Christian Unity

The Rev. Rudy Rasmus, senior pastor at St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston and editor of the book “I’m Black. I’m Christian. I’m Methodist,” attends a food bank event with the singer Beyoncé, who grew up in that church. Photo courtesy of St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston.

Black United Methodists want changes

Black United Methodists are pushing for change in the denomination, and they aren’t interested in waiting much longer, according to a new book of essays.

Local Church

Billie Jean Baker has an apartment now but for about three years had no home of her own and often slept outside Dallas’ Oaklawn United Methodist Church. She recently received a Harry Denman Evangelism Award for helping the church expand its ministry with the homeless. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Evangelism award winner slept outside church

Billy Jean Baker is honored for using her personal experience with homelessness to help Dallas’ Oak Lawn United Methodist Church open its doors wider.

General Church

United Methodist Bishop Gregory Palmer (right) and The Episcopal Church’s presiding bishop, Michael Curry, discuss full communion between the two denominations in 2019. The proposed agreement is on hold for now because of disruptions related to COVID-19. File screenshot from video courtesy of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church.

Full communion with Episcopalians delayed

Citing COVID-19, the United Methodist and Episcopal dialogue committee urges putting its proposed agreement on hold until after 2021.

Evangelism

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is Jan. 18-25. This year’s theme, selected by representatives from Christian churches in Malta, is “They Showed Us Unusual Kindness.” Poster image courtesy of Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute.

Christians should practice ‘unusual kindness’

The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity challenges Christians worldwide to offer kindness and hospitality to others.

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