Church History

Art from the book “By and By: Charles Albert Tindley, The Father of Gospel Music,” written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Bryan Collier. The story page includes the text, “I still heard spirituals of long ago, Remembered how they moved me so. Hardships woven into hymns I wrote — Every lyric, every note.” Image courtesy of Simon & Shuster.

Spotlighting black heroes in children’s books

A new children’s book tells the story of Methodist minister Charles A. Tindley, who worked his way up from childhood poverty to become a respected clergyman and hymn songwriter.

General Church

United Methodists behind closed doors

The United Methodist Church can be messy, but church law requires that nearly all meetings be open.

General Church

The Rev. Kim Cape, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, retires on June 1, 2019. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

Cape proud of work at leadership agency

The Rev. Kim Cape will retire as top executive of The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry on June 1.

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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