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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Faith Stories
The Rev. Alfred T. “Fred” Day III speaks about the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on May 17 during the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. Day, former top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, died Oct. 29 after a short illness. He was 75. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Beloved historian Rev. Fred Day dies at 75

Friends and colleagues remember the former leader of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History as a “spiritual guidepost” and powerful preacher who helped history and faith come alive for new generations.
Bishops
Council of Bishops President Rubén Saenz Jr. preaches about the power of the Lord’s Prayer in a video address during the start of the Council of Bishops’ fall meeting. The episcopal leaders will gather online through Nov. 6 for a week centered on worship, prayer and next steps following the Leadership Gathering in Calgary. Screen shot courtesy of the Council of Bishops by UM News.

Bishops urged to pray God’s future into being

Council of Bishops President Rubén Saenz Jr. preached about the power of the Lord’s Prayer as the bishops joined online for their first meeting since the Leadership Gathering offered ideas for The United Methodist Church of tomorrow.
Faith Stories
The Rev. Francis O. Lunge, pastor of Greenwood Memorial United Methodist Church in Dorchester, Mass., died on Oct. 8 at the age of 41. Photo courtesy of the Lunge family.

Pastor remembered as humble leader devoted to youth, justice

The Rev. Francis Onusamba Lunge, a United Methodist pastor in Massachusetts and son of Bishop Daniel Lunge, died Oct. 8 at age 41. Those who knew him remember his faithfulness, love for youth ministry and commitment to justice.

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