Social Concerns

(From left) Eastern Pennsylvania Bishop Peggy Johnson prays with the Rev. Jeanette Davis, the Rev. Gregory Holston and his wife, Deborah Holston, and others on the lawn of Janes Memorial United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, during an interfaith prayer vigil on April 23. The Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity called upon the city’s pastors to lead prayers at or near their houses of worship amid a surge of gun violence in the Philadelphia area. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Seeking gun violence remedies, policing reforms

Amid an escalation in shootings and murders in Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference hosts virtual events to address urban violence and policing in African American communities.

Social Concerns

The Rev. Josephine Whitely-Fields. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Josephine Whitely-Fields

Enduring racism, badgering, as a pastor

Black clergywoman persevered through obstacles at local church appointments.

Mission and Ministry

Ndume Olatushani describes his installation artwork featuring human figures in prison-style jumpsuits and hoodies at his home in Nashville, Tenn., in 2017. The work was part of a Stations of the Cross exhibition held in Washington, D.C. Olatushani was freed after serving 27 years in prison, 20 of them on death row. A series of webinars April 26-30 will offer advice to church members on how to support former prison inmates and help them find gainful employment. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

How churches can help former inmates adapt

A free series of evening webinars April 26-30 will offer advice to church members on how to support people returning from prison and help them find gainful employment.

Racism

A person reacts outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis after the guilty verdict handed down April 20 in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. While expressing the sense that the verdict was just, United Methodist leaders urged continuing work toward dismantling widespread racism and systemic injustice against people of color. Photo by Carlos Barria, Reuters.

United Methodists react to Chauvin verdict

Church leaders praised the justice of the verdict against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd, but cautioned that much work lies ahead to overcome systemic racism.

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