Theology and Education

The ordination of Bishop Francis Asbury performed by Bishop Thomas Coke in Baltimore, Md., at the Christmas Conference, the historic meeting establishing the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States in 1784. An engraving by A. Gilchrist Campbell from a painting by Thomas Coke Ruckle, 1882. Courtesy of the Drew University Methodist Collection (Madison, New Jersey) via Wikimedia Commons.

Ask The UMC: What influence did Francis Asbury have on the role of bishops?

Francis Asbury set the precedent for the work of Methodist bishops as organizers of ministry, as a source of unity, and in developing consensus.

The Rev. William J. “Billy” Abraham, a longtime professor at Perkins School of Theology, is shown here at Perkins Chapel in Dallas in 2014. Abraham died Oct. 7 at 73. File photo by Hillsman Stuart Jackson, © Southern Methodist University.

Billy Abraham, traditionalist scholar, dies

Longtime Perkins School of Theology professor never shied from a debate but maintained friendships across the theological divide.

Theology and Education

Eucharist is shared during the morning prayer held in the chapel of Sarum College during the 2016 Wesley Pilgrimage in England. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Is communion simply a ritual of remembrance?

Holy Communion recalls the last supper Jesus had with his disciples. But it is more than just a ritual of remembering.

Church History

Visitors browse a gallery of artifacts at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. The museum held its grand opening on Sept. 18-19. It took decades to get funding and build the museum. Photo courtesy of First Americans Museum.

Native American museum makes belated debut

The First Americans Museum is open to the public after a protracted birthing process. United Methodist Native Americans involved with the new Oklahoma City museum say it is worth the wait.

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