Church History

United Methodist Bishop Leontine Turpeau Current Kelly. Sepia photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Who are Black women pioneers in US Methodism? (Part 2)

Sally A. Crenshaw and Leontine T. C. Kelly are 20th century clergywomen who paved the way for women and Black Methodists in local and churchwide leadership.

Church History

Henry Louis Gates Jr. visits the church he grew up attending, Waldon United Methodist in Piedmont, W.Va., for a scene in the new PBS documentary “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song.” Photo courtesy of PBS.

‘Black Church’ film taps United Methodist sources

New PBS documentary draws on United Methodist photo archives and shows host Henry Louis Gates Jr. at his boyhood church.

Church History

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. Although Ash Wednesday has ancient roots, it does not appear in the rituals of The United Methodist Church or our predecessor denominations until the 20th century. Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: When did Ash Wednesday begin and why do we celebrate it?

Ashes are an ancient symbol that have marked Christians for centuries. Ask The UMC explains the significance.

Mission and Ministry

Custodian James Jimmerson disinfects a microphone to prevent any possible spread of the coronavirus at Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, May 10, following online worship, which is recorded in the sanctuary. As churches considered returning to in-person worship, cleaning measures are one of many factors leaders considered. “I believe my job, my part in this, is to make sure people are safe in here,” Jimmerson said. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

COVID-19 is top church story of 2020

The church response to the COVID-19 pandemic was voted the top United Methodist news story of 2020 by conference communicators in the U.S., Africa, Europe and the Philippines and UM News staff.

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