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Faith Stories
Harriett Jane Olson helps lead the 150th anniversary celebration for United Methodist Women during the 2016 General Conference in Portland, Ore. Olson retired in May after 15 years as top executive of the women’s organization, which rebranded as United Women in Faith in 2022. Olson says it has been her job to help people see the work the agency is doing and the impact it has on the world. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
Harriett Jane Olson helps lead the 150th anniversary celebration for United Methodist Women during the 2016 General Conference in Portland, Ore. Olson retired in May after 15 years as top executive of the women’s organization, which rebranded as United Women in Faith in 2022. Olson says it has been her job to help people see the work the agency is doing and the impact it has on the world. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

From girlhood activist to denominational leader
Harriett Jane Olson embraces retirement as she recalls rewarding career as lawyer, publisher and top executive of United Women in Faith.

Editor's Picks

Faith Stories
Susan Henry-Crowe, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, and Fr. John Floberg, rector of Episcopal churches St James, St. Luke's and Church of the Cross on the Standing Rock nation, stand outside the North Dakota state capitol grounds in Bismark in 2016. Henry-Crowe retired on Dec. 31, 2022, after eight years leading Church and Society and almost 49 years of active ministry in The United Methodist Church. File photo by John Hill, Church and Society.

Henry-Crowe reflects on almost 50 years of ministry
Retired from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society since December, Henry-Crowe says a United Nations seminar at age 16 launched a career focusing on peace and justice.
Bishops
Bishop Marshall L. “Jack” Meadors Jr. is being remembered as a dedicated activist on issues like child poverty, war and women’s rights. Meadors led the Mississippi Conference from 1993 to 2000. He died May 25 at age 90.

Bishop Meadors remembered as ‘giant of justice’
Friends say Bishop Marshall L. “Jack” Meadors Jr., who died May 25, was a compassionate leader and dedicated activist on issues like child poverty, war and women’s rights.
General Conference
The Rev. Lynn Hill, retired elder in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, preaches at the closing worship of the Commission on the General Conference meeting in Florence, Kentucky. Hill is the chair of the commission’s program committee. Beside him are Don Reasoner, who leads interpretation at General Conference, and Mills Maliwa, a commission member from South Africa. Photo by Heather Hahn.

What to expect at the next General Conference
The group that plans The United Methodist Church’s big legislative assembly is putting together the final details for holding the long-delayed General Conference next year in Charlotte, North Carolina. The group is as changed as the denomination it serves.

Latest News

Theology and Education
(From left) Bishop Pumla Nzimande, the Methodist Church of Southern Africa; the Rev. Graham Thompson, president of the Methodist Conference 2022/2023 in Britain; Amos Nascimento, United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry; and United Methodist Bishop Mande Muyombo, resident bishop of the North Katanga Area, join in a procession at the University of Roehampton, London, England, during the 10th joint international conference of the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities in Great Britain, April 25-May 1. Photo by Kimberly Lord, the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Wesley’s vision of education alive and well today
Faith Stories
The Rev. Carlton R. “Sam” Young was a comprehensive contributor to church music for decades. He edited The Methodist Hymnal (1966) and The United Methodist Hymnal (1989), and earned distinction as a composer, arranger, conductor, teacher and scholar. Young died May 21 at age 97. 2020 photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Remembering United Methodism’s maestro
Mission and Ministry
Participants from Mongolia, South Korea and mainland America gathered May 10-13 in Honolulu to discuss the future and direction of the Mongolia Mission Initiative. The summit was held at Christ United Methodist Church, the first overseas church started by Korean immigrants and the birthplace of the Mongolia Mission of Korean Churches. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News.

Korean churches hope to continue shared mission work in Mongolia
Social Concerns
Pamela Coleman, chair of the history committee at Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church, speaks to visitors from the Social Justice Pilgrimage about the joys and struggles of the historic church in west Baltimore. The once bustling “Mother Church of African American Methodism” now hosts about 20 worshippers on Sundays. Photo by Vernon Jordan, UM News.

A whirlwind pilgrimage through Methodist history
General Church
Council of Bishops President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton addresses a joint meeting of the Connectional Table and the General Council of Finance and Administration board on May 18 in Nashville, Tenn. He said United Methodist bishops want to join in the conversation of how to reduce the number of U.S. bishops strategically without damaging the church’s mission. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

As church exits rise, proposed budget drops
Immigration
St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York City is seeing large crowds each Monday morning as it welcomes migrants bused into Manhattan. The church calls them Miracle Mondays, and with help from partner organizations a range of assistance is offered, including meals, hygiene products and legal counseling. Crowds have steadily grown. Photo courtesy of St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Amid policy changes, church keeps faith with migrants
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Local Church
Garden girl Julia Eskridge shows off some of her gourds. During the COVID pandemic, visits to church members and neighbors often took place outside the front door. Photos courtesy of Kay Eskridge.

‘Garden girl’ brings joy, veggies to homebound
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Evangelism
Bishop Samuel J Quire Jr. of the Liberia Conference speaks about his hopes for agricultural projects that will aid in financial stability for his churches during a video interview with UM News communicator E Julu Swen. Screenshot by UM News.

Liberian bishop: ‘Agriculture and evangelism go hand in hand’
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Social Concerns
United Methodists in the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe are providing aid to Ukrainians fleeing war. Graphic by UM News.

United Methodists in Ukraine create refuge
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Mission and Ministry
Dr. Marie Claire Manafundu, who coordinates the church’s Maternal and Child Health Program in eastern Congo, talks with children outside of United Methodist Irambo Health Center in Bukavu, Congo. The United Methodist Church in East Congo offers food support to families affected by HIV and AIDS. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

Church gives hope to people living with HIV in Congo
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General Church

Tackling a petitions conundrum
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Commentaries

Adriana Murriello. Photo courtesy of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Knitting bonds of love and hope all over the world
M. Garlinda Burton. Photo courtesy of M. Garlinda Burton.

Collier had impact at denominational, personal levels
The Rev. Mel West. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Mel West.

Parish nurses can play a role in health care deserts
Tim Tanton, United Methodist Communications. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Why church should care about press freedom
Dr. David W. Scott. Photo © Hector Amador.

Differing trajectories of separation
Heather Thomas. Photo courtesy of the author.

United Methodist mother of trans child shares story
Urs Schweizer. Photo courtesy of author.

When the poor share what they have
Dr. David W. Scott. Photo © Hector Amador.

The many meanings of connectionalism
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News From UMC Partners

Human Rights
The Itchy Dog Singers opened a peaceful rally with a drum circle at the state Capitol in Harrisburg on May 1. Members of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania gathered to remind legislators that it is time to give them legal status as a recognized tribe. Photo courtesy of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.
The Itchy Dog Singers opened a peaceful rally with a drum circle at the state Capitol in Harrisburg on May 1. Members of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania gathered to remind legislators that it is time to give them legal status as a recognized tribe. Photo courtesy of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

United Methodists join rally to recognize indigenous tribe
On May 1, members of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania gathered for a peaceful rally on the steps of the state Capitol in Harrisburg. They were there to ask legislators to give them legal status as a recognized tribe.

Additional Headlines

Violence
Members of United Church of Two Harbors assemble Ray of Life solar units for the people of Ukraine. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Conference.

Bringing light to Ukraine
Faith Stories
Bishop Robert Schnase stands in front of a colorful quilt of birds made by his wife, Esther Schnase. Video image courtesy of the Rio Texas and New Mexico Conferences via Vimeo by UM News.

Bishop finds birding a metaphor for the spiritual life
Faith Stories
The Rev. John Kronz (right), who pastors St. John’s and Lebanon United Methodist churches in Norway, became part of a kidney donor "chain" to aid one of his church members, Bonnie Fanning. Photo courtesy of the South Carolina Advocate.

Pastor, parishioner part of kidney donor chain
Social Concerns
The Green Church movement was begun at Suncook United Methodist Church in New Hampshire to encourage congregations to address climate change. Logo courtesy of the New England Conference.

Congregations invited to join Green Church movement
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Multimedia

Local Church
“Brother Jean” Aime Ratovohery, founding leader of the congregation, participates in a congregational conference to officially organize the first United Methodist church in Madagascar. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez, UM News.
“Brother Jean” Aime Ratovohery, founding leader of the congregation, participates in a congregational conference to officially organize the first United Methodist church in Madagascar. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez, UM News.

A snapshot of United Methodism in Madagascar
A delegation led by Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala made a historic visit to Madagascar Feb. 21-28 to formalize the opening of The United Methodist Church in that country. During the service, the bishop confirmed new members, baptized 91 people and administered Holy Communion.

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Theology and Education
The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler (right) speaks with the Rev. Candace Lewis, president-dean of Gammon Theological Seminary — the first woman to hold that position — in the latest installment of the “Hollering for Change” series. Zoom video image courtesy of the Rev. Butler, via YouTube.

Hollering for Change: Conversation with the Rev. Candace Lewis
Mission and Ministry
United Methodist Bishop Eduard Khegay walks amid swirling snow at the Ala-Archa National Park in the Tian Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Khegay leads the denomination’s Eurasia Area, which spans 11 time zones. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Photo essay: Doing ministry in Kyrgyzstan
Congregations
The Rev. Nellya Shakirova (wearing green shirt) hosts a multinational fellowship meal in the sanctuary at Bishkek United Methodist Church in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Students find home, unity at Bishkek church
Mission and Ministry
The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler (right) speaks with the Rev. Angela Redman, the first African American woman appointed as CEO/executive director of the United Methodist City Society, in the latest installment of the “Hollering for Change” series. Zoom video image courtesy of the Rev. Butler, via YouTube.

Hollering for Change: Conversation with the Rev. Angela Redman
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World Press Freedom Day - Learn More
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Ask The UMC

General Church
United Methodists encourage and invite worshipers to use the full range of imagery for God present in Scripture and Christian tradition. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.
United Methodists encourage and invite worshipers to use the full range of imagery for God present in Scripture and Christian tradition. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: How do United Methodists use pronouns and names for God and for people?
United Methodists invite worshipers to use the full range of imagery for God found in Scripture and across the whole of the Christian tradition, and to avoid language for people that seems to imply males are the norm.

Additional Headlines

General Church
With some congregations considering leaving The United Methodist Church or just wondering about its future, Ask The UMC offers a series of questions and answers to help clear up some common misperceptions or misinformation around disaffiliation. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Is The United Methodist Church really... ? (Part 11)
General Church
With some congregations considering leaving The United Methodist Church or just wondering about its future, Ask The UMC offers a series of questions and answers to help clear up some common misperceptions or misinformation around disaffiliation. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Is The United Methodist Church really... ? Part 10
Church History
Sarah Mallet was one of the few women authorized by John Wesley as a preacher in early English Methodism. She and Wesley regularly corresponded by letter. Wesley referred to her as "My dear Sally." Quill courtesy of OpenClipart/Pixabay; letter excerpt courtesy of Emory University Libraries; graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Pioneers in Methodism — Sarah Mallet
Church History
Bishop Woodie W. White, the first executive secretary of the General Commission on Religion and Race and the first Black person to head a United Methodist general agency, was tasked with the oversight of the merger of the Central Jurisdiction annual conferences and the geographical annual conferences. Photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Ask The UMC: Pioneers in Methodism — Bishop Woodie W. White
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