General Church

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.

General Church

A United Methodist deaf choir signs the words of a hymn during worship in the Baguio Area in northern Philippines. Across the country, an assessment team saw evidence of church vitality. Photo courtesy of the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters.

Creative spirit lifts Philippines’ churches

A United Methodist team looked at whether the Philippines should have more bishops. The group’s report highlighted church strengths and needs.

Mission and Ministry

The sanctuary of Lynn Haven United Methodist Church in Panama City, Fla., stands open to the sky following Hurricane Michael in October 2018. A grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief to the Alabama-West Florida Conference for hurricane recovery is among $27.6 million approved by the relief agency for disaster response, sustainable development, global migration and Global Health support. File photo courtesy of Lynn Haven United Methodist Church.

UMCOR assists with 2018 hurricane recovery

Grants for two big U.S. programs are part of $27.6 million approved by relief agency for disaster response, sustainable development, global migration and Global Health support.

General Church

Bishop John K. Yambasu prays with the Rev. Byron Alexander, a conference page, during the 2019 General Conference in St. Louis. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS.

How will denominational divide affect mission?

Directors of Global Ministries express pain and concern over how the deep divide since General Conference 2019 will affect United Methodist mission work and mission giving.

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