African American

Mark Sirak (left), a resource interpretative specialist and historian, recounts to members of the Northeastern Jurisdiction Commission on Archives and History the 1776 landing of Gen. George Washington’s troops at what is now Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, N.J. The tour was part of the group’s annual gathering, which coincides with this year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Church historians explore racial and revolutionary past

As the U.S. prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, a jurisdictional gathering explores American and Methodist history, past racial oppression and present social challenges.

Worship

The Rev. Cynthia Wilson (center, front) sings with choir members during a performance of “Gospel Mass” at the Shifting the Atmosphere conference May 2 at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. The Junius B. Dotson Institute for Worship and Music in the Black Church and Beyond, which is led by Wilson, partnered with The United Methodist Church’s Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century for this year’s event. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Black church leaders learn worship wisdom at institute

Junius B. Dotson Institute for Worship and Music in the Black Church and Beyond and SBC21 team up for “Shifting the Atmosphere” conference.

Social Concerns

Deborah Bass opens the 59th General Meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal in Charlotte, N.C., on March 18, with her national chairperson’s address. She urged members of the caucus to fight injustice with faith, compassion and courage. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Black caucus wrestles with immigration injustice

The leader of Black Methodists for Church Renewal urged members gathered for the United Methodist group’s annual meeting to respond to current challenges in the church and society with “faith, compassion, justice and prophetic courage.”

Church History

A protester holds a sign seeking an end to racial segregation in the Methodist Church during the 1968 General Conference in Dallas. The conference merged the denomination with the Evangelical United Brethren Church, creating The United Methodist Church, and did away with the racially segregated Central Jurisdiction. A new book by the Rev. Bonnie McCubbin details the long road for Black Methodists to get full equality in the denomination. Photo courtesy of United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.

Mapping the Black United Methodist pilgrimage

The Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, a historian, details the long road — with some setbacks and detours — for Black Methodists to get full equality in the denomination.

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