodist church disassociate and disaffiliate itself from the United Methodist church” (Added 2-25-2025)
“African Church Property In Dispute, Violence and Legal Actions Erupt” by Chris Ritter via PNJ’s Team Caffeine. Sharing subscriber-only content about property disputes in Africa. (Added 2-25-2025)
“UMPH, GCORR, GCFA Collaborate to Support Korean and Spanish Translations of The Book of Discipline” via GCFA of the UMC. “Working to answer a denomination-wide appeal by The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH), and in conjunction with the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), the Board of Directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) authorized the approval of a one-time $125,000 grant to facilitate the publication of the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline and Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation in Korean and Spanish.” (Added 2-25-2025)
“Scott Jones, Global Methodist Church Bishop visits Nigeria, traces root of LGBTQ in the West, says ‘prosperity gospel is selfish gospel’” by Church Times Nigeria. “It was a rare meeting with one of the Bishops of the Global Methodist Church, Scott Jameson Jones and his wife, Mary Lou. They were on their way to the North of Nigeria for some ecclesiastical engagements and had stopped in Lagos to minister at the West Africa Theological Seminary, Ipaja, Lagos at the instance of its founder, Prof. Gary Maxey. Just before they took off to the North, Church Times’ publisher, Gbenga Osinaike, had an exclusive chat with Bishop Jones with his wife in attendance.” (Added 2-25-2025)
“United Methodist Church Nigeria urges Gov Kefas to mediate in church dispute” by Great Ozozoyin via Daily Post. “Speaking at a press conference in Jalingo on Tuesday, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, the Resident Bishop of UMC Nigeria and Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon, urged the government to take decisive action in addressing the dispute over church properties.” (Added 2-25-2025)
“Liberia: Global Methodist Church Members Disrupt Sunday Service in Ganta Over Same-Sex Marriage Dispute” by Franklin Doloquee via Front Page Africa. “Members of the breakaway faction of the United Methodist Church, now known as the Global Methodist Church, took control of the Sunday service at the Miller McAllister Global Methodist Church in Ganta, Nimba County, on February 18.” (Added 2-25-2025)
“Monroe County church relocating after split from denominational conference” via WVVA. “You know, the congregation’s wanting to stay together…as a family, and…that’s what we are [going to] do,” said Peterstown Worship Center’s pastor on Sunday. (Added 2-25-2025)
“Transforming Empty Houses of Worship” by Rick Reinhard as shared in UMNS Daily Digest. “What declining department stores were to our municipalities in the late 20th and early 21st century, emptying houses of worship are today, only the challenges are more vexing. A tsunami of emptying houses of worship is washing across the U.S., from denomination to denomination, from coast to coast. The former Vice President of Research and Planning of the National Council of Churches estimates that 100,000 houses may be closed over the next decade.” (Added 2-24-2025)
“The Politicians Have Failed and Divided Us, Now the Church is Following Suit” (Editorial) via The Liberian Investigator. “Once, the church was our last refuge, a sanctuary from the corruption, broken promises, and deep divisions sown by our politicians. But now, even the pulpit is becoming a battlefield, mirroring the dysfunction of our political sphere. The bitter divide within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia has escalated into a public spectacle, marked by police arrests, accusations of theft, and deep-seated ideological rifts. The recent turmoil in Gbarnga serves as a stark reminder that no institution is immune to division.” (Added 2-24-2025)
Post by Georgia Woodtor via Facebook. “As a direct consequence of the recent spilt, we now have two denominations operating in the name of the Methodists in Liberia; the original United Methodist Church (UMC)/Liberia Annual Conference and the recently established Global Methodist Church. The issue at stake is, who has ownership right over the existing infrastructure (church buildings, learning institutions, health facilities, etc., previously used under the covering of the UMC?” (Added 2-24-2025)
“Bong County: UMC Superintendent ordered arrest of members” by Star TV Liberia (Facebook). “Crisis in the United Methodists church deepening as Superintendent of the Jorquelleh District Conference allegedly ordered the arrest of some of their members in Bong. The District Superintendent of the Jorquelleh District Conference Rev. Anthony Karpee and the Associate Pastor of the Jorquelleh Community United Methodist Church have allegedly ordered the arrest of some of their members for reportedly standing against ‘regionalization.'” (Added 2-24-2025)
“United Methodist Church schism sparks church lockout, property dispute, and arrests” via The Liberian Investigator. “The bitter divide within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia turned chaotic in Gbarnga as police arrested two members following a heated standoff over church property and leadership disputes. Outraged worshippers, protesting the church’s controversial regionalization plan, arrived for service at Jorquelleh District First United Methodist Church only to find the doors locked. The situation spiraled further when they accused the newly assigned pastor of conspiring to remove church assets, leading to a confrontation that ended in arrests.” (Added 2-24-2025)
Post by Ralph Jackson via Facebook. “Bishop Quire Addresses Disaffiliation Efforts in UMC Liberia
In a firm statement regarding the ongoing disaffiliation efforts within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia, Bishop Quire has clarified that churches seeking to separate from the denomination will not be allowed to take church properties with them. ‘Disaffiliation with church properties is not applicable and will not be allowed under my leadership,’ Bishop Quire asserted, reinforcing that all properties will remain under the ownership of the UMC Liberia Conference.” (Added 2-24-2025)
Post by M Sion K Wreh via Facebook. “What’s the role of the Liberia Council of Churches in the United Methodist Church Crisis or things should completely go out of hand before finding a solution?” (Added 2-24-2025)
“Global Methodist Church Liberia update from Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah 2-23-2025” via YouTube. News on the transition from the UMC to the GMC. (Added 2-24-2025)
Post by Bismarck Maomy via Facebook. Report that the old, historic mission church at Ganta Mission Station in Liberia is now aligned with the GMC. This is the same location from which Bishop Quire was chased away last year. See also here. (Added 2-24-2025)
Post by Paul Pinel via Facebook. “The following is a post from a Christian friend from Liberia.. “The United Methodist Bishop in Liberia, Samuel J. Quire, must now be regretting his decision to endorse same-sex marriage. The United Methodist Church has nearly ceased to exist in Liberia, as almost all of its congregations have transitioned to the Global Methodist Church. Hardly anyone wants to be identified as a United Methodist anymore. That’s why [what] greed does.” (Added 2-24-2025)
Video Post by Afrik Media via Facebook. “Scene of serious disruption of Service at James Edward Marshall UMC on yesterday when the Rev. Slonkey Myers attacked a church member who was giving announcement. According to sources, a member was about to inform the congregation about a meeting in which they were going to take a decision to determine their stay with United Methodist Church, or go to Global Methodist Church, or remain an independent Methodist church.” See also here. (Added 2-24-2025)
Post by Ben Horrocks via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “I will continue to beat this drum because it seems that very few people in our denomination, particularly at its highest levels, are willing to recognize that our besetting sin and greatest challenge are pervasive and well-earned trust deficits. Unless and until all of us, beginning with our highest echelon of leaders, commit to transparency, humility, honesty, recognition of responsibility, and desire for repentance, reconciliation, and healing, we have little chance to bring healing and hope to the world if we cannot reform ourselves…” Non-denominationalism is predicated on the collapse of institutional trust.(Added 2-24-2025)
Post by Babangida Ibrahim via UM Clergy Facebook Group. [Video] “Bishop Ande Emmanuel has addressed and clarified misconceptions and disinformation regarding the belief of the United Methodist Church in Jesus Christ, as well as the church’s stance on LGBTQ practices in Nigeria. Marriage is between one man and one woman. He provided this clarification during an interview with the press crew from Gombe Media Broadcasting Corporation (GMC) at the annual Women Fellowship Convention, held in Filiya, Pero East District, Northern Conference.” (Added 2-24-2025)
Post by Reconciling Ministries Network via Facebook. ““This is the DEI that the Lord has made” is a 1-hour Virtual Porch panel discussion about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.) At alarming speed, the current U.S. regime is dismantling racial integration and progress toward equity.” (Added 2-24-2025)
“Monroe County church celebrates final service in building after split with United Methodist Church” by Caleb Okes via WVNS (WV). “The congregation of what was once known as Peterstown United Methodist Church has decided to break off to become a nondenominational church called Peterstown Worship Center. However, this choice has cost them their church building, as Sunday, February 23, 2025 marked their final service in that building, maybe forever.” (Added 2-24-2025)
“Lincoln church promoting ‘carbon fast’ for Lent” by Mark Fischer via KLKN (NE). “To help combat climate change, [St. Paul UMC] is releasing a carbon reduction calendar for Lent. The calendar has tips for reducing energy use, local resources for going green, journal prompts about climate change and meatless recipes.” (Added 2-24-2025)
“Property dispute spurs incident at church seminary” via UMNS Daily Digest. “BAMBUR, Nigeria — The property dispute between The United Methodist Church in Nigeria and the breakaway Global Methodist Church has escalated with an incident at United Methodist Banyam Theological Seminary. In separate statements, United Methodist Bishop Ande Emmanuel and the Assembly of Bishops of the Global Methodist Church shared conflicting accounts of the incident, which both sides say included violence and vandalism. The United Methodist Church has filed a lawsuit seeking to recover its certificate to operate as a denomination in the country as well as properties and assets that were taken by former leaders who have joined the Global Methodist Church. The matter has been assigned a judge in the high court and the first reading of the case is set for March 3. UM News continues to monitor this developing story. Read statement from Bishop Emmanuel. Read Global Methodist Church statement. Read previous UM News story” (Added 2-22-2025)
“A Call to Prayer and Support for Ukraine” via UMC Council of Bishops. “On this solemn anniversary marking three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church extend our support and hope in the midst of the ongoing conflict and war.” (Added 2-22-2025)
Post by Pete Wiah via Facebook. “The president of the College of West Africa (CWA), who was appointed by the bishop of the United Methodist Church (UMC), has now taken a stance that supports the Global Methodist Church (GMC) instead. This is a significant issue because the GMC represents a more conservative breakaway movement from the UMC, especially around issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion. (Added 2-22-2025)
“Notice of Appeal” by North Carolina Conference of the UMC. The North Carolina Conference’s appeal to the state supreme court in the matter of Fifth Avenue UMC. (Added 2-22-2025)
“Order of Dismissal” by Judge Gary Arnold, Circuit Court of Craighead County, AR. Final disposition of the legal wranglings associated with Jonesboro First Methodist Church. (Added 2-22-2025)
“LAC/UMC Reaffirms Stance on Marriage, Moves to Protect Church Assets at 192nd Annual Session” by Siaway T. Miapue via Front Page Africa. “In a move to safeguard its assets, the LAC/UMC has empowered its Board of Trustees to take legal actions to protect and recover church properties across Liberia’s 15 counties and 20 church districts. The resolution grants the Board authority to work with legal entities to ensure full compliance with Liberia’s property laws.” (Added 2-22-2025)
“The Fundamental Problem” by John Meunier. “It is easy to find examples of preachers telling people they are perfect just the way they are. It is hard to find United Methodists telling people they are sick and need a savior.” (Added 2-22-2025)
Video Post via Ibrahim Zuppai (Facebook). A press interview with Bishop Scott Jones in Nigeria. (Added 2-21-2025)
“Liberian Dissidents Join Global Methodist Church” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “By a standing vote, members of the Liberia Annual Conference endorsed constitutional amendments to enact regionalization of the worldwide United Methodist Church.” (Added 2-21-2025)
“United Methodist ‘Safe Sanctuaries’ Excludes Traditionalists” by Sarah Stewart via Juicy Ecumenism. “The WVUMC chose to update its Safe Sanctuaries policy to include a section on “LGBTQ+ Youth” and, despite its vague language, it is anything but inclusive.” (Added 2-21-2025)
“David W. Scott: US-Centrism vs. A Better Connectionalism” by David Scott via UM & Global. “This is the first in a three-part series based on a presentation given to the Connectional Table on a theology of regionalization.” (Added 2-20-2025)
“No Same Sex Marriage in Liberia – Members Broke Away from The United Methodist Church” via My Liberian People (YouTube). Extended footage from Friday’s public launch of the GMC in Liberia. (Added 2-20-2025)
Post by Dingle Andrew via Facebook. Nigeria: “Tension Envelopes Bambur Community in Karim Lamido Local Governement Area of Taraba State after factional group suspected to be loyal to UMCN led by Bishop Ande allegedly launched attack on Staff and students of Banyam Bible Training School leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries. Also destroyed were facilities at the Missionary Hospital and facilities belonging to the Church.” (Added 2-20-2025)
Letter by Matt Sichel via Baltimore-Washington WCA. “NEWS this week is that the bill has been cross-filed in the House of Delegates by Delegates Fisher, Adams, and Arentz. This is an EXCELLENT development, as it raises the possibility that the bill can pass both houses. The hearing for the House bill, HB 1182 will be on Tuesday at 1:00pm in the House Office Building, Room 230 in Annapolis. This will be another opportunity for a group to go and testify to our support for the bill.” (Added 2-20-2025)
Post by Bishop Ande Immanuel via Facebook. Claims that the Banyam Seminary belongs to the United Methodist Church. (Added 2-19-2025)
“Methodist Church condemns Taraba seminary attack” by Charles Akpeji via The Guardian (Nigeria). Signed by the Bishop of the church, Ande I. Emmanuel, UMC, according to the statement, “linked this incident to a broader pattern of violence and intimidation, including the illegal occupation of UMC properties by the GMC.” (Added 2-19-2025)
“Looking Beyond the Building” by Leighton Kyle via Huntington Daily News. “For over 150 years, the 12th Street United Methodist Church stood as a beacon of faith and service in Huntingdon. However, as the years passed, maintaining the aging structure became a challenge. Faced with mounting repair costs—estimated between $60,000 and over $100,000 just for a new roof—the congregation made a bold decision. Rather than invest nearly $400,000 in a historic but impractical building, they chose to prioritize their mission over material concerns.” (Added 2-19-2025)
“59 – The United Methodist Church Lifts Ban on Gay Marriage: Fragmentation and Autonomy, with Reverend Jerry Kulah (UMC Part 2 of 2)” via New Kinship Podcast. See also Part One with Joe Meinholz, an affirming Duke seminarian. (Added 2-19-2025)
[Updated] Victim Videos One [Freedom Oga] and Two (Tobosun Osinowo]. Video statements from those attacked at the Banyam Theological Seminary in Nigeria on February 18, stating the attackers came from Banyam and Bambur UMC, or “UMC hooligans.” (Added 2-19-2025)
“Simpsonville ‘getting back on track’ despite lawsuit” by Jessica Brodie via South Carolina Advocate (as shared by UMNS). “A group attempting to leave the denomination without its church going through the proper legal channels is slated to appear in Greenville County court late this month. Meanwhile, a portion of the church wishing to remain United Methodist has been organizing afresh, with plans to resume weekly worship as soon as possible.” (Added 2-19-2025)
“United Methodists called to oppose proposed repeal of trust clause” via Baltimore-Washington UM Conference (e-mail). “Conference leaders ask that United Methodists reach out to the members of the House Economic Matters committee and their state legislators to voice their opposition to HB 1182 and SB 0586 before Feb. 24.” (Added 2-19-2025)
“Methodist Violence at Banyam Theological Seminary” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. “United Methodist episcopal leadership continues to fan the flames of resentment in Nigeria. As the Global Methodist Church attempts to be established in four new annual conferences across Nigeria, tribal tensions have already been exacerbated to result in violence. In this segment, I go through firsthand accounts of the violence meant to disrupt the convening conference of one of the GM conferences in Nigeria. I also look at the false flag accusation from Ande Emmanuel, the UMC bishop of the area.” (Added 2-19-2025)
Post by UMC Nigeria Episcopal Area (Facebook). “We write with heavy heart and deep concern to counter the falsehood and lies by the GMC communication Director who reports to the public platform that the United Methodist Church in Nigeria’s fighters invaded the premises of the Banyam Theological Seminary and have beat, injured the staff and students of the institution, and destroyed the school edifice. This report is not only a lie but it’s an attempt to blackmail the peace loving members and leaders of the United Methodist church in Nigeria…” (Added 2-19-2025)
“Bishop Names Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team and Consultant” via East Ohio Conference. “Their role is to actively listen, discuss, discern, and make decisions about forming a new, unified Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.” Doug Anderson is the consultant. “Bishop Jung is eager for the work to begin and anticipates a vision-driven process with strategic resolution within the next three years.” (Added 2-19-2025)
Post by Voices of Nimba TV (Facebook). Liberia: “United Methodist Church Finally Removed from Sanniquellie Methodist Church, to Confirm their Disassociation. As the Result of the Ongoing Disagreement on Same Sex Marriage Being Proposed.” (Added 2-19-2025)
““No Old Wine In The New Wine Bottle” -Rev. Kulah Cautions Global Methodists” by Moses M. Tokpah -Margibi via The InQuirer. “If you think you can be a pastor here, keeping two, three women, you’re making a mistake; no old wine in the new wine bottle,” he stated. He challenged everyone within the GMC to wake up from the life of sin and spiritual darkness, fear, doubt and hopelessness to the life of faith and hope in Jesus Christ as well as from the life of sexual immorality to the life of sexual purity adding, ‘in this Church by the grace of God we will not tolerate indiscipline.’” (Added 2-19-2025)
“Wednesday Morning Briefing (Feb. 19, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Most of the morning will probably be spent on understanding the recent violence in Nigeria…” (Added 2-19-2025)
“UMC Nigeria will resist attempts to erase its legacy – Bishop” by Great Ozozoyin via Daily Post (Nigeria). “In a statement signed and made available to journalists in Jalingo on Wednesday by the church’s bishop, Ande I. Emmanuel, UMC in Nigeria vowed to resist any efforts to erase its presence from the country.” (Added 2-19-2025)
“Liberia: Tension Erupts at Methodist Compound in Ganta Following Physical Altercation Between Pastors” by Franklin Doloquee via Front Page Africa. “Sources indicate that the dispute over property ownership has become a significant issue between the two factions, with members of the Global Methodist Church now claiming control over assets that belong to the United Methodist Church.” (Added 2-19-2025)
Post and Post by Gompa Communications Network via Facebook(Liberia). “Rev. Prescillia Jayah Gleyenneh of the united Methodist church pepper sprays Rev. Jerry N. Kandea of Global Methodist church not to enter the united Methodist office.” (Added 2-18-2025)
Statement by GMC Assembly of Bishops via PDF. “Today, these same individuals, expecting to find our bishops and conference members gathered, returned to Banyam Seminary armed, engaging in destruction of property and physical attacks on members of the Global Methodist Church.” (Added 2-18-2025)
Post by Bishop Scott Jones via Facebook. [Ordination Photos] “Proud to have safely completed the Central Nigeria Annual Conference and ordination! Glory Be! These folks are faithful and have persevered.” (Added 2-18-2025)
Statement by Bishop Ande Emmanual via Jalingo Times. “The United Methodist Church in Nigeria strongly condemns the recent attack on Bamyam Theological Seminary in Bambur by leaders and members of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) in Nigeria. This act of aggression, which included the vandalization of United Methodist landmarks, signposts, and logos—specifically at the Seminary chapel, is not only an affront to our faith but a clear attempt to erase the identity and heritage of The United
Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria….” (Added 2-18-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. Pictures of victims of the attack at Banyan Theological Seminary. See also video footage and photos posted by Elkanah S Adams. (Added 2-18-2025)
Post by Bishop Scott Jones via Facebook. “The regular session of the Central Nigeria Annual Conference scheduled to be held at Banyam Theological Seminary yesterday and today, February 17 and 18. A group of UMC supporters disrupted the opening worship on Monday. Because we wished to preserve peace we moved the Conference to a different location. However the UMC supporters returned to Banyam expecting Bishops Jones and Auta to be there with the Conference. Some carried guns and others carried machetes. They invaded the seminary grounds, broke windows and attacked GMC people. The GMC people offered no resistance. One man was hospitalized with a head wound. A presiding elder was cut on his chest and hospitalized. Five others were hospitalized. Mrs. Titi Auta and a friend were locked in a room for several hours. Finally a unit of the Nigerian Army intervened at Bishop Auta’s request and dispersed the attackers. Meanwhile Bishop Jones convened the conference, delivered the Episcopal Address and ordained four deacons and seven elders. In his address Bishop Jones focused on scriptural holiness and told the people they should not respond to violence with violence.” (Added 2-18-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. A GMC leader reports on violence by UMCN forces in Nigeria: “1.Mission Quarters at General Hospital Bambur was destroyed, 2. Mission Compound at Bambur was destroyed, 3. Banyam Theological Seminary BTS Bambur was destroyed. The next target is.. 4. Worom Maternity. GO AHEAD AND DESTROY EVERYTHING. YOU WILL SHAMELESSLY REGRET IT EVEN IN YOUR DEATH” (Added 2-18-2025)
Post via Global Methodist Church Nigeria (Facebook). “Report reaching us from Banyam says that the United Methodist Church Nigeria fighters invaded the premises of the Banyam Theological Seminary, beat, injured the staff and students of the institution, and destroyed the school edifice.” (Added 2-18-2025)
“Love Without Exceptions: Church becomes first Black Reconciling Congregation in New Jersey” by Sarah Borgstrom Lee via UM Insight. “Pride in the Pews was a key partner in the process. Pride in the Pews’ mission is to “mobilize Black-serving anchor institutions to advocate for the holistic health and wellness of Black LGBTQ+ communities.” Lay leader Jennifer Nelson applied to be part of the Black Church Equality Fellowship, a leadership development program that helps Black faith leaders advance their advocacy skills and develop congregational initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.” (Added 2-18-2025)
“A new Methodist Church emerges” by Wise Wesseh via New Dawn (Liberia). “Dr. Kulah, formerly head of the Master’s Program at the United Methodist University, explains that the UMC’s evolving views on marriage and ordination contradict Biblical teachings and traditional Methodist values.” (Added 2-18-2025)
Post by Alfred Kwabena Mensah via Facebook. “It is unfortunate that you continue to speak from an ill-informed background and run with misinformation that proves your limitations on this issue.. I have served the General church on the committee on Central Conference Matter for the Conferences of Africa. This places me in a better position to share an in-depth position of what’s happening in the church… I have attended and participated in two General conferences that placed me in position to better discuss what’s happening in the church.” (Added 2-18-2025)
“Pastoral Letter from the Incumbent Bishops of the United Methodist Church in the Philippines” via Facebook. “With deep pastoral concern and love for the Church, we, your incumbent Bishops of the United Methodist Church in the Philippines, address the reactions to the planned LGBTQ+ retreat supposed to be held at the UMC Headquarters. Like many of you, we were also surprised to learn of the said activity. We acknowledge the differing voices within our Church and offer this pastoral word in the spirit of love and truth…” (Added 2-18-2025)
Post by Izzy Alvaran via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “The Liberia Annual Conference has just voted to ratify Worlwide Regionalization, the first vote so far by any conference. The standing vote garnered around 98% affirmative votes according to local organizers. The exact figures are kept secret until finally tallied by the Council of Bishops with results from all conferences.” (Added 2-17-2025)
“Liberia: Supreme Court Lifts Prohibition on United Methodist Church’s Annual Conference, Summons Judge Konto for Conference” by Gerald C Koinyeneh via Front Page Africa. “The intervention follows an injunction issued on the evening of February 14, 2025, by Judge Boima Konto, the Resident Circuit Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Bong County. The injunction halted the UMC Annual Conference based on a request by L. Orlando Boyce, District Lay Leader for the St. Paul River District.” (Added 2-17-2025)
“Breakaway UMC Members Form Global Methodist Church” by Patrick S. Tokpah via Daily Observer (Liberia). “With over 100 local churches, we hereby birth the Global Methodist Church (GMC) as the new Wesleyan Methodist Denomination in Liberia on this fourteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord, Jesus Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the blessed Holy Spirit,” Kulah emphasized. (Added 2-17-2025)
Post by E. Julu Swen via Facebook. [Images from the Liberia Annual Conference Session.] Key Features:
“Regionalization Plan adopted overwhelmingly.” “In the UMC in Liberia, Marriage is between a Man and a Woman.” “No Gay or Lesbian marriages will be conducted by any church within the LAC/UMC.” “No ordination for self-avowed gay or Lesbian within the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.” (Added 2-17-2025)
“Liberia: Supreme Court Intervenes in United Methodist Church Dispute, Summons Judge Konto for Conference” by Gerald C Koinyeneh via Front Page Africa. “The case has attracted attention due to the internal struggles within the United Methodist Church in Liberia and its implications for religious and legal governance. With the Supreme Court now actively involved, the outcome of the conference could set a significant precedent for church-related legal disputes in the country.” (Added 2-17-2025)
Overhead: “On January 7, Buncombe Street Church Council approved the recommendation by our Denomination Discernment Team to pursue affiliation with the Global Methodist Church. After a period of prayer and discernment, on February 9, our membership voted in favor of this recommendation by 98%.
RESULTS: 496 total votes. 98% in favor (485 votes). 2% opposed (11 votes). (A simple majority was required for this vote to pass) Over the next few months, we will work with the Global Methodist Church to finalize our partnership. We appreciate the support, prayers, and commitment our congregation has given as we work through this affiliation process.” (Added 2-17-2025)
“New Methodist Church Emerges in Liberia Amid Doctrinal Dispute” via Smart News Liberia. “A new religious denomination has been established in Liberia following a dispute over same-sex relationships within the United Methodist Church (UMC). Dissatisfied with the direction of their former religious body, a group of breakaway congregations has formed the Global Methodist Church, citing their opposition to what they describe as an unacceptable shift in doctrine.” (Added 2-15-2025)
“Liberia: Court Halts UMC Annual Conference in Bong County” by Selma Lomax via Front Page Africa. “The decision follows a petition filed by L. Olandor Boyce, the Lay Leader of the St. Paul River District, who claims he was denied participation in the 192nd annual conference being held in Gbarnga. Boyce contends that the UMC’s actions violate the Book of Discipline, which governs church practices.” (Added 2-15-2025)
Post via DN-News Liberia (Facebook). “The new GMC will consist of over 100 local churches that plan to remain in their current places of worship. Dr. Kulah affirmed their commitment to their beliefs, stating they are prepared for any legal challenges that may arise from their separation from the UMC.
The formation of the GMC highlights ongoing tensions within the Methodist community…” (Added 2-15-2025)
Post by Yankoi Guluma via Facebook. “Officially, Africa ‘s oldest United Methodist denomination has split today. Congratulations to the Global Methodist Church of Liberia, as it joined its brothers and sisters across, Africa, Asia and Latin America.” (Added 2-15-2025)
Post by Today Liberia TV (Facebook). “Another breakaway to be announced soon as the Annual conference of the United Methodist church in Liberia faces massive disaffiliation . A renowned figure in the United Methodist church,Rev.Dr. Anna Kaydor Labala minutes ago posted on her Facebook page. “Independent Methodist Church,Let’s go worship God. We have house churches in Monrovia, Gbarnga, Ganta and more coming up. God is good. We will begin from the grassroots. Young people, come to church and worship God”. (Added 2-15-2025)
“Newsletter: 2-14-2025” by Ryan Danker via John Wesley Institute. “On January 1 of this year, the John Wesley Institute added Good News Magazine to its lineup. We are thrilled to continue this formational magazine for Wesleyan Christians. And we’re grateful that Steve Beard will continue in his role as editor. The first issue of 2025 will come out in early March with articles by Timothy Tennent, Steven Hoskins, Jessica LaGrone, Sue Nicholson, David Watson, James Thobaben, Tammie Grimm, myself, and more. Anyone who donates $50 or more yearly to the JWI will receive the magazine.” (Added 2-15-2025)
Post by Tim Beardsley via Facebook. Shows a statement by David Gueh Memorial UMC in Liberia, suspending membership in the conference. (Added 2-14-2025)
“‘Crystal Methodist’ fails to show for Manchester sentencing hearing” via The Guardian (UK). “Flowers is a former Methodist minister who chaired the Co-operative Bank. He hit the headlines in 2013 after the Mail on Sunday published secretly filmed footage of him handing over £300 in cash for crystal meth and other drugs in Leeds.” (Added 2-14-2025)
“A refreshed Wesleyan vision is emerging” (Commentary) by Paul W. Chilcote via UMNS. “Following a tumultuous year, United Methodists now stand in a liminal space that separates us from the past and opens a door into a future filled with hope. This is a particularly good moment to think about a refreshed Wesleyan vision of The United Methodist Church.” (Added 2-14-2025)
“The UMC is not a gay Church” via New Dawn (Liberia). “In 2024, the Bishop and some dedicate voted against same-sex marriage at the general conference in the United States of America and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy, causing a divide within the church.” (Added 2-14-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook.
“Bishop Quire has finished himself in Liberia for his statement.” (Added 2-14-2025)Post by Aaron Yankee via Facebook. [videos] “Praise and worship Friday morning. ” We are Global Methodist Church; we believe in Gospel truth, we stand for Jesus Christ; we stand with Jesus, we are Global Methodist Church.” (Added 2-14-2025)
Post by James Johnson via Facebook. Images from the launch of the Global Methodist Church in Liberia. (Added 2-14-2025)
“Global Methodist Church Liberia Making Disciples of Jesus Christ Official Launch in Gbarnga city, Bong County” via Liberian Observer Online. Video of the February 14 announcement of the formation of the Global Methodist Church in Liberia. (Added 2-14-2025)
Video Post by Paye Mondolo via Facebook. Celebrations surrounding the launch of the Global Methodist Church in Liberia. (Added 2-14-2025)
“Methodist Church in Turmoil” by Patrick S. Tokpah via Daily Observer (Liberia). “Officials from the breakaway group have revealed their intention to establish a new denomination, emphasizing their dedication to adhering to biblical principles and spiritual values. Speaking to reporters in Gbarnga, Reverends Paye Mondolo and Prince Sayekwee announced the formation of the Global United Methodist Church (GUMC), which is set to be inaugurated on Friday, February 14, 2025.” (Added 2-14-2025)
“District Superintendent Werner Philipp elected as UMC Bishop in Germany” via UMC Council of Bishops. “Last year, the West Africa Central Conference elected Bishops Ande Ikimun Emmanuel of Nigeria and James Boye-Caulker of Sierra Leone. After Germany’s election, eight more new bishops are expected to be elected this year in the Africa, Congo as well as the Northern Europe and Eurasia central conferences.” See also “Germany elects Werner Philipp as bishop” by Klaus Ulrich Ruof via UMNS (Added 2-14-2025)
“Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Passes Key Resolutions at 192nd Annual Session” by Gerald C Koinyeneh via Front Page Africa. “The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), at its 192nd Annual Session, unanimously passed two significant resolutions aimed at reaffirming its stance on marriage and strengthening efforts to protect church properties.” (Added 2-14-2025)
“Founding Congregation to Exit Christian Reformed Church” by Megan Fowler via Christianity Today. “The CRC is the latest in a line of American churches riven by debates over homosexuality, from the Episcopal Church USA, to the Mennonite Church USA, to the Church of the Brethren, to United Methodist Church. Typically, it has been those on the traditionalist side of the debate who have felt forced to leave.” (Added 2-13-2024)
Post by Aaron Yankee via Facebook. Video footage of the Liberia United Methodist for Biblical Christianity Awareness and Mobilization Conference happening in the same city as the Liberia Annual Conference Session. (Added 2-13-2025)
“UMC Bishop Exacerbates Tensions in Nigeria” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Being a Christian requires that we try to understand and pray for situations other than our own. The situation in Nigeria continues to be tense. I have done a lot, thus far, to keep my audience apprised of developments there. As UMC leadership continues to try to gain status and wealth from fanning the flames of resentment, I aim to try to shine a light. I hope that an awareness of this strategy will sap it of power. Lord, protect Nigeria!” (Added 2-13-2025)
“Has God Changed his Mind on Sex? – Gagnon vs. the Hayes” by Andy Miller via More to the Story Podcast (YouTube). “Robert Gagnon is the most prolific scholar of sexuality in scripture. This past Fall, well-known New Testament scholar, Richard Hayes, published The Widening of God’s Mercy, co-authored with his son Christopher (an Old Testament professor at Fuller Seminary). This book shows that not only has Richard Hayes changed his mind about the bible and sexual ethics, but so has God. Gagnon authored several responses to the Hayeses and he joined me to critique their book.” (Added 2-13-2025)
“‘Old School’ Methodists in the UMC?” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Is there still room for “old school” Methodism in The United Methodist Church? Some still think there is. In this segment, we go through a piece penned by John Meunier, as he states his hope for the future of a UMC that is capacious enough to make room for folks like him, and then we pray for him and his brethren who are still in the UMC fold.” (Added 2-13-2025)
“Hollywood church hosts LGBTQ+ Valentine’s Day marriage ceremonies” by Lance Collins via Beverly Press. “The Los Angeles Queer Interfaith Clergy Council is using Valentine’s Day to send a strong message. The group is coming together at the Hollywood United Methodist Church campus on Feb. 14 between noon-3 p.m. to celebrate LGBTQ+ couples with free marriage ceremonies.” (Added 2-13-2025)
“United Methodism, Mainline Protestantism, Christian Faith – Is There Hope?” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “I have no illusions that many, or even any, of the following ideas will be taken with any seriousness, but I fear that our present predicament is so serious that unless drastic actions are taken our UMC future is bleak.” (Added 2-13-2025)
Post by Ken Ken via Facebook. “Wats Seminary, one of the BEST seminaries in West Africa (if not in Africa) that used to be an Inter-denominational Seminary is now a GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH’S Seminary. I am so proud of this!! This is the very seminary that the Liberia UMC bishop who has now deviated from biblical Christianity attended along me, Matthew B. Williams, and Garmeh Williams
Lesson: is one thing to go to GOOD SEMINARY AS A PASTOR, but another thing to FOLLOW AND OBEY JESUS’ TEACHINGS. NOTE: We are in the last days!!” (Added 2-13-2025)
Post via DN-News Liberia (Facebook). Video of Bishop Samuel Quire’s Episcopal Address. (Added 2-13-2025)
“One Methodist, two conferences” by Randy Clarke via Liberia Investigator. “Bishop Samuel Quire and his supporters are meeting at the Methodist compound in Gbarnga, while the anti-regionalization group is gathering at the Gbarnga Administrative Building. Some officials of the breakaway faction of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church have announced plans to establish a new denomination, reaffirming their commitment to upholding biblical principles and spiritual integrity.” (Added 2-13-2025)
Post by Wizz TV (Liberia) via Facebook. “The United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Global Methodist Church (GMC) are both hosting their annual conferences in Gbarnga, Bong County UMC at the United Methodist Church compound and GMC at the Gbarnga City Hall.” (Added 2-13-2025)
Post by Emmanuel Sagacious Cooper via Facebook. “Francis T. Entsuah Jr. does the position of the UMC in Liberia outshine the decision of the GC? Does it erase the fact that the UMC is a gay Church? Does it erase the fact that the decision was made and stands? Does it erase the fact that in the future or even now, homosexuals who are clergymen and women visit the LAC and be recognized and as well even have the opportunity to preach? Does it erase the fact that we will have to be presided over and even govern at the level of the General Conference who are homosexuals?” (Added 2-13-2025)
“‘Evil and Devilish’: Methodist Rev, Paye Cooper Mondolo Describes ‘Regionalization’ In The Church” by Ramsey N Singbeh Jr via ThrongTalk (Liberia). “Rev Mondolo who was also suspended from his position as president of the College of West Africa recently following his resistance to the ‘Regionalization Plan’ stated: “Regionalization is satanic, it’s evil, it’s devilish because our conference had been regionalized alread. Those who are in the United States worship according to those in the United States. When we are in Africa, we worship according to our context. Why should we regionalize now? We have one Bible and we’re going to have one book of discipline, which we have now so you cannot allow us to say well, let’s legalize sin.” (Added 2-13-2025)
“Plan Now: Worldwide Regionalization and Ratification Webinar” by David Scott via UM & Global. “The webinar is organized by the denomination’s Regionalization Task Force and presented by United Methodist Communications. It represents a collaboration among UMCOM, the Connectional Table, the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters, members of the Christmas Covenant writing team and The Council of Bishops.” (Added 2-13-2025)
Post by Eminent Shallon via Facebook. “The clergyman said the primary cause of their departure is essential, debating their disagreement over same-sex rights within United Methodist Churches.
“We are no more a United Methodist, but divided Methodist. We will not be a part of any ungodly thing,” Pastor Mabah asserted.” (Added 2-12-2025)
Post by Tim Beardsley via Facebook. “The praise and prayer meeting in Liberia. If you want to be part of the celebration and launch of Liberia United for Biblical Christianity Awareness and Mobilization Conference, Gbarnga City, Bong County…. Then go over (walk across street for some people) to Gbarnga City Hall.” (Added 2-12-2025)
“58 – The United Methodist Church Lifts Ban on Gay Marriage: Polity and Progress with Joe Meinholz (Part 1 of 2 on the UMC)” by TJ Espinoza and David Frank via New Kinship. “This conflict is as much about church unity and governance as it is about LGBTQ rights and people—but of course they’re wrapped up together. You might recognize yourself and your own Christian denomination in the UMC’s 40+ years of conversations on these topics. Church unity is hard, folks.” (Added 2-12-2025)
Post by Paye Mondolo via Facebook. [Photos] “the , Gbarnga City, Bong County” (Added 2-12-2025)
Post by Aaron Yankee via Facebook.
“Revival is here in Liberia Methodism. We are doing this because “people still need Jesus”. To God be all the glory.” Shows traditionalist event at Gbarnga City Hall. (Added 2-12-2025)Post by Salisu Waziri via Facebook. [Photos of a March with UM loyalists wearing pro traditional marriage shirts] “Pray along with the Bishop as he joined UMC family in Liberia for their 192nd Annual Conference Session, and they have all agreed to remain UMC regardless of the wave of confusion, perpetrated by few GMC loyalists in Liberia.” (Added 2-12-2025)
“United Methodists join suit against Trump policy” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “United Methodists have joined with other Christian denominations and Jewish bodies in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The religious groups are seeking a reversal of the Trump administration policy that allows ICE agents to carry out raids in houses of worship.” (Added 2-12-2025)
“‘The United Methodist Church has ‘crossed the road’” – women leadership breaks away” by Gibson Lee via The Liberian Investigator. “The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) is facing a deepening crisis as the Conference United Methodist Women (CUMW) has publicly rejected the leadership of Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr. The women’s group accuses the bishop of supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion, regionalization, and governance reforms that they claim undermine the church’s unity and longstanding traditions.” (Added 2-11-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. Certificate showing the name of the UMC in Nigeria has been legally changed to Global Methodist Church. (Added 2-11-2025)
Post by Kear Network (Facebook). “The Conference Women of the United Methodist Church in Liberia suspends Resident Bishop Samuel Quire as Ex-Officio of the Organization for alleged acts inconsistent with the church’s book of discipline. In a four-page letter to Bishop Quire, the Conference Women’s Organization cites the alleged unilateral decision of the Methodist Bishop to suspend clergy members and his refusal to call for a special session to decide the fate of the church following the General Conference in the United States of America.” View letter suspending Bishop Quire for the Women’s Ministry Board here. (Added 2-11-2025)
Post by Paye Mondolo via Facebook. A letter from David Gueh Memorial UMC to Bishop Quire notifying him that they are leaving the UMC due to changes in church teaching on marriage and human sexuality. (Added 2-11-2025)
“UMC Archives & History Begins ReEducation Program” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “A recent UM News Service article details the activity of one of the executives of the denomination. She is using her office to promote new pro-porneia propaganda, which is being designed to be disseminated across the now-progressive denomination.” (Added 2-11-2025)
“The Asbury Outpouring Two Years Later: A Conversation with Suzanne Nicholson” by Evan Rohrs-Dodge via Firebrand Magazine. “Dr. Suzanne Nicholson, Professor of New Testament at Asbury University, has edited the book Cooperating with the Holy Spirit: Theological and Practical Reflections on the Asbury Outpouring to describe some of these experiences and consider the theological foundations for revivals.” (Added 2-11-2025)
“UMCN Bishop disburses Relief materials to victims of church crisis in Taraba” via New National Star (Nigeria). Bishop Ande Immanuel distributes UMCOR monies in Nigeria. (Added 2-11-2025)
“United Methodists To Decide In Gbanga …AS 192nd Annual Session Kicks Off Tomorrow” via The Inquirer Newspaper (Liberia). Coverage of the long-awaited Liberia Annual Conference. (Added 2-11-2025)
“USAID freeze strikes Africa University” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “The freeze on disbursements had an immediate $1.2 million impact on the United Methodist-related university, with 30 employees no longer being paid. Bishop Julius C. Trimble, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, is urging United Methodists to contact Congress and complain about the situation.” (Added 2-10-2025)
“Notice of Appeal Filed in Fifth Avenue UMC Case” via North Carolina Conference. “On February 4, 2025, the NC Conference filed a Notice of Appeal and Alternative Petition for Discretionary Review in the Fifth Avenue UMC case, asking the NC Supreme Court to review the decision of the Court of Appeals.” (Added 2-10-2025)
“Part 1: Local churches, annual conferences, and general agencies” by Taylor W Burton Edwards via UMC.org. Part One in a series on changes to the Book of Discipline as a result of the Charlotte General Conference. (Added 2-10-2025)
Post by Aaron Yankee via Facebook. [image of suspension letter] “But who cares. Be wise to resolve the crisis in UMC, Liberia differently rather than suspension and so-call holding of character. Why can you guys start teaching our people the content of the new BOD position on marriage and right of LGBTQ+. Why are you denying people from talking about it? Why are you guys going after people who demand understanding of the issue. Why are you intimidating people and threatening them removal from their assignments? If you sincerely think that this regionalization concept of the UMC in Africa is good for us in Liberia why can’t you open it for discussion and let the people ask their critical questions to clear their doubts.Don’t you see that no one, who is issued suspension letter cares anymore…” (Added 2-10-2025)
“America’s 1950s Religious Boom: What Happened?” by James Heidinger via Juicy Ecumenism. Was the Christian faith being taught at America’s 20th Century Christian zenith grounded in sound biblical teaching? “In many American seminaries, things supernatural had been set aside for the new emphasis on the social teachings of Jesus.” (Added 2-10-2025)
“142 United Methodists breakaway” by Wise Wessah via New Dawn Liberia. “Monrovia, Liberia, February 10, 2025 – Over a hundred members of the 72nd United Methodist Church here have broken away or disaffiliated from the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.” (Added 2-10-2025)
“Ten Confessions of a Displaced Methodist Preacher” by Richard Bryant via Substack. “I have church induced PTSD. The trauma is real. This is no joke. I can’t shake it. Organized religion is more than I can handle.” (Added 2-10-2025)
“Global Methodists find new home in Anglican church” by Pat Lowry via The Star (FL). GMC church meets in an Anglican facility. “Such an inspiring juggernaut is happening in Port St. Joe, and its momentum is nothing short of amazing. Back in the summer, a group of about 15 St. Joe Methodists heard about the Global Methodist movement picking up steam in the United States, Africa, the Philippines, Europe, and Eurasia.” (Added 2-10-2025)
“Marking 1700 Years of Nicaea: A Wesleyan Reflection on Faith, Unity, and Mission” via UMC Council of Bishops. “Many Christian World Communions will be mark ing this event, with all its ambivalence, and among them, the World Methodist Council. A working group was set up at the Steering Committee of the World Methodist Council, meeting in Gothen burg, Sweden, in August 2023, to reflect on how best ‘the people called Methodist’ might mark this anniversary.” (Added 2-10-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. Shows an image of a Nigerian court order instructing Bishop Ande Immanuel from interfering with the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria. (Added 2-8-2025)
“Worldwide Regionalization & Ratification Webinar” via Resource UMC. Connectional Table offers a February 20 webinar in support of ratification of regionalization amendments to the UMC constitution. (Added 2-7-2025)
“A pastoral message from Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops” via Western Jurisdiction UMC. “Your Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops humbly offers this video for you to watch or show in your local ministry setting as we seek to reclaim the narrative of love, justice and mercy for a time such as this.” (Added 2-7-2025)
“Amendment would make church more open” commentary by April Casperson via UMNS. “In conversations with people from annual conferences where most of the members voted “no” in 2016, we came to understand that there was concern that the topic could be related to human sexuality.” (Added 2-7-2025)
“The church within the church” by John Meunier. “If we define church in terms of institutional superstructure, then Old School Methodists will find themselves in a difficult position as the theology and laws of the UMC shift further left in the years ahead. Indeed, we will find ourselves in uncomfortable positions no matter how we define the church, but is it possible to hold our vows with integrity as the UMC embraces more and more openly things that we cannot?” (Added 2-7-2025)
“UMC Touts Regionalization While Defunding Spanish & Korean Translation” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “UMC Annual Conferences around the world are soon going to be voting on whether or not to sign off on the General Conference’s decision to regionalize (divide United Methodists by continent). While the rhetoric is that of equity, a recent decision may rightly give some people pause. It would seem the UMC has made the tentative decision NOT to make its central governing document available to Spanish and Korean speakers.” (Added 2-7-2025)
“Micah 6:8 Pledge Draws More Than 2,600 to Faith, Community” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Even before controversy erupted recently over a bishop’s sermon asking the new federal administration to show mercy to vulnerable groups, United Women in Faith was busy gathering “like-minded” believers to join in a campaign called the Micah 6:8 Pledge.” (That pledge reads, in part, “To do justice, working together with my sisters towards a long-term vision of racial justice, climate justice, and gender justice, putting one foot in front of the other even when it’s an uphill climb.”) (Added 2-7-2025)
“NC church disaffiliation battles test entanglement doctrine” by Tyler Brooks via Carolina Journal. “Because these types of denominational disputes are likely to continue, courts will be faced with the difficult task of navigating between exercising their rightful jurisdiction and avoiding interference with matters of church doctrine.” (Added 2-6-2025)
“Archives and History sets big plans” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “The theme for Archives and History in 2025 will be “Sacred Stories: The Ministries of LGBTQ+ United Methodists.”” (Added 2-5-2025)
“Giving dips in 2024 ahead of smaller budget” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Overall, the finance agency collected about $91.3 million in 2024 apportionments — requested shares of church giving that support denomination-wide ministries. That’s down from about $105 million in 2023… U.S. apportionment collections — which fund the bulk of denomination-wide ministries — were 71% of requested apportionments in 2024, compared to nearly 74% in 2023.” (Added 2-5-2025)
Post by Davis Memorial GMC (Facebook). “Maryland residents: Some MD legislators are working to get legislation through to repeal the trust clause issue with the Methodist Church statute. They are holding a hearing on February 13th in the senate. If you can, this would definitely be something for people to attend and make their voices heard!” (Added 2-5-2025)
Post by Seyun Hwang via Facebook. “…This news article reports that the Publishing House has halted the translation of the Book of Discipline into Korean and Spanish, citing cost concerns and low projected sales. The estimated cost? $116,000. The justification? Past translations sold only 500 copies.
In the wake of disaffiliation, this may seem like a practical decision. But let’s be clear: this is a choice driven by scarcity and fear, not by mission and faith…” (Added 2-5-2025)
“Chinchilla United Methodist Church permanently closes” via The Abington Journal (PA). ““The church closed due to a decline in the congregation. COVID played a very big part in that. The youngest church member was my grandson, P.J. who is 21, and the rest of the congregation were older. It was a very difficult decision to close.” (Added 2-5-2025)
“Tuesday Morning Briefing (Feb. 4, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Discussion of Methodist topics: (1) “Arkansas’ UMC bishop says dehumanization of immigrants “does not align with lives of faith in Jesus Christ” (2) “Episcopal bishop lectures Trump while earning taxpayer millions to bring migrants into US” (3) “Request For Disaffiliation Info: West Virginia United Methodist Bishop Responds” (4) Meunier advocates for “Old School” Methodist theology – “The need for Old School Methodist theology” (5) Quapaw Quarter UMC Calls for Resistance to Federal Government (Added 2-4-2025)
Post by John Kay via Facebook. “Lovers Lane UMC formed a search committee to find the retiring pastor’s successor. They hired a search firm, who presented the Horizon Bishop with two candidates. He chose Rev. Eddie Rester. He left Christ UMC in Jackson, MS when the congregation disaffiliated. Christ United was the largest-membership UM church in MS. This news comes from a LLUMC leader.” (Added 2-4-2025)
“Dear President Trump: Letter from United Methodist Council of Bishops” via UM Council of Bishops. “Our letter comes to you at this critical time because of your Administration’s Executive Order to suspend all U.S. foreign assistance programs and subsequent Work Stop Order issued by the Department of State. We present our concern to you after much prayer and in response to our Christian faith in the Wesleyan Tradition.” (Added 2-4-2025)
“Bishop’s sermon inspires United Methodist hymn writer” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “As immigrants are threatened and told they don’t belong, And trans folks are diminished, their truth dismissed as wrong…” (Added 2-4-2025)
“Korean, Spanish versions of Discipline halted” by Thomas Kim via UMNS. “The United Methodist Publishing House has decided to discontinue Korean and Spanish translations of the Book of Discipline unless alternative funding and distribution methods can be found. Korean and Hispanic/Latino leaders are voicing concern about the decision and its potential impact, saying it undermines the denomination’s efforts to be a global church. The Publishing House is inviting proposals for alternative solutions by Feb. 28.” (Added 2-3-3035)
“Update on Former Site of United Methodist Church in Ocean Beach: ‘The Community Deserves Answers’” via OB Rag. “The video on their site talks about replacing existing cottages at 4823-25 Saratoga Ave with a scaled, community-aligned affordable housing project. However, FUMC has abandoned this reasonable initiative and is now exploring plans to sell the entire church property to developers.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Committee begins theological work” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “The United Methodist Committee on Faith and Order is one of the bodies helping to develop the General Book of Discipline. The committee is responsible for guiding the denomination in informed theological reflection and discernment.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Effort to reimagine Discipline moves forward” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Even if regionalization is not ratified, church leaders plan to continue work on the Discipline overhaul, but what is deemed adaptable will still apply to the U.S. church.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“IGRC, Iowa announce partnership in camp leadership” via Illinois Great Rivers UM Conference. Downsizing news: “With the assignment of Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai of Iowa to be one of the bishops assigned to IGRC in 2024, both conferences have been exploring opportunities for increased mutual learning and cooperation in sharing resources for more vital and effective ministries.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“West Virginian Methodists Allege Fraud, Filing Suit Against Conference” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “While UMC leadership continues to insist that it is time to dance to Love Train together, many local churches want off this ride. Though the Judicial Council has effectively ended any possibility of negotiated disaffiliations, many local churches are refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer. Hoping that courts will hear these cases on neutral principles contract law, they are partnering with the National Center for Life and Liberty and other lawyers, hoping that a chink can be found in the armor of the way that ecclesiastical abstention doctrine has thus been broadly interpreted.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Moving Beyond DEI with Dr. Maria Dixon Hall” via FUMC Denton. “Our Church and Society’s Speakers’ Series continues with Dr. Maria Dixon Hall, Chief Diversity Officer of Southern Methodist University. In her presentation, “From Babel to Pentecost: Moving Beyond DEI,” Dr. Dixon examines how the contentious debates surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) stem from a flawed framework developed over the past 40 years. Drawing on the biblical stories of Babel and Pentecost, she explores how Cultural Intelligence can help us transcend division and work together authentically in a diverse world.” (Added 2-3-2025)
Post via The Methodist Church (Great Britain). A post celebrating the start of LGBT+ History Month. (Added 2-3-2025)
“A Place for Everyone: Welcoming Racially Diverse Families and LGBTQIA+ Persons” via Indiana UM Conference. “A Place for Everyone training focuses on how churches can better welcome population groups with unique welcoming needs. Without understanding and experience, we can unintentionally wound.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“United Methodist Church Nigeria ‘steadfast and thriving’ amidst church split, court case against break-away group” by Obed Minchakpu via Christian Daily International. “The saddest aspect of the exit was former Bishop Yohanna and his loyalists’ decision to transfer all the UMCN properties to GMC after the illegal change of name without the consent of the church. They left with UMCN money, all staff and pastors pension including all UMCN bank accounts and the UMCN headquarters in Mile Six Jalingo. They also changed the sign boards to Global Methodist Church,” explained Rev Iliya. (Added 2-3-2025)
“Request For Disaffiliation Info: West Virginia United Methodist Bishop Responds” by Sarah Stewart via Juicy Ecumenism. “In the fall of 2024, The Institute on Religion and Democracy reached out to the West Virginia Conference seeking comment from incoming Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett regarding the disaffiliation process…. Beatty responded, stating that he had ‘worked with Bishop Wallace-Padgett to review your questions, and she provided me this response to pass along to you.’”(Added 2-3-2025)
Post by Absalom Nuhu Kodei via Facebook. Nigerian clergy: “When over thousand delegates gathered in McBride church in jalingo to take the collective decision to move to The global Methodist church we were convinced beyond reasonable doubt that we took the decision that the future generations will appreciate this good fight of faith. That is why we are not worry about the current misunderstanding and accusation…” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Update on Judicial Council Decision’s Impact on Mississippi Conference” by Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan via MS Conference (YouTube). The Southeastern Jurisdiction Bishops have asked the Judicial Council for a declaratory decision whether the Mississippi Conference closure process conforms with recent rulings. (Added 2-3-2025)
“The need for Old School Methodist theology” by John Meunier. “Progressive and Liberationist theologies are on the ascendency in the UMC and will gain much ground over time. In many ways they already provide the default assumptions that operate in the background of a lot of the things that are offered as Methodist positions and convictions in the UMC. We have retained and likely will retain a patina of Wesleyan language in our theology, but the central ideas will more and more lose connection with the things that were preached and taught in the days when Methodism was a growing and dynamic expression of Christianity.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Arkansas’ UMC bishop says dehumanization of immigrants “does not align with lives of faith in Jesus Christ”” via Magnolia Reporter. “The following message was issued Saturday, February 1, 2025 by Bishop Laura Merrill, resident bishop of the Arkansas Conference/ Oklahoma Conference/Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference of the United Methodist Church.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“The Global Methodist’s want to “Make Methodism Great Again”” by Dan Thrailkill via Substack. “The church that we have attended for many years, Ebenezer UMC, officially disaffiliated in 2022 from the UMC and became Ebenezer Methodist Church. If you want to know more about my feelings on our church and it’s disaffiliation, you can read my previous posts. Now that the church has split on this social issue, many former United Methodist Churches, are looking for a new denominational home.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“WJ Bishops send letter of support to Episcopal Bishop Budde” via Western Jurisdiction UMC. “As the bishops of the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church, we write to express our profound gratitude for your courageous and faithful witness. In a time when the most vulnerable among us are often disregarded, your humble request for mercy—rooted deeply in the Gospel—has served as a clarion call to justice, compassion, and the radical love of Christ.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Global Ministries Condemns New Immigration Policies in U.S.” by Roland Fernandes as shared by UM Insight. “Central to many faith traditions is the call to welcome the stranger and care for those in need. From a theological and faith perspective, the Trump administration’s immigration policies raise troubling ethical concerns that challenge core religious values of compassion, love and welcome.” See also “Global Ministries Welcomes Ceasefire, Commits to Continued Support Of Gaza” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Church Splits, Property Fights, and the Limits of Civil Jurisdiction” by Matthew James Clark via The Federalist Society. “In 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court released two cases involving property disputes that were fueled by the schism in the United Methodist Church… While the votes were unanimous in both cases, the rationales were not.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Communications agency restructures for church’s new day” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “United Methodist Communications has restructured amid deep budget cuts and the denomination’s changing communication needs.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Neighborly or nuisance? Western Colorado church’s unhoused solution lands them a court date” by Tom Hesse via CPR News. “The head of the Montrose United Methodist Church has received more than a dozen citations. On paper, those violations are for things like storing litter, keeping junk and creating a nuisance, things outlined in Montrose municipal code chapter 6-3 and 6-4. While those codes don’t specifically mention the 20 or so people who have been camping on church property in recent weeks, the violation notice delivered to Young does.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Long legal fight looms over closing of historic Methodist church in Wilmington” by John Staton via Star News. “A historic downtown Wilmington church that was forced to close last year now has a chance to reopen thanks to a favorable legal ruling handed down on New Year’s Eve by the North Carolina Court of Appeals.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“United Methodist leaders in Alabama address financial impact of church lawsuits” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “United Methodist leaders in Alabama say that insurance will cover most of the cost of legal battles that the denomination is involved with, as the Alabama-West Florida Conference resists efforts of churches hoping to leave the denomination and take their property with them.” (Added 2-3-2025)
“Fifth Avenue Methodist Church in Wilmington: See the photos” by Ken Blevins via Star News. “Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church is more than 130 years old. But the church’s history dates back to 1847. The historic downtown Wilmington church that was forced to close last year now has a chance to reopen thanks to a favorable legal ruling handed down on New Year’s Eve by the North Carolina Court of Appeals.” (Added 2-3-2025)
Post by Ibrahim Zuppai via Facebook. “I’m appalled that the United Methodist Church’s news media hasn’t done any investigative journalism to verify the accuracy of the stories they’re sharing. It’s shocking that they’re swallowing lies hook, line, and sinker. Let me set the record straight. In Nigeria, the majority of United Methodist Church members have actually joined the Global Methodist Church. We have four annual conferences, and here’s the breakdown…” (Added 1-31-2025)
“How does asking Ministerial nominee to sing Methodist hymn solve problems of Ghanaians? — Kwesi Pratt slams Vetting Committee” by Gideon Afful Amoako via Modern Ghana. At a government nomination hearing, a candidate is asked to sing a Methodist hymn. (Added 1-31-2025)
“Methodist Church suspends Young Adults leadership” by Lincoln Peters via New Dawn. “It outlined that the YAF leadership, including Ms. Dobboh and her officers, failed to maintain the decorum expected of their office, specifically detailing that Bishop Quire and other senior officials of the church were treated with “gross affront” during the anniversary event, a situation the church leadership describes as “unacceptable” and contrary to the principles of the United Methodist Church.” (Added 1-31-2025)
“Conference welcomes new director of racial equity and justice” by Christa Meland via Minnesota UM Conference. “She’s moving to the Twin Cities from St. Louis, Missouri, where she’s spent the past four years at The Gathering—a multi-site United Methodist church that worships 1,500 people on a Sunday. Most recently, Radford served as associate pastor at its largest site, a position that included overseeing events, recruiting and training more than 120 hospitality volunteers, and establishing a new college ministry, with a special focus on supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students.” (Added 1-31-2025)
“Butler Methodist Church Files AgainstAlabama West Florida Conference of the UMC” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Alabama-West Florida Conference of the UMC refused to play nice with local churches that wanted to leave. Now they reap the whirlwind as they deal with multiple lawsuits from different churches. This details just one of them.” (Added 1-31-2025)
“Methodist Church in Butler splits in half” by William Pitts via Butler Eagle. “Nearly a year after the United Methodist Church ended years of speculation and rewrote its policies on LGBTQ+ rights, the ripple effects are still being felt throughout Butler County. One of the lasting effects is the creation of a new branch of the Global Methodist Church in Butler, consisting of former members of the First United Methodist Church who broke away.” (Added 1-31-2025)
“Seeking Disaffiliation, Churches Sue West Virginia United Methodist Conference” by Sarah Stewart via Juicy Ecumenism. “Officials with the WVUMC, including Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, her immediate past predecessor Bishop Sandra Stiener-Ball (pictured), and all of the conference’s district superintendents are named in the lawsuit. In the filings, more than thirty WVUMC churches accuse conference officials of providing “fraudulent” information, which prevented the churches from disaffiliation before the December 31st deadline in the UMC Book of Discipline.” Read the Virginia Filing. (Added 1-31-2025)
“Welcome to the John Wesley Institute Bi-Weekly Email from Dr. Ryan N. Danker” via e-mail. “The most recent addition to the John Wesley Institute is Good News Magazine, a stalwart of Wesleyan renewal. The magazine was a ministry of Good News and they have closed down operations with the realignment of mainline Methodism. But the magazine will live on. And we are thrilled that Steve Beard has agreed to continue in his role as editor. The first issue of 2025 will come out in early March with articles by Timothy Tennent, David Watson, James Thobaben, Jessica LaGrone, Suzanne Nicholson, myself, and many more.” (Added 1-31-2025)
“United Methodists killed in Congo conflict” by Chadrack Tambwe Londe and Philippe Kituka Lolonga via UMNS. “At least 100 people, including eight United Methodists, were killed in fighting in Goma in eastern Congo. Since Jan. 23, the provincial capital of North Kivu has been the scene of violent clashes between the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.” (Added 1-31-2025)
Press Release by Bishop Sharma Lewis via Mississippi Conference (UMC). “A few weeks ago, in my January Conference Updates, I welcomed your questions pertaining to Judicial Council Decision No. 1512 and the impact of that decision on the Mississippi Conference…. In spite of our persistent and attentive work to provide clear responses to your inquires, some unforeseen circumstances have occurred since that January 13 release. Unfortunately, these circumstances will result in a postponement of communications pertaining to this matter. This is a priority, and I plan to release a video response tomorrow–Friday, January 31. (Added 1-31-2025)
Letter by Bishop Bob Farr via Missouri Conference (UMC). “On Tuesday, Feb. 4, we will share Missouri’s “clear opens” as part of our appointment process at www.moumethodist.org/clear-opens. Clear opens are churches where it is publicly known that there will be a pastoral transition often due to retirement or a leave of absence. We will publish clear opens on our website to allow Missouri Conference pastors and non-Missouri clergy an opportunity to express their interest in a particular appointment.” (Added 1-30-2025)
“Simpsonville Methodists Try to Walk Away But Conference Takes Them to Court” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “South Carolina continues to offer developments in the litigation efforts to get free from The United Methodist Church. In this segment, I go through the details afforded by a recent article about the community in Simpsonville, SC, finding that at least one other area church already left their building behind to serve the Lord.” (Added 1-30-2025)
“Special Update from the Wesleyan Covenant Association” by Scott Field via WCA. The John Wesley Institute will operate with WCA’s mailing list in the future. (Added 1-30-2025)
“Bishop Carter Announces Leadership Transitions: Rev. Bev Coppley and Rev. Rob Hutchinson” via Western North Carolina Conference (UMC). Downsizing and reorganization in Western NC. Congregational development going to a half-time role. (Added 1-30-2025)
“Bishop’s Sermon Inspires United Methodist Hymn Writer” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “As immigrants are threatened and told they don’t belong, And trans folks are diminished, their truth dismissed as wrong, The voice of Jesus beckons as through all time it’s done, “Go welcome in the stranger; find me in everyone.” (Added 1-30-2025)
“Bishop Bard, Committee on Faith and Order, letter to Bishop Budde” via Reddit. “You inspired and encouraged us. As a committee we found your sermon profoundly rooted in the prophetic tradition of our shared Christian faith, while being delivered with gentleness and respect. We are pleased to call you a friend in Christ and offer our prayers.” (Added 1-30-2025)
Post by Young Methodists for Tradition via Facebook. [images] “An explanation as to why the YMFT stays in the United Methodist Church, despite its several shortcomings.” (Added 1-30-2025)
“United Methodists in Nigeria move forward” by Eveline Chikwanah via UMNS. “A group that left the church more than 10 years ago has rejoined, bringing the number of annual conferences to five.
The church is awaiting recourse from the courts regarding church properties and other legal matters involving former leaders who have joined the Global Methodist Church…. A meeting of the bishops of the two denominations (GMC/UMC) was held Dec. 26, and all the bishops expressed deep concern.” (Added 1-30-2025)
“Central United and Traverse Bay United Methodist Churches merging” by Megan Huiskens via 9and10News. “You know, I was once a member of Traverse Bay United Methodist Church before I became a pastor. They suggested that I had the gifts and graces to be a pastor. They supported me through seminary as a 38-year-old adult student. And so, the idea that we’re all in ministry together again is profoundly exciting to me, even as it’s bittersweet that we would have to close down the Traverse Bay building.” (Added 1-30-2025)
“Alabama church in Choctaw County sues United Methodists over property” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “Butler Methodist Church in Choctaw County has sued the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, asking for a jury trial to establish that the church property is owned by the congregation and not the denomination.” (Added 1-30-2025)
“In congregations, fear, misinformation and preparation after ICE policy change” via RNS.
“By now, some 1 million TikTok users have viewed a video posted on the social media platform last Wednesday (Jan. 22) warning people away from the Manna Food Center distribution at Glenmont United Methodist Church, just outside the nation’s capital in Maryland, claiming that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency had been present there. The problem: It isn’t true.” (Added 1-30-2025)
“New beginning for historic Hamburg church” by Karen Shuey via Reading Eagle. “Goathouse Church has opened in the 166-year-old former home of Bethany United Methodist Church.” Goathouse describes itself as “A spiritual house- simply for the aesthetics of beauty, being, and journey. To know God, Know thyself.” See an image of the article here. (Added 1-29-2025)
“The faith-based college fighting to cut ties with its church” by Kelsey Dallas via Deseret News. “The United Methodist Church is fighting to maintain control over Southern Methodist University, or SMU, which asserted in 2019 that it’s led by a board of trustees, not church officials.” (Added 1-29-2025)
“Kasey Tyndall Releases ‘Crystal Methodist’ From Upcoming Self-Titled Debut Album” by Lorie Hollabaugh via Music Row. “‘Crystal Methodist’ is the story of a typical hometown where everyone has skeletons in the closet,” says Tyndall. “A place where nobody’s perfect, but it’s perfect just the way it is at the same time. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorites to play live because without fail, the stage comes alive every time my band and I perform it in front of an audience. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it and feel the energy!” (Added 1-29-2025)
“Churches have a long history of being safe havens — for immigrants and others” by Bill Chappell via NPR. “2007: Immigrant rights activist Elvira Arellano of Mexico defied a deportation order and took sanctuary for months in an apartment above the Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago. A new Trump administration policy no longer regards churches as “sensitive” areas where authorities should not pursue people in the country illegally. Arellano remains in the U.S.” (Added 1-29-2025)
“Harvest Church wants judge to toss United Methodist Church counterclaims in church dispute” via WTVY. “The Dothan church filed suit in November, claiming that denomination leaders threatened to shut down the church in a property dispute.” (Added 1-29-2025)
“Church constitutional amendments head to vote” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Conference votes are scheduled to take place between February and October this year. The Council of Bishops expects to tally all votes and certify any amendment ratifications at its fall meeting in early November.” (Added 1-29-2025)
“Dothan church wants counterclaims thrown out in ongoing legal battle with denomination” by Richard Everett via WDHN. “Last week, Harvest’s attorneys filed a motion asking Houston County Judge Christopher Richardson to rule that the AWFC has no right to impose sanctions on the church.” (Added 1-29-2025)
“New Opportunities for the Global Methodist Church: Embracing a Revived Wesleyan Vision” by Scott Pattison via Firebrand Magazine. “It seems that the GM Church finds itself at a unique moment in our formation, much like the one the Wesley brothers faced as Methodism transitioned from a renewal movement for the Church of England to a new denominational expression in America and beyond. That transformation has become truly global. Opportunities are now open for unique and needed contributions to the broader Christian community. Global Methodists are uniquely positioned to introduce a consistent, vibrant, dynamic Wesleyan expression to the world, especially among the more Calvinist and Reformed theologically-minded Evangelical culture and the growing landscape of non-denominational churches.” (Added 1-28-2025)
“New Trend: Nondenom ‘Anglicans’?” by Jeffrey Walton via Juicy Ecumenism. “Last week at the national March for Life, I walked with an evangelical pastor co-leading a successful church plant. Raised in a United Methodist (now Global Methodist) congregation in Tennessee, this pastor chose to plant a non-denominational congregation in Washington, DC. The church is overwhelmingly composed of young, early career congregants.” (Adde 1-28-2025)
“SMU Breaks From United Methodist Church, But Can It Retain Its ‘Methodist’ Identity?” by Richard Ostling via Religion Unplugged. “By Glanzer’s estimation, only 98 Mainline colleges retain any “identifiable” Christian elements. Of these, just 26 mention Christianity in their mission statements, and only six require students to take at least two religion courses. Typical vestiges of Christianity at these schools include reserving a few board seats for clergy and offering voluntary Protestant worship. The only Mainline schools scoring 10 or above on the “Empirical Guide” scale are Eastern University, Hope College, the University of Dubuque, the University of Sioux Falls, and Waynesburg University.” (Added 1-28-2025)
“An Upstate church left its Methodist denomination. Now it’s being sued for the money and property.” by Caitlin Herrington via Greenville Post-Courier. “The Methodist Church of Simpsonville, as it’s now called, announced its disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church on June 4, according to the lawsuit, and changed its corporate filings to the new name.” (Added 1-28-2025)
Reel by Pulpit & Pen via Facebook. White Rock UMC: “Queerly Beloved, we have been hated, treated rough and ragged.” (Added 1-28-2025)
“Richey, influential historian, remembered” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Widely admired United Methodist historian the Rev. Russell E. Richey is being remembered for his influential books and articles and mentoring of hundreds of students. Richey taught at Drew, Emory and Duke universities and served as dean at Candler School of Theology.” (Added 1-28-2025)
“Megachurch pastor retires after arrest for solicitation of prostitution” via Premiere Christian News. “Police documents, first cited by The Roys Report, allege that Fielder was caught in a prostitution bust carried out on 2nd October, 2024, at Massage Ease in Carrollton, Collin County.” (Added 1-28-2025)
“Commentary: Mission can revitalize United Methodism” by Jean Claude Masuka Maleka via UMNS. “Wesleyan mission theology, with its focus on sanctification, social transformation and global engagement, offers valuable pathways for revitalizing The United Methodist Church.” (Added 1-27-2025)
“There’s Been a Backlash Against Same-Sex Marriage Among a Growing Group of Christians” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. “Yeah, several Christian groups have reversed themselves on same-sex marriage. For evangelicals, support has dropped by ten points between 2018 and 2022. For the mainline, it’s down about 8 points. For Catholics, it’s down about six points. For the other groups (Black Protestants, Other Faith, and No Religion), there hasn’t been a whole lot of movement. It looks like the white majority Christian groups have moved clearly to the right on same-sex marriage in the last couple of years.” (Added 1-27-2025)
“Costs, attendance have 2 Traverse City Methodist churches considering merger” by Michael Livingstone via Traverse City Record-Eagle. Traverse Bay‘s assets would transfer to Central. (Added 1-27-2025)
“Former Highland Park Pastor Accused of Solicitation of Prostitution” by Julia James via The Dallas Morning News. [Avoid the paywall by viewing article on MSN] See also Fort Worth Star Telegram coverage. (Added 1-27-2025)
Post by Bishop Carolyn Moore via Facebook. [Photo] Tour of the West: “So impressed with the Global Methodists I found in Washington state and beyond. Next stop — Phoenix! The Global Methodist Church.” (Added 1-26-2025)
“A former pastor at one of North Texas’ most prominent churches was arrested in October on solicitation of prostitution charges” by Paul Livengood via WFAA. “A spokesperson for HPUMC said the family of 72-year-old John Fiedler submitted his resignation on Oct. 8, 2024, citing “an undiagnosed medical condition.” Fiedler’s resignation was announced to the church’s congregation during the Oct. 20, 2024 service, the spokesperson said.” (Added 1-26-2025)
“Opinion: United Methodist Church should control SMU” by Cynthia Astle via Dallas Morning News. “The question wasn’t whether Perkins would educate all who qualified for admission; the question was whether Perkins graduates would pursue UMC ordination if forced to follow the denomination’s anti-LGBTQ policies. Potential enrollment decline, not moral umbrage, was a more likely impetus.” (Added 1-26-2025)
“Texas megachurch pastor retires after arrest for solicitation of prostitution at massage parlor” by Leonardo Blair via Christian Post. “The Rev. John F. Fiedler, a former minister at the nearly 15,000-member Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, retired last month following an arrest for solicitation of prostitution at a massage parlor whose new owner was known by authorities for promoting prostitution, according to police and court records.” (Added 1-26-2025)
“Challenges for Wesleyan evangelicals in the UMC” by John Meunier. “Nearly every Wesleyan evangelical clergy person I’ve had contact with in the last year or so who has remained UMC has brought up how alone they feel these days. For many, they have seen the exodus of what used to be a network of sympathetic and like-minded clergy, colleagues and friends. In some annual conferences this has been more stark than in others.” (Added 1-25-2025)
Post by John Meunier via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “One of the most curious things about being United Methodist for me is the popularity of a form of works righteousness around the idea that being a Christian is all about doing good works and avoiding harm — however those are defined…” (Added 1-25-2025)
“All Other Ground is Sinking Sand: Justice Takes Courage – Edition #5” by Bishop Julius Trimble via UM Insight. “Mass deportations is incompatible with our recently adopted Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, and many of the proposed Trump administration policies are deeply un-Christian.” (Added 1-25-2025)
“Former HPUMC Minister Arrested For Solicitation of Prostitution” by Sarah Hodges via People Newspapers. John Fiedler’s arrest came three weeks after his resignation from [Highland Park UMC], and the church was unaware of Fiedler’s legal troubles at the time of his resignation, Rasmussen said. “John’s official last day with HPUMC was October 8, 2024, when his daughter submitted his resignation, citing an ‘undiagnosed medical condition,’” Rasmussen wrote. After turning himself in, Fiedler was released on a personal recognizance bond, according to documents from The Roys Report. “The legal matter now pending is John’s and is entirely unrelated to his role at HPUMC,” Rasmussen wrote. “It stems from personal actions outside his responsibilities here.” (Added 1-25-2025)
“Commentary: Churches build bridges to counter hate” by Neelley Hicks via UMNS. The Rev. Jessica Wright of the North Texas Annual Conference says, “For my middle-progressive church in a conservative part of Texas, [the Do Unto Others Program has] been really helpful.”
“Former Methodist church in Aspinwall sold to Fox Chapel businessman” by Michael DiVittorio via TribLive (PA). “Churches, day care centers, bed-and-breakfasts and multi-family dwellings are listed as conditional uses, which means there are extra steps in the development process to allow the property to be used in any of those ways.” (Added 1-25-2025)
“Merger reunites churches split during Civil War era” by Mary Lou Montgomery via Hannibal Courier Post. “I inherited two churches,” she said, “both had wonderful people. “I knew Park was scrambling financially, but they had such a great location. “The First Church had a lot of endowments,” she said, but the membership was dwindling. (Added 1-25-2025)
“St. Paul’s sees growth after departure from United Methodists” by Chris Sokoloski via Coastal Observer (SC). Includes discussion of other churches that still want out: “Duncan Memorial was in the process of deciding whether to disaffiliate when the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church ruled last year that a paragraph about closing churches in the United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline could not be used by congregations to disaffiliate. The ruling of the Judicial Council, which is like the Supreme Court of the church, also seemingly brought an end to a disaffiliation movement at Belin Memorial United Methodist in Murrells Inlet. A group of parishioners, included some serving on Belin’s Church Council, tried earlier this month to get the council to require a vote by the congregation on whether to disaffiliate.” (Added 1-25-2025)
Post by Matthew Scraper via UM Clergy Facebook Group. Resource helping clergy transfer from ministry to the non-profit sector. (Added 1-24-2025)
[updated] Overheard: Annapolis District Superintendent via e-mail: “…there has been some uncertainty about the status of some clergy who have withdrawn in recent years, so I wanted to make sure you had a link to our [Baltimore-Washington Conference] page showing who those persons are. As a reminder, unless otherwise confirmed, persons who are not United Methodist (so including these persons) may not preside over the sacraments and should not be preaching or speaking from our pulpits. If you have any questions about this, please let me know. This list is not exhaustive (and may not include the most recent withdrawals), so please do your due diligence when inviting persons for pulpit coverage or other pastoral roles. This is not a new page, but not everyone was aware it was on our website. Link: https://www.bwcumc.org/administration/discerning-our-future/disaffiliated-churches-and-withdrawn-clergy/ ” See Facebook discussion here. (Added 1-23-2024)
“Research reveals new trends among Black Protestants” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. ““Since the late 1990s, fewer African Americans are attending what we would describe as historically Black churches,” Shelton said. Many are choosing to move to nondenominational churches rather than stay United Methodist. “They’re moving to historically white evangelical churches as well,” Shelton said. “It’s an interesting story of how African Americans are slowly moving into the mainstream of American life in terms of faith.” (Added 1-24-2025)
“Young Black church thrives with ‘contemporary feel’” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Some Black people consider United Methodist churches to be snobby and out of touch, Shelton said.” (Added 1-24-2025)
“Methodist Pastor Quietly Retires from Texas Megachurch After Being Arrested for Solicitation of Prostitution” by Liz Lykins via Roys Report. “A pastor at the largest United Methodist Church in the country was arrested for solicitation of prostitution this past October, according to legal records obtained by The Roys Report (TRR). The church then quietly retired the pastor. Dr. John Fiedler, previously the executive minister Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC) in Dallas, Texas, was caught following a prostitution bust at a massage parlor, according to an incident report.” Also here. See UM Data Facts on John Fiedler. (Added 1-24-2025)
“Fifth Avenue UMC Lawyer Explains Recent Success in Legal Appeal – A Conversation with Gavin Parsons” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Many churches, like Fifth Avenue UMC, have chosen to make their appeal in court. The lawyer representing them is Gavin Parsons. He took some time today to help me to understand a recent decision of an appeals court to compel a trial court to hear their case. They had previously been dismissed, but the dismissal was odds, given the particulars of the case.” (Added 1-23-2025)
“Looking for middle ground in a divisive era” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “As President Trump returns to office, some United Methodists are preparing to respond to new policies, while others are hoping common ground is still possible amid hostility over immigration and other issues. A Duke University study of North Carolina churches found that United Methodism is still “a big tent” with politically diverse members, despite an exodus of churches over sexuality issues.” (Adde 1-23-2025)
[updated] “Denomination Affiliation at Buncombe Street” via Buncombe Street Methodist Church, Greenville, SC (YouTube). Unanimous recommendation of affiliation with the Global Methodist Church in preparation for a February all-church vote. This is Bishop Willimon’s home church. The exit inspired his upcoming book, Losing a Church. (Added 1-23-2025)
“UMC to host 192nd Annual Conference in Central Liberia” via New Dawn (Liberia). “Bishop Quire expressed optimism about the conference’s potential to inspire a new wave of commitment among UMC members. ‘As we come together to reflect and plan, we are reminded that the church’s work is never done. It is our responsibility to be agents of transformation, not only within our congregations but also in the wider society,’ he said.” (Added 1-23-2025)
“People’s United Methodist declares itself a sanctuary church” via Oregon Observer. “According to a Wednesday, Jan. 22 news release from the church, the decision means that People’s UMC publicly declares its intention to provide refuge, resources, support, and protection of undocumented residents throughout the Oregon School District.” (Added 1-23-2025)
“The State of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: A portrait of a denomination in steep decline.” by Ryan Burge via Graphs About Religion. United Methodism’s full communion partner, heavy in the upper Mid-west, is in dramatic decline. (Added 11-23-2025)
“Facing the Empire Within” via Darryl Stephens via UM & Global. “Trump’s territorial aspirations mirror in some ways the UMC’s decades-long agenda to become a “global church.” Both efforts involve structures of empire, with control residing in the United States.” (Added 1-22-2025)
“Liberians Start Fleeing From United Methodist Church” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Discussion of districts in the Liberia Conference voting to leave the UMC. (Added 1-22-2025)
Post via Global Methodist Church (Facebook). The GMC expands the number of provisional conference in Africa and assigns a bishop to Liberia, Bishop Pena. (Added 1-22-2025)
Post by Alfred Kwabena Mensah via Facebook. [photo] Liberia lay member: “During the last 8 Annual Conference sessions, I’ve used the 2016 Book Of Discipline (the old book on the right) adequately to share my views on the happenings of the United Methodist Church. In a similar vein, I will use the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline to share my views regardless of what the obstacles may be. That’s the reason I invest effort in securing the law book for myself to enhance my representation at these different levels. A lot has changed, a lot in this new book we aren’t proud of. Yet, we are prepared to champion this new cause of keeping the church of God in biblical standing. I am not perfect, but God is merciful.” (Added 1-22-2025)
“Ex-Taraba Gov. Jolly Nyame Resigns as Global Methodist Church Trustee” via Northern Nigeria Express. “Nyame expressed his gratitude for the appointment but stated that he felt it necessary to resign to maintain his role as a father figure to the entire Methodist Church in Nigeria, which encompasses the Global Methodist Church, the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, and the Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church. “My resignation is not to spite the Global Methodist Church but to remain as a father figure to all of the Methodist Church, which I have been a member of from time immemorial,” Bishop Nyame stated in the letter.” (Added 1-22-2025)
“Wednesday Morning Briefing (Jan. 22, 2025)“by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Discussion of the recent exodus from the UMC in Liberia and controversies surrounding the Trump inauguration. (Added 1-22-2025)
“A Message to President Trump” by Adam Hamilton via Making Sense of Faith Podcast. “On this day of the National Prayer Service, Bishop Mariann Budde, preached a powerful message. I preached this service for President Obama’s second inauguration in 2013. In my podcast I share some thoughts of what I might have preached had I been giving the message this morning for President Trump’s inauguration prayer service.” (Added 1-22-2025)
“Trump administration throws out policies limiting migrant arrests at sensitive spots like churches” by Rebecca Santana via Associated Press. “Rev. K Karper, senior pastor of St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York City, said he felt it was important several days ago to put up a sign informing ICE and Homeland Security they were not permitted inside the church.” (Added 1-22-2025)
“VIDEO – “Experiences of the Fraternal Delegates at the Synod on Synodality” from Webinar on 20 January 2025” via Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome. Rev. Prof. Jong Chun Park from the World Methodist Council is an observer for Pope Francis’ ongoing Synod of Syndodality, an effort some have likened to regionalization. (Added 1-21-2025)
Post by Rex Matthews via Facebook. “Russell E. Richey, Dean Emeritus and William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Church History at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, died at his home in Durham NC on January 19 after a long illness. Service arrangements are pending, as is a formal obituary notice. A link to his brief biography on the Candler webpage follows.” (Added 1-21-2025)
“Over 12000 members break from the Methodist Church” via New Dawn (Liberia). “One of the five counts in the resolution of the disenchanted Methodist Members states: “That due to [the ] decision of the General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, where gay and lesbian persons can be ordained and consecrated as bishop and pastors in the world-wide United Methodist Church UMC, the Weala District Conference [will] no [longer do] business with the United Methodist Church and any entity thereof.” (Added 1-21-2025)
“Muscular Methodism?” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.net. What type of Methodism has the potential for reaching the souls of men? (Added 1-21-2025)
“Methodist Pastor Says He Didn’t Preach About Jesus On Christmas Eve, So As Not to Offend His Local Synagogue” via Protestia. “Led by Rev. Dr. K Karpem and Rev. Lea Matthews, they are a loud and proud United Methodist Church whose progressive values are “reflected in our advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial equality, and environmental stewardship.” We last wrote about this church after their youth pastor cited her astrological sign for why she loves having enemies she doesn’t pray for.” (Added 1-20-2025)
“OPINION: Christianity is not a monolith” by Jordan Birkner via Technician (NC State). “The United Methodist Church has nearly 10 million members worldwide. It is considered one of the most “liberal” Christian denominations, even in Southern congregations. In May 2024, the UMC General Conference voted to remove all bans preventing LGBTQ+ individuals from being ordained or appointed within a United Methodist Church.” (Added 1-20-2025)
Post by John Alexander Wright via UM Clergy Facebook Group. “In Search of an Inclusive Faith:
Some of us would hypothesize concepts like the “Cosmic” or “Universal” Christ incarnated in every human being as the basis for an inclusive faith. I find this strains credulity as much as does the “superman” God of traditional supernaturalism theism. (Added 1-20-2025)
“Monday Morning Briefing (Jan. 20, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Reconciling Ministries Network again declares its intention to compel every single UMC local church to get on board with the LGBTQ agenda -” (Added 1-20-2025)
“United Methodists Engage in Community Building” via UM Insight. Welcome to a new column, Unity UMC, that will highlight the efforts of United Methodists seeking to inspire and support unity in The United Methodist Church and their communities. This compilation will appear as often as we have good news about efforts to build what Martin Luther King Jr. called “The Beloved Community.” (Added 1-20-2025)
“Drag Gospel – Joy (Unspeakable)” via Allendale United Methodist Church (YouTube). Drag queens appropriate black Gospel worship at Allendale UMC. (Added 1-18-2025)
Post by NIC Reconciling Methodists (Facebook). “Rev. Beth Stroud, tried and defrocked in 2004 for acknowledging her same gender relationship and reinstated twenty years later (2024)within three weeks of the United Methodist denomination repealing its anti LGBTQ bans, will be the keynote speaker Saturday,Feb. 15th at “Rainbows, Resistance and Reconciliation” a day of workshops, panel, keynote and worship, at First United Methodist Church, Evanston.” (Added 1-18-2025)
“Southern Methodist University wants to cut church ties, but keep denomination name” by Peter Kenny via Ecumenical News. “The United Methodist Church has since pedaled back on its stance on LGBTQ issues. However, that didn’t end the power struggle over the private Dallas University, which has more than 12,000 students and a $2.2 billion endowment.” (Added 1-18-2024)
“High court hears case over church control of SMU” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. The new articles, submitted to the Texas Secretary of State, delete the phrase that describes SMU as an educational institution “to be forever owned, maintained and controlled by the South Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church.” (Added 1-18-2025)
“United Methodist Megachurch Pastor Says Apostle Paul Was Wrong, 3rd Century Gnostic Gospels Were Right” via Protestia. “During a recent sermon series on The Chosen, Hamilton preached a sermon about Mary Magdalene, arguing that the apostle Paul was wrong about the issues of women and ministry. Instead, he insists that we should trust what 2nd and 3rd-century gnostic and pseudepigraphical texts say about her and the elevated role she had, even over some of the disciples, saying:” (Added 1-17-2025)
“SMU challenges United Methodist Church’s control of university in Texas Supreme Court” via WFAA. “The case stems from a lawsuit the United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdictional Conference, which runs the church’s congregations in eight states including Texas, filed against SMU 2019 over control over the university.” (Added 1-17-2025)
“TX Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in SMU’s Case to Cut Ties With UMC” by Kim Roberts via Ministry Watch. “They shut the door on us and we need relief,” McEntire said of the article of incorporation amendments foreclosing the SCJC’s involvement with SMU, adding, “Our rights have been totally disrespected and ignored.” (Added 1-17-2025)
Post via Reconciling Ministries Network (Facebook). “If LGBTQ+ justice is a new realm of love that God has placed on your heart, you may be wondering why there’s so much vitriol aimed at trans people and so much legislation that seeks to restrict and harm trans youth. The reasons cannot be condensed into one social media post, but misplaced fear may rank among the top of them.” (Added 1-17-2025)
Post via Reconciling Ministries Network (Facebook). “Things are changing here at RMN because the progress we’ve fought for over 40+ years to realize has paved the way for the work that’s critical for LGBTQ+ folks now: making every United Methodist congregation a safe and affirming place for everyone.” (Added 1-17-2025)
Post via Reconciling Ministries Network (Facebook). Report that gay couples are rushing to get married in advance of Trump’s inauguration. (Added 1-17-2025)
“Pastor Suspended as PA Church Continues Fight to Leave EPC” by Kim Roberts via Ministry Watch. “The pastor of Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church (BHPC) has been suspended from his office, and the church elders (session) have been admonished to repent and cooperate with the requests of the presbytery.” (Added 1-16-2025)
“Apostasy in the Mainline Churches – Why the GMC, ARC, and ACNA Formed” via The Church in Dialog (YouTube). Filmed in 2023 and released today, this panel features groups that have broken away from the Mainline, including the GMC. (Added 1-16-2025)
“Christian Diversity” by Michael Emerson via UM Insight. “This attendance decline has been concentrated within mainline Protestants and Catholics – the Christian groups that, in the past, were most likely to vote Democrat and have more liberal social views.” (Added 1-16-2025)
“A New Opening for a Christian Understanding of Diversity” an Opinion by Charles C. Camosy via UM Insight (originally RNS). “There’s not much we can say for sure about the political and cultural moment before us in the United States, but we can be fairly confident in saying that when it comes to matters of diversity, equity and inclusion we are not in Kansas anymore. The dismantling of DEI came so quickly we hardly saw it.” (Added 1-16-2025)
“Resistance is not enough” by Christopher P. Momany via UMNS (Commentary). “As one of many who wrote our denomination’s new Social Principles, in my contribution, I emphasized the intrinsic worth of people. Sadly, that expression was edited out of the document’s final form.” (Added 1-16-2025)
“MLK’s Beloved Community?” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “Coming up on the annual observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 20, I can’t help being caught by the sharp contrast between the principles espoused by King and those proposed by the man who will be inaugurated on the same day.” (Added 1-16-2025)
“Maryland Community Church expanding with Brazil campus” by Jared Jernigan via The Brazil Times (Indiana). Thriving church takes over an empty historic UMC building. (Added 1-16-2025)
Overheard: Today’s news coverage of SMU’s arguments before the Texas Supreme Court in an attempt to sever ties with the United Methodist Church: WFAA, Newsbreak, KDFW, Courthouse News. (Added 1-16-2025)
“SMU challenges authority of Methodist Church in Texas Supreme Court hearing” by Penelope Rivera via KERA News. “In a bid to sever ties with the United Methodist Church, Southern Methodist University told Texas Supreme Court justices Wednesday the school is an independent entity and controlled solely by its board of trustees as ultimate authority. The argument came as part of the church’s lawsuit against SMU, which has challenged the authority the UMC has over the university.” (Added 1-16-2025)
“Wednesday Morning Briefing (Jan. 15, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. Review of Methodist news topics, including Monday’s PNJ Team Caffeine posting on the crisis in Liberia. (Added 1-15-2025)
“Clinic helps immigrants navigate asylum process” by Joey Butler and Gustavo Vasquez via UMNS. “Since the election, Suárez said she and Taylor have been “scenario-planning” and are “prepared to hit the ground running” by educating the community on how to interact and work with immigrants. She emphasized the need to involve the faith community.” (Added 1-15-2025)
“Methodist Church bans smoking for ministers, urges reduced kava consumption” by Iliana Biutu via Fiji Village. (From larger Methodist World) “All Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma ministers, whether ordained or probationary, must refrain from smoking and reduce their consumption of kava.” See also Fiji Sun. (Added 1-15-2025)
“Texas judge to consider university’s split from United Methodist Church” via World. Outside Christian coverage of the Texas Supreme Court’s hearing on SMU. (Added 1-15-2025)
“Southern Methodist University Wants to Sever Ties to Its Church. Can the Church Stop It?” by Ruth Graham via New York Times. “The university’s articles of incorporation previously stated that the school would be “forever owned, maintained and controlled” by the conference, which had a say in selecting and approving board members, including three United Methodist bishops.” See also CBS News coverage. (Added 1-15-2025)
“SMU Wants to Separate From the Church but Keep the ‘Methodist’” by Sara Weissman via Insight Higher Education. “The Texas Supreme Court will hear oral arguments today in an ongoing legal saga between the United Methodist Church and Southern Methodist University over who governs the university.” (Added 1-15-2025)
Overheard: There split in Methodism has been evident in the meeting of TEKAN in Nigeria. TEKAN, “The Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria” dates back to 1955 and does prominent work toward peace-building. The UMC Nigeria is a member and has been working to keep GMC representatives out. See here, here, and here. (Added 1-14-2025)
“Dancing Weirdly for the Sake of Justice” by Sarah Howell. A United Methodist pastor offers insights from her usage of Tarot cards. See also a presentation with Sarah and her father, Rev. James Howell. (Added 1-14-2025)
“Clear Appointment Openings” via the Greater Northwest UM Area. “The appointive cabinets of the Greater Northwest Area and the Bishop are continuing the practice of sharing ‘clear openings‘ as the appointment process unfolds. When the appointive cabinets publish clear openings, we are giving clergy the opportunity to express an interest in a particular appointment.” (Added 1-14-2025)
“Gotta Understand Those NonDenominational Folk!” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). “Trends in recent decades indicate a large swing towards nondenominational Christianity in America, with folks leaving the mainline denominations in droves. Comments on my work routinely cast aspersions at the effort to be a part of a larger covenant body. Rather than responding defensively, I wanted to take time to try to understand the impulses of such folks. I think they are right in a lot of their assessments, even if their final strategy is fatally flawed.” (Added 1-13-2025)
“Episode 116 – Church Splits” via When I Heard This Podcast (YouTube). The pastor of a disaffiliated church (now independent) discusses when a church split may be justified. (Added 1-13-2025)
“The United Methodist Church Embraces Homosexuality | Answering the Error” by Gospel Broadcasting Network. “Join Don Blackwell and Aaron Gallagher as they review submitted videos and compare the teaching to the scriptures to find out whether it is truth or error. In this episode of Answering the Error Don and Aaron review a video from The United Methodist Church, more specifically a statement from Senior Pastor Dr. John Robbins, from the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, about the recent ruling from their General Conference. (Added 1-13-2025)
““The Future of the United Methodist Church” featuring Doug Powe and Lovett Weems” via Lewis Center for Church Leadership. “What does the post-pandemic and post-disaffiliation United Methodist Church (UMC) look like? In this episode, Jessica Anschutz speaks with Lewis Center Director Doug Powe and Senior Consultant Lovett Weems, who discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the UMC. They highlight regionalization, the need for structural reform, and changes to the ordination process, while advocating for renewed focus on mission.” (Watch on YouTube) (Added 1-13-2025)
Post by Izzy Alvaran via Facebook. [Photo] “Today we remember the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Let us renew our solemn baptismal vow “to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves” for our fierce commitment to LGBTQ+ justice and affirmation in the UMC and society continues.” (Added 1-13-2025)
“Monday Morning Briefing (Jan. 13, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Discussion of recent Methodist news, including a statement by UM bishops on immigration. (Added 1-13-2025)
“The end of a dream: Bethlehem Methodist closes its doors” by Olivia Herrell via Henry County Local (KY). “I think it would both please and pain the Rev. Joseph Sewell to know this fate of the church. I think he would be pleased that so many of his family remained active in the church and that his fourth great-grandson, Howard Sewell, also became a Methodist minister. But I also think it would pain him to see the decline of the church, the state of the building and how the congregation went from being full to nearly empty. I can only hope that while this seems like an end at the moment, maybe it will lead to a new beginning.” (Added 1-13-2025)
[updated] “St. Tammany megachurch pastor steps down after nearly 30 years in the pulpit. What’s next?” via NOLA. [paywall] “Mitchell is retiring from St. Timothy on the Northshore in Mandeville, a church that boasts more than 6000 members and has an average weekly attendance of…” See also PDF. (Added 1-10-2025)
“Moving Forward with The United Methodist Church” by Taylor Burton Edwards via UM Insight. A summary presentation on the changes wrought by the Charlotte General Conference. (Added 1-10-2025)
“East Valley church reimagines Sunday gatherings” by Janie Magruder via The Chandler Arizonan. “But there’s something more we’ve discovered — many people are searching for a different kind of church, one that embraces without judgement, celebrates full inclusion, empowers women, respects science and honors all faiths… We explore another life-giving side of God, one that has a sacred power, a wisdom, a mystery that is manifest as a divine energy in the universe,” said Pastor Karen Spencer-Barnes. (Added 1-10-2025)
“Court rules Fifth Avenue church can move forward with suit against United Methodist Church” via Port City Daily. “The lawsuit concerns ownership of the church building at 409 S. Fifth Avenue. The UMC claims the church should stay under the UMC’s purview because the building’s donor wanted it so, plus the UMC oversees a trust that holds the building. Fifth Avenue argues the trust agreement should not have bound the building to the UMC, pointing to other churches that have left the denomination while retaining their property.” (Added 1-10-2025)
“Processing Church Closures & the Church Hurt that Follows” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. “The Institute for Religion & Democracy published an article authored by a young lady whose family church recently had to close for reasons that are both demographic and theological in nature (it was a United Methodist church).” (Added 1-9-2025)
“2 UMCs Burned, More Threatened in California Wildfires” via UM Insight. “United Methodist Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank issued this video statement Jan. 8 on Facebook regarding church damage from the wildfires spreading around the Los Angeles area.” (Added 1-9-2025)
Post via Reconciling Ministries Network (Facebook). “Did you know? Some of our UMC leadership is working hard to assure churches that they don’t have to accept a queer or trans pastor. This is not the Church that our congregations or LGBTQ+ people deserve. Explore rmnetwork.org/strategicplan to learn how RMN is responding by holding the Church accountable.” (Added 1-9-2025)
“The (Unforgivable?) Sins of the White American Church” by Martin Thielen via UM Insight. “I believe white Christian support for Donald Trump will go down as one of the worst failures in American Christian history. And this conviction has nothing to do with sour grapes political partisanship.” (Added 1-9-2025)
“After 186 years, ‘small but mighty’ Dover church doomed by declining enrollment” by William Westhoven via Morristown Daily Record. “Rev. James Lee, spokesperson for the Eastern Pennsylvania & Greater New Jersey Conferences of the United Methodist Church, confirmed the closing on Wednesday after social media posts in town had spread the news.” (Added 1-9-2025)
“At Belin centennial, members debate split with United Methodists” by Chris Sokoloski via Coastal Observer. “A ruling by the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church last year seems to have stopped the process of “disaffiliation” which thousands of individual churches have used to leave the faith. However, a group of parishioners at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church tried once again this week to get Belin’s Church Council to allow parishioners a vote on whether they wanted the church, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, to seek a way to leave.” (Added 1-9-2025)
“Costs, attendance have 2 Traverse City Methodist churches considering merger” by Michael Livingston via Interlochen Public Radio. “If the merger goes through, Traverse Bay’s assets would transfer to Central, including the building located at 1200 Ramsdell Street. Chapman said it’s unlikely the building will still be used for worship services. “The main goal at the end of a merger is not to have Traverse Bay folks and Central folks,” he said. “It’s to have everyone look at themselves as a new Central Methodist congregation.” (Added 1-8-2025)
“The Universalism of the Greatest Methodist Evangelist” by William Trench via UM Insight. “In The Christ of the Mount, [E. Stanley] Jones made a point which has more recently been echoed by Robin Meyers, among others. The Sermon on the Mount says nothing about belief and everything about behavior. When the creeds were written several centuries later, that was reversed. The creeds say nothing about behavior and everything about belief. Jones pointed out that a person could believe every word in the creeds without it making any difference in how they lived. But one could not truly belief in the Sermon on the Mount without being changed by that belief. Jones believed that “your deed is your creed.” We could use a lot more of that.” (Added 1-8-2025)
“Trump Planning to Target Progressive Non-Profits, US Watchdog Warns” by David Smith via UM Insight. “Among potential United Methodist targets are organizations such as Reconciling Ministries Network that supports LGBTQ persons; United Methodist Kairos Response which supports Palestinians; UM Creation Justice Movement and Fossil Free UMC, which back fossil fuel divestment and climate crisis measures; Methodist Federation for Social Action; and possibly even the General Board of Church and Society, which enacts the social justice policies adopted by General Conference, the body empowered to speak for the entire denomination.” (Added 1-8-2025)
“Rev. Dr. Van Stinson Appointed as Executive Director of Mission and Ministry in Strategic Move by Bishop Williamston” via Louisiana UM Conference. “Bishop Williamston’s decision was made after a significant review over 18 months of the operations of the annual conference and an awareness of the reality that leadership structures are evolving within the denomination. Such positions are becoming more common throughout both the jurisdiction and the denomination as a whole. They are designed to enhance coordination and organizational alignment in response to evolving leadership structures and responsibilities.” (Added 1-8-2025)
“Abia monarch, prime minister accuse Methodist bishop of harassment, seek intervention” by Sunday Nwakanma via Punch (Nigeria). News unrelated it either of the UMC or GMC groups operating in Nigeria. (Added 1-8-2025)
“UT president to assume top job at Southern Methodist University” by Adela Uchida via CBS Austin. “UT Austin President Jay Hartzell is moving on to Southern Methodist University, where he will become president.” (Added 1-8-2025)
“Victory at the North Carolina Court of Appeals for Wilmington’s Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church” via Ward and Smith, PA. Parsons explained, “This ruling has significant implications for other churches facing similar property disputes. The court’s decision re-affirms that while civil courts cannot interfere with matters of religious doctrine, they can apply neutral legal principles to resolve property and contract disputes between local churches and their denominations.” (Added 1-8-2025)
“Valdosta State Campus Ministry Caught in UM Fallout” by Chris Ritter via Team Caffeine. A Georgia campus ministry forced to choose between its facilities and its director/partner churches. (Added 1-7-2025)
Tweet via South Georgia UM Conference. “The #ngumc and #sgaumc Conferences have launched an effort to study and pursue potential unification. This effort aims to explore the possibilities and benefits of becoming one annual conference. See more at http://GeorgiaUMC.org.” [Timeline anticipates a completed merger by January 1, 2027] (Added 1-7-2025)
Post by Absalom Nuhu Kodei via Facebook. “In the face of adversity, your faith remains unshaken! Despite the attempts to disrupt your worship, the Kapusa Village Global Methodist Church in Abuja continues to thrive. Every Sunday, their spirit-filled worship services are a testament to God’s presence among them As the Bible says, “Where God is, there is growth” (2 Corinthians 9:8). Their numbers have increased, surpassing those who sought to terrorize them. They chose the path of peace, refusing to let their old building be desecrated. Instead, I advised them to commence worship services outside, trusting that God would soon restore their building to them.” (Added 1-7-2025)
“In Richard Hays, a Rare Combination of Confidence and Contrition” by Beverly Gaventa via UM Insight. “In the final years of his life, Richard demonstrated in a public way that confidence about one’s work needs to be coupled with the ability to change one’s mind.” (Added 1-7-2024)
“Houses To Replace Western Springs Church: Records” by David Guiliani via Patch.com. Illinois: “First United Methodist Church of Western Springs, which merged with its Hinsdale counterpart last year, is set to be replaced by three houses, according to village records.” (Added 1-7-2025)
“Discerning Our Greatest Fear” by Kellen Roggenbuck via UM Ministry Matters. “Yet, sometimes, [closing a church is] the most faithful and courageous path forward for a congregation, and exactly what God is calling that faith community to do. Discerning when to end a ministry or close a church is a complex process that requires prayerful consideration, honest assessment, and communal discernment.” (Added 1-7-2025)
“2024 Year in Photos” via UMNS. “2024 was a year of great change for The United Methodist Church. A history-making General Conference brought big changes for the denomination, particularly the removal of constraints on ministry with and by LGBTQ people. Globally, wars killed thousands, and left millions of people displaced. Warmer temperatures and rising sea levels increased the number and severity of extreme weather events.” (Added 1-6-2025)
“Monday Morning PlainSpoken Morning Briefing (Jan. 6, 2025)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Includes a reading through recent Methodist news, including GMC Bishop John Pena Auta’s statement on the deadly Nigerian violence. (Added 1-6-2025)
“Coming out with the new Book of Discipline” by Rebekah Miles. “The Rev. Dr. Rebekah Miles joins with many United Methodists in celebrating the removal of the denomination’s 52-year-old stance against same-sex relationships. With her children’s encouragement, Miles also is using the occasion of the new Book of Discipline to discuss her own journey of self-discovery.” (Added 1-6-2025)
“This week in Christian history: United Methodist Building opened, Saint Abo martyred” via Christian Post. January 10: “This week marks the anniversary of when The United Methodist Building, the only non-government building located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., was officially opened.” (Added `1-6-2025)
“Died: Richard B. Hays, Who Wrestled with the Moral Vision of the New Testament” by Dan Silliman via Christianity Today. “In his final book, however, which he cowrote with his son, Hays announced that he had found a hole himself. He had changed his mind about the biblical teaching on sexual ethics. In fact, he argued, he believed that God had changed God’s mind, so while the New Testament clearly condemns homosexuality, God doesn’t anymore. God’s mercy got wider.” (Added 1-6-2025)
“First United Methodist Church of Dover: A Community Pillar Says Goodbye” by Frank Cahill via Morris County Focus. “The decision to close the church was made by the Bishop and the Methodist Conference, rather than the congregation itself. While the closure has saddened the church members, they hold dear the many cherished memories of their contributions to Dover and the surrounding towns.” (Added 1-6-2025)
“Richard Hays, influential scholar who changed his mind on same-sex marriage, has died” by Bob Smietana via RNS. “Richard Hays, a renowned New Testament scholar and former dean of Duke Divinity School known for his influential books on Christian ethics and his change of mind about same-sex marriage, died Friday (Jan. 3) at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, from pancreatic cancer. Hays was 76.” (Added 1-6-2025)
“Omaha’s Urban Abbey Fends Off Threat from Grinch” by David Burke via Great Plains Conference, as shared by UM Insight. The man, she said, is a member of another United Methodist Church in Omaha, where the previous pastor was in favor of disaffiliation and leaving the denomination. “He was using the Abbey as a talking point and creating hostility,” McKnight said. (Added 12-4-2025)
“Immigrant-Friendly Chicago Church Halts In-Person Spanish Services Due To Deportation Fears Under Trump” by Pedro Camacho via The Latin Times. “We must take their threats seriously and prepare for the worst,” said Pastor Lozano to the Chicago Tribune. Lozano, whose church has previously faced vandalism and threats from right-wing extremists added that “we’ve seen what Trump is capable of, he had a first round and knew how to attack better this time.” (Added 12-4-2025)
“Safety Valve | An open apology letter from Wenatchee First United Methodist Church” via The Wenatchee World. A Washington congregation issues an apology to the LGBTQ Community. You can avoid the paywall by reading the statement here. See also video version. (Added 1-4-2025)
Point and Counterpoint via UM Clergy Facebook Page. Jeremy Smith responds to John Meunier on whether the church should primarily be about saving souls or transforming society. (Added 1-3-2025)
“Church In Hazardville Appeals For Return Of Missing Electronic Sign” by Tim Jensen via Patch. “ENFIELD, CT — Officials at the Hazardville United Methodist Church are appealing for the return of an electronic sign which vanished from the church grounds Friday.” (Added 1-3-2025)
“Chicago church moves services online in fear of President-elect Trump’s deportation plan” by Michelle Gallardo via ABC7Chicago. “And it is that promise, to deport the more than 11 million people who reside in this country illegally, that led Pilsen’s Lincoln United Methodist Church to make the tough decision to move its Spanish-language services online, starting this past Christmas Day.” (Added 1-3-2025)
“SMU fights to break away from United Methodist Church after LGBTQ schisms” by Eric Killelea via Chron. “The United Methodist Church managed to anger liberal and conservative Methodists alike after its leaders voted to tighten restrictions on gay clergy and same-sex marriage during a now infamous special session of the 2019 General Conference. Following exhaustive debate, the UMC reversed its positions this year to remove its ban on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and performing same-sex weddings.” See also Dallas Express coverage. Also, CBS 19. (Added 1-3-2025)
“Hate killed my beloved friend Meka Shabazz. Transgender people don’t deserve this. | Opinion” by Joelle Henneman via The Columbus Dispatch. A transgender UM clergy writes an Opinion piece for the Columbus Dispatch. (Added 1-3-2025)
“SMU’s Bid to Split From Church Heads to Court” by Solange Reyner via Newsmax. SMU in 2019 voted to update its governing documents “to make clear that SMU is solely maintained and controlled by its board as the ultimate authority for the University” after the United Methodist Church endorsed the so-called “Traditional Plan,” which strengthened the church’s bans on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and hosting same-sex marriage. (Added 1-2-2025)
“Here’s when the Texas Supreme Court will hear case on SMU’s bid to break with United Methodist Church” by Rachel Snyder via WFAA. “The Texas Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in the lawsuit between SMU and The United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdictional Conference, which runs the church’s congregations in eight states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Missouri and Nebraska, Jan. 15.” (Added 1-2-2025)
[Updated wit PDF] “Chicago church stops hosting in-person Spanish services amid fears of mass deportations from Trump administration” via Chicago Tribune. (paywall). RE Lincoln Methodist Church “After the threats from the incoming Trump administration that Chicago will be the epicenter of mass deportations, Emma Lozano, an activist and pastor at Lincoln United Methodist, decided to move its Spanish services online as the church prepares to protect its undocumented immigrant community. The services in English will remain in-person.” See also PDF.(Added 1-2-2025)
“Southern Methodist University’s Historic Bid for LGBTQ+ Rights: A Journey to the Texas Supreme Court” by Jessica Lee via FYI Gazette. “After a district judge initially sided with the university in 2021, the decision was overturned by the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals in 2023. The case’s arrival at the Texas Supreme Court highlights the significance of the legal and cultural stakes at play. The upcoming oral arguments on January 15 have piqued public interest as they could set precedents for similar cases in the future.” (Added 1-2-2025)
“SMU’s bid to split from United Methodist Church over LGBTQ+ rights heads to Texas Supreme Court” by Kate McGee via Texas Tribune. “A multi-year fight over whether Southern Methodist University can separate itself from the United Methodist Church is heading to Texas’ highest court this month.” (Added 1-2-2025)
“From Promises to Lawsuits: Perdido Bay Methodist Church Under Attack!” via Church History Stories (YouTube). “Discover how former Bishop David Graves tightened the rules to block over 40 churches from leaving, the seismic changes at General Conference 2024, and why Perdido Bay Methodist Church felt compelled to separate despite the risks. We’ll explore the church’s heartfelt letter to its congregation and the conference’s aggressive response, all while asking the big question: What happened to the promises of unity and trust?” (Added 1-1-2025)
“United Methodist Church Bishop debunks allegation of supporting LGBTQ” by Salisu Waziri via Voice of Nigeria. “[Bishop Ande Emmanuel] said the UMCN is a biblical teaching Church that believes in the teachings of the Bible, explaining that the law of the church in the West Africa sub-region and the policies of the church in Nigeria do not support LGBTQ.” (Added 1-1-2025)
[link repaired] Post by Brad Farrington via Facebook. “Prayers and support for my friend and campus ministry colleague, Cj Harp. It is shocking and wrong that one of the most fruitful and faithful campus ministries I know is being mistreated this way. Jesus has words for this, ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ -Matthew 5:10 ” (Added 1-1-2025)
“The Christian Post’s top 10 news stories of 2024 (part 1)” via Christian Post. UMC allowing gay marriage makes the list. “The result came in large part because approximately 7,500 mostly conservative congregations disaffiliated from the UMC in the years leading up to the vote because of the seemingly endless debate over LGBT issues within the mainline Protestant denomination.” (Added 1-1-2025)
“Goodbye, Summerfield” by Lindsay Pride via Herald-Citizen. “The last Sunday of 2024 was also the last service at one of Cookeville’s oldest churches — Summerfield United Methodist Church.” (Added 1-1-2025)
See Also: May-December 2024, January-April 2024, September-December 2023, June-August 2023, March-May 2023, Nov 2022-Feb 2023, Aug-Oct 2022, May-July 2022, Jan-April 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, or earlier.
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