Church Leadership

The Rev. Happymore Chipere observes budding nartjies (South African tangerines) at his tree nursery in Mujukuya, Zimbabwe. Chipere is preparing for retirement by growing fruit. Photo by Chenayi Kumuterera, UMNS.

Citrus farming to help clergy retirements

Some clergy in Zimbabwe are planting citrus trees to boost their retirement funds.

The Rev. Jasmine Smothers, lead pastor of Atlanta First United Methodist Church, has been among the conveners of recent meetings by centrists and progressives to discuss the denomination's future. Photo by Les Scarbrough, Atlanta First United Methodist Church.

Centrists, progressives to discuss church's future

Unhappiness with General Conference 2019 prompts plan for big meeting, with dissolution and ‘gracious exit’ among the options.

Local Church

A federal appeals court has ruled that clergy can continue receiving tax-free housing allowances. Photo illustration by Nattanan Kanchanaprat, Pixabay.

Appeals court backs tax-free clergy housing

Ruling is welcome news to thousands of clergy in all faith traditions across America.

Local Church

Deaconesses pray during the commitment time and dedication of gifts and pledges to sustain the deaconess program at Harris Memorial College in Taytay, Philippines. Photo by Gladys Mangiduyos, UMNS.

Amid struggles, deaconess movement flourishes in the Philippines

Called to ministries of love, justice and service, more than 400 Filipina deaconesses — and their counterparts around the world — teach, preach and reach out to the marginalized.

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