Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference

A person reacts outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis after the guilty verdict handed down April 20 in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. While expressing the sense that the verdict was just, United Methodist leaders urged continuing work toward dismantling widespread racism and systemic injustice against people of color. Photo by Carlos Barria, Reuters.

United Methodists react to Chauvin verdict

Church leaders praised the justice of the verdict against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd, but cautioned that much work lies ahead to overcome systemic racism.

Social Concerns

The Rev. Gregory Holston speaks during a May 31 demonstration at Philadelphia City Hall in honor of George Floyd. Holston, a United Methodist pastor and adviser to Philadelphia’s district attorney, stands beside a statue of slain voting rights activist Octavius Catto. Photo by Samaria Bailey, Philadelphia Tribune.

Moving beyond protests to stamp out racism

Amid protests and prayer vigils, United Methodists are joining the long-term struggle against oppression and toward reconciliation.

Mission and Ministry

Custodian James Jimmerson disinfects pews to prevent any possible spread of the coronavirus at Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday, May 10, 2020, after online worship, which was recorded in the sanctuary. As churches consider returning to in-person worship, cleaning measures are one of many factors leaders will need to consider. “I believe my job, my part in this, is to make sure people are safe in here,” Jimmerson said. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Churches have much to consider before reopening

As many states’ shelter-in-place orders are being lifted, churches contemplate how — or whether — to return to in-person worship.

General Church

Pastor Dorlimar Lebrón (left) prays with two young people, wrapped in the same type of blankets that immigrants are issued at U.S. immigration detention centers, during the meeting of The United Methodist Church’s Hispanic-Latino caucus in Philadelphia. Photo by Michelle Maldonado, UMCOM.

MARCHA: Hispanic-Latino voice needed at GC2020

Hispanics and Latinos must make sure their concerns are heard at the 2020 General Conference, say leaders of the Hispanic-Latino United Methodist caucus.

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