Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Local Church

Faith Stories
The Rev. Dr. Richard Huskey died one day after being ordained an elder in full connection in The United Methodist Church. He is pictured at left upon his seminary graduation in 1974. At center, Huskey attends a 1977 rally to support an ordinance that banned discrimination in employment and housing in St. Paul, Minn. He had selected the photo to represent his time in ministry. At right is Huskey in 2014. Photos are courtesy of Huskey; the 2014 photo is via the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network.

LGBTQ activist ordained on deathbed

In an emotional finish worthy of Hollywood, the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey was ordained on his deathbed after waiting since the 1970s for The United Methodist Church to allow the ordination of openly gay people.
Faith Stories
Ophelia Hu Kinney. Photo courtesy of the author.

Affirmation at last: Remembering the Rev. Dr. Rick Huskey

The physician and justice advocate mobilized the pain of exclusion to blaze a trail for LGBTQ United Methodists.
Faith Stories
The Rev. Mark Salvacion (right center), pastor of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Bryn Mawr, Pa., holds the hands of Ahmad Abdel-Hamid, president of As-Salaam Islamic Society, after a fellowship feast March 15 at the church, during the holy month of Ramadan. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Church embraces its Muslim tenants as neighbors

St. Luke United Methodist Church is sharing its space with the As-Salaam Islamic Society to host weekend prayer gatherings, Sunday school classes and fellowship events.
Mission and Ministry
Mary Ellis and Steve Richardson conduct a free church disability audit. Steve is chair of the Holston Conference’s Disability Concerns Committee. Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Accessibility audits ensure church’s doors are open to all

The Richardson family’s desire for their son Powell to become a full member of the UMC led to a change in the Book of Discipline that paved the way for others with disabilities to join.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Loading

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved