Hollering for Change: An interview with Bishop Dee Williamston

Hollering for Change is the name of a series of commentaries by The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler for United Methodist News. Graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News. 

“Hollering for Change” is beginning a new series highlighting Black women “firsts” across the denomination. The first interview is with newly elected Bishop Dee Williamston of the Louisiana Conference, the first Black woman elected to the episcopacy in the South Central Jurisdiction. The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler speaks with Bishop Williamston about her calling, the surreal experience of her election, and the “opportunity and honor” of being the first in her position.

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General Church
After a season of church disaffiliations, United Methodists are still bringing disputes to civil courts. In the past week, the Baltimore-Washington Conference filed a federal lawsuit to defend the denomination’s trust clause. Meanwhile, Highland Park United Methodist has filed its response to the Horizon Texas Conference lawsuit. Photo illustration by Ray Shrewsberry, Pixabay.

Court cases test United Methodist governance

The Baltimore-Washington Conference filed a federal lawsuit against a church to defend The United Methodist Church’s trust clause. Meanwhile, developments continue in the Texas lawsuit involving Highland Park United Methodist.
Global Health
Judith Yanga Osongo (left), director of communications for the East Congo Episcopal Area, raises awareness about Ebola prevention measures at a United Methodist church in Beni, Congo, in the Kivu Annual Conference. This grassroots communications campaign, jointly supported by United Methodist Communications and Global Ministries, includes distribution of posters and essential prevention messages in the areas affected by the Bundibugyo virus outbreak. Photo courtesy of the East Congo Episcopal Area.

Church builds on Ebola response in Congo

The United Methodist Church’s health coordination team is constructing a 50-bed treatment center and reaching thousands through a large-scale community response.
Global Health
Members of Bartee Pannoh United Methodist Church and community members celebrate during the dedication of a water well in the Karquekpo community in Sinoe County, Liberia. As part of its most recent outreach, the Liberia Conference provided 25 water wells, 15 gender-sensitive toilets and poly tanks to harvest rain water in rural communities where the church is present. Photo courtesy of the United Methodist Human Rights Monitor.

Church expands access to clean water in Liberia

Through its Water for Life initiative, the Liberia Conference is installing wells and sanitation facilities throughout the country to help reduce waterborne diseases and improve safety and equity for women and girls.

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