Church History

The Rev. Stanley R. Copeland. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Stanley R. Copeland

A vision of new United Methodism

Just as the world will face a new normal due to ways that COVID-19 has changed us, the new United Methodism will definitely be different, writes a Dallas pastor.

General Conference

The Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth

Can a divided church serve a divided society?

As The United Methodist Church heads toward possible separation, a pastor reflects on what history can teach us.

A portrait of Ida B. Wells-Barnett circa 1893. Photo by Sallie Garrity, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons; graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Who are Black women pioneers in US Methodism? (Part 1)

Ida Wells Barnett was a pioneering journalist and Mary McLeod Bethune a pioneering educator.

Church History

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. Although Ash Wednesday has ancient roots, it does not appear in the rituals of The United Methodist Church or our predecessor denominations until the 20th century. Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: When did Ash Wednesday begin and why do we celebrate it?

Ashes are an ancient symbol that have marked Christians for centuries. Ask The UMC explains the significance.

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